CLES / Newstart

The organisation based in Chapeltown is set to host a series of enterprise themed events next week to mark the occasion and encourage young people looking to break into the industry.

Research published in SME Magazine shows six in 10 young adults plan to be their own boss by the age of 30, suggesting that the launch of a new business hub in Leeds couldn’t have come at a better time.

To celebrate the hub’s grand opening, on Monday 13th May the launch of Steps to Business is kicking off a week of enterprise themed events. The scheme is a start-up training programme aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs aged 16-25 who will be linked up with access to investors and business advisers.

On Wednesday 15th, Enterprise Takeover Day will be happening – an informal event offering a one-stop shop for all business support needs from industry experts across West Yorkshire.

Commenting on the news, Adrian Green, Unity Enterprise Manager, said: ‘We are excited to be hosting such an impressive line-up of activities over the course of five days, each with entrepreneurship at its heart.

‘Steps to Business will use non-conventional training methods to help those taking part realise their dreams.  The launch event on Monday is free to attend and we are expecting lots of foot fall from noon until 4pm when it concludes.

‘We are also hugely grateful to AD:VENTURE for organising the Enterprise Day on Wednesday which, again, is free entry for all.’

Leeds Media Centre is one of three business groups operated by Unity Enterprise, the not-for-profit subsidiary company of BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise, and it recently underwent a £1.8m refurbishment in partnership with Leeds City Council and the European Regional Development Fund.

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: ‘Leeds Media Centre is already a hive of entrepreneurial activity.  The new business hub will enable it to play an even greater role in empowering local people to succeed in business.

‘Creating and improving life chances is at the heart of everything we do.  Starting and growing a sustainable business can be the key that unlocks doors to social and economic progression in vibrant neighbourhoods.

‘As a BME housing association with our roots firmly in the local communities we serve, we know that the entrepreneurial talent is out there.  We will continue to do everything we can to find and nurture it.’

Image: Leeds Media Centre

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Leeds City Council’s housing system has been hit by unprecedented demand

Research discovered over 1,500 people were sleeping rough in Nottingham in 2022, prompting authorities to create a new housing scheme to get people off the streets.

Nottingham City Council have teamed up with Places for People, a leading UK social enterprise organisation, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and Homes England to deliver four self-contained homes to help get people off the streets in the city.

One of the Nottingham homes that is available to get people off the streets.

The properties, which will be managed by Places for People, are fully furnished and occupied by a single adult experiencing homelessness or at risk of it. Each tenant will be able to stay in the homes, which cost £330,000 to renovate, for up to two years.

After two years, tenants will be supported into moving into longer-term accommodation, freeing up the properties for other people at-risk of sleeping rough.

Rachel Crownshaw, group managing director for communities at Places for People, has claimed that within the past year, the organisation have helped over 10,000 people escape homelessness risks and that his new scheme will only excel their efforts.

‘This is going to be such an important service for those in Nottingham who desperately need somewhere safe to live independently,’ Crownshaw said. ‘We’re delighted to see Villa Road open, and I’d like to thank our partners at DLUHC, Homes England and Nottingham City Council for working with us to bring this to life.’

Crownshaw added: ‘People end up rough sleeping for a variety of complex reasons varying from financial trouble, domestic abuse, difficulties with drugs or alcohol, and mental health.

‘That is why this service will be much more than a place to live, we will also be delivering a bespoke plan for everyone living here to help them tackle obstacles or challenges they face and help them access a variety of support services. Through this support, we aim to help everyone who lives here into permanent and independent accommodation and reduce their risk of homelessness again in the future.  

‘I’m proud to say that this service is part of our continued support to help people out of and away from homelessness. In the last year, we have helped almost 11,000 people who were homeless or at risk of being homeless across the UK and we are determined to continue to build on this.’

At the beginning of 2023, figures were published by Shelter – the UK’s leading homelessness charity – which showed that on a given night in 2022 there will have been over 1,614 people recorded as homeless in Nottingham, which is a rate of one in 201 people. This is the highest rate of homelessness found in the East Midlands.

Arguably, the completion of this scheme couldn’t have come at a better time. With previous data already showing that homelessness is a major crisis in Nottingham, the continued cost-of-living issues could only have contributed to the problem.

Cllr Jay Hayes, portfolio holder for housing and ward cllr for Bestwood, said: ‘We have maximised every opportunity for grant funding to support the delivery of the city’s Ending Rough Sleeping plan.   

‘We are therefore very pleased that Places for People Living Plus will be joining the local partnership and delivering new homes to help meet the wide range of needs of vulnerable people in Nottingham.’

Image: Places for People

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Today policymakers at the Bank of England confirmed interest rates will stay at 5.25% but they have hinted at a potential June cut.

At 12pm today, 9th May 2024, experts claimed that although inflation is looking to be ‘moving in the right direction’ as it is expected to hit its target of 2% and would fall to just 1.6% in two years, interest rates will remain at 5.25% – the highest level experienced within the last 14 years.

Members of the Bank’s rate setting monetary policy committee (MPC) – which is comprised of nine individuals – were found to be split on the decision to hold rates at the same level. Swati Dhingra and Dave Ramsden voted to slash rates down to 5%.

However, despite being overruled, it seems support to lower interest rates are growing. In the previous meeting, Dhingra was the only one who voted to cut them.

Andrew Bailey, the Bank’s governor, has suggested that a rate cut at its next meeting in June is a possibility.

‘Before our next meeting in June, we will have two full sets of data – for inflation, activity and the labour market – that will help us in making that judgement afresh,’ Bailey said. ‘But, let me be clear, a change in bank rate in June is neither ruled out nor a fait accompli.’

News of keeping interest rates at 5.25% has, however, come as a shock for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Douglas Grant, Group CEO of Manx Financial Group, said: ‘Today’s decision to maintain interest rates at the same level will reassure some businesses and consumers but frustrate others. The path however is set for rates to come down and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should seize this opportunity to re-evaluate their current lending arrangements and strengthen their positions.

‘Research conducted by Manx Financial Group reveals a significant shift in the financial landscape for SMEs. In contrast to the previous survey, where only 25% faced challenges, the current findings indicate that two out of five SMEs are now grappling with operational slowdowns or halts due to a lack of external financing.

‘The survey also underscores that 15% of SMEs seeking external finance or capital are unable to secure the necessary funds. This financial constraint, coupled with a potentially unprecedented and volatile environment marked by ongoing conflicts, multiple elections, a tightening labour market, and persistent cost-of-living challenges, poses obstacles to the prospects of SMEs and national economic growth.

