Projects and partnerships

We’re supporting Developing London, a major research programme led by Centre for London examining how the capital can deliver the homes it needs.

The programme brings together partners from across housing, planning and development to identify the barriers to building new homes and set out practical, evidence-based solutions. This includes land, funding, planning policy and delivery models.

The first report in the programme ‘Hollowing Out London?: Families and Neighbourhood Change in the Capital’ highlights how high housing costs are pushing lower and middle income households out of the city – implicating the capital’s economy, public services and long-term growth.

Our involvement reflects a shared priority: increasing the supply of good quality, affordable homes, and ensuring London remains a place where people on a range of incomes can live and work.

The G15 group of London’s largest housing associations has found that early engagement and genuine collaboration are essential for successful Section 106 agreements.

Housing associations are often one of the most consistent points of contact for residents. This places us in a strong position to connect people with jobs, training and wider support.

We work closely with Communities that Work and the Greater London Authority to strengthen the role housing plays in supporting people into employment.

Through this partnership, we’re contributing to a London-wide approach that brings together housing, employment and skills. Our aim is to ensure more residents can access opportunities and that housing is recognised as fundamental to London’s economy.

London’s social housing system is under immense strain. Demand far outstrips supply, and both councils and housing associations are working in a context of sustained pressure.

We’re working alongside London boroughs to improve how the allocations system operates in practice. This is a shared effort to make better use of existing homes, respond more effectively to urgent housing needs, and prevent homelessness wherever possible.

The current system often places people with complex requirements into general needs housing without the right support systems, while overcrowding continues to affect countless families. Simultaneously, councils face rising temporary accommodation costs and housing associations must meet increasing regulatory requirements.

Alongside the London Housing Directors Group, we’re focusing on practical, deliverable changes. This includes improving data sharing, supporting more coordinated mobility and rightsizing across London, and exploring place-based approaches that bring together local authorities and housing associations around shared priorities.

This work is grounded in partnership. We’re committed to working with councils to build a system that is fairer, more responsive and better able to meet the needs of Londoners facing housing issues.

Our Room to Grow report shines a light on the real social and economic value created by London’s affordable homes, and the not-for-profit housing associations that provide them.

Several G15 members are part of the London Homes Coalition, working with partners across the sector to address the skills challenges affecting housing delivery and maintenance.

Skills shortages are restricting the ability to build new homes and improve existing ones. Without action, this will limit progress on safety, quality and decarbonisation.

Through this work, we are calling for more flexible training routes, better use of funding, and stronger support to attract and retain skilled workers. This includes supporting initiatives that bring new entrants into the sector and support career progression.

G15 members are supporting the London Food Insecurity Network, working with partners across housing, the voluntary sector and the food industry to respond to rising levels of food insecurity in the capital.

The Network was founded by Peabody, HACT and The Felix Project, bringing together housing associations and community organisations to coordinate a long-term solution. The aim is clear: no social housing resident should go to bed hungry.

Housing associations are often closest to the issue. We see the pressure on households day-to-day, and we have a role in convening partners and supporting practical, local responses.

This work reflects a wider shift in how housing associations operate. We’re not only managing homes. We’re also part of the social infrastructure of London, working with others to support residents and strengthen communities.

Addressing food insecurity requires coordinated cross-sector action. The causes are closely linked to income, employment, health and housing costs. Through the London Food Insecurity Network, G15 members are contributing to a collective response, helping ensure support reaches residents now while building a collaborative, effective system for the future.

The Network’s latest Impact and Learning Report sets out both the scale of need and what a coordinated response can achieve.

Across the UK, around 7.3 million adults are experiencing food insecurity, with many households skipping meals or going without food altogether.

In London, nearly 385,000 people used food banks in a single year, highlighting the pressure facing low-income households.

Against this backdrop, the Network has brought organisations together to deliver practical support and test new approaches, resulting in:

• 76 community food markets delivered across London
• 35 tonnes of food distributed in just three winter months
• tens of thousands of meals provided to residents in need

Alongside direct provision, the Network is building a stronger, evidence-based approach. This includes how housing providers can use their local presence, community spaces and partnerships to deliver support more effectively.