News & blogs

The UNIFY (BAME) Network is growing – so find out more about us

Equality and diversity is a sector wide issue and more broadly a societal issue where collaborative work needs to be done. 

Making a connection at virtual events

As the NHF rolls out virutal events this summer, find out what you can expect from one.

Shout it from the rooftops – we all need a place to call home

There has never been a more important time to make a public case for social housing.

Our ministerial meeting on housing and employment

The Covid-19 Housing and Employment Taskforce, including the NHF, met the Minister for Employment, Mims Davies, and Will Quince, the Minister for Welfare Delivery, on 18 May.

No Pride in homelessness – the struggle for housing justice for LGBT+ people

This June, while Prides will always be a fabulous and colourful celebration of how far we’ve come, they remain a defiant cry for justice – and that must include housing justice. “The first Pride” – as the tee-shirt says – “was a riot!”

Initial results from our Universal Credit and rent arrears survey

Last month we issued a survey to our members, to help understand how the coronavirus outbreak is affecting residents who may be experiencing reduced or no income at the moment.

Our response to the HCLG Select Committee report on protecting renters and rough sleepers

On 22 May, the Homes, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) Select Committee published its interim report on protecting renters and rough sleepers during the coronavirus crisis.

Building Safety Fund – new details published in prospectus

A summary of the prospectus for the £1bn Building Safety Fund, which provides detail of how building owners can apply for funding to remediate buildings with non-ACM combustible cladding.

How we’re responding to increased demand for domestic abuse support and safe accommodation

How national housing associations delivering specialist supported housing services can help offer safe accommodation. 

NHF response to the building safety prospectus

Kate Henderson responds to the government's £1bn Building Safety Fund prospectus

Modern methods of construction webinar

Join Building Better and the Housing Minister, Rt Hon Chris Pincher MP, for a webinar on why Modern Methods of Construction are essential for recovery post-COVID.

Testing and tracing updates

See any latest information and updates on testing and tracing within the sector

Overcoming challenges of managing specialist substance misuse in housing during lockdown

As a specialist housing and treatment provider, we have unique insight into the challenges faced by individuals with a history of substance misuse and how the current crisis might affect them.

Social care workers can now access the Home Office bereavement scheme

The Home Office has extended its bereavement scheme to cover all NHS and social care workers.

Impact of coronavirus on valuations

JLL and Savills have published a statement on the valuation of social housing properties during the coronavirus crisis.

New funding to tackle the spread of coronavirus in care homes

A new £600m Infection Control Fund has been introduced to tackle the spread of coronavirus in care homes.

Coronavirus – an update on tax issues

The government has introduced a range of tax-related measures to assist businesses during the coronavirus crisis. Our tax advisers RSM have summarised those likely to be of most interest to housing associations, as well outlining other related issues worth considering.

How we’re protecting residents during lockdown – and why there must be no return to rough sleeping

Responding to coronavirus isn't easy, but we're focused on ensuring our residents and colleagues are supported.

Five ways we’ve been supporting mental wellbeing during coronavirus

During a time like this, it's never been more important to look after our mental health. Here's some advice from South Yorkshire Housing Association on how they've done it.

We’ve teamed up with a local social enterprise to deliver food to our most vulnerable residents

The Larder promotes healthy, nutritious food that is local, seasonal and waste-free, with all its profits going to communities in need.

Our recent work on domestic abuse

As part of our work on the National Housing and Domestic Abuse Policy and Practice Group, we’ve signed Safer London’s Call to Action for housing providers.

Gas safety check advice for landlords

Information from the Health and Safety Executive about issues with carrying out gas safety checks due to coronavirus.

How we are supporting staff's mental health

The coronavirus outbreak has completely changed the way we work, and it’s never been more important to look after our staff’s mental health and wellbeing.

Our engagement with the new rough sleeping taskforce

We’ve written to Dame Louise Casey to outline how we can end homelessness for all.

Government lifts restrictions on house moves

The Government has announced that house moves, including social housing lettings, can restart, with appropriate safety measures in place.

NHF Chair asks minister to prioritise building social housing in the economic recovery

NHF Chair Baroness Warwick asks ministers to make specific provision for more social homes in the next review of public spending to end rough sleeping for good.

