Paul Hackett
CommentMinisters must not push the pace of building safety work beyond supply chain and balance sheet capacities
Simply bringing in stringent targets in an attempt to speed up remediation would misdiagnose the problem - a wider package is needed, writes Paul Hackett
CommentGovernment must strike the right balance in welcome drive to raise standards
The intention behind the Competence and Conduct Standard is a good one but ministers must listen to industry feedback and beware a one-size-fits-all solution to a complex problem, argues Paul Hackett
CommentMany housing associations’ earnings aren’t enough to cover costs – it’s grave news for housing delivery
As interest cover falls to record lows, ministers must help registered providers rebuild their financial capacity, argues Paul Hackett
CommentExtra regulation should help social housing – but landlords need support to meet the cost
The government should take extra regulatory costs into account when deciding on the next rent settlement for social housing providers, writes Paul Hackett
CommentDrawing up a blueprint for sustaining social housing tenancies
A unique research project is taking place at Sheffield Hallam University looking at how to improve tenancy sustainment, explains Paul Hackett
CommentThe current funding model for housing associations has been pushed to its limit
As a new parliamentary inquiry launches into social housing finances, Paul Hackett argues associations’ development of new homes will drop unless government intervenes
CommentHousing does not seem to feature in the chancellor’s growth plans
The Budget’s silence on housing last week was disappointing, writes Paul Hackett
CommentMinisters must intervene to stop a prolonged dip in affordable housing supply
It feels like we are on the cusp of a downturn in affordable housing delivery, but the government has the tools to prevent if from happening, argues Paul Hackett
CommentHousing associations face tough choices as belts tighten
While there were several plus-points in last week’s autumn statement, associations and their residents are still in for a rough ride over the next two years, writes Paul Hackett
CommentWhat might a fair affordable rent settlement look like?
If rents are prevented from rising with inflation next year, as is now expected, social landlords must be permitted to claw money back at a later date, or investment will be hit, says Paul Hackett
CommentWe must get the design of the new Infrastructure Levy right
It is vital the proposed Infrastructure Levy boosts on-site affordable provision and avoids unintended consequences, writes Paul Hackett
CommentAssociations’ contribution goes well beyond housing
As debate rages over the Boris Johnson’s ‘levelling up’ agenda, Paul Hackett argues that housing associations have a huge role to play in delivering on a wide range of related government priorities
CommentLet’s take this chance to build a better future
The pandemic has brought shifts in our ways of working and a reassessment of priorities. We can use this to bring about culture change for the benefit of colleagues and residents
CommentSection 106 has promoted mixed communities for decades, but not for much longer
Planning reforms do not compel developers to provide affordable housing on-site, which could reverse years of progress
CommentHousing associations face difficult trade offs
Inadequate government funding to improve fire safety means social landlords are having to scale back the number of homes they build and delay energy efficiency measures, says Paul Hackett
CommentHousing associations must embrace the government’s charter for tenants
The social housing whitepaper rejects top-down models in favour of stakeholder engagement, which can only be positive says Optivo’s Paul Hackett
CommentLevelling up should go beyond tackling the North-South divide
We need a more nuanced approach to redressing inequality wherever it is found, says Optivo’s Paul Hackett
CommentThe race for space: Housing market trends that are here to stay
Buyers and renters’ priorities have changed, so how do developers, planners and policy-makers respond in the long term?