Anthony Okereke

City Funds is a place-based impact fund that uses its funds and aligned grants to strengthen organisations solving some of the biggest problems facing Bristol.  Aligned with the One City Plan, City Funds adopts a One City approach bringing together the public and private sectors, mixing investment, grant-funding and pro bono support to make Bristol a fair, healthy and sustainable city. The fund, which was established five years ago as a collaboration of Quartet Community Foundation, Bristol & Bath Regional Capital and Bristol City Council, has been evaluated by The Good Economy.    This evaluation looked at the successes of the fund and what can be learned from the process of setting it up. It found that City Funds has a unique governance structure that bridges the local authority and private investment to tackle inequality and city-wide issues. The final report includes an evaluation of the impact in terms of tackling inequality and what lessons can be brought forward to new funds, with a focus on the scalability of the fund, particularly in the context of the new Western Net Zero Accelerator Fund that Bristol & Bath Regional Capital is working on establishing and how the model can be transformed for a regional scale. Offer: You can read the full report below #BristolOneCity #OneCityApproach https://lnkd.in/eZUm86wj

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In Social Housing, providers can improve tenant satisfaction through the way in which complaints are handled. Download our free checklist to quickly assess your Housing teams’ capability to drive higher levels of tenant satisfaction with the way in which complaints are managed. 👉 Download here (it will also be sent to your inbox) https://lnkd.in/g8ScZwq2 #socialhousing #tenantsatisfaction

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Are you in social housing and looking to drive excellent TSM scores? Results published by Social Housing Organisations show there is an opportunity for providers to focus on action to improve tenant satisfaction with the way in which complaints are handled. Download our checklist to quickly assess your teams’ capability and confidence to drive higher levels of tenant satisfaction, with the way in which complaints and feedback are managed. Download now >> https://lnkd.in/eXr5V6_C #socialhousing

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Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, has outlined proposals to tackle the city-region’s housing crisis with plans to build 75,000 new homes by 2029. Alongside housebuilding ambitions, the Mayor is also launching the city-region’s Good Landlord Charter which aims to improve standards for tenants across both the private and social rented sector. The Charter is based on seven core principles for high quality housing: 🔺 Affordable – tenants should understand how their rent and other charges are set and should not be overcharged. 🔺Safe and decent – tenants should be able to live free from physical or psychological discomfort in their home. 🔺Responsive – landlords should respond satisfactorily to requests for repairs, correspondence and complaints. 🔺Well managed – landlords or managing agents should be competent. 🔺Inclusive – no tenant should have a worse experience because of who they are. 🔺Private and secure – tenants should be free to enjoy their home and make it their own. 🔺Supportive – tenants should have essential information and extra support if required. For more information on the Good Landlord Charter, visit: https://lnkd.in/eg8y-cAi https://lnkd.in/eaDzPdWT

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Decarbonising social housing is crucial for local authorities aiming to achieve Net Zero, but it requires effective planning to implement. Our best practice guide to social housing retrofit is based on the Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise (RISE) knowledge hub and pulls together the resources you'll need at every stage of your project (from strategy and securing buy-in from senior stakeholders to building your business case and monitoring and evaluation). Log in (or sign up if you're not a member) and see how you can speed up delivery, increase the energy efficiency of your housing stock, and enhance residents' quality of life.

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📽 Watch: The King announces Government's commitment to accelerating the delivery of high quality housing through planning reform, and encouraging investment in industry, skills and new technology. 👇 We welcome the ambition on housing delivery and policy proposals put forward to deliver them and look forward to working with Government to support industry to deliver much needed homes.🏗💡🏡

