The social housing sector had a positive spending review last year, with the announcement of a 10-year rent settlement, the new £39bn Social and Affordable Homes Programme, the return of rent convergence, access to building safety funding and more.

But the operating environment remains tricky, with low demand, difficult viability and competing demands. Providers are faced with the need to improve existing stock and transform services at the same time as achieving or maintaining regulatory compliance, all while delivering new homes.