‘The current government has demonstrated the effective implementation of short-term loan schemes, and we advocate for the next government and Treasury to continue this focus. Prioritising the establishment of a permanent government-backed loan scheme, tailored to resilient sectors and involving both traditional and non-traditional lenders, could be instrumental.’

Daniel Austin, CEO and co-founder at ASK Partners, has welcomed the announcement with open arms as he claims it will benefit the real estate sector.

‘Holding steady at 5.25 per cent as expected is welcome news from the Bank of England for many in the real estate investment market as the UK property sector remains in recovery mode and is starting to adjust to the ‘new normal’ rate environment,’ Austin said. ‘We’re now starting to see a gap in monetary policy develop in Europe with the Swedish central bank deciding to cut for the first time in eight years yesterday.’

Austin added: ‘For those currently looking to invest in commercial and residential real estate without the hassle of ownership, alternative avenues such as property debt investment, which can provide higher returns and also access to liquidity via a secondary market, are becoming more popular.’

In March it was reported that inflation dropped to 3.2% and is expected to have fallen to 2% in April after a reduction in the energy price cap, bringing down household bills monthly.

The Bank said inflation would be bumpy this year after a rise towards an average of 2.5% in the second half of 2024, before falling again in 2025 and 2026 to 1.6%.

Image: Shutterstock

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The Committee has published a new report calling for the government to leave affordable rents to the private sector and to direct their attention to social homes.

Earlier this week, the cross-party Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee (LUHC) published a new report titled ‘The Finances and Sustainability of the Social Housing Sector’, in which experts call on the government to invest in the social housing sector to ensure 90,000 new social rent homes can be delivered per year in England.

One of the ways of achieving this, according to professionals who work within the sector, is that the government should stop focusing their attention on affordable rents and they should set a clear, achievable target for the number of social rent homes it intends to create each year.

The report also recommends authorities use land value capture and reforms to grants and funding to support social housing, and help the sector deliver decarbonisation and fire safety improvements – a topic that should arguably be a priority since the tragic fire broke out at Grenfell Tower.

Responding to the report, Darren Rodwell, housing spokesperson for the Local Government Association (LGA), claimed that there are more than 1.2 million households on council waiting lists in this country and over 100,000 households living in temporary accommodation – a record high.

Rodwell said: ‘Long-term certainty on powers and funding could help councils deliver an ambitious build programme of 100,000 high-quality, climate-friendly social homes a year.’

In addition to Rodwell expressing his concerns, a number of other industry experts have also voiced their opinions on the new report.

Andy Hulme, chief executive, The Hyde Group

‘We need to be building around 90,000 more socially rented homes every year to meet existing need. But, to get anywhere near this, we need more public investment which will give the sector confidence and unlock an even larger amount of private investment.

‘Government can play an important role without necessarily as big a price tag. By giving housing providers more certainty on rents and longer funding programmes, investment in homes and the building of homes will be increased.’

Andrea Thorn, director of homes and communities, Riverside

‘Providing a target for the number of social homes the sector should build each year would enable government to work with housing associations and councils to deliver more much-needed homes.

‘Homes England should play a strategic role, providing grant funding for social housing which would help solve the housing crisis, boost the economy, create thousands of new jobs, and reduce pressure on the NHS, criminal justice system and social care system.

‘Ahead of the next general election we urge all political parties to read this report and engage with housing associations on how we can work together to fund and deliver more social housing in the decades to come.’

 In addition, London Councils welcomed the LUHC report, claiming that ‘without more government investment it is hard to see anything but a bleak future for social housing.’

‘With resources massively squeezed, it feels like we’ve been left with mission impossible,’ the spokesperson said. ‘Social housing is crucial to tackling London’s homelessness crisis. It’s a vital component of the capital’s social and economic success, and we should all want the sector to thrive. Boroughs are as keen as ever to work with ministers in ensuring more resources are secured for boosting social housing in London and across the country.’

Image: Huy Hóng Hớt

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The Denbigshire-based organisation have received over £1,000 to help it to repair fixable goods, reduce household waste and save locals money.

Although this café isn’t made up of coffee and baristas, it is full of conservationists who are working tirelessly to assist with the current climate crisis.  Ruthin Repair Café, a community based not-for-profit, has been repairing household goods for local residents since February 2020, in a bid to reduce waste.

Running once a month, its team of 24 volunteers have helped fix 963 items to date across 31 Repair Café events. The most common repairs are electricals, especially toasters and vacuum cleaners, followed by sewing repairs, such as soft toys and clothes.

However, the funding that has been announced by enfinium, the UK’s largest waste operator, will help take these events to the next level. The organisation is set to receive £1,500 which will cover running costs, including room hire and consumables, and enable volunteers to develop their skills. This will include first aid training, tool sharpening classes and PAT safety-testing certification, which is critical for electrical item repairs.

Arguably, this funding couldn’t have come at a better time. Data from the Öko-Institut – a non-profit, private-sector environmental research institute – shows that maintaining a single television for an additional seven years can save the equivalent of 657kg CO2.

Commenting on the news, Mike Maudsley, CEO of enfinium, said: ‘Repairing broken items is a critical part of reducing the amount of waste we produce. In turn, this leads to lower consumption, lower carbon emissions and less waste ending up in landfill. This is why we are delighted to be awarding Ruthin’s Repair Café with funding today, which has been helping local families to reduce waste and save money since 2020.’

In addition, Anne Lewis, Ruthin Repair Café organiser, has expressed her enthusiasm about being awarded the money.

‘We are thrilled to have been awarded this funding from enfinium. The funds will enable us to continue to help support the local residents of Ruthin repair their broken items, and provide training to our fantastic team of volunteers,’ Lewis added.

The funding from enfinium has come from the company’s Repair Cafés Support Fund, which was launched in March 2024. The total currently stands at £60,000 and it was established to supports cafés located within a 30-mile radius of one of enfinium’s facilities in Kent, North Wales, West Yorkshire or the West Midlands.

Cafés can apply for funding of up to £1,500 per annum before 31st May 2024.

The Ruthin Repair Café takes place on the first Saturday of every month at the Naylor Leyland Centre in Ruthin, North Wales, from 10AM to 3PM and is free and open to all.

Image: Ruthin Repair Café

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Sadiq Khan has been re-elected as the Mayor of London with the smallest mandate since the office was created 24 years ago, analysis shows.

