Westminster Social Policy Forum

Attendees discussed key proposed areas of reform in the social housing green paper, which included: mandatory ‘resident engagement strategies’ and efforts to address stigma; the consumer redress system; regulation and accountability of housing associations and councils; and plans to expand pathways to home ownership via social housing.

The seminar also included consideration over the delivery of housing, meeting demand, new ‘Housing Deals’ and challenges for planning. Delegates deliberated over the next steps for government policy in order to support the construction of new homes for social rent and shared ownership in the context of:

• The announcement of strategic partnerships between Homes England and housing associations to increase the supply of affordable homes;
• The first housing delivery test results, which showed that many councils have under-delivered;
• Removal of the Housing Revenue Account borrowing cap;
• The Government’s consultation on reforming rules on using receipts from Right to Buy homes to build more housing; and
• Increased borrowing for councils to build new homes.

The agenda looked at how the planning system can assist councils in delivering government targets to increase delivery and supply - including priorities for infrastructure and developer contributions following recommendations in the NAO’s Planning for New Homes report.

Further sessions assessed the future of regulation in the social housing sector, such as quality, complaints and accountability. Attendees considered options for the future regulatory framework for the sector, and looked at:

• The scope, role and enforcement powers of regulators;  
• The green paper’s call for reforms to the complaints handling for social tenants;
• The proposed review of the ‘Decent Homes Standard’;
• What more housing associations and local authorities can do to further support and empower communities; and
• The future of accountability for housing associations and local authorities and the affordability of social rent. 

The conference focused on the next steps for infrastructure in Liverpool and provided an opportunity to discuss the development of the first Spatial Development Strategy for the City Region - expected to be finalised and published within the next two years - which will set out a vision for housing, infrastructure and climate resilience across Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton & the Wirral.

Key stakeholders and policymakers discussed what the priorities should be for the Spatial Development Strategy in order to develop Liverpool’s infrastructure so that it can meet housing demand, address climate change and support regional economic growth. They also examined what is needed from national infrastructure policy to support the region, with the Government’s Infrastructure Strategy due to be released later this year, including projects such as Northern Powerhouse Rail.

Sessions assessed the progress of ongoing rail infrastructure projects, including Network Rail’s multi-billion pound Great North Rail programme of improvements, upgrades to the Halton Curve linking Liverpool with Cheshire and North Wales, and progress on HS2, as the Government announced a one-year delay on the Phase 2b Hybrid-Bill and following concerns as to whether a link to Liverpool will be developed.

The future of MerseyRail will also be discussed including potential new stations and the prospect of light rail being part of the Wirral Waters major regeneration project.

Delegates looked at how new investment should be targeted, with the city region due to receive £172.5m from the Transforming Cities Fund and an extra £1.1bn announced in the Budget to be allocated to Mayoral Authorities on a per capita basis - and with the Mayor outlining a £500m Strategic Investment Fund to encourage inclusive growth and support infrastructure, skills, culture and housing.

Further sessions discussed early progress on the City Region’s move towards a low-carbon economy, following the announcement of a zero-carbon target by 2040 and the trial of hydrogen buses.

As Liverpool City Council grants planning permission for a £31.3m ferry terminal funded by the Isle of Man Government and agrees to fund a £7.6m link road, the agenda looked at the future of Liverpool as a nationally important global trade hub, and priorities for the Port of Liverpool and multi-modal freight transportation, with further discussion on the role of the airport in providing Liverpool with an international gateway, as well as road and rail links to the airport.

Sessions also considered housing priorities including housebuilding targets and best new sites following the Mayor’s Brownfield First approach and discussions planned with Homes England on establishing new sites for housing.

This timely seminar discussed the future for building regulations in England, and provided an opportunity for policymakers and stakeholders to assess the most effective ways forward for improving the safety and standards of buildings.

Delegates discussed the Government’s implementation plan, which aims to support the development of a more effective regulatory and accountability framework - as called for by the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety led by Dame Judith Hackitt.

The seminar provided an opportunity to discuss the work of the Industry Safety Steering Group and updates from the Government’s Building Safety Programme, as well as what more should be done to give residents a greater say, put in place an effective testing and inspection regime, and create a clearer record of information for high-rise residential buildings.

Delegates also discussed the ban on combustible materials announced by the Government, including its scope, or whether it should also apply to non-residential buildings including hospitals, residential homes, student accommodation and hotels and buildings under 18 metres tall - as suggested by the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee.

Additionally, the seminar looked at the implementation and compliance issues for building firms, as well as what will be needed to bring about the necessary changes to business culture and regulatory oversight in the building sector.