How the housing and employment sectors can stand as one

Newcross-sector taskforce to find employment-led solutions for social housing residents.

Housing associations’ role in helping the economy to recover

We held a roundtable last week with housing associations, the Housing Minister, and MHCLG, as part of our work to shape how we emerge from the coronavirus crisis in the coming months and years.

How we’re working with DWP to manage the increased demands on Universal Credit

Residents need financial security in the longer term to manage ongoing rent payments. Alongside housing association federations across the UK, we’re working with DWP to help.

Coronavirus – advice on pensions

Our pensions advisers Isio have outlined some considerations for housing associations to take on board during the coronavirus crisis.

New taskforce to advise government on support for rough sleepers

A new specialist taskforce has been created to lead the next phase of the government’s support for rough sleepers during the coronavirus outbreak.

NHF Chair asks government to reduce housing costs to support most affected by coronavirus

Yesterday in a debate in the House of Lords, NHF Chair, Diana Warwick spoke about the impact of high housing costs on individuals and families and steps government can take to further support the people most affected by the coronavirus.

Why there's never been a more important time for HR

Now more than ever is the time for HR and people professionals to come together, share our experiences, grow our knowledge and prepare for what is to come.

More than homes: together we can raise £1 million for the Trussell Trust

Together, we can raise £1m for the Trussell Trust, writes Paul Dolan.

How we are supporting our most vulnerable residents during coronavirus lockdown

Keeping residents safe while continuing to deliver much needed services has been our main aim since the beginning of this crisis.

How is the coronavirus crisis affecting Universal Credit and rent arrears?

We are running a short monthly survey to monitor the impact of coronavirus on rent arrears and any relationship this may have with Universal Credit.

Building new homes remains a priority – even in unprecedented times

For the second edition of Thinkhouse’s blog for the NHF, we look at recent research on housing supply.

Update from the regulator for smaller housing associations

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has written to smaller registered housing associations to update on changes to its regulatory approach during the coronavirus outbreak.

The DWP is pausing third party deductions from Universal Credit payments until 10 May 2020

Find out more about these changes.

Update on the availability of PPE for our sector

We know that PPE availability is still a major area of concern for some of our members. Find out how we are working to manage shortages in our sector.

Governance from a distance – bringing us closer

How can you take your online board meetings from passable to excellent?

How we can help residents around the country celebrate VE Day during lockdown

We've created activity packs for residents to help them to mark the occasion in their own way during lockdown

How can housing associations chart a course out of this crisis?

At the NHF, we’re developing a project to understand and shape the next few months, and years, as the country emerges from the coronavirus crisis.

Our meeting with the Shadow Housing Minister and other political updates

Read our update on our recent influencing work.

NHF joins a new coronavirus housing and employment taskforce

We’re joining leaders from across the housing and employment sector to support people impacted by coronavirus.

New HCLG Committee coronavirus inquiry on homelessness, rough sleeping and the PRS

Feed into our response to the HCLG Select Committee inquiry into the impact of coronavirus n homelessness and renting.

Government pledge on building safety work

NHF joins pledge to ensure vital building safety improvements continue during the coronavirus outbreak.

Temporary changes at the NHF in response to coronavirus

We hope these temporary measures will help to put us on a secure footing to do what we are here to do - be the voice for the housing association sector.

Securing move-on accommodation for homeless people after coronavirus

Since the coronavirus outbreak we have seen an unprecedented effort to move rough sleepers into safe accommodation. Housing associations can be part of the resettlement effort too.

Update on funding and staffing costs for supported housing providers

After the charities rescue fund was announced by government, we have been working with MHCLG to clarify who is eligable. 

Government releases PPE plan and Guidance Hub

The government has released a Covid-19 PPE plan, setting out how PPE will reach those organisations who need it.

Lift checks and testing during the coronavirus outbreak

New guidance from the HSE released on carrying out lift examinations and tests during the coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus and Universal Credit – challenges for housing associations

Key challenges for housing associations.

Sign up to the Department for Work and Pensions' newsletter

Get all the latest updates from the department in one place.

New building safety announcements

See the latest government building safety announcements this April.