On Thursday 2nd May it was announced that the Labour politician won 43.8% of the vote, which was enough to secure Khan a third term under the new First Past the Post system. However, new research from the Electoral Reform Society found the result means he is the mayor returning to City Hall with the lowest level of support among Londoners who voted when compared to results under the previous electoral system. 

All prior London mayoral elections used the Supplementary Vote (SV) system, which allows voters to indicate a first and second preference for two candidates. Under SV, if no candidate gets over 50% of first preference votes, the top two candidates continue to a runoff where second preference votes from eliminated candidates are allocated – ensuring winning candidates have a broad base of support.  

The mayor with lowest vote share under SV was Ken Livingstone, who received 44.4% of votes from voters giving him either their first preference vote or a transferred second preference vote in 2004.   

Darren Hughes, chief executive of the Electoral Reform Society, has claimed that this new system is making it more difficult for the public to vote, but is lowering the bar for politicians.  

‘What we are seeing at these elections is the bar being lowered for politicians while being raised for voters,’ Hughes said. ‘The move to First Past the Post has lowered the bar for politicians to get elected by taking choice away from voters. The result is we have seen a Mayor of London elected with the smallest mandate ever as well as PCCs and a mayor win their races on around a third of the vote.’

Hughes added: ‘This is bad for voters, who now have mayors and PCCs the majority didn’t vote for; it is bad for elected politicians who have to do their jobs with less backing for their policies; and it is bad for trust in democracy.’

However, Hughes go on to say that ‘we are seeing the bar to voting being raised for voters as this was the first-time millions had to show ID to cast their ballot.’

‘We know that voter ID has already prevented at least 14,000 people from voting at last year’s local elections and this year we have again heard of voters – including a decorated ex-serviceman – being barred from exercising their fundamental democratic right due to not having an accepted form of ID,’ Hughes continued.

‘Our politics is headed in the wrong direction when we are making it harder for people to vote but easier for politicians to get elected by reducing voter choice at the ballot box. We need to set our democracy on a better course by scraping voter ID and improving access to voting, but also by moving to proportional and preferential voting systems that better represent how people voted.’

Echoing a similar tone, Dr Jess Garland, director of research and policy for the Electoral Reform Society, said: ‘These local elections have again seen a raft of highly disproportionate results under First Past the Post, leading to council chambers that don’t accurately reflect voters’ choices. In some cases, parties have taken over 90% of the seats on less than half the vote, while other parties received no seats despite winning sizable vote shares.

‘There is a clear alternative to the unfair results we have seen in England. Both Scotland and Northern Ireland use a fairer proportional voting system, avoiding the distorted and random results produced by First Past the Post.

‘Proportional representation would mean fairer results at local elections and would create council chambers that better reflect the way people voted.’  

Image: Nick Fewings

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Research from the UK’s biggest mortgage lender has revealed the price of properties are falling, but they could creep back up once interest rates drop.

Halifax’s house price index has found that average house prices rose by 0.1% in April after falling 0.9% in March.

According to the figures, a typical UK home costs £288,949 just slightly up compared to £288,781 last month.

Amanda Bryden, head of mortgages at Halifax, said: ‘The reality is that average house prices have largely plateaued in the early part of 2024.

‘This reflects a housing market finding its feet in an era of higher interest rates.’

However, the speculation around interest rates falling soon has begun. The rate-setters at the Bank of England are expected to keep rates at 5.25% when they meet on Thursday in a bid to keep inflation down, but Bryden has claimed rates will begin reducing later on in the year.

‘If, as is still expected, downward moves in Bank rate come into play later this year, fixed mortgage rates should fall, ’Bryden said. ‘Combined with the resilience displayed by the housing market over recent months, we now expect property prices to rise modestly over the course of 2024.’

Although, focusing back on current events, the new figures from Halifax display that as the housing market grows accustomed to higher borrowing costs, there’s been an increase in demand for flats and smaller homes.

Against this backdrop, Daniel Austin, CEO and co-founder at ASK Partners, said: ‘The property sector is in recovery mode. Rent values have seen sustained growth, positioning real estate as reasonably valued in comparison to gilts and presenting growth potential.

‘In the realm of commercial real estate, factors like physical condition, location, and age significantly influence a property’s value. Well-maintained properties boasting modern amenities tend to command higher prices, while neglected ones may struggle to attract tenants or investors. In the current market, the emphasis has shifted towards the importance of location and quality over the yield on debt or cost. We anticipate opportunistic acquisitions of prime properties in prime locations.’

As well as Austin expressing his concerns about people favouring location when it comes to buying a house, he also explains that the next government must prioritise the current housing crisis to help people in the UK.

Austin added: ‘A RICS survey uncovered that non-traditional market segments, such as aged care facilities, student housing, data centres and life sciences real estate are yielding the most robust returns.

‘With housing set to be a battleground point in this year’s election and as the sector moves to the top of the agenda for all parties, we hope to see a long-term plan for new homes, including social housing, however, we expect we will see more short-term fixes.

‘Stimulus will be welcome but can create unnecessary froth. For voters, a stamp duty holiday or reprieve may be a welcome sign. For developers, eased planning regulations for brownfield sites and conversions will be popular.’

Image: satheeshsankaran

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Campbell Tickell recently published the results of their work exploring the Housing Ombudsman Service’s (HOS) Landlord Performance data. Here, the organisations Sue Harvey and Catherine Romney, discuss their findings.

The annual landlord reports contain a wealth of information, but the nuances in the definitions and challenges of comparing different types of landlord and different years made for a long article with lots of technical footnotes.

