Intensifying our fight against poverty

As 2013 comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on what the CHC Group and the sector have achieved in 2013. This is the time of year where those of us brought up as part of the Band Aid generation tend to think of those less fortunate. With increased austerity, and the impact of welfare reform and the introduction of the 'bedroom tax', concern for the less fortunate has been at the very forefront of our minds throughout the year.

We held a successful Annual Conference in November, with some clear messages from the Minister on the need to increase supply. So at the end of November I was delighted to attend the Housing Europe network in Denmark and to showcase the Welsh Housing Finance Grant as an example of EU Housing good practice, building 1,000 affordable homes without traditional capital subsidy or traditional bank lending. A real achievement in 2013.

At our Annual Conference, I was also deeply impressed by Sian Williams from Toynbee Hall and her messages about fighting poverty and financial inclusion. Financial education isn’t enough - there has to be access to affordable finance too.

The week after going to Denmark, I took a trip with the Four Feds to Northern Ireland and a tour of Derry and the Bogside to see some impressive housing projects, but also communities exploited by loan sharks. What hit home were the barriers local people encountered in accessing affordable credit, despite the maturity of the credit union movement in Ireland. This is why I’m so proud that members and CHC have worked so well together this year in extending Moneyline services to Merthyr, Swansea and Wrexham and helping so many people through the Your Benefits Are Changing campaign.

When we re-emerge in 2014, I want us to redouble our efforts in fighting poverty and extending social justice. As Sian from Toynbee Hall told us, 'We shouldn’t be worried about welfare reform – we should always have been angry about poverty' … our members are at the leading edge.

You can find out more about the CHC Group's activities over the last year in our Annual Review for 2013. 


Nick Bennett
Group Chief Executive

Moving on and looking ahead

It is a little self indulgent to write this blog post, but what the heck. After almost 4 years at CHC I am, as the cliché goes, off to pastures new. I have worked across a range of housing policy areas in this small but dynamic organisation including housing management, community regeneration, rural housing, support, older people, equality and, more recently, worked on the vast learning and improvement programme of conferences, events and also commercial members. I have been fortunate to cram a lot of learning into a relatively short space of time, and met many inspirational people who are helping to empower communities and individuals across Wales to make positive changes to their lives. I feel very proud to have been involved with the huge range of policy, learning and events which I know are amongst the best the Welsh housing sector has to offer.

It is quite rare for anyone to leave CHC and there is a good reason for that. It’s a fantastic team and organisation, and the values are second to none. However, the time was right for me to go back to a housing association and I was delighted to be offered the role at Newydd Housing Association as their Community Partnership Manager. I am excited to take forward the great work on regeneration and tenant involvement across the 11 local authority areas Newydd covers. I feel lucky to be staying in such an innovative sector that really does make a difference.

So what is coming up at CHC? Our One Big Housing UnConference is being held on 10/11 October 2013 at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells. I really feel that this one will be the best yet (I am slightly biased, but still…). As I'm leaving CHC in September, I’ve already signed up as a delegate to attend in my new role! I love the relaxed and informal atmosphere, the networking and the chance to hear so many great speakers and attend practical workshops. I particularly like the ‘UnConference’ theme, especially the fact that you can leave a workshop if it isn’t for you and go where you can contribute and learn the most. I am looking forward to seeing many of you at the event and continuing to contribute to the work of the housing movement in Wales.

Another big event coming up is the ‘Let’s talk about...’ conference which has a PR and Communication angle for the big housing issues. This event is on 4/5 December in Llandrindod Wells. If your role is about communicating in your organisation to staff, tenants or stakeholders, then you’ll find this one really useful. I’ve had a sneaky peak at the packed agenda and it is very diverse and inspiring! The full programme should be published at the end of September. Keep an eye on the CHC website.

My new email address will be kevin.howell@newydd.co.uk and I will be starting my new role on 16 September 2013. I look forward to networking with you in my new role!


Kevin Howell
Learning and Improvement Manager
Community Housing Cymru