New partnership to deliver more affordable housing

We have committed to a new collaboration with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and five other housing associations which will boost affordable housing.

A memorandum of understanding has been signed between each of the organisations to develop a business case for driving affordable housing developments, economic activity and housing policy objects.

The priorities of the partnership will be:

•  More affordable homes built in the region
•  A broader range, mix and supply of available homes
•  Addressing market failure to unlock dormant sites
•  Maximising construction on brownfield land
•  A collaborative regional approach – maximising local expertise, assets, networks and partnerships

Our Chief Executive and Chair of the West Midlands Housing Association Partnership (WMHAP), Kevin Rodgers, said: “Collectively, we welcome the commitment from the WMCA to build the essential new affordable homes the region needs.

“All of the members of the WMHAP are committed to working together to making this new vision a reality and see the signing of the memorandum of understanding as a significant step in an exciting partnership.”

Other housing associations involved in the memorandum of understanding include Midland Heart, Bromford, Accord and whg.

Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, Andy Street, said: “This ground-breaking new partnership brings the WMCA together with the combined expertise and resources of five of the largest housing associations within the WMHAP with the aim of providing even more affordable homes for the people of the West Midlands.

“Our region has led the way on housebuilding with record numbers in recent years, but our focus now is on how we build even more homes that are truly affordable. Alongside our new definition of affordability, which links to income rather than the market rate, this partnership will help do exactly that.”

Another key priority for the collaboration will be the pioneering of inclusive growth objectives, including access to open space, the use of sustainable construction methods, good quality design and a distinct sense of place with local shops and services and the provision of education and skills training.

Cllr Mike Bird, leader of Walsall Council and WMCA portfolio holder for housing and land, added: “This coalition is central to our mission to utilise our stock of brownfield land to deliver inclusive growth and affordable homes.

“A key goal is to establish the region as the national leader in unlocking challenging brownfield sites, especially along key transport corridors and using them to create vibrant new communities that offer good quality, affordable homes for local people.

“By injecting new life into derelict sites, we can help protect our Green Belt and drive an economic recovery that benefits all our communities.”

The next stage for the collaboration is to work up the detailed business case for the Affordable Housing Collaborative Development Vehicle’s establishment.

For media enquiries contact our Communications Team.