For our busy or impatient clients, here’s the ‘TL;DR’ (too long; didn’t read) version:

HOS Maladministration Rate:

• The HOS uses a Maladministration Rate metric (‘MalRate’) to shine a spotlight on poor complaints performance. MalRate is ‘the number of findings of severe maladministration, maladministration and service failure, expressed as a percentage of the total number of considered findings’
• This metric shows where the landlord was found to be at fault in a higher or lower proportion of the complaints that received a HOS decision
• The MalRate is highlighted in each Landlord Performance Report and underlies the headline conclusion that a landlord performs ‘very well’, ‘similarly’ or ‘poorly’. It is also used to generate the list of landlords with the highest MalRates and, by implication, the poorest complaints performance

CT Incidence Rate

• To derive alternative or additional insights, we have developed the CT Incidence Rate. This calibrates performance to the scale of the landlord, by calculating the number of maladministration findings per 10,000 homes
• This provides a sharper focus on those organisations where the HOS has identified a higher proportion of a landlord’s homes and residents to be experiencing a poor quality of service
• This measure compliments the Regulator of Social Housing’s new complaints Tenant Satisfaction Measure, that calibrates the volume of internally resolved complaints to the size of the landlord

Small number of negative findings

• Our analysis shows that across all housing association and local authority landlords, the average incidence of negative findings sits at 6.8 per 10,000 homes
• While every maladministration finding represents an avoidable poor experience for the resident, fewer than seven negative findings per 10,000 homes per annum suggests that landlord maladministration, as defined by the HOS, is rare
• We recognise that the CT Incidence Rate has shortcomings of its own. A low incidence rate could indicate weaker awareness of and poorer signposting to HOS by that landlord, rather than lower overall service quality

Variation

• When we chart the distribution of the CT Incidence Rate, we can see that calibrated landlord performance varies enormously (see graph)
• By this measure, the worst-performing landlord by our measure had over eight times the average incidence, with 55 negative findings per 10,000 homes. Furthermore, off to the right of the chart there is a very long tail of more than 1,300 landlords with zero HOS findings
• We also find a weaker degree of correlation between the CT Incidence Rate and the HOS MalRate than we expected. The poorest landlord by the HOS MalRate measure sits in the best 30% of landlords by CT’s Incidence metric. Meanwhile the worst-performing landlord by the CT Incidence Rate has a HOS MalRate of 35%, and so doesn’t appear at all on the HOS’s worst performers list

Conclusion

The HOS landlord data undoubtedly provides a rich source of insights into the quality of both service provision and complaints handling. But in not calibrating complaints data by landlord scale, we believe an opportunity to highlight both good and poor performance has been missed.

You can read Campbell Tickell’s full analysis here.

Images: OleksandrPidvalnyi and Campbell Tickell 

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The results from this year’s local elections have started being announced and they have triggered calls for Rishi Sunak to change course.

This morning, Richard Holdman, the Conservative chair, admitted last nights local election announcements had been a ‘tough set’ for the party, which has suffered heavy losses including in the Blackpool South byelection with a 26-point swing to Labour.

When the results began pouring in at midnight, it was revealed the Conservatives lost more than 100 councillors, which has prompted industry experts to theorise that this election could be ‘one of the worst, if not the worst’ performance by the party in 40 years.

Counting is expected to continue into the long weekend, but so far, the Tories have lost 217 councillors across the country, compared with a labour gain of 91. 53 out of 107 councils have been accounted for.

This afternoon, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak finally broke his silence on the catastrophic vote swing after Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, called for a general election.

‘Obviously it’s disappointing to lose good, hard-working Conservative councillors and I’m grateful to them for all their service in local government, keeping council tax low and delivering services for local people,’ Sunak said. ‘But we have still got lots of results to come as well.’

However, it seems Sunak’s optimistic tone isn’t replicated within his party. Whilst speaking to the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Tory MP Andrea Jenkyns, said: ‘My stance always is the same, but I’m not sure that colleagues are going to be putting the letters in, so we’re working with what we’ve got. I think we shouldn’t have got rid of Boris in the first place, but we are where we are and it’s looking unlikely that MPs are going to put the letters in.’

Jenkyns added: ‘The last 24 hours, I think for Rishi, he’s got a message, he has been told by the electorate: wake up, be Conservative or we lose.’

Although, a survery of party members published by the ConservativeHome website suggested that 63% did not think Sunak should resign as party leader, regardless of what the final results were.

When it comes to the general election, Keir Starmer said: ‘This is a clear divide now. We have had 14 years of failure and decline. We just got chaos and division from the Tories.’

Image: Shutterstock 

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Raven Housing Trust have completed the first phase of construction on a new zero carbon development in Lewes, East Sussex.

Contractor and manufacturer, Boutique Modern, have laid the foundations and completed other preparatory works for the new development, which consists of 32 affordable one, two and three-bedroomed homes. The properties have been split into 18 maisonettes for affordable rent and a further 14 properties available for shared ownership.

The properties are also beneficial to the environment as well as people’s pockets. Raven is expected to fit each property with energy saving technologies such as solar panels and heat pumps to ensure they will have a zero-carbon footprint.

Against this backdrop, Raven is also using the latest modern methods of construction (MMC) from local, Newheaven-based company Boutique Modern, which factory-produces homes off-site. Workers will assemble the modules using cranes, then add roofs and building facades.

This approach reduces construction waste and the number of deliveries to site. As Boutique Modern’s factory is just 10 miles away, carbon emissions associated with transporting the homes will be kept to a minimum.

Commenting on the news, Ali Bennett, executive director of homes at Raven, said: ‘This latest development in Lewes is testament to Raven’s commitment to net zero carbon and sustainable development. With funding from Homes England and South Downs National Park Authority, this is a great example of partnership working to deliver much needed affordable homes.

‘By using Modern Methods of Construction, as well as integrating sustainable technologies such as solar panels, ground source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points into every property in our new Lewes development, we’re making great strides towards our goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and setting a benchmark for future projects.’

 Ali added: ‘We’re delighted to announce completion of the first construction phase and look forward to fulfilling the aspirations of 32 families awaiting the opportunity to call Lewes home.’

Situated on the former Pells Church of England School site, Raven’s new Lewes development is due to be fully finished by Spring 2025 – the first two properties will be show homes and open for viewings this summer.

Image: Raven Housing Trust

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A string of new student accommodation projects have been given the go-ahead in Bristol. However, developers have asked councillors to delay their decision on the latest one.

At the beginning of last month, a 500-bed student accommodation block had been given the greenlight to start construction near Bristol city centre. Developers claimed the new flats were urgently needed as the city is one of the ‘most undersupplied markets in the UK for purpose-built student accommodation’.

However, a new project to build a 484-bed apartment block on an empty plot of land in Malago Road, Bedminster, has been put on the backburner. Councillors in Bristol were due to decide on whether to grant planning permission for the development, but Watkin Jones – the development organisation leading the plans – have asked to delay the decision and it is now expected to be made in June.

Should planning permission be granted, the plans include three buildings, the tallest with 10 storeys, and aim to improve the access to the nearby River Malago.

Ahead of the meeting, planning officers have recommended that the council’s planning committee approve permission for the new flats.