New cladding test results

The government has published the latest results of research and tests into a range of non-aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding materials.

Rural communities are vital – now more than ever

The response to coronavirus in rural communities has been exceptional, with residents coming together in unprecedented circumstances to help each other.

Our meeting with the Housing Minister and other political engagement

An update on our recent influencing work, including our roundtable with the Housing Minister and our engagement with the new Labour Shadow Cabinet.

New survey from the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH)

The regulator has published new information on their approach during the coronavirus crisis, including a new survey for registered providers.

Managing voids and meeting need during coronavirus outbreak

We have heard from members that managing voids that occur during the outbreak is particularly challenging.

Coronavirus – changes to the benefits system

The government has made a number of significant changes to the benefits system in order to support people’s incomes during the coronavirus crisis, and allow the DWP to focus resources on processing claims. 

Coronavirus – an update for members providing homelessness services

We’ve been speaking with our members to establish the impact of coronavirus on homelessness services.

New guidance on coronavirus and renting

This new government guidance contains important advice on several key areas for housing associations, residents and local authorities. 

Coronavirus update for supported housing providers

Updates for supported housing and sheltered housing providers, on some of the specific issues they face related to coronavirus.

Government furlough scheme − guidance for housing associations

We've produced some brief guidance for housing associations confirming that they are eligible to use the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. We have shared this with the government and are confident our interpretation is correct.

Assessing the scale of PPE challenges for frontline staff

We have raised with Government the urgency of getting supplies of PPE out to homelessness services, supported housing and care providers. 

Update from the Housing Ombudsman

In light of the coronavirus outbreak, the Housing Ombudsman has issued an update for landlords that are part of the scheme. 

Safety checks and coronavirus

The coronavirus outbreak is presenting a number of challenges for our members in terms of carrying out statutory safety checks. 

Remediation work during the coronavirus outbreak

The government has published new guidance on carrying out remedial works during the coronavirus outbreak. 

Government advice on home moving during the coronavirus outbreak

The government has issued new guidance that applies to people buying or selling private residential homes which they intend to live in. We are seeking advice on whether similar guidance will be issued on void management for social housing providers.

Update from the regulator on coronavirus

The Regulator of Social Housing has clarified its regulatory approach in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Update on the First Homes consultation

We are continuing our work to build a response to the government’s consultation on First Homes.

These are extraordinary times for everyone – but, together, we will pull through

I know I’ll look back and see that housing associations played a vital part in helping us pull through this national crisis.

The Coronavirus Act – details on evictions

This article summarises the impact that the Coronavirus Act and the suspension of court hearings will have on evictions.

Fire Safety Bill

Find out more about the government's recently published Fire Safety Bill.

Coronavirus update – political engagement, regulation and compliance, key and essential workers and the benefit system

This update covers how we’re engaging with political stakeholders and the regulator, clarification we’re seeking on key and essential workers, and changes to the benefit system.

Budget 2020 – a new building safety fund

Find out about the new £1bn building safety fund announced in the Spring Budget.

How housing associations are helping to stop loan sharks

Housing associations across the country are working in partnership to identify the signs of illegal money lending activity and help tenants in the grip of loan sharks.

Important changes to employee legislation

The government’s Good Work Plan takes effect from 6 April 2020, and requires organisations to provide extra information in the written statements of terms it sends to employees and workers.

Coronavirus – update on our events programme

Find out if any of our upcoming postponed events affect you.

Coronavirus update – key workers, our political engagement, and plans for member consultation

See our latest updates.

Response to government announcement on support for renters

Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, said: "We welcome government's extra support for renters.

No one should lose their home because of coronavirus

Coronavirus update – supporting our members

This update outlines how we’ll support housing associations, their teams and residents during the coronavirus crisis.  

Building a sector-standard approach to reporting

The social housing sector can establish a meaningful and consistent approach to reporting its environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance.

An update on Making Tax Digital

Following the introduction of the government’s Making Tax Digital initiative last year, the final stage is for organisations to provide digital links and record a trail of all data changes.

Invitation to tender – writing a new Code of Governance

Spring Budget 2020 – key housing announcements

Read a summary of the key measures announced in the Spring Budget, and our next steps.

