‘There can be no decent homes without tenant empowerment’ - Labour Housing Group

 "Join us in conversation with Stuart Hodkinson on Tuesday 6 January (7pm) for our first event of 2026!

Dr Stuart Hodkinson (University of Leeds) is an academic who has been working with tenants struggling for better housing conditions for nearly 20 years. He is the author of 'Safe as Houses: Private Greed, Political Negligence and Housing Safety After Grenfell' (Manchester University Press, 2019). He has recently been involved in the Manchester Social Housing Commission, which has put forward proposals for increasing the delivery of sustainable homes for social rent".

https://labourhousing.org/upcoming-events/next-event-there-can-be-no-decent-without-tenant-empowerment/

Labour Housing Group Newsletter - Renters' Rights are here!

 

A historic step forward for renters - late but well done for getting this across the line in face of significant opposition.

https://labourhousing.org/join/

LHG Policy Day 2025: Building 1.5m homes - who should they be for?

 

I cannot make this policy day due to a clash, which is a shame, since it is such an important and topical subject. Hopefully there will some form of report back to members.

Labour Housing Group Policy Day 2025 Saturday November 15th 1.30 – 5pm (1pm Registration) Venue: Friends’ Meeting House, 6 Mount St, Manchester M2 5NS (an in-person event) LHG is pleased to invite you to join us at our annual Policy Day, which will this year be hosted in Manchester on the theme:“Building 1.5m homes: who should they be for?” Topics  Devolution and building homes: developing strategic spatial plans and good collaboration    Breakout groups 1: Strategies for different areas A - Building social housing: progress and challenges in the North West B - Building homes to free up family homes / meet older people’s needs Breakout groups 2: Strategies for different groups   C - Building homes to meet needs of younger people & families D - A key issue for the NW: homebuilding in small towns?   Building New Towns and extensions              Delivery of social housing at pace Invited speakers:  Andrew Western MP (chair)  Mayor Steve Rotherham, Liverpool CR plus NW group Paul Dennett, Deputy Mayor, GMCA  Matt Turmaine MP  Issy Waite, Labour Students and LHG EC  Josh Dean MP Maya Ellis MP Cllr Scott Brereton, Hyndburn Markus Campbell-Savours MP  Lucy Powell MP Mayor Tracy Brabin Manchester Social Housing Commission   Deadline for registering:  Monday 10th November

Click here to register

Useful Resources and Links Read all of the latest housing commentary and analysis on our Red Brick blog Catch up with our recent podcast on tackling the crisis in temporary accommodation Read our report: ‘Housing is a Human Right’, a joint publication with the Labour Campaign for Human Rights

Thursday 4 September: ‘The Challenges of the Management and Maintenance of Social Housing’

 

This Thursday 4 September (7pm), LHG Executive Committee Member Cllr Asma Islam joins us to discuss the crisis in social housing.

Cllr Asma Islam is a Labour and Co-operative councillor in Tower Hamlets with a strong record of public service and grassroots activism. She has held senior leadership roles on the council, including Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, and Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, where she championed transparency and better outcomes for residents.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/xMANfA1-TKSLFC5uk55y4w#/registration

(I have known Asma for a number of years and regret that I will have to miss this talk due to a clash)

Labour Housing Group Events - Summer 2025

 

Check out our full events schedule for the coming months - we hope to see you at one of the below! Find out more on our website. https://labourhousing.org/category/events/upcoming-events/

Labour Housing Group AGM 2025

 This morning after my Council Advice surgery in my West Ham ward. I went to the Labour Housing Group AGM in central London (a Socialist Society affiliated to the Labour Party).  

There was a well received speech & Q&A by housing minister, Matthew Pennycook MP. Then various pitches for what motions the LHG should submit this year to the Labour Party conference. Mine was on the absolute need for more subsidy to deliver the 1.5 million homes we promised to deliver. This is the #elephantintheroom. 

While we can do a lot of good things by other changes in policy such as changes in planning etc. but without a massive increase in subsidy we cannot deliver anywhere near enough social or truly affordable homes. 

If you are a Labour Party supporter join the LHG here Membership – Labour Housing Group

On Monday 17 March there is a LHG Online conversation here on:-

The Grenfell Atrocity – Warnings ignored and vital lessons to learn: 17 March, 6.30pm – Labour Housing Group

Young LHG Conference: Solving the housing crisis for your people - Sat Feb 8

 

Registration for the Young LHG Conference is now open! All Under-40s are invited to join us for a day of discussion themed on 'Solving the housing crisis for young people' Click below to register now! https://eventbrite.co.uk/e/young-lhg-conference-solving-the-housing-crisis-for-young-people-tickets-1113986707229?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Labour Housing Group Policy Day: Saturday 16 November 24 - Birmingham or virtual

 

We are delighted to announce the full programme for our policy day - 'Influencing Labour's Planning Policies' - next Saturday, featuring

@RichParkerLab

@NikJohnsonCA

@KaneEmerson

@rblackmanwoods

Register now to attend in person or online https://eventbrite.co.uk/e/lhg-policy-d

ay-2024-influencing-labours-planning-policies-tickets-1049411176077?aff=oddtdtcreator

Labour Housing Group: "How can the Labour Government Deliver on Housing"

 

On Saturday I went to this conference in Camden which had a great range of key note speakers and workshops.

