📢 A great piece from Red Brick editor Rose Grayston, demystifying the impact of council housing on public debt and pointing to CIH's 2024 report with Savills, which found £17bn of debt cancellation would be needed to make borrowing sustainable in HRAs for council housing. 🔗 buff.ly/2p3dZni

👀 ICYMI 👀 ‼️Our recently released joint research with the National Housing Federation not only shows the urgency of making our homes safe from extreme heat, but shines a light on the impact overheating is now having on infants and children. 📰 You can read more about this in the media⬇️

We as a sector, in partnership with government, have much to do to ensure our homes are climate proofed. ✍️ Matthew Scott has previously set out a climate and economic themed case for change in this space, and the points he raised are still very much relevant today. The article ➡️ buff.ly/Eofo5A7

📢 INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY 📢 CIH’s policy team are offering an opportunity for a paid summer research internship over August and September to support work on a repairs and resident scrutiny project. 💡 For more information, visit our careers page before Friday 10 July 2026 ➡️ buff.ly/gF2erYF

📢 We're looking forward to our next member Homelessness Policy Group meeting on Friday 10 July (9:30–11:00). We'll be joined by Imogen Blood (Imogen Blood & Associates) and Lucy Campbell (Single Homelessness Project), 📩 If you would like to attend, please email: [email protected]

🏠 We've brought out a new CIH member briefing on the recent updates to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Local authorities use the framework to assess health and safety hazards in homes and to decide on actions to take. The CIH member briefing ➡️ buff.ly/NjqLCaX

📢 ICYMI 📢 We've updated our member briefing on the Social Housing Bill to include the latest amendments CIH is proposing as the Bill makes its way through parliament. We’re proposing amendments in three key areas. Read our full, up-to-date member briefing on the CIH Knowledge Hub ➡️ buff.ly/lXzsGEt

🗣️🏘️ Our England policy team has been busy with public affairs in the last couple of months. Head over to LinkedIn to read the full update ➡️ buff.ly/VZmz0dp

📢 We have today published draft guidance about how housing providers can deal with wildfire risk. It is openly available here ➡️ buff.ly/AvplbqG ✍️ We are now asking the sector and wider stakeholders across the UK for feedback. Our article ➡️ buff.ly/B0WrWG1

In the final blog in our series with the National Housing Federation, Polly Turton from Shade the UK explains how taking simple steps to reduce solar gain and improving shading can make a huge difference to reducing the risk of indoor overheating. To read the blog, click here ➡️ buff.ly/zPImxBS

🏘️ Poor housing is damaging people's health and driving avoidable pressure on health and care services. That's the finding of a new report published today by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists - and it makes for essential reading for anyone working across housing, health and social care.

If your work is affected by local government reorganisation (LGR), we want to hear from you and other housing professionals to help us understand how LGR is impacting the sector and how we can support you. We would be grateful if you can complete the survey by clicking here ➡️ buff.ly/DGkfa87

On Monday afternoon, at The Social Housing Bill second reading, Baroness Neate proposed to strengthen the bill by including an amendment to exempt domestic abuse survivors from local authority housing related debt rules. 📽️ See a clip from her speech at the House of Lords below.

📢 The Social Housing Bill had its second reading in the House of Lords on Monday. If you want to understand the key issues at stake as it moves through Parliament, our recent briefing for parliamentarians breaks down what's in the Bill and why it matters to our members ➡️ buff.ly/sGAOfiL

We've put together a member briefing on everything you need to know about the Social Housing Bill. 🏠 Our guide breaks down the bill's four parts and outlines CIH views on each. Read here ➡️ buff.ly/j1qiNkr Not yet a CIH member?💡Learn more about membership and join today ➡️ buff.ly/0jUIFB1

✍️ In her guest blog for #DementiaActionWeek, Vanessa Pritchard-Wilkes, chair of the Dementia and Housing Working Group and head of research and influence at Housing 21, explains how she and others are pushing for change, and why your voice matters. Read the full blog ➡️ buff.ly/PD4AUOc