NHF response to Budget 2020

Today’s budget includes positive announcements for social housing.

Our principles of co-creation with residents

Find out how resident feedback could and should be helping you redesign your services and customer journeys from Sovereign.

A short history of corporate governance – and why we’re reviewing the NHF Code of Governance

Paul Bayly explores why we have a Code of Governance, and why now is the right time to update it.

Together with Tenants: the role of boards in delivering a stronger relationship between housing associations and residents (webinar)

This webinar will explore the role of boards in developing a more balanced relationship between housing association and their residents.

Responding to coronavirus - resources for housing associations

We’ve collated the most relevant official advice on coronavirus for housing associations.

Ending homelessness: new funding announcements from the government

The government has committed £236m towards Housing First style ‘move on’ accommodation for up to 6,000 rough sleepers and those at immediate risk of rough sleeping.

Help shape national homelessness policy by joining our member steering group

John Glenton outlines how the NHF Homelessness Steering Group increases our impact on preventing and tackling homelessness.

Response to Affordable Housing Commission story on disruption to family life

This research demonstrates that problems with the housing market are affecting the population in increasingly insidious ways: disrupting family life, mental health and fundamental life choices.

Housing Futures: the 'insight' phase (webinar)

Led by innovation experts and open to all housing associations staff and residents, this webinar will give you a deeper understanding of the role of insight in innovation and will equip you with impactful tools to support you with this work.

National Housing Federation launches shared ownership campaign

The National Housing Federation has launched a new national campaign to boost the public’s understanding of shared ownership on a scale that has never been done before.

Housing sector launches UK-wide innovation programme

Hundreds of housing associations from every part of the UK have come together to launch an ambitious innovation programme to tackle the biggest challenges in housing.

Are you ready for the Future Homes Standard?

Some parts of the Future Homes Standard will come into effect as early as this year – we need to start preparing right now.

Designing homes for dignity

Invisible Creations is challenging stereotypes and negative stigmas around ageing and disability by producing attractive and inclusive home adaptations.

Modern methods of construction are an innovation we need to embrace to tackle the housing crisis

John Newbury gives a boards' perspective on adopting modern methods of construction in development projects.

Housing Futures is entering its ‘insight’ phase – what does this mean for you?

We’re looking for five people from housing associations in each region of the country to become Insight Leaders.

Together with Tenants – getting ready for rollout

With the early adopter process drawing to a close this spring, we’re preparing to roll Together with Tenants out across the sector – and here’s how you can prepare.

Consultation open for new First Homes policy

Read our initial response to this consultation, and our plans to coordinate a sector-wide response.

What have we learnt from helping to house a refugee family?

‘If you can, why don’t you?’ This was the question we were asked when approached to house the only Syrian refuge family to have settled in Birmingham as part of the Community Sponsorship programme.

Response to First Homes proposal

These proposals could make it more difficult for housing associations and councils to provide homes for lower income families.

Board member in the spotlight: Danielle Oum

In our latest board member in the spotlight feature, Danielle Oum, Chair of whg, explains what makes a great housing association chair, and why we need to foster a stronger relationship between health and housing.

Putting residents at the heart of Housing Futures

While Housing Futures will engage with housing associations and residents alike, in the East of England, our steering group is determined to put residents at the heart of the programme.

Investing in projects which make our places great is simply the right thing to do

Join Citizen's Colin Dennis to talk about why investing in projects which make our places great is simply the right thing to do.

Update from the West Midlands (January 2020)

An update from Boris Worrall, Group Chief Executive Rooftop Housing, and Chair of the West Midlands Regional Committee.

The post-Brexit Budget and housing

The Federation will be making a submission on behalf of the sector, ahead of the Budget on 11 March.

Response to the Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission’s report

We welcome the publication of the Commission’s report today, which rightly highlights the need for good design and construction standards when building new homes. These are not just things that are nice to have, but essential parts of building cohesive, sustainable communities.

What does the new year bring for housing association board members?

NHF Chair Baroness Diana Warwick looks ahead to what 2020 might bring for housing association board members.

Response to today’s announcements on building safety

Housing associations have already started removing combustible cladding from buildings under the 18-metre threshold, based on a broader assessment of risk. We therefore welcome the government’s proposals to apply a risk-based approach to evaluating building safety – something which we have been calling for.