Lots and lots of great ideas, changes and initiatives but I do worry that while the supply and condition of our housing stock can be improved by important changes such as planning reform, getting rid of no fault evictions and right to buy etc. 

We will not be able to build enough affordable homes without significant public subsidy. 

This is a huge problem since the Government simply does not have enough money to do everything it wants (and needs) to do. 

Lets see what happens at the Autumn budget this week. Fingers crossed but...

London Party Conference 2024: Tuesday

 

Weather was much better so went for another run around the boundary of the magnificent Sefton Park (opposite way from Sunday). Other than that I had a lazy start trying to decide which fringes to go to. Lots of the social housing fringes have been full so I need to get there earlier. 

My first fringe was by Labour Housing Group "The Road to Building 1.5 Homes". The Chair was Cllr John Cotton, Labour Leader for Birmingham Council for first half then he had to leave, so Cllr Heather Johnson from Camden took over. I am a member of the LHG and volunteered to be "microphone" aide to the Chair.  This meeting was also packed with many people standing or sitting on the floor. Speakers from National Housing Federation, EDAROTH, Planning Federation and Community Union. 

All were pretty positive that the new Government could achieve its housing targets but it will not be easy. However, the issue of providing subsidy for social rented homes (or first time buyers) was not directly addressed. While I am sure that setting long term social landlord rent levels, enabling planning reforms etc will result in far more homes being built - how many will be genuinely affordable? 

Other fringes I wanted to go into were also full so I was able to go early and get to see the Leaders' speech via video in one of the large theatres. It was packed and I was lucky to get a seat. There was little or no chance of getting into the conference hall. 

I thought Keir Starmer' speech was impressive and liked the mix of seriousness and humour. I did miss the reference to "sausages", possibly to some very excited delegates around me, who were clapping loudly, standing up and cheering the video. Must be an age thing. While I think many of us watching wished that he could have fulfilled, the very long, long list of things that we want a Labour Government to address immediately. Most know that is impossible. Judge this Government on what it will do in the next 4 years and not its first few months. 

Next was "Investing in our future: How can Labour build a brighter, more financial  resilient future for UK Savers" (New Statesman and massive fund manager Blackrock). Good to listen to new MP Kanishka Narayan, who has a investment background and knows what he is talking about but who also proudly announced he was a UNISON member. Not sure of the Blackrock argument that Pensions need to be combined with a short term emergency savings offer? Too many people in my experience don't have enough in their pensions and often try to cash them in too early but I understand the goal. 25% of UK residents have no savings. 

After this I went to the well organised launch of Obsidan Labour which has been set up by my UNISON colleague, Cllr Joseph Ogundemurem and new MP Bayo Alaba. 

UNISON reception this year was in the Beatles Story and it was good to chat up with delegates and guests, including my first catch up in her new role as Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner MP! 

Afterwards, was a quick drink at the second Newham "get together" then back to hotel. 

Labour Housing Group - Upcoming events

 

"We have an exciting events programme in front of us! Join us online in conversation with these leading housing experts over the next few months - open to all LHG members! @DavidOrrCBE 

@beth_stratford

@bateswalsall1 @Alison_Inman

Not a member? Join today! https://labourhousing.org/membership/

Independent Review of the Private Rented Sector

 

"Last Wednesday 15 May 24, Labour Housing Group was proud to host the launch of the report of the Independent Review of the Private Rented Sector. The full report is now available to read and download on our website https://lnkd.in/eAZi52Vc" 

Labour Housing Group Executive Elections 2024 - Election Re-run. Finish today Friday 8.3.24 5pm

 "We have unfortunately come to the view that the ballot for the EC needs to be rerun, as it became clear that some voters had abused the system.

The list of voters will be the same as were eligible to vote on the first occasion and the candidates are the same as in the original ballot.
 
Please find the list of candidates here.
The attendance record for current Executive Committee members standing for re-election is here.

We have partnered with Anonyvoter for this election, you will receive an email from them with a link to vote shortly. Make sure you check your spam folder.

If you didn't receive a ballot and think you should have done, please contact LHGadmin@labourhousing.org.

