#ViewsOnComms: public relations, places and life in the South West
I was interested to read the renewed criticism of council newsletters this week, with Grant Shapps saying people should report authorities who they think are wasting public money on needless publications to the district auditor.
In PR Week (which has a firewall, so no point in providing a link), he is reported to have criticised Labour councils for continuing to publish weekly newsletters, despite Government guidelines which suggest a limit of four publications a year.
I remember the feeling as a reporter when I wrote about workers who were taking action over what they perceived to be bad wages, and would realise they were paid more than me.
I’m reminded of this today when I hear of measures aimed at helping young families onto the housing ladder and the need to address the country’s housing crisis.
I am not debt ridden, or badly paid. But when Grant Shapps talks of young families who are caught in a pincer movement between the paucity of available credit, high housing prices and the substantial deposits needed to get decent mortgages, it feels like he could be talking about me.
Continue reading “Is ‘self build’ the answer to our housing headache?”
I rose at the crack of dawn today to travel to Plymouth, where the city council hosted a day’s session with partners to set out its housing strategy.
Having witnessed the scores of partners in attendance, listened to intelligent, high-profile speakers and seen some amazing regeneration taking place, I left feeling impressed and energised by the the city’s ambition.
Attendees included some of the South West’s leading housing figures and the city’s two MPs, Alison Seabeck and Oliver Colvile.
They heard from Grant Shapps’ parliamentary aid Jake Berry MP, Chartered Institute of Housing’s deputy chief executive Richard Capie and my colleague Colin Molton about the challenges and opportunities facing local communities.
Continue reading “Plymouth puts its partners to work”
By any measure, 2010 was a hell of year. On a personal level, it saw me relocate, switch jobs and get to know a new part of the country.
For the sectors in which I work and the country at large, it saw a shift towards a new ‘reality’, sometimes at a bewildering pace.
I summarise it as a tough but rewarding 12 months. I’ve met interesting people and worked on plenty of great projects along the way.
Below are the five things I will remember most about 2010 (from a professional perspective). There are others I would perhaps rather forget, but I dare not blog about them (that’s PR for you).
Continue reading “Five reasons to remember 2010”
The Government’s proposed social housing reforms were published today, promising some of the most radical changes the sector has seen for a generation.
It sets out changes to the right to lifelong tenancies, the introduction of an ‘Affordable Rent‘ model and the long-awaited reform of Council housing finance. These changes have been the source of debate amongst housing people over recent weeks.
I have not gone to a work-related meeting or event since the Comprehensive Spending Review announcement on 20 October where somone hasn’t raised one or all of these issues.
This is understandable, and to be welcomed, as the proposals signify a huge shift in the way the HCA does business with its partners (and they with us). But step outside this circle and the wider country seems less informed about the proposals.
Is it because they aren’t interested? This would be odd, given the impact the proposals would have on many people’s lives.
Continue reading “Social housing lacks ‘X Factor’ appeal”