Our Yorkshire-based Account Manager, Harriett Bolton, attended a variety of events across Leeds during UKREiiF to hear the latest on the challenges facing the sector.
UKREiiF has a way of taking over Leeds – not just the main conference, but cafés, galleries and hospitality venues were filled with housing experts from across the country and beyond. With the conference right on my doorstep, I attended some events happening across the city.
One discussion in particular – ‘Tackling the housing crisis in the age of five-party politics’ – stood out. Set against a backdrop of political fragmentation, it explored a key question: how do you deliver long-term housing solutions when the political landscape feels anything but stable?
Leaders from five London boroughs, representing the five main parties, shared their approaches to delivering affordable housing.
When questioned on their approach to housing delivery, Reform focused on security and shelter, arguing that too many people lack a place to call home. Cllr Jaymey McIvor emphasised the need to build more homes while protecting green belt land, prioritising British people and protecting local heritage.
Deputy Leader of Wandsworth Council, Conservative councillor Peter Graham, highlighted the pressures facing young renters and argued that if more homes are built, rent prices will fall.
Una O’Halloran, Leader of Islington Council (Labour), called for rent control and a renewed focus on building more homes, alongside creating sustainable communities beyond high-rise developments.
Meanwhile, Liam Shrivastava, Mayor of Lewisham (Green), outlined plans to deliver thousands more genuinely affordable homes and stressed the importance of social value in development, including creating skills and opportunities for local people.
The debate moved beyond critique, offering a clear-eyed reflection and lively cross-party debate of the pressures facing housing providers, local authorities and partners. Across the panel, concerns centred on access to ownership, the quality of existing homes and the urgent need for investment in retrofit and maintenance.
Labour and Green representatives both highlighted the impact of aging housing stock and the need to improve living conditions, particularly to reduce reliance on temporary accommodation.
Conservatives echoed these concerns but raised questions about funding and the need for pragmatic solutions.
To conclude the debate, Reform returned to issues around temporary accommodation and border control, arguing that no one deserves to live in unsuitable places.
Overall, the session offered a useful insight into how different parties are approaching housing policy, partnerships and public trust in a complex political environment. It will be interesting to see how these priorities translate into delivery in the years ahead.
Need support with navigating the political landscape for yourself or your organisation? Drop us a message at hello@see-media.co.uk to see how we can help.