Our shared ownership campaign is going public – now it’s time to make a real impact

A strong new message for shared ownership forms the basis of an ambitious nationwide advertising programme.

Helping the sector to speak with one voice on shared ownership

At RHP we’ve started to use the shared ownership campaign’s eye-catching creative assets to build a powerful new brand and message.

Introducing Thinkhouse: more than just blue sky thinking?

Thinkhouse highlights the best analysis and thinking about housing to help in your board member role
 

Housing Futures is the biggest collaborative exercise ever undertaken by our sector

We need your help to identify the big challenges we should tackle through Housing Futures.

Brexit: an update for housing associations

Update for housing associations on preparing for Brexit.

Home Office to launch Fire Kills Campaign

The Home Office will launch its latest Fire Kills advertising campaign on 3 February.

When is transformation truly transformational – and when’s it not?

I’ve been doing some research for a social housing client which has meant reading a lot of corporate strategies and Value for Money statements from housing associations. The word that crops up time and time again is ‘transformation’ – and in many cases, it’s preceded by the word ‘digital’. It made me think about whether these transformations were reality or fantasy – and how you tell whether an initiative is truly transformational?

How we’re engaging our rural customers in Together with Tenants

Cottsway are using using a variety of methods to engage their rural customers.

Housing associations are key to economic growth and building thriving communities

The National Housing Federation’s new publication, Homes for the Ox-Cam Arc, outlines the contribution housing associations are making to the local economy in the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, and the potential that they have to help the region grow.

DWP confirm changes to Universal Credit

DWP has confirmed that they will be testing a new system to pay social landlords direct payments. The new system will see landlords receive the housing cost element directly from the DWP at the same time that tenants receive their Universal Credit payments.
 

Housing can be at the heart of Boris Johnson’s vision for Britain

We need to reach out to new MPs and make the case for housing.

Tomorrow we wake up to a new government – what will this mean for housing?

Election day has come. Many have called this the most important election in a generation, a Brexit election, an election to shape Britain’s future.

How can housing play a part in solving the climate crisis?

It is only natural that as social housing providers we talk a lot about the housing crisis. We constantly ask how we can build more social homes, regenerate communities and help bring an end to the shocking situation of homelessness that is ruining lives. Recently more housing associations have also been talking about, and taking action on, the climate crisis.

How housing associations can support Gypsy and Traveller communities

Social housing providers are incredibly well placed to deliver accommodation, support and a sense of pride to Gypsy and Traveller communities.

Our member satisfaction survey is changing

What do we know about “honour-based” violence?

One thing we know for sure about domestic abuse is that its impact is extremely harmful to a person’s physical, mental and social wellbeing. Its manifestation has multiple forms and for many South Asian women it presents as “honour-based” violence (HBV).

Did you know disabled people are 1.5 times more likely to experience domestic abuse?

We have a duty to all tenants and a responsibility to challenge situations where we believe someone with a disability may be at risk.

Is your organisation making demonstrable progress on leadership diversity?

Two years on from the launch of Leadership 2025, Gina reflects on what’s changed in the housing sector – and what’s not.

Three reasons you should engage with your local candidates in the pre-election period

Housing associations should not wait to engage with the next cohort of decision-makers.
 

If a man was experiencing domestic abuse, would you recognise it?

Domestic abuse doesn’t just impact white, straight women. Ahead of the next National Housing Federation domestic abuse forum, we look at how it affects men.

Top tips to make modern methods of construction work

Modern methods of construction (MMC) are a hot topic in housing, and something for housing associations of all sizes to consider when undertaking development projects and looking to build more homes.

Our updated brownfield land map helps to identify sites for building new homes

Finding available land to build new homes on isn’t always straightforward. We’ve updated our brownfield map to help make it easier.

How should housing associations prepare for the general election?

Politicians may come and go, but housing associations are here for the long term.

Let’s talk about race

BME National are determined to take the ‘mute’ off race conversations in the housing sector – that’s why we’ve launched a new mission statement.

The Stronger Towns Fund – coming (very) soon to a place near you?