The closing time for your vote is 5pm on Friday 8^th March.
Please use your votes!"

I posted https://www.johnslabourblog.org/2024/03/labour-housing-group-executive.html

JG "I have just voted in the LHG Executive elections for the following 10 candidates. Lot of very good people standing and apologies for those I have not voted for on this occasion. 

You may only vote if you are both a member of LHG and a member of the Labour Party.

Sheila Spencer,

John Cotton,

Ross Houston,

Heather Johnson,

Christopher Worrall,

Paul Martin,

Andy Bates

Alison Inman.

Adam Allnut

Asma Islam"

Labour Housing Group Executive Elections 2024

I have just voted in the LHG Executive elections for the following 10 candidates. Lot of very good people standing and apologies for those I have not voted for on this occasion. 

You may only vote if you are both a member of LHG and a member of the Labour Party.

Sheila Spencer,

John Cotton,

Ross Houston,

Heather Johnson,

Christopher Worrall,

Paul Martin,

Andy Bates

Alison Inman.

Adam Allnut

Asma Islam

Labour Unions Campaign Weekend on New Deal for Working People: Cities of London & Westminster

 

Yesterday UNISON activists (and national officials) joined Parliamentary candidate, Rachel Blake and supporters to canvass for Labour and also promote the Party policy on the "New Deal for Working People". Which to my mind is probably the most exciting policy so far that a Labour Government will commit to if we win the next general election. 

See further details here but giving working people legal rights from day one of employment, getting rid of fire and rehire, sectorial pay bargaining as well as ending compulsory zero hour contracts is going to make a huge positive difference to so many workers and their families.

I have know Rachel for a number of years (and worked with her in the Labour Housing Group) and she will make a great MP. 

The canvass went well but it was difficult to speak to people since there was many private flats that we could not get into and many properties appeared to be unoccupied. However, I spoke to one resident who was voting Labour for the first time ("90% likely") and wanted to get rid of this current government as soon as is possible. 

The many "London Mews" we visited were amazing but I hate to think how much they would cost to live in. Despite the obvious wealth in  this part of Westminster there is huge poverty and deprivation in other areas. More reasons why we need a Labour Government. 

LHG Annual General Meeting 2024 - Sat 9 March in Central London or virtual

(the Labour Housing Group is a "socialist society affiliated to the Labour Party we work within the movement, both nationally and locally, to develop and promote workable socialist housing policies through our members" - For Labour Party supporters). Dear LHG Member, We're delighted to invite you to our 2024 AGM on the 9th March, taking place in Camden, with an option to attend virtually. Timetable and agenda 10.45 - Coffee and registration for in-person meeting 10.50 - Online attendees join 11.00 Meeting starts 11.10 Keynote speakers (to be announced) 12.00 AGM business 12.45 Discussion of motions 1.15 Discussion: Campaign strategy for the General Election 2.00 End of meeting Keynote Speakers: Angela Rayner MP (Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities, & Deputy Leader of the Labour Party) (Invited) Matthew Pennycook MP (Shadow Minister for Housing and Planning) (Invited) Motions Any paid-up member (individual or organisation) may submit a motion for discussion at the AGM. It should be no more than 200 words in length, and should be concerned with a contemporary topic that is relevant to the objectives of LHG. Please send any motions to the Secretary by Saturday 10th February. Any Other Business Please let the Secretary know if you have any other urgent items by Friday 2nd March. A link to register will be sent closer to the date"

 

 

Labour Party Conference 2023 - Monday

Day 3 of conference for me started with another morning run along the Mersey and back (3.4 miles different direction from yesterday).I met on route an influential Council leader who berated me for running so late in the day. He had gone for his run that day at 4am! 

I had to do some union casework stuff in the morning then started the day with meeting a former Newham Councillor ,who now works for a campaign group and one of their researchers. It was really interesting environmental subject matter, which by coincidence, was linked to my LAPFF fringe from yesterday. I really hope we can can work together on this issue and others. 

Next I went to a social housing fringe on supporting strong communities sponsored by Guinness Partnership (not the brewery!).  Some good ideas and provocative speakers but nothing from actual tenants or housing trade unions. 

I left early to go to a 121 London UNISON Labour Link meet but stopped off at the Friends of Israel fringe venue, which was packed with delegates discussing the dreadful war and massacres that has erupted. Many of the Israeli political speakers who were due to speak at conference have cancelled since they have been called up as reservists to fight.  I asked about an old school friend of mine, who had emigrated to Israel and had served in the Army, whether he would be called up at age 60 and was told he probably would be but not for a front line position. 

