THIS ISSUE OF WHQ previews two important events for Welsh housing over the next month.
At the end of April, TAI 2015 is a chance to reflect on progress so far and the challenges ahead for the sector. A week later the whole of the UK will vote on who should form the next government at Westminster. The WHQ debate at TAI will bring both together with a debate between all the
main parties on which is the more important election for Welsh housing: Westminster in 2015 or the Welsh Assembly in 2016.
This issue offers a sneak preview of some of the key themes at TAI including:
Legislation – a full guide to the Renting Homes Bill, with an introduction by the minister and articles making the case for and against removing the six-month moratorium in the private rented sector and Ground 8 in the social sector
Diversity and leadership – Amanda
Oliver asks if we can move beyond the Boys’ Club
Innovations in delivery – the new home design with straw bales for insulation
Telling stories – the connection between Newport and Antarctica.
A coalition of housing organisations from across Britain is determined to push housing up the agenda for the UK general election. Stuart Ropke and Helen Northmore report on the Homes for Britain rally and Westminster reception for Welsh MPs.
Frances Beecher tells the Westminster parties that cutting benefits for young people will increase homelessness and not save money. Robin Staines has a message from Wales for whoever becomes the next prime minister.
Elsewhere in this issue, Mike Owen draws on his experience of local government reorganisation in England to ask what it will mean for housing in Wales. He argues that it will change everything and offers advice on the key issues.
Wales & West Housing celebrates its 50th birthday this year. I interviewed chief executive Anne Hinchey and asked her about the past, present and future of the association.
Sticking with the theme of making a difference, Phil Meek of Tai Calon explains the thinking behind its employment and training initiatives.
In our final main feature, Tamsin Stirling reports on her study visit to Detroit and asks whether it’s requiem or resurrection for Motown.
All this, plus the usual range of regular articles highlighting opinion and good practice from right across Wales make this a packed conference issue of WHQ. Please say hello if you see me at TAI.
Jules Birch
Editor, WHQ