One of the concerns that has been raised about the development – identified in discussions at Bristol City Council – is the amount of noise created from a nearby railway line, which could affect residents opening windows during the spring/summer months.

To combat this, the developer says it is planning to install mechanical ventilation, which works similarly to air conditioning.

Currently, the site remains empty, although it was previously occupied by a car wash and a charity providing temporary housing for homeless people. Up until 2023 an engineering works and foundry operated there, but this was demolished in 2009.

Image: Nathan Riley

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Stephanie Feigenbaum, Project Manager at REdirect Consulting, talks all these property and technology – an unlikely relationship that could transform the housing sector. 

Industry leaders in the property sector view AI and automation as major gamechangers, with more than 79% looking to adopt this technology in the next three to five years. This is according to a survey conducted by the UK PropTech Association (UKPA), the British Property Federation (BPF) and supported by REdirect Consulting, leading real estate technology consultants.

As the sector still faces concerns about cost, problems related to integration of legacy tech and the general complexity of traditional ways of working, how will these new and innovative technologies reshape the UK property sector as it tries to overcome barriers to adoption?

Overcoming industry barriers

Despite the clear advantages of digitally transforming and implementing new technology across the property sector, there is still some push back. Results from the survey reveal that the most common barriers for concern are organisational resistance to change, cost implications and transparency when it comes to return on investment. For the sector to reach the next level, it needs to leverage the benefits of implementing PropTech and see it as an investment for the long-term that will filter down into almost every stage of the business.

Another factor that comes into play with digital adoption is the privacy and security concerns associated with implementation, including storing data and aiding GDPR compliancy. Alongside this, businesses may worry about vulnerability to cyber threats with the potential risk of customer data being leaked. Stories in the public eye that have risen to the top of the news agenda in recent years including the Royal Mail and Hackney Council ransomware attacks, provide further cause for concern and emphasise the need to prioritise security considerations. While these examples can have an impact on digital utilisation, partnering with a provider to ensure these considerations are front and centre prior to going live will ensure your organisation is robust and fully protected.

How AI and automation will reshape the property industry

There are numerous of areas that AI and technology can positively influence the wider property sector. From improving building performance, decision-making and carbon emissions profile, to speeding up transactions and engagement with customers, there are a plethora of advantages that PropTech can bring. Our report suggests that AI will have a profound impact on the industry and set the stage for significant advancements in data analysis, decision-making, and automation. This comes in the form of predictive maintenance where AI can be used to analyse data from building systems, such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) to predict when maintenance will be needed and prevent sudden failure to equipment.

A common misconception is that artificial intelligence will replace employees and the human touch will be lost. But in fact, the technology has the power to not only streamline workflow and processes for property professionals but also give them more time to focus on the important details, interacting one-on-one with potential prospects – not bogged down in the admin and back-end processes. And according to Gitnux, AI has the potential to save the commercial real estate market an estimated 40% in time savings by automating tasks. 

AI, VR and smart IoT solutions

Almost six in ten respondents from the survey predict a profound impact from AI, setting the stage for significant advancements in data analysis, decision-making, and automation. In other areas, blockchain and Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) are not perceived as overwhelmingly influential, but they are recognised for their ability to bring about notable changes and improvements. Whether it’s helping immerse potential buyers within a property before they put in an offer or reducing their carbon footprint from a decrease in travel, there are many benefits to utilising AR and VR.

Alongside AI there are other developing technologies within the smart buildings and internet of things (IoT) space. By implementing IoT technologies, low-cost wireless devices can be connected around properties to collect data to enable complete remote asset management monitoring to enhance operational efficiency. These devices can detect a broad range of issues within properties such as temperature, humidity, mould growth, Legionella bacterium and water ingress. This not only provides transparency and valuable insight for industry professionals but it also allows them to be proactive rather than reactive, directing resources where they are needed most. This means that potential problems can be escalated as soon as they arise and be quickly rectified. This can be particularly beneficial across the rental market where there is a duty of care to protect tenants from property defects including mould or damp that can be harmful if ingested.

Proactive monitoring for a more sustainable future

The property sector is already making great strides in addressing existing pain points with organisations reporting how the new technology is having a marked improvement in these areas. From enhancing ESG and sustainability goals to data management and operational performance of properties, survey respondents indicated the key improvements that the tech is offering. Utilisation of this monitoring technology can help the property sector meet its ESG and sustainability targets as energy usage within buildings can be monitored to ensure it is operating at peak efficiently, becoming more environmentally friendly while lowering costs for tenants and homeowners.  

It’s clear to see the big impact PropTech is having on the wider property market in helping to improve operational efficiency and enhancing ESG data collection. Revolutionising business processes using AI and other evolving technologies will become crucial for informing business decisions in the property sector for years to come. 

Images: Stephanie Feigenbaum, Markus Winkler and Alex Knight

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Zina Smith, Marketing and Communications Manager, Campbell Tickell, asks Maggie Rafalowicz, Director, Campbell Tickell, how for-profit organisations are helping to address social housing need. 

  How are for-profit registered providers (FPRPs) helping address the housing supply crisis?

Legislation to allow a class of for-profit registered providers in England was put in place in the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 to help address housing supply problems. FPRPs now play an increasingly important role. Unlike traditional housing associations, they don’t have the same degree of challenges with existing properties, allowing them to focus on building good-quality new homes. They also bring different funding sources to the table.

It is estimated that FPRPs will own more than 40,000 homes by the end of 2024, with more than a quarter of these general needs. Some FPRPs are now among the biggest developers of social housing in the country.

While some FPRPs may be backed by short-term players, others, such as Legal & General Affordable Homes and Octopus (through their NewArch RP), are committed to long-term involvement in social housing. We are seeing increasing emphasis on the quality of property management, recognising that building homes is only part of the solution – properties and communities need to be effectively managed and residents need support.

Despite some nervousness about FPRPs, particularly from local authorities, we’re seeing a growing acceptance of their role. This is accompanied by an understanding from FPRPs of the importance of partnership working and a willingness to engage with councils long-term.

What are some of the challenges of collaboration between for-profit and traditional housing providers?

The primary challenge in promoting collaboration between for-profits and non-profits is recognising their shared purpose: to provide affordable social housing.

There is concern though among non-profit organisations about seeing profits going to shareholders, which necessitates clear understanding of what each entity aims to achieve. Finding common ground is critical, despite differences of approach.

Of course, the challenges for councils are by no means just about for-profit entities. There have been many examples where housing associations have not invested in certain areas because it didn’t align with their business plans, leaving local authorities facing difficulties in sourcing social housing and meeting local demand.