The Government’s latest regeneration programme has ramped up – act soon if you want a piece of the funding action.

Let’s make sure the next government works with us to fix the housing crisis for good

Leading up to the general election, we need your help to ensure housing is a priority for the next government.

We’ve joined the Housing Made for Everyone (HoME) coalition

The Federation has signed up to a coalition of housing and voluntary sector organisations calling for more new accessible homes.

How can housing associations help stop rising figures of BME homelessness?

Tackling homelessness in BME communities a key focus of the BME National mission statement.

Response to the Grenfell Inquiry report

Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation welcomes today’s report into the events on the night of the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower.

Update on Right to Shared Ownership

The Government has announced changes to the shared ownership model, and that it intends to take forward Right to Shared Ownership as an official government policy.
 

Update from the West Midlands Regional Committee

Update from Boris Worrall, Group Chair of the the West Midlands Regional Committee, which brings together leaders from housing associations across the region to help shape and deliver NHF work both nationally and in the West Midlands region. 

National Housing Federation response to the Queen’s Speech

Responding to the Queen’s Speech, Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, said “Today’s building safety proposals from the Government are very welcome – fixing the broken regulatory system must be a top priority."

We’re supporting the No Homeless Veterans campaign

The No Homeless Veterans campaign calls on local authorities, homelessness charities and advice agencies such as Citizens Advice, to ‘Think Veteran’ and identify and signpost them to the enhanced support services available to them.

The new Green Paper on planning is an opportunity to improve the process

Next month’s Accelerated Planning Green Paper should bring more substance and an opportunity to pitch proposals for improvement

Housing benefit freeze: 9 in 10 homes unaffordable for families

The benefit freeze is pushing low income families to the brink, with more than nine in ten homes for private rent too expensive for those on housing benefit. Two thirds of these families are in work.

We need to broaden our view of domestic abuse

Housing providers are in a unique position to support LGBT victims of domestic abuse.

So, what’s the big deal about BIM?

Everyone seems to be talking about Building Information Modelling (BIM)… what is it? Do we need it in housing? Does it add benefit? Isn’t it just complex buildings that require 3D models?

Our response to the Right to Shared Ownership announcement

Our response to the Government's proposal to introduce a Right to Shared Ownership.

1 in 7 people in England directly hit by the housing crisis

More than 8m people in England are living in an unaffordable, insecure or unsuitable home, according to the first ever ‘state of the nation’ report on the housing crisis.

Update on our sector intelligence survey

Your responses to the survey help us to understand our members’ needs and better tailor our services.

What could the climate crisis mean for housing association boards?

Following the recent NHF webinar on what the climate crisis could mean for housing associations and their boards I was inundated with questions about the topics discussed, so I decided to answer some of your biggest questions on climate change and the effects it might have in housing in a blog.

Do you want to get #boardready?

The programme for future housing leaders is helping to bring new talent with fresh ideas into the boardroom.

130,000 families forced to live in one-bed flats

A severe shortage of homes is forcing families to squeeze into one-bedroom flats, according to a new report from the National Housing Federation. 

Why we should all get behind the new shared ownership campaign

National Housing Federation response to new Conservative Party leader

In response to the election of the new leader of the Conservative Party, Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation has released a statement on behalf of the organisation.

Government publishes results from HPL cladding and fire door tests

On 18 July the Government announced some results of safety tests on high pressure laminate (HPL) cladding and timber fire doors.

New homeless families outnumber new social homes by 8 to 1

Our latest analysis shows that for every one new social home built in England, eight families are accepted as homeless by their local council.

An update from the West Midlands Regional Committee (July 2019)

The West Midlands Regional Committee brings together leaders from housing associations across the region to help shape and deliver the Federation’s work both nationally and in the West Midlands region. Update from Boris Worrall, Group Chair.

Universal Credit - updates from our work with the Government

This Universal Credit update provides the latest on rent changes, supported housing, the benefit cap and more.

Leasehold asset management – how avoiding delays can prevent problems later

David Cotterell FRICS, Director, Savills Housing & Healthcare Division, looks at how taking early and decisive action in managing leasehold assets can help housing associations steer clear of pitfalls.

