In 2019 through our Councils Network, The Housing Forum responded to increased interest shown by Councils for our support in developing a network for Local Authority housebuilding around the country and also to provide a valuable professional perspective on the commercial realities of housebuilding, sales risk, viability issues and development lifecycles, and to help Local Authorities evaluate MMC building and different contractual routes.
We set up practitioner panels for local Councils to come together and share experiences and learning,and began a series of panels in the North West and South West, with many more planned for 2021-2, online for now.
Our network of Local Authorities has continued to expand and now represents over 75 authorities nationally, including all Local Authorities in Greater London, Greater Manchester and Kent. Other City Councils in membership include Birmingham, Bristol, Exeter, Hull, Leeds, Sheffield, Stoke on Trent and Southampton. We aim to cater for the range of councils from District Councils through to Unitary Councils and have all types in membership. View our council members by region here
The Housing Forum’s direction is set by our influential Board which is drawn from our membership and observers from MHCLG, RICS, GLA and Homes England. Their expertise provides unrivalled insight commercially, socially and politically.
Our Local Councils Advisory Group supports us in setting the agenda for events, research and reports – identifying key areas of expertise and knowledge that can support local Councils. This Group is linked to our main board and the members can be viewed here
Our events
We host a biannual Councils Housing Conference and our latest report can be found here. Councils across England are strongly represented – our webinars typically attract more than 150 delegates. Other reports, many relevant to Councils, can be found under Insights & Reports.
DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP FORUMS
These quarterly networking events feature different regions and are for all the parties involved in partnership house building and regeneration across all tenures. Events assess the operational markets and provide a platform for the development and promotion of new initiatives.
New entrants into the housing market, including local council and housing association companies are welcomed. Invitations are extended to the whole Housing Forum membership to foster sharing of best practice across the private and public sector.
Participants have included central and local government, GLA, Homes England, MHCLG, contractors, developers, housing association suppliers and consultants. Events include themed presentations and discussions on housing policy, design, regulation, investment, strategic development and major settlements.
See a recent report ‘Masterplanning for Councils’
OTHER EVENTS
- Asset Strategy Forums
- ‘Spotlight on…’ series – Productivity, Homes for the Homeless, Investment, Rent to Purchase
- MMC Series
View all events here
Join us
As well as complimentary invitations to the above forums, the annual subscription provides a range of benefits and guarantees a free place at each of our major national events and at many of our smaller, often regional events.
Membership is for the entire organisation and you are free to select who should attend particular events and work streams in line with business requirements.
Sheffield City Council, New Council Houses
What our members say
I have been involved with The Housing Forum since October 2019 and invited to be part of the Local Councils Advisory Group from January 2020. I have been impressed with the enormity of the established network that The Housing Forum has and their work to gather relevant knowledge from different sectors of the industry, partners and beyond, distributing to all those who can benefit from this research. Their work is extensive in understanding the potential collaboration and knowledge gaps within the housing sector, striving to kick-start debate and fill these gaps. Working with Local Councils is part of filling one of these established gaps, encouraging knowledge sharing throughout the public sector and understanding how working with other sectors and partners can help fulfil housing delivery aspirations and achieve best practice.
Joanne Payne, Service Manager – Housing Growth
Sheffield City Council