FPRPs can bring a new focus and opportunities to the table, but naturally each organisation will have its own priorities in terms of investment and return.

What were the takeaways from the joint event held by Campbell Tickell, Trowers & Hamlins, Devonshires and Social on for-profit providers last December?

This was the second year we have run an event focusing on the relationship between for-profit providers and non-profits. Initially the discussion was about the principle of joint working. At the second event, it was more about exploring joint working initiatives to find mutually beneficial opportunities.

Key takeaways included the importance of sustainability – particularly social housing’s contribution to the ‘S’ in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) for investors. Discussions revolved around how for-profit entities could contribute to sustainability efforts, such as retrofitting, decarbonisation, and ensuring the right homes are in the right places. At the same time, the role of new funding partnerships to improve existing homes was explored. Whether through direct funding or by helping free up the balance sheets of housing associations, partnerships could support retrofitting work and more cost-effective retrofit programmes.

How might motivations differ between for-profit registered providers and non-profits?

Obviously, motivations can differ between non-profits and for-profits. For many FPRPs, the focus might be for a steady, guaranteed income stream. This doesn’t invalidate their contributions to social housing – ultimately, it’s about providing a good-quality home and service.

Passion isn’t always synonymous with quality. Sometimes a less passionate entity can still deliver excellent service. The aim should be to provide quality homes and services and satisfy stakeholders, regardless of the profit orientation.

There’s a growing understanding of the important role FPRPs play in housing supply. There’s room for everyone in this sector, given the urgent necessity for diverse sources of funding and investment. As long as a good service is provided at a reasonable cost, the type of organisation becomes less significant.

What changes do you see in the registration process, compared to 10 years ago, when Campbell Tickell started registering for-profit entities?

The for-profit housing sector is becoming more professionalised. Previously the registration process was simpler, attracting those who may principally have viewed it as a viable business proposition. However, the landscape is changing. The registration criteria have become more stringent, and the sector is attracting a more diverse range of players. Some are drawn in by the ‘addictive nature’ of social housing – the ability to make a valuable contribution to society. And such individuals are found on the boards of FPRPs, contributing to a different, but effective, operational model.

Regulators, however, are treading cautiously. The profit-making aspect and different funding models have at times raised concerns. The sector’s dynamism is further amplified by the sales of some FPRPs to new owners. This makes regulators nervous, but can be beneficial if the new entity ensures it understands regulation and the sector’s ethos, and is committed to good service. This underscores the need for strict monitoring to ensure the sector’s integrity.

The for-profit housing sector is not just another market. It’s a space where good intentions and commitment to social housing should co-exist alongside profit-making motives. The sector, with its good governance and diverse players, is evolving, reflecting the complexities of the modern world.

What work is Campbell Tickell doing with for-profit providers?

There is considerable activity in the for-profit sector and our work with funds and FPRPs has grown markedly in response to demand. We have been offering support in various areas such as: new registrations; regulatory advice and preparation for in-depth assessments; helping form partnerships with councils, housing associations, and developers; and recruiting non-executives and senior executives.

Currently, we are developing a code of governance for FPRPs, similar to the National Housing Federation governance code that we also developed, but recognising the distinct nature of FPRPs, while demonstrating a commitment to high standards and good governance.

What conclusions can we draw about the for-profit sector space?

There is a significant role for the for-profit sector in the housing industry. In particular the importance of collaboration with local authorities and other housing associations to ensure the long-term maintenance and quality of homes.

There’s a need to invest more in building sustainable homes, which can reduce maintenance costs in the long run. As FPRPs grow, they will have increasing exposure to regulation and non-profit housing associations, and become progressively more integrated into the social housing sector.

This article was featured in the latest CT Brief – Issue 71. 

Image: Anthony Fomin

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According to data from the UK’s biggest building society, house prices fell last month as potential buyers continued to experience pressures on affordability.

Nationwide have released new figures that show house prices decreased by 0.4% in April compared to previous months. Currently, the average price of a home stands at £261,962 – some 4% below the peak experienced in summer 2022.

News of house prices falling has come after a string of lenders raised rates on new fixed mortgage deals after experts theorised the Bank of England will be slowly cutting interest rates. An example of this is Halifax, who has become the latest lender to announce higher rates, with a plan to put up the cost of its mortgage range by 0.2%.

Against this backdrop, it is estimated that around 1.6 million existing borrowers have relatively cheap fixed deals that will be expiring this year.

Mark Harris, chief executive of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients, said: ‘There are likely to be ups and downs in mortgage pricing in the weeks and months ahead but ultimately borrowers will have to get used to paying more for their mortgages as the days of rock-bottom rates have long gone.’

Experts who helped collected the Nationwide data have revealed that this is the second consecutive fall in monthly house prices. The figures are based on the building society’s own mortgage lending, which does not include buyers who purchase homes with cash or buy-to-let deals.

Year-on-year, research shows the pace of house price growth slowed from 1.6% in March to 0.6% in April.

As a result of sky-high mortgages, Nationwide have reported that first-time buyers have delayed their plans to purchase a property within the next five years.

Image: Paul Kapischka

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The Department for levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) have revealed new powers for councils to buy cheaper land, however experts are questioning whether this was the right move.

Yesterday, 30th April 2024, the DLUHC announced new powers for local authorities that will allow them to buy land for development via the use of compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) without paying inflated ‘hope value’ costs. This financial method estimates what land could be worth if it was developed on in the future, meaning councils were paying thousands to buy land for new homes.

The news has been welcomed with open arms as England has continuously fallen behind on targets to build more affordable properties. These particular establishments are also needed more than ever as the cost-of-living continues to bite.

A new report from the National Housing Federation discovered that by 2030, an extra 1.7 million households will be living in unaffordable homes and 600,000 additional households will be paying sky-high private rent costs, taking the total to 2.2 million.

Kate Henderson, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, said: ‘Enabling local councils to buy cheaper land through CPOs without paying hope value will allow them to build more of the desperately needed affordable homes the country needs, in the right places, for the people who need it most.’

Jacob Young, parliamentary under-secretary of state for housing, has claimed the new rules will also help ‘drive much-needed regeneration in communities across the country.

He said: ‘We know we need to build more homes and alongside our long-term plan for housing, these changes will help us do that, unlocking more sites for affordable and social housing, as well as supporting jobs and growing the economy.’

