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Click here to download the SOCIAL_HOUSING_CROSSWORD_PUZZLE.pdf

The future of social housing was prudently addressed, following a riveting conversation held by Theresa Mays former chief of staff Nick Timothy at one of our own board awaydays, back in January.

Many believe that social housing is nearing the bottom of the agenda when it comes to the implications of Brexit and is being heavily overlooked.

Arguable, the main issue that the social housing sector is going to face is the logistical changes to supply chains. With materials like timber being heavily imported from the EU, many merchants have already begun contingency planning to maintain their sustainability, and have adopted the approach of stockpiling materials; however, it’s a very temporary solution

The overcomplicating of importing materials is set to have some implications on the affordability of social homes, whether this is going to be for the good or bad of renters in the UK.

But the question is, does anyone know what they are doing? Planning for the unknown is an impossible feat in all walks of life, let alone when looking to mitigate the effects of Brexit on an entire industry.

The potential knock-on effects are endless with the immediate ones possibly the most damaging. Will we begin seeing more or less jobs in the construction industry? Half of construction workers in London come from the EU and many have already gone back to avoid being ‘stuck’.

The effects that deal or no deal Brexit could be endless from temporary purchasing alternative materials to a complete logistical change, steering away from current just in time solutions.

Going from a blanket agreement to, well, who knows what, is going to be a huge change regardless of the specifics and the social housing market is inevitably going to learn to adapt no matter what comes its way; Deal or No Deal is just the beginning of something bigger.

With every future deal coming from UK Parliament, surely our government will do what is best for UK citizens? It is no secret that the UK has been in a housing crisis for some time now with the publication of reports like the Shelter’s “vision for social housing”.

Although the UK is going Brexit crazy, there’s no need to panic. CHIC has been actively collaborating with its members / suppliers to gather intel on what is the best course of action to mitigate the amount of disruption to the supply chain. 95% of Manufacturers and Distributors have already plans in place to mitigate for a No deal vote with the large majority being determined as low risk. (Testimonial from a supplier)

CHIC has engaged with it’s supply chain to ensure that members have contingencies in place for every aspect of property maintenance requirements.

CHIC’s Merchant Services Manager (maybe change it to Supply chain manager) is of the opinion that: “The worst thing that we in the social housing industry can do right now, is to put our heads in the sand and hope that this storm will pass us by. The first thing that will be affected will be supply chains, as we see in other sectors such as the automotive industry. Arguably if housing associations engage with purchasing groups, in respect of their suppliers, trends will be noticeable which means that steps can be taken to mitigate negative effects.”

As rightly pointed out purchasing groups such as CHIC, are better positioned to notice trends in the market that individual housing associations cannot see, and this is purely down to the number of suppliers each engages. Having a pool of suppliers providing the same type of service, normally via a framework, will allow members that purchase through that group a better understanding of where the market is going.

In these trialling times, co-operation is key, and instead of we can do it better, we need to do it better together.

The question is then, what has your association done to ensure that services will not drop.

Quote from Bournville to come: - need to chase giles again today.

If you are worried about the Brexit impact on your organisation, please give us a call.

Collaboration and Partnership for the Social Housing Sector | Wednesday 11th March 2026 | 30 Euston, London
  

We are excited to officially launch Housing Horizons 2026, a brand new joint event from CHIC and The Housing Forum, uniting two leading member networks dedicated to collaboration, innovation and delivery in housing.
 As the sector faces continual change, with the Procurement Act and Building Safety reforms, to Decent Homes 2 and Net Zero, this one day conference will bring together housing professionals, local authorities and supply chain partners to share ideas, collaborate and shape the sectors response in London and the South East. 
Join us for a day of insight, discussion and connection and be part of this exciting new collaboration. Find out more and register HERE 

 

 

 

Member Services Team – Megan Porter    “Hi, I’m Megan! I have recently joined CHIC as a Member Services Manager supporting Joanne Heyes – North, Jackie Leonard – Wales and Sarah Davey – Newbuild Development. This is a completely new challenge for me, but one I am extremely excited about. I am looking forward to supporting CHIC’s members and building some great new relationships. Previously, I have worked within the I.T industry managing a European service desk and also being heavily involved in Vendor and Project management, however I have always had a keen interest in the public sector. I believe working for CHIC and delivering procurement solutions and efficiencies to our members is the perfect next step in my career.”