The new Value for Money Standard – supporting transparency for housing associations

Robert Dryburgh, Assistant Director, Business Intelligence at the Regulator of Social Housing on how the Value for Money Standard could support transparency for housing associations after the CPI+1% rent increase is implemented next year.

Selecting the right auditor – the dos and don’ts

Guy Biggin, regional Non Profits lead at national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm, Crowe, outlines what a good procurement process looks like when it comes to the annual audit.

Local Government Pension Scheme consultation

Continued application of the VAT Cost Sharing Exemption

The VAT Cost Sharing Exemption is to continue to apply for housing associations. Deloitte explains why this is important for the sector and how it will continue to benefit National Housing Federation members.

Helping tenants find alternatives to high-cost credit

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published guidance for housing associations to provide greater clarity about which types of activities are likely to be credit broking when advising tenants.

Response to the findings of the Dame Hackitt's Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety

National Housing Federation's response to Theresa May's announcement on social housing

Brexit – issues for finance teams to consider

Key considerations for housing association finance teams that may arise from the UK leaving the EU.

Response to the Prime Minister's announcement on lifting the council borrowing cap

Today, in her speech to the Conservative Party Conference, the Prime Minister announced that the Government will lift the borrowing cap on councils to help support more housebuilding.

Why rural housing deserves the spotlight this week

Growing up in rural Cornwall, just outside a tiny village between Penzance and St Ives, I was incredibly lucky to spend my childhood exploring the countryside, building tree houses, spending time with my friends on the beach, and eating a lot of Cornish ice cream 

Revising our Code of Governance

Have your say as we work with members and stakeholders to revise our Code of Governance.

Political engagement update for board members – April to June 2019

We update on our latest political engagement activities, including discussions on building safety and our shared ownership campaign.

Changes to standards for new homes announced by the Government

The Prime Minister has announced important changes to requirements for new homes, covering space standards and accessibility. 

Capital grant required to meet social housing need in England 2021

This report estimates the subsidy required for housing associations and local authorities to build the social homes required to meet housing need over the decade from 2021.

The role of boards in meeting the supply challenge

£12.8bn needed every year to end the housing crisis

New research from the National Housing Federation reveals that the Government must invest £12.8bn a year to finally end the housing crisis in England.

New government advice following the fire in Barking

The Government has issued an advice note to building owners on the risks arising from balconies on residential buildings.

Reflections on the fire at Grenfell Tower

A tragedy like the fire at Grenfell Tower must never happen again. We must learn, reflect, and never forget the 72 people who lost their lives in the tragic events of 14 June 2017. All of us in housing must do everything in our power to make sure this never happens again.

National Housing Federation responds to the Government consultation on building safety

Today, Victoria Moffett, Grenfell Programme Lead at the National Housing Federation issued a response to the Government consultation on building safety published on behalf of the organisation.

The Social Housing Green Paper

We want your views on the Social Housing Green Paper.

Our new shared ownership campaign

We’re developing a new campaign on shared ownership, which will boost the profile of this great product across the country on a scale that’s never been done before.

Dispatches from the (party political) fringe

At the end of the political conference season, Jessica Levy reflects on what this means for the housing sector.

Reflections on the Chancellor’s Budget 2018

This year’s Budget was not the quiet, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it fiscal event that many anticipated. With Brexit on the horizon and significant uncertainty persisting, many were ready to forgive Philip Hammond if this Budget had passed relatively unnoticed.

Spending money well, to improve lives

Summary RE Spending money well, to improve lives

Housing Inequalities

How housing inequalities impact on mental health and wellbeing

An update from the West Midlands Regional Committee(2)

Progress on Permitted Development

The Government has responded to feedback on its recent Planning reform: supporting the high street and increasing the delivery of new homes consultation.

Five updates on building and fire safety

This includes an update on the new government testing programme on other types of cladding.

New building safety knowledge hub for social landlords

The Federation and the Local Government Association (LGA) have launched a new building safety knowledge hub for social landlords.

New guidance to help identify tenants at risk of county lines exploitation

New guidance from the Home Office and CrimeStoppers aims to help housing association staff identify and support vulnerable tenants.

Almost 3 million children from working families in poverty

Figures released by the Government today show a further rise in the number of children from working families living in poverty. This is an increase of 833,000 children since 2010.