However, Lawrence Turner, director at Boyer, has remarked that the plans seem almost too good to be true.

‘This may seem beneficial at first glance – giving local authorities the ability to overcome financial and viability barriers to delivering housing, but my concern is that it will be ineffective and time-consuming, CPO is a lengthy and costly process, and many local authorities will lack the resources to do so,’ Lawrence said. ‘The CPO process frequently involves negotiations with multiple landowners, legal challenges, and delays. Landowners may choose to challenge the decision through judicial review, further prolonging the process. As such, it is far from the quick and efficient means of unlocking land for new development which is needed.’

Lawrence added: ‘The wider planning system in the UK is excruciatingly slow and bureaucratic, with local plans and planning applications often taking years to complete and the intrinsic problems that have led to this situation must also be addressed.

‘We need to see a more holistic approach to addressing the housing crisis: including reforming the planning system and providing support to councils, reviewing the Green Belt and delivering new homes in sustainable brown and greenfield locations will be necessary to truly make a meaningful impact on the availability of affordable housing in the UK.’

Image: Shane McLendon

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Not for profit organisations in Telford were asked to submit applications last summer for a scheme which offers free materials and labour to help improve buildings and outdoor spaces.

Introduced last year, the Hands-on-Help scheme was launched by Telford & Wrekin Council, alongside development partners Nuplace, Wrekin Housing Group and Lovell, to assist not for profit and voluntary organisations with projects to improve run-down buildings and abandoned outdoor spaces.  

When it was launched, the initiative attracted applications from over 40 voluntary, community and not for profit companies. The successful applications were selected based on how much they would benefit local residents moving into a new mixed tenure housing development in Donnington Wood which is being brought forward by the partnership.

From the applications submitted, building partner, Lovell supplied the labour and materials to deliver the improvement work across four projects at Telford Sea Cadets, Donnington Wood Infant School, St Matthews Church and Donnignton Parish Council.

Building partner, Lovell supplied the labour and materials to deliver the improvement work across four projects at Telford Sea Cadets, Donnington Wood Infant School, St Matthews Church and Donnignton Parish Council.

Telford Sea Cadets benefited from painting and decorating work internally, including new kitchen flooring. As well as installation of new radiators.

At Donnington Wood Infant School new slabs were laid to the outdoor area of the school during the Easter holidays to improve accessibility for parents and children.

St Matthew’s Church have benefited from redecoration of the kitchen and toilet facilities and Donnington Parish Council received a new bespoke made to measure fire door as well as painting and decorating work throughout the building. 

Commenting on the news, Councillor Lee Carter (Lab) cabinet member for place, the economy and neighbourhood services said: ‘It is fantastic to be working in partnership with Nuplace, Lovell and The Wrekin Housing Group to bring forward this quality development in Donnington.

‘We work closely with developers to bring forward schemes like the Hands-on Help scheme because it’s not just about building new houses but it’s also about improving important local community facilities which will benefit residents living close to the new housing. We are very grateful to Lovell for the investment they have put into the four projects which have undoubtedly improved the community spaces we have here in the borough.’

In addition, Caroline Boddy, headteacher of the Infant School, said: ‘We are thrilled to have been chosen and with the work completed by Lovell, we now have a large, paved area which is fully accessible and can be used all year. This will make a big difference to our whole school community.’

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People in England and Wales are preparing to vote in the next local election – the biggest test of electoral opinion before the main event hits at the beginning of 2025.

Local elections are due to start on Thursday 2nd May and, arguably, this year’s event has been the most anticipated. Most of the seats up for grabs were last fought in 2021 after the Covid-19 pandemic delayed the 2020 elections. During this period, Boris Johnson was riding high from a successful vaccine rollout which made it the Conservatives best local election performance since 2008.

However, in three years we have seen two Prime Ministers take over from Johnson’s role, the country spiral into a cost-of-living crisis, controversial new legislations passed regarding immigration and NHS wait times hit record-breaking highs. These are just a mere handful of examples which could have contributed to Rishi Sunak’s party trailing 20 points behind Labour in the polls. The Conservatives have also endured several damaging by-election defeats involving massive swings.

Before voting begins, here’s all the information you’ll need regarding the local elections 2024.

How to vote

Polls for the local elections are due to open at 7am and close at 10pm and there are three ways to cast your vote.

These include:

• In person at your local polling station
• Postal vote
• Appointing somebody else to vote on your behalf

To vote you must be aged 18 or over and registered at an address in the area you wish to vote in. In addition, rules that were introduced last year mean you must take a valid form of photographic ID with you – the accepted forms of ID can be found here.

Where are the elections happening?

Local elections are happening across 107 English councils, including 31 metropolitan boroughs, 18 unitary councils and 58 district councils. As well as people being able to vote for the party they want to dominate their area, the public will also be casting their verdict on 10 metro mayors across the country.

There are nine mayoral elections for combined authorities. These are happening in the East Midlands, Greater Manchester, North East, South Yorkshire, Tees Valley, West Midlands, West Yorkshire, Liverpool City Region, York and North Yorkshire.

Three of these mayoral posts in the North East, East Midlands and York and North Yorkshire are newly created and will be holding their inaugural election, which will use the first-past-the-post system that is used in general elections.

Moreover, Sadiq Khan – the current Mayor of London – is running for a third term and there will also be elections to the London Assembly with 25 seats available.

Overall in England, 2,636 seats are up for grabs – the smallest number recorded of any local electoral cycle. Likewise, police and crime commissioners (PCCs) are also being elected across England and Wales, with 33 in the former and four in the latter. PCCs are vital to ensuring that local police officers are meeting the needs of community’s.  

How many seats are parties defending?

The Conservatives are guarding 985 seats, Labour 965, the Liberal Democrats 410, the Greens hold 107 seats, while independents have 112 and other parties the remaining 57.

As it stands, Labour has majority control in 45 of the 107 councils, the Conservatives control 18 and the Lib Dems 10.

When will the results come in?

In the morning on Friday 3rd May around 35 councils will declare their results – Broxbourne, a town located in Hertfordshire, will be the first to kick this off at around half past midnight.

Hartlepool, situated in the North East, will be next to follow at 1.30am, then Rochford at the same time and Sunderland at 1.50am, and Gosport and Newcastle-upon-Tyne at 2am.

By the time 6-7am rolls around, Lincoln, Southampton and Tameside will have announced their results and Winchester will follow at 8.30am.

