Our chance to ensure the manifesto promises of our new government are put into action

This September, the National Housing Federation (NHF) and the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) will for the first time host our brand new, landmark event, The Housing Community Summit.

Since first announcing our joint event back in October, the political landscape has undoubtedly changed. As the general election fast approaches, the main political parties have published their manifestos, giving us a better idea of their intentions should they take office next week.

There are certainly some promising commitments. The Conservatives have committed to renewing the affordable homes programme and have recognised the importance of grant funding for affordable homes in their manifesto. The Liberal Democrats have pledged to deliver 150,000 social homes a year. And Labour has listened to our calls and committed to a reintroduction of mandatory housing targets and reforming the planning system.

With our next government having taken office just a few months prior, the timing of The Housing Community Summit couldn’t be more significant. What happens on 4 July will shape the policy landscape for our sector for years to come, and the outcome of this will, in large part, depend on how well the sector works together and collaborates with the new government.

Our whole housing community will be under one roof for the first time since the election, providing an opportunity for us to align our priorities with the government

The Housing Community Summit serves as an opportunity to develop this, with the conference offering a forum for debating and actively shaping the future of social housing. It will be our chance to ensure the manifesto promises of our new government are put into action, and that housing remains at the top of the political agenda, reinforcing the central role social housing can, and must, play in tackling the housing crisis.

Collaboration is at the heart of this event – not just between the NHF and CIH, but with a wide range of stakeholders, our members, politicians, and residents. Our whole housing community will be under one roof for the first time since the election, providing an opportunity for us to align our priorities with the government and hear directly from them, and each other, on what we expect from the years ahead.

The NHF and CIH have a long history of working together - advocating for better policies to tackle the housing crisis head on. Our joint work on the Better Social Housing Review is testament to the power of our combined efforts on behalf of the sector, driving accountability and work programmes to improve the quality of homes and services for residents.

We know that many of you have been calling on us to collaborate on a joint housing sector event and we are delighted to finally be doing so. We are driven by our members, and our passion for delivering the sector’s social purpose. The Housing Community Summit will truly be an event by the sector, for the sector.

In this general election year, we intend for our event to be a moment in housing history – one we look back on for years to come. We will ensure our sector’s voice is heard, amplified, and celebrated, and that we work towards a better future for the millions in housing need. Make sure you join us.

Gavin Smart is the chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing and Kate Henderson is the chief executive of the National Housing Federation.

Building’s sister title Housing Today is media partner for the Housing Community Summit.