Following a very successful and thought-provoking study tour to Denmark and Sweden, the NHMF has invited Louise to share what we learned on the tour with the wider audience of the NHMF Conference.
The city of Malmö in southern Sweden is known for several very interesting city planning projects on sustainable development. Two of these are fine examples of where social and ecological sustainability complement each other. We will hear about the top-down project of the EcoCity Augustenborg and the bottom-up initiatives in Rosengård. Both these areas are or have been challenged with social issues.
This Government has put housing at the top of its list of priorities for this Parliament. It has already put in place an ambitious legislative programme that could have far-reaching consequences.
The landscape is likely to remain challenging for some time. But for a sector that remains ambitious and committed, what choices do we have and how can we continue to meet our social purpose, help end the housing crisis and cover the cost of maintaining and improving our existing homes?
If the aim is to provide good quality housing stock for future generations, the question for social landlords is how will the existing housing stock contribute to that goal? Should energy efficiency be a driver rather than just a consideration?
The answer depends on many factors, including business plans, pressures to claw back income, energy efficiency, type or location of the property and the social goals of the organisation.
Speaking from different perspectives, the panel will take questions and discuss conflicting approaches such as:
With rent cuts, RTB, and the other effects of the Chancellor’s housing and benefits announcements in November 2015, housing associations face a tough (even hostile) new business environment. This session addresses how asset management and maintenance issues will play out in the new world, and how it may be possible to continue delivering good services that meet the needs of tenants and landlords alike. Can customer satisfaction be maintained, or is a drop inevitable? How will the business needs of housing associations be balanced against their social mission? What will need to change in the future, and how can this be achieved?
There is a skills shortage in the housing sector which should not exist. Construction provides, maintains and reconfigures for modern purpose every space that people live, breathe and work in. As an industry, we fail to communicate the excitement and rewards of the diverse career pathways that we can offer to young people, women and highly trained people from different backgrounds, such as those leaving the military. By working together and sharing information, we can attract, train and retain the best workforce in Europe.
The financial aspects of delivery of services form only one part of a company’s overall efficiency drive. It’s part of our job description to work out better and smarter ways of getting things done. In times of diminishing revenue/capital funds and increased demand, resource allocation becomes even more challenging. Shaun shares the secret to undertaking a successful efficiency drive and being able to ration scarce resources, in a way that fulfils the needs of many while also being seen as ultimately fair by all.
The NHMF is the leading body representing housing providers, committed to championing innovation to deliver excellence in maintenance and asset management
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