Borough Council joins national summit to secure the future of council housing

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council were among the attendees calling for action to put council housing on a stable and sustainable long-term footing.

The one-day national summit was held in Leeds last week and was organised by Leeds City Council in partnership with Southwark Council and Sheffield City Council. Executive Member for Housing at Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, Councillor Michael Mullaney, attended alongside the Borough Council’s Director (Places Services), Madeline Shellard.

Around 200 representatives from central government, local authorities, charities and other key stakeholders took part, with the aim of shaping the future of council housing and strengthening the case for a funding model that supports both existing homes and new supply.

The summit highlighted the scale of the challenge facing council housing nationally, with a focus on putting residents first, strengthening the long-term finances of council housing and ensuring regeneration works for everyone. Delegates also discussed how councils can work together to influence national decision-making and secure a more sustainable funding model.

Speaking after the summit, Cllr Mullaney said: “It was good to attend the Securing the Future of Council Housing Summit in Leeds on behalf of Hinckley and Bosworth and to hear from councils, residents’ representatives and national partners about what needs to change.

“Council housing provides families with a safe, affordable home, but councils need a funding system that allows us to keep homes up to standard, invest in energy efficiency and build more homes for the future. That’s why it’s important councils are involved in shaping the national approach – and why we are adding our voice to calls for long-term solutions.

“Here in Hinckley and Bosworth, we remain committed to maintaining and increasing the amount of council housing available so that more local people can access a decent, affordable and secure home.”