We’re calling on the Government to fix flaws in the Universal Credit system

We want to see a benefits system that works for everyone, that gives people enough money to live on, that supports people into work and that ensures everyone has fair access to affordable housing.

Universal Credit update – 2019 rent changes process and update on the 53 week rent year

This Universal Credit update provides the latest on Landlord Portal, 53 week rent year, managed migration, pension age claimants and our work with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Select Committee.

The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 – what to expect

This important act came into force on 20 March 2019, and gives renters the right to take action if their property is not fit for habitation.

Supported housing update

This article provides updates on the work the Federation continues to do, our work with the Government on oversight, and how members can get involved in the near future.

Update on VAT exemption for service charges

HMRC published a briefing last year on the VAT exemption provided under the service charges concession rule change. This update from Deloitte outlines how exemptions could apply under different provisions for those providers who are no longer VAT exempt.

Changing tenure on unsold properties − what are the tax implications?

Local Government Pension Scheme employer base review – Tier 3 update

The Local Government Pension Scheme Advisory Board has been conducting a review of the treatment of Tier 3 employers across all UK funds. Our pensions advisers KPMG provide an update on progress.

Update on VAT exemption for service charges

Deloitte outlines how exemptions could apply under different provisions for those providers who are no longer VAT exempt.

53-week rent year – what this means for Universal Credit payments

Many housing associations have raised the problem with the Universal Credit calculation for people with weekly tenancies in years where there are 53 rent charges.

Six housing announcements from the Spring Statement 2019

The Spring Statement 2019 contained six main housing announcements.

Response to the Spring Statement

On behalf of the organisation James Prestwich, Head of Policy at the National Housing Federation has released a statement.

Ten top tips for securing planning permission

The planning process can be difficult and uncertain, but there are things you can do to make the process smoother.

Why partnership working holds the key to tackling the housing crisis

Working closely with local authority partners can help housing associations overcome some of the biggest barriers to building the homes we need.

National Housing Federation sets out plan of action for stronger tenant-landlord relationships

The National Housing Federation is launching an ambitious new programme of work to build a stronger relationship between housing associations and their tenants.

Housing associations and local authorities working together to build more homes

With vital support from Cornwall Council, housing associations built a quarter of all new homes in the county last year.

Half a million more children in poverty in private rented homes than ten years ago

Research by the National Housing Federation has revealed that there are now an estimated 1.3 million children living in poverty in privately rented homes in England, an increase of 537,325 children (69%) since 2008.

Brexit may feel uncertain, but we can still prepare for the future

Our new briefing sets out the key challenges Brexit may bring for housing associations and how we can be ready for what may come.

IR35 changes for the private sector

The Autumn Budget confirmed that the proposed reforms to the taxation of personal service companies in the private sector will be implemented from 6 April 2020.

Domestic reverse charge for fraud in the construction sector

HMRC has confirmed that the construction industry anti-VAT fraud provisions will only apply to positive VAT-rated services (i.e. 20% or 5%), where payments are required to be reported through the Construction Industry Scheme (“CIS”). This update from Deloitte summarises the detail.

VAT update – service charge concession rule change

HMRC has recently issued a brief concerning VAT exemption for domestic service charges. Deloitte explains the detail.

Government ban on combustible materials

The Government has set out details of their ban on the use of combustible materials in buildings over 18m in height.

What does the Social Housing Green Paper mean for the world of housing association finance?

The new ideas set out could have significant implications for the sector’s finances, which do after all, underpin everything that we collectively seek to achieve.

The Government’s Industrial Strategy is taking shape at local level and now is the time to engage

Housing associations should be involved in shaping Local Industrial Strategies.

Four reasons why we've signed to the Commitment to Refer

Don’t underestimate the impact your organisation can have on ending homelessness.

Over 200 housing associations pledge to tackle homelessness

201 housing associations have pledged to tackle homelessness by signing the Commitment to Refer.

Social housing spending at record low

At the National Housing Federation Annual Conference, Chief Executive David Orr will today warn that social housing funding is in crisis, unless the Government is prepared to make a break with the past and start funding new genuinely affordable homes.