Member Services Team – Kirsty Stephens   I’m Kirsty, and I’m delighted to have joined CHIC as a Member Services Manager. With over 12 years experience in membership organisations, I’m passionate about building strong relationships and delivering real value to members. Previously, I was Manager of Communications and Member Engagement at Mayfair Office/Mayfair International Realty, where I supported UK and international members in marketing their properties, strengthening connections, and maximising the services available to them. I’m excited to be part of the CHIC Member Services team and look forward to supporting our members.

Marketing & Communications Team – Ben Page “Hi, I'm Ben and I have recently joined CHIC as the new Marketing and Communications Executive! With a background in the construction industry, I was keen to take on a new challenge that combined my experience with a passion for meaningful work. I’m excited to join CHIC’s growing Marketing Team and to be part of a consortium that delivers real social value and makes a positive difference to people and communities.”

 

 

 

This Month’s Housing UpdatesLondon fast track plan cuts affordable housing quota to 20%
City Hall and the Treasury have confirmed that major London housing schemes can now qualify for a “fast-track” planning route if they include 20% affordable housing, down from 35%. Ministers say the measure will kick start stalled developments and boost delivery, while Labour MPs and housing campaigners warn it risks cutting the number of genuinely affordable homes and favouring luxury projects. The Guardian

Government launches decade long social housing programme
The Department for Housing and Communities has launched the Social and Affordable Homes Programme 2026–2036, targeting 300,000 affordable homes across England, including about 180,000 for social rent. Backed by £7 billion in long term funding and low interest loans, the plan gives housing providers a ten year pipeline to support delivery amid high build costs and land constraints. Bidding opens in February 2026 through Homes England and the Greater London Authority. GOV.UK policy statement

Councils warn temporary accommodation funding freeze draining £268m a year
English district councils say a freeze on temporary accommodation subsidies dating back to 2011 is costing local authorities £268 million annually, worsening homelessness pressures and diverting funds away from newbuild social housing. The District Councils’ Network argues that updating subsidy levels could instead finance over 1,100 new homes a year. The government is reviewing temporary accommodation funding as part of its homelessness strategy refresh due in 2026. Local Government Lawyer

Welsh government invests extra £55m in TACP to deliver more homes
An additional £55m has been allocated to the Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme (TACP), bringing this year’s budget to £155m. This extra funding will help to acquire existing dwellings, convert non residential buildings into housing and bring void properties back into use. More than £275m has been invested through the TACP over the past three years, supporting the delivery of 2,700 more homes, 930 of which were void properties brought back into use. Inside Housing

Government Launches £9bn Plan to Upgrade 40,000 Military Homes Across the UK
The government has unveiled a £9bn Defence Housing Strategy to upgrade over 40,000 military homes across the UK in the next decade. Around 14,000 will be fully refurbished or replaced, with thousands more modernised. A new Defence Housing Service will oversee the homes, while surplus MOD land will be used to build 100,000 new civilian and service family homes. Funded through increased defence spending and savings from a £6bn housing buyback, the plan marks the biggest renewal of Armed Forces housing in 50 years. Inside Housing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merchants & Materials Framework – Re-Procurement Underway
Ongoing planning is in progress for the re-procurement of the Merchants & Materials Framework. In partnership with Efficiency North, we are refining documentation and scope to ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and alignment with members needs.

Live Procurements

Decoration
Activity is now reaching the end of the Award stage for the new Decoration Framework. Awards will take place at the beginning of December.

Lifting Equipment & Mobility Aids
In parallel with Decorations, the procurement process is now reaching the end of the Award stage for the Lifts & Mobility Aids. Awards will take place at the beginning of December.

