Social value increases 40% as landlords step up in investment

G15 members created £74.2m in social value through community projects last year, according to the group’s annual investment impact report.

G15 impact report

A community day at Peabody’s Parkside estate in Lewisham

The group, which consists of the largest housing associations in London, published the report yesterday. It shows the landlords’ social value created, as measured by the Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust, increased by 41% year-on-year. The landlords’ combined investment in communities rising from £27.4m to £33.1m.

The report show more than 340,000 people took part in G15 community programmes, more than 83,000 accessed health and support and nearly 29,000 accessed food provision.

G15 members supported 19,000 with cost-of-living pressures and supported more than 12,000 into employment or training. 

In numbers:

  • £33.1m invested in total
  • £74.2m social value created as measured by HACT
  • 19,282 people were supported with cost-of-living pressures and finances
  • 28,684 people accessed food provision through 139 projects across the capital
  • 2,840 evictions were prevented
  • 346,708 people took part in community programmes across London
  • 83,081 residents accessed health and wellbeing support
  • 12,691 people were supported into employment, training or business activity

Source: G15 Community Investment Impact Report 2015

Ian McDermott, chair of the G15 and chief executive of Peabody, said: “This report shows the difference our members are making every day, from supporting local people into work to strengthening financial resilience and wellbeing.

“We know that investing in communities is essential to building a resilient, fairer future for London and everyone who calls it their home. We’ll continue to work with local people, councils, government, and other partners to provide the right support where it’s needed.”

Examples of schemes supported

The report sets out examples of projects funded by G15 landlords.

Below are examples as described by the G15.

  • Islington – The Arc Centre (Hyde Foundation)  A community hub providing a food bank, wellbeing activities and social space in an area with high levels of child poverty. The centre also supports local employment and has helped create jobs through a community café.
  • Tower Hamlets – community wellbeing projects (L&Q)  Grants to resident-led projects are helping people manage long-term health conditions and reduce isolation.
  • Ealing – Rectory Park Youth Club (Sovereign Network Group)  Youth provision offering safe spaces, mentoring and structured activities in an area facing concerns about antisocial behaviour.
  • Lambeth – Baytree Centre and community initiatives (Guinness Partnership)  Programmes supporting women, children and families through skills, wellbeing and confidence-building activities, alongside wider community initiatives tackling isolation and improving life chances.
  • London-wide – emergency cost of living support  Targeted funds are providing immediate help – from energy vouchers preventing disconnection to grants enabling residents to furnish homes or buy essentials when finances are stretched.

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