NHBC, the UK’s leading independent provider of warranty and insurance for new build homes, has brought together some of the leaders of local authority development to share their thoughts about this important aspect of housing
Local authority housing is a key part of British social history stretching back more than 100 years. Sparked by the Addison Act of 1919, the social housing movement has since provided millions of homes across the UK, providing a much-needed boost to affordable housing.
Local authority housing today
The sector is experiencing higher-than-ever demand for its services at a time of extreme economic pressure. With the budgets of council housing departments stretched, many must carefully balance the urgent requirement for new development with the essential maintenance of existing stock.
Population growth, coupled with decades of undersupply, has created multiple stresses on the system.
Available in print and to download, Built. On insight – A Collection of Industry Insight from Leaders in Local Authority Development, has been produced to highlight the important development work undertaken by local authorities.
It raises questions about the viability of local authority housing in its current form and celebrates the dedicated professionals delivering quality housing in challenging circumstances.
Contributors were invited to share their views on the market and their local authority priorities. This book gives a personal perspective on their work, with their unique opinion and insight.
Examining the current state of local authority residential development and the difficulties faced by many councils, as well as looking to the future, the collection covers everything from regeneration and retrofitting to partnership working and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
With contributions from some of the best-known names in local authority development, much consideration is given to the biggest conundrums facing councils and how they can provide quality housing in light of budgetary strains.
Contributors also share their insight on planning hurdles, temporary housing for the homeless and the planning process. They’re frank about quality concerns around existing housing stock and the challenges maintaining these homes or retrofitting them present.
Their collective knowledge and understanding of local authority housing is unrivalled and their extensive experience of this vital, ever-changing sector is invaluable. Local authority housing is part of the fabric of modern Britain and this collection of insights celebrates many of those who have contributed to its successes.
The personal touch
The collection also gives insight into the motivations of its contributors, from personal backgrounds and early careers, right through to their hopes for the future, this publication portrays the people, as well as the developments, they lead.
Professor Janice Morphet of the Bartlett School of Planning at University College London authors the collection’s introduction, followed by contributors who are helping deliver much-needed affordable housing, including Shahi Islam, director of affordable housing at Homes England.
Contributors from around England are featured in this first edition, with viewpoints from a variety of different regions and areas showcased.
Outdated, clichéd perceptions of bland pebble-dashed semis and brutalist post-war ‘streets in the sky’ have been firmly supplanted by countless beautiful, modern local authority developments, designed with comfort and efficiency in mind.
This transformation of the image of local authority housing is thanks to the vision of those featured in this collection and their hardworking colleagues across the sector.
It is clear local authorities must be empowered to deliver more quality housing. The need for an increased housing supply is frequently reported in the media, but there is no single solution to enable this. The contributors explore the different ways local authority development could be accelerated.
Building for the future
It’s also encouraging that, despite the challenging economic headwinds, our contributors are positive about local authority housing development. They are serving their communities effectively and maximising their potential with the resources they have.
They understand the social value local authority housing has and that building for the future is essential.
By bringing together these local authority development leaders to share information and understanding, we can all play a part in raising standards and help deliver homes fit for the 21st century. Local authority housing is a lynchpin of contemporary British society.
Despite it the demands being placed on it and the obstacles the sector faces, it continues to deliver modern, high-quality homes. The contributors to this collection are refreshingly frank about the challenges local authorities face but remain optimistic, recognising the value of their contribution they and the teams they lead make.
Built. On insight – A Collection of Industry Insight from Leaders in Local Authority Development is available to download now at nhbc.co.uk/la-insights
Andrew Milsom
Sector lead for local authorities
NHBC