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𝐈𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐫'𝐬 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐬? 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐞? Labour's draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) might be a good first step with its raised housing targets, but just setting higher targets won't automatically lead to more homes being built. We need to keep the pressure on the Government during the draft #NPPF consultation period which runs until September 24th. I would also encourage you to write to your MP with your views. The industry suggests in the below article that a lot more needs to happen. We need big changes in how planning applications are handled and better funding and training for local councils so they can meet the increased demand. A major worry is whether local authorities have the capacity and efficiency to pull all this off. If they’re serious about hitting the target of 1.5 million new homes, the government will need to step up by providing more resources, fostering collaboration, and speeding up planning processes, particularly for brownfield sites. There’s also a need for a more varied approach to housing - mixing social housing, private rentals, and homes for sale - and building new towns. The planned New Towns Task Force is a step in this direction. Ultimately, it’s not just about policy changes; it’s about changing how both politicians and the public think about housing. We need to move away from the NIMBY mentality and recognise the value of building new homes and creating thriving communities. Go here to comment on the draft NPPF and learn more: https://lnkd.in/eaRNXFdJ Find and write to your MP here: https://lnkd.in/eWe6zUvP https://lnkd.in/eR4DX3VJ #planning #development #housingcrisis #housing #property #propertytips #localgovernment Local Government Association #YIMBY #NIMBY

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"Social landlords step up use of carbon credits to fund retrofit work" Discover how HACT and PNZ Carbon 's Retrofit Credits is becoming the solution to financing retrofit projects. Not only do Retrofit Credits supports sustainability but they also include the social value benefit to communities🌍🏡 As the demand for green solutions grows, this innovative approach is a win for both the environment and the social housing sector. Learn more about this trend and its impact on the future of housing 👉 https://buff.ly/46y4t3H #Sustainability #SocialHousing #RetrofitCredits #RetrofitFunding Inside Housing Antoine Pellet

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Plans for Redditch’s new Community Hub are to change, after Redditch Borough Council’s Executive Committee voted to withdraw an invitation to Redditch Library to move into it. The decision at last night’s (July 29) Executive meeting means the borough council will now work on bringing other tenants into the town’s developing multi-agency hub at a transforming Redditch Town Hall. Council Leader, Cllr Joe Baker, said: “After working on this issue for two years as a key campaign pledge, and after the people of Redditch gave us a resounding mandate through the ballot box in May’s election, we can finally say that we have stopped the move that would have led to the demolition of the library. We can now get on with a more suitable community hub.” The council will now formally notify Worcestershire County Council, the owner and operator of Redditch Library and its current building, of the decision, and work on new hub plans. It also means the council will now work with the Redditch Town Deal Board and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to determine the most effective alternative use for the £4m of Towns Fund money previously approved for the redevelopment of the library site. Cllr Baker added: “We want to see the Towns Fund money used to boost Redditch, not demolish a much-used community asset. Those conversations are already happening, and we look forward to working with all parties on a resolution that benefits Redditch.” New reports on revised hub plans and the Towns Fund money are now expected before the council’s Executive Committee in September.

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The Northern Housing Consortium’s "Brownfield First" report highlights a transformative opportunity for the North of England: building a new generation of homes on brownfield land. By devolving funding to local Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs), we can address the housing crisis, regenerate urban areas, and protect greenfield sites. At Sureserve, we share this vision of transforming communities through sustainable housing solutions. Our commitment to improving social housing efficiency has positioned us as leaders in retrofitting and renewable energy, including heat pumps and solar battery storage. Our high standard of service is driven by our frontline workforce, who deliver lasting impact in their communities. Working as one Sureserve, we support initiatives like “Brownfield First” to drive forward sustainable, affordable housing solutions. Let's back this strategic initiative to create sustainable, affordable housing solutions while rejuvenating our communities. #HousingCrisis #UrbanRegeneration #BrownfieldFirst Read more: https://lnkd.in/eKvkjmqi

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With speeches and commentary regarding planning coming in thick and fast in the national press, we are today releasing our new paper, “From Scarcity to Stability: Planning for the Future of Housing” calling for immediate changes to the planning system following Labour’s win. Housebuilding has consistently fallen below annual targets and house prices in England have grown an average of 6% annually over the last 30 years. Meanwhile the number of households on local authority waiting lists in England has grown by 14% between 2018-2023. In our paper we outline our recommendations for the short term, with immediate changes that could deliver instant improvements in the first 100 days, as well as longer-term recommendations that will positively shape the future of UK housing stock. In that regard we propose a new National Strategy for Housing in England that dovetails with industrial and infrastructure strategies. Please do have a read and let us know your thoughts – I hope that much of it will resonate with our clients and fellow consultants and peers, as well as the general public who like many of us must have got tired of the continual tinkering of the planning system during the past government. Inaction is simply not an option when it comes to the housing crisis. There is a very real imperative for planning to be seen as an agent for positive change.

