Derby City Council backs social housing campaign

Derby City Council and Derby Homes have joined a national campaign to make social housing a government priority in the post-COVID-19 recovery.

The Homes at the Heart campaign has been organised by the National Federation of Housing, the Chartered Institute of Housing, homelessness charity Crisis, the National Federation of ALMOs, and the Association of Retained Council Housing.

It is calling for a once-in-a-generation investment in social housing and has a clear and simple message: social homes should be at the heart of the country’s recovery from the coronavirus crisis.

So far, the campaign has reached over two million people on social media and has caught the eye of senior politicians and celebrities.

More than 50 organisations, from NatWest to Save the Children, Wilmott Dixon to Carers UK, have declared their support, showing that this is not just a housing sector issue.

Throughout August and September, Derby Homes and Derby City Council are taking part in six themed weeks of action that highlight the detail of the social and financial good social housing is already doing – and showing how more it could do with solid public and government backing.

‘Everyone deserves a safe, secure, comfortable place to call home,’ said Derby City Council’s cabinet member for adults, health and social housing, Cllr Roy Webb.

‘Not just now, in the middle of this crisis, but for the future. Investing in social housing – in all its forms – makes this possible. It will boost the local economy, create jobs and improve people’s lives when our nation needs it most.

‘In Derby, we have plans to deliver more than 500 homes over the next five years, whilst continuing to improve and adapt our existing stock. We also want to ensure that we provide avenues back into housing, for those who may be homeless or at risk of losing their homes. Putting a roof over someone’s head doesn’t just help them – it helps us all,’ added Cllr Webb.

Photo Credit – MasterSenaiper (Pixabay)