Thought leader interview with Austen Reid

What will be the biggest issue you hope to hear more on at Housing 2022?

The greater sector focus on existing residents, demonstrated by the Social Housing White paper, proposed changes to the regulatory framework and the Levelling Up agenda, will require considerable investment in the current housing stock, including enhanced energy efficiency. A reallocation of capital away from new homes to existing homes presents a considerable challenge to the sector. The current housing association financial model is geared to the development of new income producing housing. So, the big issue is how does the sector deliver the required investment in existing housing and what does a new partnership with Government look like?

What will you be speaking about in your session?

Social Housing organisations have great stories to tell and present excellent case studies. In the light of the rapid expansion of the ESG (Environmental Social and Governance) agenda, the Levelling Up White paper and the decarbonisation challenge I will explore how the disclosure of high quality ESG metrics provides much greater transparency of an organisation’s performance. I will argue that the application of externally validated ESG metrics strengthens governance, enhances the management culture and supports the professionalism required to meet the challenges ahead as well as enhancing the contribution of the housing sector to society.

Tell us a question for the Secretary of State

Does the SoS see the Levelling Up White paper as an agenda for housing regeneration ?

What are you most looking forward to?

Engaging with new and old colleagues and hearing the views of a wide range of sector leading speakers.

Name us the housing speaker of your dreams and why?

Urban Planner, Ebenezer Howard (1850-1928) credited as being the founder of the Garden City Movement. A real visionary and social reformer. In my dreams because he is dead but the debate about the shape, form and need for new settlements continues today, against the backdrop of the net zero target.

Why is it vital the whole sector has a place to meet each year?

The housing conference can inspire, galvanise and challenge. The conference provides an opportunity for the housing industry in the form of landlords, the companies engaged in the supply chain and funders to explore, in a transparent way, solutions to the issues impacting on the sector and its residents.

Book for your ticket for Housing 2022 now.