Afterwards I went to one of the very few pension fringes at conference this year about "Pension saving under a Labour Government". A really important issue and it is astonishingly how little is known about what Labour will do if in power on pensions (if we win, obviously fingers and toes crossed).  I asked a question on possible Collective Defined Contribution schemes being a possible way forward in my Housing associations and Charities sector which got a maybe but positive response.

I went back to my flat to do some more case work and then went to the Labour Housing Group fringe which was really packed. Interesting that so many people "in suits" attended compared to previous conference LHG fringes in recent years. I am sure that this has nothing to do with the perceived likelihood of Labour winning the next general election (again fingers and toes crossed). 

Afterwards I discovered I had triple overbooked myself and could not attend my favourite conference fringe, the Labour Irish, but went for an arranged meal with Newham comrades at a great turkish restaurant in Bold Street. 1.5 days to go. 

Labour Housing Group Policy Day 2023

 

I have finally booked a ticket online (free for members of the LHG) for the Policy day on Saturday 16 September 2023 at Peterborough. The theme will be "Shouting out for rural affordable housing: what should Labour's policies be?". As a UNISON NEC member representing housing workers in cities and villages I am keen to learn more.

"Join Labour members, politicians, and housing experts on September 16th for Labour Housing Group’s annual Policy Day. This will be a hybrid event, open to all Labour members and supporters, taking place in the Queensgate Hotel, Peterborough with online attendance possible.

We are delighted to be cooperating with ‘Labour Coast & Country’ to bring a focus to the under-explored policy area of rural housing. We will discuss the current state of rural housing, possible policy solutions, and what Labour should offer.

This will be a chance to get involved in workshops and discussion with like-minded Labour members, as well as listening to some enlightening speakers & broadening your housing knowledge.

Some of our speakers will include:

- Cllr John Cotton, Chair of Labour Housing Group & leader of Birmingham City Council.

- Baroness Sue Hayman, Shadow DLUHC & DEFRA Spokesperson, & Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 2017-2019

- Alex Mayer, Former MEP & Committee member of ‘Labour Coast & Country’.

- Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough

- Jo Lavis, Director of Rural Housing Solutions

The day will last from 10.45am- 15.30pm. Though the event will be free, lunch will cost £7.95, Payable on the day.

As the event is hybrid, a zoom link will be sent once you have registered.

Why Housing Matters: Labour Housing Group Newsletter - August 2023

Check out the latest newsletter by the Labour Housing Group. Which I have been a member for may years and as the name suggests, is affiliated to the Labour Party and works to promote workable socialist policies on housing. 

I am looking forward to attending their future events including their housing fringes during this years Labour Party conference. 

I am planning to bring up UNISON Housing related issues at conference and attend as many social housing (and pension) fringes as possible. 

Join the LHG here (Labour Party supporters only)

Labour Housing Group Policy Day - "Fighting for the Housing Standards we Need & Deserve"

Today I travelled to Birmingham to attend a policy day organised by the Labour Housing Group. There was a number of excellent speakers including Shadow Secretary of State, Lisa Nandy MP. She pledged that a future Labour Government will introduce a Private Renters Charter & decent homes standards in it’s first 100 days. It will also abolish S21 evictions & the feudal leasehold tenure. 

Sharon Thompson, Birmingham’s Cabinet Member for Housing & Homelessness spoke on how the city is tacking standards in the private rented sector & extending licensing. Dr Jill Stewart, Senior Lecturer in Housing & Environmental Health, Middlesex University described the dreadful stats and limited law regarding housing standards.

Salma Hamid from the Birmingham Fair Housing Campaign gave a passionate speech on their campaigning & research on really poor standards in the private & public housing sectors for decent standards & their fight on behalf of tenants for decent rights.

Before lunch there was workshops on housing standards in Social Housing, PRS (Private rental sector) and Owner occupation. I moderated the workshop on Social Housing.

After lunch there was a talk by Cllr Kerrie Carmichael Leader Sandwell Council & Housing lead Cllr Charn Singh Padda on the difference a Labour council is making on housing standards, tackling homelessness, new homes & retrofitting despite challenges on funding.

Next was Martin Wicks, from Labour Campaign for Council Housing. Who made it clear what Council tenants such as himself expect Labour Councils and future Labour Governments to deliver upon housing standards. He is still waiting for a modern bathroom after many decades.

There was then a brief summary from the moderators of the workshops. I gave a summary of the lively and thoughtful one on Social Housing.

Final item was the launch of the West Midlands branch of the Labour Housing Group whose inaugural meeting takes place next month.

This was an excellent day. Many thanks to our speakers but also to our LHG Chair, Cllr John Cotton, and all the executive members of the LHG who have spend so much time and energy organising such events.

(Hat tip to Ross Houston for stealing some of his photos and comments from the @labourhousing twitter account)