📢 CIH has responded to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s (MHCLG) consultation on the New Towns Draft Programme. 🏘️ It's vital that we develop long-term, intentional, well-designed homes that are fit for the future. Read our full response ➡️ buff.ly/SWqVtxC

✍️ In a new blog, CIH policy manager Megan Hinch reflects on the takeaways from her Housing Brighton 2026 session, Who will build the homes: the construction skills shortage. Read Megan's reflections here ➡️

📢 Local government reorganisation is reshaping housing services across England, and CIH would like to understand how this is affecting housing professionals and the services they provide. Our survey takes 5-10 mins to complete, is fully anonymous, and can be completed here ➡️ buff.ly/K2bHjY0

We've put together a member briefing on everything you need to know about the King's Speech, as it relates to housing. 🏠 The speech contains government's legislative agenda for the coming year and features over 35 bills and draft bills. Read our full breakdown ➡️

Last month, the government responded to the 2025 Supported Housing Consultation. 💡We've put together a concise member briefing, outlining what you need to know about the key changes, as well as the new Supported Housing National Standards ➡️ buff.ly/iSbttMN

📢 This #HoardingAwarenessWeek, we're encouraging members to explore this new resource on partnership approaches to health and hoarding, which sets out how collaboration across services can lead to earlier intervention, better outcomes and fewer crises. 📖 Read the full guide here ➡️ buff.ly/UXnu2UK

📢 It's been one week since the introduction of the Renters' Rights Act, representing the largest change to England's private rented sector for 30 years. Clear and impartial information is crucial as the Act comes into force - we have a role to play in making sure private renters know their rights.

CIH welcomes news that the government’s English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill has received Royal Assent. The act has significant implications for housing and planning, which we believe brings power, and new homes and infrastructure, closer to communities. Our reaction ➡️ buff.ly/eUQnFWn

🏘️ New Towns 🏘️ The government is currently consulting on the New Towns Draft Programme, closing 19 May ➡️ buff.ly/tuUWGZ3 📩 You can feed into CIH’s response by emailing [email protected] with the subject line ‘New towns’ by 8 May.

📢 We have produced another member-exclusive what you need to know guide - this time taking you through all things devolution and local government reorganisation. The guide can be accessed here ➡️ buff.ly/NWQ8MP4

📢 Supported Housing Network: Understanding the government's response to the Supported Housing Consultation 🗓️ Monday 27 April ⏰️ 10:00-11:15 To join Andrew Dimmock (MHCLG), Sarah Davis, Stephanie Morphew and Matt Baird for this session, please email [email protected]

📢 The HCLGC has published its report on Housing Conditions in Temporary Accommodation. We welcome its recommendations, including mandating local councils to inspect properties and phasing out unsuitable placements. Read our full response ➡️ buff.ly/CJx6Tec Read the report ➡️ buff.ly/Bm2AWQ3

📣 CIH welcomes the news of £100 million extra funding for social housing to install solar PV. We've worked closely with DESNZ on the outline of the scheme, and will continue to support them and our members to ensure every social housing resident has a safe and warm home. Read more➡️ buff.ly/UmmIC4D

📣CIH welcomes the government’s response to the 2025 supported housing consultation. It prioritises raising standards, avoids undue burdens on good providers and outlines changes that reflect the contributions of the sector to the consultation last year. Read more➡️https://buff.ly/fe0evuq

📢 New research from Durham University explores the relationship between gambling harms and domestic abuse. Drawing on lived experience, sector insight and housing provider data, the study reveals how these issues are intertwined in ways that can significantly undermine women’s safety.

What can a new generation of New Towns deliver in England and what challenges do they pose? 📰 Nick Raynsford, former Labour minister and member of the government’s New Towns Taskforce, has written an article for Red Brick exploring the opportunities and challenges of a new generation of new towns.

