Despite the unprecedented challenges the country has faced over the past year because of the coronavirus pandemic, the tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 is still very present in the memories of people living and working in social housing.
It has been a rewarding – albeit challenging – 10 months since I became Gloucester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Growth.
This is the year self-build and custom house building will scale up.
The Government has an ambitious target of building 300,000 homes a year. While these homes are much needed in many areas, the fundamental importance of building communities is often forgotten.
We’re working with a local social enterprise on a £1.9 million revitalisation of vacant shops to help us bounce back from COVID-19.
A new charter giving social housing tenants in England a greater voice and making landlords more accountable has been announced by the Government.
The Winchester district has traditionally had a robust and diverse economy, but during the pandemic the council has focused on supporting those sectors affected the most.
The Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP has announced that new homes delivered through permitted development rights will now be required to meet space standards.
While most people are aware of the traditional and fine almshouse buildings dotted all over the UK, few know exactly what they are or realise how vibrant the almshouse movement is today.
New guidance is available to help councils improve the health and wellbeing of tenants in the private sector.