Housing Finance Tops Agenda at Four Feds Summit

They came from the four corners of the UK to Scotland's second city, to compare notes on the issues faced by housing associations across the UK - and housing finance was the number one concern for all.

The Four Federations meeting of the UK’s housing association trade bodies was held in Glasgow on 19th and 20th November.

The summit takes place twice a year between the SFHA, the National Housing Federation (NHF), Community Housing Cymru (CHCYMRU) and the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIfHA).

At this critical meeting, CEOs from each federation hammered out issues including accessing funds from the European Investment Bank, and honed joint strategy for the 2010 General Election.

Here's a selection of comments from those attending the meeting:

Jacqui Watt, SFHA Chief Executive said:

"We are pleased to have hosted one of this years bi-annual 4 Feds meeting. There was a lively discussion around finance for housing associations in the current global economic situation. The SFHA and the other Feds are keen to see the role of the European Investment Bank extended for the benefit of our members. We also discussed working together in the lead up to the UK General Election. It was time well spent with our peers across Britain."

David Orr, Chief Executive of the NHF, said:

“We have huge shared agendas which are still influenced by the Westminster Parliament and we are more likely to be heard if we are making the case together. We have talked about things that are very important for tenants like how we create mechanisms to make sure they have access to affordable credit. It’s always useful to have an idea what’s happening in other places, it’s part of staying open to different ways of working.”

Chris Williamson, Chief Executive of NIfHA said:

“These meetings are always extremely valuable to us as we are the smallest of the Four Federations by far. The sharing of information and current issues, policies, problems and solutions is beneficial for us and today has been no exception.

“There are clear benefits to be had from working together at UK and European levels and today’s agenda was a prime example of that. European procurement rules have impacted significantly on how social housing is to develop in Northern Ireland and no doubt it will have an impact on the rest of the UK.”

Ray Cashell, Chair of NIfHA, was at his first Four Feds meeting following his appointment. He said:

“I found it very informative and it helps identify common ground. Information on the new Scottish legislation will be quite useful to us as our Assembly tends to be very focused on English models.”

Nick Bennett, Chief Exec of CHCYMRU, said:

“Today’s meeting has been invaluable. It is very interesting to see how the different Federations are dealing with challenges around investment. It is good to come together and discuss how we can raise the profile of affordable housing during the forthcoming General Election and how we get the most out of the EU structural funds and the European Investment Bank.”

Ian Williams, Chair of CHCYMRU, said:

“These meetings are about sharing knowledge and experiences. The main things we have spoken about today are the supply of new housing, energy efficiency and financial inclusion. Through joint efforts we will get more out of cohesive campaigning ahead of next year’s General Election.”