Articles

The UK’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2050 is more than a climate target—it is a societal imperative. It intersects with the housing crisis and energy poverty, but recent assessments indicate that we are behind schedule. Meeting the sixth carbon budget and achieving an 81% emissions reduction by 2035, as recommended by the Climate Change Committee (CCC), will require bold action and financial innovation. Crucially, this includes transforming how we heat homes, as heating accounts for a third of emissions. The financial tipping point—when renewable heating solutions like heat pumps become not just environmentally preferable but economically accessible—is central to progress. Housing Association Magazine’s Joe Bradbury discusses:

A landlord has created an easy-to-use app to help fellow landlords and letting agents prepare for the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Bill.
RoomApp dispenses with the archaic paper-based methods currently employed by most landlords and housing associations to record, store and share information and which are putting tenants’ lives at risk.

As the editor of Housing Association Magazine, I find myself reflecting on Labour's recent pronouncements on housing policy with a mixture of optimism, scepticism, and curiosity. Labour has indicated that addressing the housing crisis will be a central pillar of their platform, and this focus is much needed. But the question that looms large for many in the sector is: will Labour's housing strategy include a revival of council housing, and if so, what will that mean for Housing Associations (HAs)?

In an era where energy efficiency, tenant comfort, and sustainability are paramount concerns for Housing Associations across the UK, the role of high-quality windows in social housing cannot be overstated says Howard Trotter, Business Manager of Birmingham-based window and door manufacturer Shelforce.

Since the Building Safety Act came into force in October 2023, the construction industry has seen significant changes across all levels, from the way buildings are designed and constructed, to the types of materials that are used, and even how they are installed.

As is well known, a critical aspect of this is the ability of a material to resist the spread of fire and yet still perform its primary function.  This is particularly important when considering the membranes that are used for sealing around windows and façades.

Howard Trotter, business manager of window and fire door manufacturer Shelforce, discusses stricter regulations and controls for property improvement and maintenance – and why landlords must meet them.

Jonathan Hunt, director of client services, Charis

The cost of living and energy costs are still biting deep for households at risk of fuel poverty. When income is limited, the decision to switch off the heating is often made to ensure that there is food on the table. With less government support this year, and standing charges on the rise, this dilemma is damaging not just to the physical wellbeing of each member of the household, but also to their mental wellbeing too.