NHC event spotlights housing-led regeneration

A membership organisation is leading a renewed push for regeneration through housing.

The Northern Housing Consortium (NHC) brought MPs, housing providers and commercial partners together at Parliament to discuss how affordable, safe homes can support thriving communities. 

Backed by Homes for the North and Muse, the event followed recent Government housing announcements that confirmed more investment in affordable homes, long-term funding commitments and flexibility around regeneration within current programmes.

It also spotlighted how housing-led regeneration could support growth, local pride and better living conditions. 

NHC revealed plans to launch an inquiry later this year – Where Next for Housing-Led Regeneration in the North – to explore the sector’s role in revitalising places and tackling the housing crisis.

Tracy Harrison, chief executive of Northern Housing Consortium, said: “The outcome of the spending review and the recent housing announcements are milestone moments for the social housing sector in the North, which will drive real change. 

“To effectively tackle the housing crisis in the North, housing-led regeneration must sit alongside new housing supply and support to improve existing homes.

“Our research has consistently shown that the North is disproportionately affected by low quality homes with over one million non-decent homes in the North. 

“The problem is most acute in the private rented sector with 27 per cent of homes not meeting current Decent Homes Standards.  

“We’ve also found that there are 126,000 social housing homes in the North reaching the end of their serviceable life. 

“These issues must be addressed if we want to make sure everyone has access to a safe and warm home they can afford. 

“The right foundations are in place for the North to hit the ground running. 

“We’re leading the way with devolution, and housing partnerships are driving collaboration. 

“Through our inquiry, we want to work with parliamentarians, members, residents and other stakeholders to maximise the benefits of regeneration for communities in the North.”

Speakers at the event included representatives from Homes for the North, Muse, believe housing and Incommunities, alongside MPs and members of the Lords, all calling for housing to sit at the heart of the North’s future.

Bronwen Rapley, chair of Homes for the North, added: “The Government has set out a transformative vision to deliver the biggest boost to housebuilding in generations. 

“Regeneration has a critical role to play in helping to unlock the delivery of more and better homes.

“Our research shows that regeneration across the North could support the creation of 305,000 homes, equivalent to 4.3 years of housing supply.

“The North faces a particular set of challenges, from a lack of housing to contaminated sites and ageing homes, that are holding back regeneration. 

“We now have an opportunity to work with the Government to help shape delivery mechanisms that can address some of these barriers. 

“Whilst there are challenges, the potential of regeneration is even greater.

“This inquiry comes at a critical moment and we look forward to contributing to this vital and timely conversation about the role that regeneration has to play in unlocking growth and revitalising communities.”

Phil Mayall, managing director at Muse, added: “We are delighted to be partnering with the NHC and Homes for the North on this important inquiry. 

“Against the backdrop of the Government’s positive agenda for the industry and the tools which have already been provided to us, we’re at a real moment in time where we can go even further in delivering meaningful change in the North of England.

“Drawing on our decades of experience as placemakers, we’re looking forward to sharing our case studies, lessons, and learnings. 

“With a growing focus also on promoting partnerships as a means to further transform communities, we are excited to offer an insight into how we have been working in partnership with the public and private sector, including through ECF, our partnership with L&G and Homes England, and our plans for the future through Habiko, with PIC and Homes England.”

Further information about the need for regeneration in the North can be found in the NHC’s annual state of the region report, called the Northern Housing Monitor. 

Additional findings are shared in the NHC’s member research, Understanding the Need for Regeneration in the North, which can be found here.

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