What the Labour Government Means for Social Landlords and UK Communities
By John Fisher, Chief Executive, CHIC
The Labour Government’s housing agenda has brought social housing into sharp focus with bold promises: 1.5 million new homes, investment in existing stock and a renewed commitment to safety, quality and sustainability. This is a welcome and overdue mandate, one of the most significant I have witnessed in my four decades of working within the sector, much of this in asset management consultancy and as Chief Executive at CHIC. But having a mandate is only the starting point—what matters is delivery.
The responsibility for delivering on these promises does not rest solely with the Government. It is shared with those of us in the housing and construction industries. Registered providers, contractors, suppliers and consultants must all step up to ensure that the ambition of this agenda translates into tangible benefits for the people who matter most - the residents living in these homes.
Meeting these goals requires immediate and coordinated action. For social landlords, the priorities are clear. Upgrading existing homes must include a focus on sustainability and safety, particularly fire prevention and compliance, which must form part of a long term and strategic asset management programme. Delivering new homes means not just building at scale but ensuring quality, affordability and environmental standards are met. These are not abstract targets; they will directly impact families and individuals who rely on secure, comfortable and affordable housing.
Collaboration will be critical. The challenges ahead including addressing the housing deficit, decarbonising existing homes and maintaining safety are no small feat. CHIC will work closely with our members to streamline procurement, reduce costs and drive efficiency. This is not just about building homes, it’s about creating communities where people can thrive.
The importance of procurement in both decarbonisation and development cannot be overstated. The decisions made during the procurement process influence not only the immediate outcomes of housing projects but also the long term environmental impact. From the initial identification of needs to the sourcing of materials and services, every step in the procurement lifecycle has the potential to contribute to sustainability.
Innovation is also key. Embracing modern methods of construction, data driven asset management and retrofit innovation will help all landlords deliver at pace without compromising quality. These approaches must go together with robust long term planning to ensure investment today will continue to benefit residents for years to come.
We must share our data, our ideas and solutions, our successes and failures to improve our understanding in planning optimised investment effectively. We can then procure together, invest in a skilled workforce and efficiencies for the supply chain together and deliver efficient asset management.
For its part, the Government must provide the legislative clarity and support required to enable this work. Funding without direction historically hasn’t worked to the benefit of the sector. It is our collective responsibility to ensure these resources are used effectively. Residents expect us to deliver and we cannot afford to let them down.
To further this agenda, I invite you to CHIC’s 2025 Conference and Exhibition. With the theme ‘Housing Matters Now’, the event will explore how social landlords and partners can rise to the challenge of delivering Labour’s housing vision. From practical workshops to expert led discussions, the conference will offer insights and strategies to help us all meet our shared responsibilities.
This is a pivotal moment for the sector. The promises have been made, but delivery is what counts. By working together with purpose, urgency and the shared commitment to residents, we can ensure this vision becomes a reality.
Join us at the CHIC 2025 Conference to be part of the conversation that will help shape the future of housing.
