A number of factors must be taken into account in the growth strategies of housing associations

Writing in Social Housing, Amanda Williams of Aster Group identified the following key issues:

• The role of the responsible disposal of existing homes that cannot be viably upgraded to modern standards, generating funds to be reinvested in new and existing homes
• The need for an appropriate mix of tenures, including social rent, Affordable Rent, shared ownership, and community-led housing
• The need for more resources and skills for local planning teams
• The importance of placemaking, requiring a thoughtful approach to design, infrastructure and community engagement, with the potential for Community Land Trusts to play a significant role
• The role of strategic partnerships, which offer RPs certainty for planning and investment, while giving government access to experienced partners.