Frameworks in the Procurement Planning Stage

Initial planning is underway for the following frameworks:
• Consultancy Services
• Building Compliance - including lots and sublots for Audit, Water Hygiene, Asbestos and Abatement Services and General Risk Advisory Services• Roofing

In parallel, CHIC is actively developing a comprehensive strategy for the implementation of the CHIC Dynamic Marketplace, aimed at increasing procurement agility and supplier access. The majority of Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS) listed on our website will be transitioned into Dynamic Markets by February 2029. More information on the current list of DPSs is here: https://www.chicltd.co.uk/services/dynamic-purchasing-system-solutions/

For more details on CHIC’s procurement programme, please contact Sam Domican, Director of Procurement, at tenders@chicltd.co.uk.

 

 

 
Recognising Excellence
Five awards will be presented to highlight exceptional achievement and commitment to social value:

 
The Maggie Punyer Award: High Achiever of the Year

Career Development Excellence Award Recognising a trainee or apprentice showing exceptional dedication and growth.
Social Value Employer of the Year Honouring an organisation that champions wellbeing, inclusion and opportunity.
Positive Impact Award For initiatives that have measurably improved local lives and communities. The Ian Winslet Award: Mentor of the Year Sponsored by ARK Consultancy, recognising an inspirational mentor who empowers others to achieve their potential.
Nominate A Candidate    

 

 

Mindfulness with Amber Bee - Case Study  Amber Bee is a not-for-profit CIC based in Chester that works with schools across the UK to implement projects that guide children aged 8-11 to make better choices surrounding anti-social behaviour and mental wellbeing. In previous years they have been able to implement and support projects in 842 schools, with the total the participation of 40,000+ children. In Shropshire anti-social behaviour makes up 16% of all recorded crimes. The introduction of these projects has tackled education gaps, attitudes and the possibility of participation in ASB and has proven to be a great preventative measure.  Not only does introducing preventative measures for children in schools contribute to the wellbeing of communities, but it is also a way to reduce the need for intervention or rehabilitation schemes for those who have already committed acts of ASB. It creates better environments for children to thrive and teaches them ways to healthily express their emotions through mindfulness techniques and directing intense emotions into positive actions.
With funding support from the CHIP Community Chest Fun (CCF), Amber Bee was able to provide interactive workbooks, parent and teacher packs, and materials to provide talks including scripts, costumes, posters and stickers. These resources not only benefited the children but allowed the people who influence them the most to give them continued support away from the projects and in their daily lives. The Barney & Echo, Bad Apples with Mindfulness Project focused on 45 schools and had 4,961 children participate from February to July 2025. Impactful projects like these aid communities in more ways than one, starting with understanding and recognising what is needed and ending with participants adopting lifelong changes. The Community Chest funding was a major resource for them to be able to carry out their work to help children express themselves instead of turning to antisocial behaviour. Visit www.chipcharity.org.uk/community-chest-fund/ to find out how your organisation can apply for funding and make a lasting impact. “I hope there will be more Roadshows in the future, as mental health is more and more apparent as a need to be addressed in children” – Head Teacher   

Why strategic procurement can be the driver behind effective asset management

By Joanne Heyes, Head of Member Services (North) 

 

Procurement can often fly under the radar. It can wrongly be simply viewed as the function that purchases materials, signs contracts, and arranges repairs. But if it is done well, then procurement becomes far more than a transactional process. It becomes a strategic tool that underpins the entire asset management plan. Good strategic procurement can translate a housing providers vision, from net zero targets to improved building safety and community investment, into real, tangible, measurable outcomes.
When aligned with long-term objectives, procurement helps housing providers source goods, works, and services in ways that maximise whole-life value, not just minimise short-term cost. Strategic procurement is about understanding that the cheapest option isn’t always the best. This is especially important when we are talking about homes designed to last for generations. Housing associations and local authority landlords are in it for the long haul. Homes are long term assets. The challenges involved in managing a housing portfolio, decarbonisation, building safety, regulation, resident expectations, to name but a few are complex and evolving. To meet them, procurement must be just as strategic as asset management itself. That means designing contracts around whole life costs. This way, you make sure each decision prioritises sustainability, safety, and quality for years to come. It also means building strong, long term partnerships with contractors and suppliers. Frameworks, alliances, and partnering contracts can help foster collaboration, innovation and consistency creating a culture where lessons are shared and best practice established. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IN THE WAKE OF AWAAB’S LAW

