Regional focus: West Midlands
Featured in Inside Housing on 20th June, 2008.
Bhavneeta Parmar, Manager of Hays Social Housing, comments:
In the face of tough times in the wider property market, the social housing sector remains robust and is experiencing significant growth. As the credit crunch continues to bite, the shift in the market from the private to the public sector has become increasingly defined and many developers are now focusing on the affordable housing market in order to protect their interests. The difficulties affecting the private sector at this time mean that the full range of housing association services are in demand, from customer services to tenancy support. Given that the central region of England contains nearly a quarter of the country’s social housing stock and with Birmingham’s status as one of the largest local authorities in Europe, the opportunities for workers in the region with relevant skills and experience are huge.
Falling house prices, increased pressure on affordable housing and rising inflation levels have taken their toll on the property industry. As private housing developments across the country continue to suffer the effects of the credit crunch, the social housing sector has been faced with the challenge of taking up the slack and building more houses to keep up with growing demand. With a shortage of affordable housing in the West Midlands for those on lower incomes and social housing waiting lists rising, the need to improve the level of housing available is of key concern to housing associations in the region. The demand for new-build housing and improvements to existing stock in line with the Decent Homes initiative, means that there are many opportunities for workers with experience of development and regeneration.
The Government is currently investing heavily in Pathfinder schemes to try to find a resolution to the housing ‘crisis’. With many Housing Market Renewal Pathfinders dependent on private investment, there is a need to look at more creative options to provide the necessary level of affordable housing. Urban Living, the pathfinder for Birmingham and Sandwell, is working closely at this time with Birmingham City Council and Sandwell Metropolitan Council to tackle the challenges facing the housing market in the region. The organisation has extensive plans to construct 12,000 new homes and refurbish around 15,000 homes in the region, as well as looking at ways to create stable and cohesive communities through a range of measures including improving education, health and employment levels. This is just one example of the exciting developments underway in the region’s housing market and is indicative of the opportunities available for workers in this sector.
A recent survey conducted by the CIH, stated that nearly 60% of CIH members have seen the risk of homelessness rising in their area due to the rise in home repossession orders. Over the coming months, we expect to see the demand for homeless officers and other similar positions rise as the credit crunch continues to take effect. Employers’ requirements are shifting to reflect changes in the market and a thorough knowledge of the Homeless Act is sought after. Project workers and estate housing officers are also in demand at this time to work on a range of projects and can command strong salaries and benefits.
With the credit crunch impacting on all areas of the housing market, the social housing sector is currently facing a number of issues. However, the opportunities at this time for both workers and employers are huge and, in many ways, these are exciting times for the sector as it continues to rise to meet the challenges ahead and make a lasting positive impact on the region’s housing market.
For further information, please contact Bhavneeta Parmar on 0121 566 997 or find out more about our latest social housing jobs across the UK.