📢 The latest statutory homelessness statistics were published today: ◾️ Record 134,760 households in TA ◾️ Nearly two-thirds containing children ◾️ Targeted action is garnering results - B&B use for families significantly dropping Read stats ➡️ buff.ly/rdBXqh7 Read our response ➡️ buff.ly/rhTTCLY

Great to see this news today⬇️ Here's a 🧵with CIH's reaction from @rachaelwhsg.bsky.social 🗣️"CIH welcomes the government’s launch of funding, as announced in the National Plan to End Homelessness, to support community based and voluntary organisations tackling homelessness and rough sleeping. 1/3

Trying to get your head around the new Decent Homes Standard and what it means for tenants and landlords? Our member briefing gives you the expert view. ⬇️ buff.ly/m6xmLML

📢 Tom Arnold joins CIH as regional engagement and devolution policy manager! In this newly created role, Tom is set to strengthen our work on devolution and regional policy across England.👏 Read more ➡️ buff.ly/O63qiN7

📢 Tom Arnold joins CIH as regional engagement and devolution policy manager. 👏 In this newly created role, Tom is set to strengthen our work on devolution and regional policy across England, reflecting CIH’s focus on engaging with devolved and regional housing matters. Read more ➡️

ICYMI - the government published their Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill - a lot to digest but includes a plan to re-invigorate commonhold, ban the sale of new leasehold flats and the capping of ground rents to £250 p/a. buff.ly/jO2LKfd

Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (RPEEPs) will become mandatory in social housing in April 2026. Find out what you need to know in our handy members' briefing below ⬇️ www.cih.org/publications...

We'd like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and all the very best for the festive season!🎄❄️ Our offices will be closed from Christmas Eve until 2 Jan 2026. If you'd like to get in touch, please email [email protected] and we'll pick this up when we return. Stay safe and have a happy New Year!

📅 Looking back on 2025, it has been a busy year for our policy team! If you want to see what is coming up for 2026, check out our free policy tracker on our website ➡️ buff.ly/NCMCyCY

We welcome the government's new national plan to end homelessness. However, the scale of the crisis means far bolder action is needed to turn the tide and ensure everyone has a safe, secure place to call home. Find out more and read our reaction in full 🔗⬇️ www.cih.org/news/cih-res...

🧵We welcome the recognition that the Building Safety Regulator has strengthened oversight of safety issues, but delays are causing real challenges. Clearer expectations and improved capacity will help ensure the regime supports both safe buildings and the delivery of much-needed homes.

🚨WYNTK about the Electrical Safety Standards Regulations and the social rented sector extension. From 1 December the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 are extended to include social rented homes in England. Find out WYNTK ➡️https://buff.ly/2Qxb9VT

ICYMI, today the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector come into force for new social housing tenancies. For existing social housing tenancies, the regulations will come into force on 1 May 2026. CIH will publish a member briefing later this week. www.gov.uk/government/p...

📢 Latest homelessness statistics The govt has published the latest statistics for statutory homelessness in the financial year 2024/25. They show record numbers of households in temporary accommodation, including 82,990 households with children. CIH reaction ➡️ www.cih.org/news/cih-res...

🚨WYNTK about the Autumn Budget 2025 🚨 The CIH policy team have put together a new member briefing exclusively for members detailing the key housing announcements in yesterday's Budget and what they mean for the sector. Read it here ➡️ buff.ly/i4bTTc5

🏡Housing is the foundation of opportunity. But too many people are trapped in poor-quality, unaffordable or temporary homes. This week's Autumn Budget must build on the Spending Review and take urgent action to: ➡️Prevent homelessness ➡️Fund supported housing ➡️Improve the quality of existing homes

Supported housing enables 600,000+ people to live safely and independently – but many services are at risk of closure. The Autumn Budget must provide: 💡An emergency fund for supported housing support services 💡Long-term, sustainable funding streams 💡Investment in specialist and accessible homes

Homelessness is at record levels. Over 131,000 households, including 170,000 children, are stuck in temporary accommodation. This Autumn Budget gov must ✅ Up investment in homelessness prevention and support ✅ Restore local housing allowance so families can afford to rent ✅ Scale up Housing First