As most would know, on 27 October 2025, Awaab’s Law came into force, establishing legally binding timescales for responding to damp and mould cases. This new law formalises expectations on investigation, remediation and communication, which strengthens accountability and improves tenant care.

Further hazard categories on the HHSRS will be phased in during 2026 and 2027. (GOV.UK guidance; CIH; Shelter)

STATUTORY RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS

3 OPERATIONAL PRIORITIES

We’ve seen housing associations and repairs providers broadly focusing on three key priorities: safety, speed, and thoroughness.

1. SAFETY

Damp and mould interventions must protect both residents and operatives. Products and methods are subject to COSHH obligations, and chlorine-based treatments, though common historically, may irritate skin and airways and require strong ventilation. (HSE COSHH, 22 Aug 2025; UKHSA chlorine safety note, 3 Sept 2024; NHS Inform, 1 Oct 2025)

As a result, many organisations are evaluating non-toxic formulations as part of wider safe-use protocols. Solutions such as MAXAM’s PURA+ and PURA+ Quick are being adopted where social housing repairs providers prefer non-chlorine, low-odour treatments, subject to COSHH assessment and training.

2. SPEED

The ‘First-time fix’ has become a key compliance metric, and Awaab’s law timeframes have created operational pressure to diagnose and remediate swiftly, avoiding repeated attendance. Formulas that kill mould roots and leave a protective barrier can support one-visit completion, whereas traditional single-use sprays may merely remove visible mould without preventing recurrence. The emphasis is on durability and efficiency rather than cosmetic improvement. (GOV.UK press notice)

3. THOROUGHNESS

The guidance stresses resolving underlying moisture drivers, not merely surface-level symptoms. This requires technical investigation (ventilation, thermal bridging, humidity), structured resident communication, and supplementary works carried out within the policy limits. The emerging good-practice model is “find, fix, future-proof” to reduce recurrence and ensure sustained compliance. (UKHSA damp and mould advice, 15 Aug 2024)

 

SUPPORTING TENANTS: HEALTHY HOMES PACKS

Along with their statutory duties, many providers are going one step further and supplying MAXAM’s Healthy Homes Kits to empower tenants in early identification and safe first-line management. Local authority practice shows increasing focus on practical tenant tools such as hygrometers to monitor indoor humidity, wipes for initial surface cleaning and simple guidance on ventilation and heating behaviours. (Westmorland and Furness guidance, accessed 2025; Vale of White Horse tenant advice, 2025)

Typically these include:

•    PURA+ Quick Spray 500mL
•    MAXAM Quick Wipes 10pack
•    Hygrometer
•    Simple Mould Advice leaflet

These are not a substitute for landlord duties but rather reinforce early reporting and shared awareness of mould risks, supporting health and compliance outcomes.

 

A SYSTEMIC SHIFT

Awaab’s Law represents a step-change in expectations for social housing providers. The combination of statutory timescales, enforceable rights and public health imperatives is driving sector-wide evolution in repairs methodology, product selection, and tenant engagement.

The organisations adapting most effectively are those embedding safety, speed and thoroughness, supported by robust training, evidence based product choice and proactive resident communication. The trajectory is clear: a long term move from reactive treatments to comprehensive indoor-environment health management, ensuring every resident has a dry, safe and healthy home.

Please feel free to get in touch regarding your damp, mould and disrepair team requirements:

 0131 442 4343 | info@maxam.co.uk | www.maxam.co.uk