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🤝 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆? 🌍 Suffolk County Council's recent opposition to major infrastructure projects highlights a tricky balancing act: how do you look after local communities while still ensuring national progress? In our latest article, Johnathan Reynolds looks at just this, pitching a new way forward - a more collaborative, more constructive form of engagement - that can show how regions can embrace the energy transition in a way that is both sustainable and beneficial for all. "We need to see a much more balanced approach and more proactive and open engagement with developers. Suffolk County Council’s constant opposition is deeply frustrating as Suffolk has some extraordinary investment opportunities across the clean energy sectors. This opposition is also contradictory, considering that these new grid infrastructure projects are precisely what’s needed to continue the growth of the region’s renewable energy sector." #netzero #energytransition #collaboration #climatechange #climateemergency

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With a new government in office, asking the question of whether a shift in funding could tackle the housing crisis and support housing associations’ call for a long-term approach is key. The case for reclassifying housing as significant national infrastructure. https://lnkd.in/eRMvz7CS #UKHousing #HousingAssociations

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Unlock the Power of Data in Social Housing! Data has the potential to transform the way we support communities and deliver housing services. By using customisable tools, you can uncover valuable insights, simplify complex information, and create clear, impactful narratives that inspire action. Whether it’s enhancing operational efficiency or building stronger connections with stakeholders, better data storytelling can make a real difference. Ready to explore how better visualisation could help drive positive change in social housing? https://lnkd.in/g7ByGGZM #datadriven #socialhousing #datavisualisation

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The BBC recently published an exaggerated article about MVDC's financial position. Like all councils we face the need to make significant savings to balance our budget in the medium term but the Council has a transformation programme in place to do just that. If the savings outlined are made, reserves will stay at sustainable levels. More information can be found below. https://lnkd.in/efP9Yxnv.molevalley.gov.uk%2F2024%2F11%2F15%2Ffinancial-position-mole-valley-district-council%2F&utm_campaign=aga&utm_source=agsadl1%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4

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🚀 Launching today: Budget Survey 2025/26 💬 Tell us your priorities for council services and have your say in our Budget Survey 2025/26! 3️⃣ Your views will help shape the budget for the next three financial years. 💡Find out how the Council's Budget is currently spent, what we've done so far to save money, and share your thoughts with us. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e__R92De

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Our Head of Planning, Craig Blatchford, talks in this week’s EG about planning reform, the revised NPPF and the need for greater resourcing at all levels to deliver on this agenda for growth. “While Housing and Communities Secretary Angela Rayner has encouraged developers to match the government’s pace of reform, there are some as yet untouched areas where more attention is essential for the private sector to respond fully." "As consultation takes place over the next eight weeks and the new Planning and Infrastructure Bill comes forward, we look onwards to hearing more about resolving key issues that are currently holding up the planning system." Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eNbq7ban #MEPlanning #NPPF #PlanningReforms

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Let me tell you the story of 3 families. How 3 homes improve outcomes for 20 children. 1) Mum in hospital. Adult sibling looking after 5 dependant children. Right home = mum out of hospital and some pressure removed from others. Less Children's Services involvement. 2) Mum and dad + 8 children. S21, Child in need assessment on a number of children. right home = family can stay in borough and together, no change of school and fighting chance of sustainable future. 3) Mum and 3 children + 4 connected foster children. Living in 3 bed for 2 years. Right home = more space, sustainable arrangement, can thrive at school, every chance of better outcomes. Our strategy is about building homes. Our vision is about building futures by working together. It doesn't happen by chance. We succeed as one Local Authority. #Manchester

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Lack of Affordable Housing - Not a fault of the Planning System The Right to Buy (RTB), prominent in the Conservative manifesto of 1979, was introduced by the Housing Act 1980 in England and Wales and the Housing Tenants Rights etc. Since that date Government (Labour/Conservative) have had the opportunity to amend/revoke the Right to Buy thereby stopping the massive reduction in the number of affordable homes available to rent. The problem has been further compounded with the Right to Buy being extended to tenants of Housing Association/Social Landlords. The discount available to tenants means that the value received by the housing provider is not sufficient to build a like for like replacement dwelling and unless the legislation allowing tenants to buy their own home is reversed demand for social/rented housing will never be met!

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