Westminster was abuzz on 3 September 2024, as over 100 council landlords from across England gathered to take a unified stand on the future of council housing. The highlight of the event was the unveiling of a comprehensive report that detailed five crucial strategies to secure and revitalise council housing. Among the attendees was Councillor Jill Cleary of New Forest District Council, a staunch advocate for sustainable housing solutions.
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In an exclusive interview, Councillor Cleary shed light on the significance of the event and its implications for the future of council housing. Her insights revealed a collective drive and ambition among council landlords to address the critical issues plaguing the housing system.
“We’ve reached a pivotal moment,” Councillor Cleary stated with a blend of determination and optimism. “The council housing system in England is undeniably broken, and today’s event underscores the urgent need for immediate and decisive action.”
The Westminster gathering was far from a mere symbolic gesture; it was a strategic assembly. Earlier this year, 20 of the largest council landlords released an interim summary of their recommendations, which attracted significant attention and prompted an urgent meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister. This initial momentum inspired over 80 additional councils to support the recommendations, culminating in the final, detailed report presented today.
“The report we presented is thorough and meticulously researched, with contributions from housing policy experts,” Cleary explained. “It outlines a clear roadmap for the next decade aimed at rejuvenating council housing across the country. This effort extends beyond New Forest; it’s about a nationwide renewal.”
The proposed solutions in the report are not merely theoretical but are practical and actionable. The five key solutions include:
- A new fair and sustainable Housing Revenue Account (HRA) model – This calls for an urgent £644 million one-off rescue fund and long-term, stable rent and debt agreements.
- Reforms to unsustainable Right to Buy policies – To curb the depletion of council housing stock.
- Removing bureaucratic obstacles on existing funding – Simplifying access to essential resources.
- A new, long-term Green and Decent Homes Programme – Focusing on improving energy efficiency and living standards.
- Urgent action to restart stalled building projects – To maintain construction sector capacity and prevent a market downturn.
“The urgency of these reforms cannot be overstated,” emphasised Cleary. “In New Forest alone, we aim to improve the energy efficiency of over 3,200 council houses by 2030. These solutions provide a viable pathway to achieving that goal.”
The atmosphere at the event was one of solidarity and shared purpose. Cleary described the scene in Westminster, where council leaders, housing officials, and policy experts gathered with a unified front. “It was inspiring to see so many people committed to the same cause. There’s a real sense of camaraderie and mutual support,” she remarked.
A significant aspect of the report is its focus on sustainability and modernisation. Councillor Cleary highlighted the importance of the Green and Decent Homes Programme. “Sustainability is at the heart of our housing priorities. We need to ensure that our homes are not only affordable but also environmentally friendly. The programme addresses this by setting high standards for energy efficiency and green practices.”
She continued, “Our Corporate Plan 2024 – 2028 outlines housing as a key priority. The solutions in this report align perfectly with our objectives and will help us build the council homes our community desperately needs.”
The event also underscored the importance of collaboration between local authorities and the central government. “This isn’t something we can achieve alone,” Cleary remarked. “We need the government’s commitment and support. The Housing Revenue Accounts need stabilisation, and we need policies that facilitate, not hinder, our efforts.”
As our conversation drew to a close, Councillor Cleary expressed a hopeful yet pragmatic outlook. “Today was a significant step forward, but it’s just the beginning. We have a clear plan, and now we need to work diligently to see it through. Our residents deserve nothing less.”
The gathering in Westminster today demonstrated the power of unity among local councils. With leaders like Councillor Jill Cleary at the forefront, there is renewed optimism that the future of council housing in England can indeed be secured. The event highlighted the critical nature of the issues at hand and the collective resolve to address them comprehensively and sustainably.
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