Building the Future: New Homes are Key to Economic Stability

Cross-sector talent is vital for effective housing delivery, considers Jes Ladva, Managing Partner - Government, Finance and Technology.

There has been a great deal in the recent press and media surrounding the Government’s Plan for Change, in particular the target to build 1.5 million new homes over this Parliament, in what is the biggest housebuilding initiative since the post-war era.

Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing recently commented: “While our vision for the next generation of new towns is setting the stage for a housebuilding revolution in the years to come, urgent action is needed now to build the homes and infrastructure that our local communities are crying out for. That’s why our New Homes Accelerator is working at pace to find solutions and remove blockages in the system, executing long-lasting solutions to get spades in the ground.  

“Today we are embarking on the next chapter in our Plan for Change to build 1.5 million new homes, deliver the biggest boost in social and affordable housing in a generation, and raise living standards for working people and families across the country.”

To achieve these building targets, local authorities hold significant responsibility for ensuring the construction of the appropriate number of houses in line with the wider strategy. This effort will lead to substantial economic growth due to the required infrastructure development necessary to support these new communities, including energy grids, schools, medical services, and other essential services.

The targets are ambitious but essential, as failure to meet growth targets may necessitate future tax increases, potentially challenging manifesto commitments.

Odgers Interim has a proven history of facilitating high-profile housing appointments, bringing substantial expertise to this complex sector. Our involvement has included: Chair and CEO of Homes England; Chief Executive of the Government Property Agency; Consultant Chief Operating Officer and Consultant Finance Director for the New Homes Quality Board; and a long history of l CEO and NED appointments across HA’s/ RP’s. The range of  these individuals, equipped with the necessary acumen and specialist expertise, have significantly contributed to supporting and enriching the sector.

Many of you will have noted our commitment to cross-sector movement supported by our multi-sector specialisms. Whether you are building a hospital, constructing a school, or laying an energy grid, our teams have the expertise to support your project. In times of infrastructure development and growth, having access to multi-streams of talent presents a significant advantage. For our clients, this means benefiting from our cross-sector expertise and diverse pool of talents.