At lunchtime on Friday, a further 48 councils will unveil their results with four mayors and 24 PCCs. Gloucester will be the last council to announce their results at 11pm.

However, it doesn’t stop there as the announcements trickle into the weekend. On Saturday, Liverpool, Manchester, West Midlands, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and London will declare who will be their next mayors.

Image: Elliott Stallion

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The sustainable properties are the latest advancement on Redrow’s Oakwood Fields development which offers more than 100 new homes.

The UK government and various independent housing developers are currently working to address the major housing shortage in the UK. The latest piece of news in this field comes in the form of over 100 new homes being built in Lowton, Greater Manchester. What’s more, is some of these homes are also sustainable, helping to address the climate emergency as well as the housing crisis.

Located on Bainbridge Avenue via Hesketh Meadow Lane, the Oakwood Fields development is comprised of a mix of three and four-bedroom properties, all from Redrow’s award winning Heritage Collection.

A selection of the properties are gas-free ‘Eco Electric’ homes which feature air source heat pumps, as well as underfloor heating to the ground floor in detached designs, reducing homeowners’ energy use.

Steve Jackson, sales director at Redrow Lancashire, said the properties energy efficiency rating will be ‘among the best of the new build market.’

‘Not only do our designs feature traditional Arts and Crafts inspired architecture and a high interior specification, but their energy efficiency ratings will also be among the best on the new build market,’ Steve said. ‘Research by the HBF suggests that houses build to the latest building regulations, Part L, can save home buyers 74% on their energy bills compared to the average second-hand home, which equates to around £216 per month.’

Against this backdrop, pockets of green space are also planned for around the development, with footpaths and cycle-paths connecting to open land to the North and East playing fields to the South.

One of the homes available is a three-bedroom detached Amberly which boasts a double-fronted design. When walking in, to the left is a kitchen and dining room and to the right a spacious lounge. A handy cloakroom and utility complete the downstairs accommodation, while upstairs there is a family bathroom and three double bedrooms – the main bedroom has its own en-suite. Prices currently start from £375,000.

Image: Redrow 

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Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira, corporate project manager at Manningham Housing Association (MHA), could receive the win at this years Housing Hero Awards in Manchester.

To say Carolina is deserving of winning the inspirational colleague of the year award at this year’s Housing Hero event is an understatement. Originally from Brazil, she joined MHA in 2019 as an administrative assistant to the executive team and was promoted to corporate project manager within just four years.

Within her role, Carolina specialises in recruitment, training, IT and communications. In addition, she has placed MHA at the forefront of digital innovation and become a national speaker on the subject, specialising in AI.

She also leads on equality, diversity and inclusion with her work paving the way for MHA to become the first housing association in the world to achieve the global Standard for Diversity and Inclusion in HR Management.

Commenting on the news of her nomination, Carolina claimed that this isn’t just about her efforts, but about everyone’s at MHA.

‘I am deeply honored to be nominated as an inspirational colleague of the year for the Housing Hero Awards 2024,’ Carolina said. ‘This nomination by Manningham Housing Association is not only a personal accolade but a testament to our collective efforts to dive positive change within the community.’

Carolina added: ‘I share this recognition with my exceptional team, as it mirrors our shared commitment to excellence and innovation. Together, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where inspiration and collaboration lead the way.’

In addition, Lee Bloomfield, chief executive of MHA, said there is no one more deserving of the win than Carolina as ‘she is incredibly modest and never acknowledges the enormous impact she makes.’

Lee declared: ‘Carolina’s achievement in being shortlisted for this prestigious national award provides the wider MHA family with the opportunity to celebrate her contribution and showcase her achievements to an audience far beyond our locality, whilst inspiring others to follow her selfless approach to success. 

‘Her dynamic work on behalf of the organisation, our tenants, stakeholders and fellow staff members is always fully focused on delivering positive results for them and never about gaining recognition or praise for herself.

‘We wish her every success at the awards ceremony.’

The Housing Hero Awards are taking place alongside the Women in Housing Awards on 24th June at Manchester Central as part of Housing 2024 – the leading event for the housing industry to meet professionals and celebrate those in the sector making a real difference. 

Images: MHA

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Safety concerns and anti-social behaviour are deterring parents from taking their children to play parks, new research has found.

Years ago, playgrounds used to be filled with the sounds of children’s laughter, ice cream vans and the squeaking of seesaws and swings. However, new research from leading playground equipment specialist ESP Play has revealed that this is no longer the case.

The study, which was published yesterday, found one in two UK children rarely or never visit the areas, with two out of five parents (44%) citing poor condition of the equipment as being the main reason for keeping their kids away.

Experts discovered safety concerns are the biggest barrier for more than a third (36%), while hygiene issues including excessive dog faeces is the top worry for more than a quarter (28%).

Shockingly, one in three children (32%) have suffered an accident or injury that their parents state was due to poor quality equipment.

Commenting on the findings, Andrew Wood, Managing Director of ESP Play, said: ‘We carried out this research to highlight how, as a nation, we are letting our children down by not giving them access to safe and enjoyable outdoor play spaces.

‘It’s alarming to discover HALF of all parents say that their children don’t go to a playground as well as the huge number of injuries from poor quality equipment.’

Four out of five people said that poor equipment, maintenance or safety concerns stopped their children from playing,’ Andrew said. ‘When playgrounds suffer from poor maintenance and safety hazards, we not only endanger children’s physical safety but also impede their social and emotional development.’

Andrew added: ‘Childhood is supposed to be fun and, by not giving our children the same opportunities we had, we risk damaging future generations.’

By contrast, within the study, 75% of parents said they played in parks at least once a week when they were their children’s age – 44% also revealed that their children play on their phones instead of going to the park, while 39% play video games instead of going outdoors.

These statistics are particularly concerning, as according to Professor Helen Dodd, child psychiatrist and trustee of Play England, claimed ‘Play is essential for a happy, healthy childhood.’

‘Having time and space to play gives children the opportunity to express themselves, to explore, to be physically active, to take risks and to have freedom to choose what they want to do,’ Professor Dodd said. ‘It is really important that children have access to good quality playgrounds.’

Currently, according to the findings, 49% of parents surveyed said they have witnessed drinking, smoking, or drug-taking happen in playgrounds, which puts them off wanting to take their children there.

In response to these findings, Andrew and 54% of parents are now calling on local authorities to be doing more to ensure playgrounds return to being a safe place for children to explore.

Images: Power Lai and ESP Play

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