This week CHIC (Communities and Housing Investment Consortium) hosted a Round Table Discussion in Wolverhampton with Marcus Jones MP, the new Minister for Housing and Planning at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
This was the first time the Minister had met with senior representatives from the affordable housing sector, CHIC members (social housing landlords) and CHIC’s supply chain partners (contractors, consultants, merchants, manufacturers).
Key issues discussed were:
- Delivering affordable new homes – meeting demand and embracing MMC
- Cost of living increases and the impact on tenants’ housing and heating costs
- Inflation and the impact on the supply chain and construction costs
- Delivering net zero – investment and regeneration at scale
- Sector recruitment – making the construction and the housing sector an attractive career option
Maggie Punyer, Chair of CHIC facilitated the discussion, said “CHIC’s Round Table, held just weeks, after the Minister’s appointment gave the sector and supply chain an early opportunity to raise key concerns and influence decision making at this critical time.”
In his closing remarks, Marcus Jones MP said “ I want to thank CHIC for organising this Round Table so quickly. I found this open and frank discussion most informative and it has helped to further inform my thinking on some of the key issues confronting the sector, resident’s and the supply chain.”
“Housing is key to solving a number of society’s most serious issues”
What attendees had to say…
Very insightful day. Good to see Contractors and Housing Association’s on the same page with the issues that need to be resolved. We need to work together and it was good to see a real willingness to listen. A lot of content covered.” Matt Hiley, Novus
“Thank you, CHIC, for organising such an informative session in such a short time frame following the new ministers appointment.” Marcus Keys, Longhurst
“A very enjoyable and informative session. Look forward to the government taking on board some of the suggestions proposed.” Martin Wickers, Pilon
“Fantastic opportunity to meet the minister. Always good to see government engaging with the sector including supply chain as we all gear up to meet large demands of net zero and continuing challenges facing the sector around fire safety.” Harvey Melvin, Ventro
Further enquiries about this discussion should be sent to [email protected]
