In correlation to the rest of the UK economy, social housing providers are facing large-scale challenges due to the impact of coronavirus. The direct impact of lockdown, the short-term closure of the housing market, and increasing economic uncertainty represent an uncertain climate with multi-faceted tests for the sector.  

In September 2020, the Government announced a new £11.5 billion Affordable Homes Programme to be delivered over five years from 2021 to 2026, providing up to 180,000 new homes across the country. The programme will release a further £38 billion in public and private investment in affordable housing. Furthermore, the Government is to make £50 million available for social housing through a demonstrator project for the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF). A new Social Housing White Paper is due this year. 

The Regulator of Social Housing has recently emphasised the importance of social housing providers being clear on legal and regulatory requirements, having robust governance arrangements, and having good quality data and effective systems. 

Furthermore, the UK Housing Review’s Autumn Briefing Paper (October 2020) has highlighted the wider impact of coronavirus on the social housing market outlining the need to confront issues with housing finance and investment, rough sleeping, and welfare benefits.

This event will provide a significant overview of the future of the housing sector and the impact on the industry of the pandemic. It will cover vital issues such as governance, funding, new operating models, digital transformation and homelessness. Get the latest updates from government bodies, industry associations and think tanks.