Abri’s Group Chief Executive, Gary Orr, joined housing leaders and the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Steve Reed at a national roundtable hosted by MHCLG this week to discuss how the sector and Government can work together to increase the supply of genuinely affordable homes.
The session brought together chief executives from major housing associations, including Abri, Clarion, Sanctuary, and Places for People, alongside representatives from CIH, Homes England and local government. The agenda focused on driving new supply through the Social and Affordable Homes Programme, the need for the government to commit to rent convergence at £3 per week, and unlocking the potential of Section 106 and brownfield funding to support community-led regeneration.
On attending the roundtable, Abri’s Group Chief Executive and Co-Chair of the NHF’s National Delivery Group, Gary Orr, said:
"This roundtable was a great opportunity to share Abri’s experience and discuss how we can work with Government to scale up affordable housing delivery. After years of reduced investment, the Government’s renewed commitment and funding in this area are a real boost. Getting the details right and streamlining processes will help housing associations deliver more affordable homes and strengthen the wider housing sector’s ability to meet the Government’s ambitions.”
The National Housing Federation convened the discussion to highlight housing associations’ role as key delivery partners for Government. The meeting built on the sector’s ongoing engagement around rent convergence, standards for existing homes, and new mechanisms to support economic growth through housing investment.
Abri continues to invest heavily in new and existing homes, with ongoing plans to increase supply across its regions and is on track to exceed its 2030 target of 10,000 additional homes. As Abri embarks on a new corporate strategy focused on long term growth and sustainability, having the right policy and funding environment will be essential to deliver on those ambitions. This roundtable was a valuable step in shaping that environment and strengthening the partnership between Government and the sector.