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We must ensure that we build back better and fairer from the pandemic
When we build back from the pandemic, we must do so better and fairer. This means the past approach of focusing purely on narrow economic goals must change, writes Wayne Gales
While reflecting on 2020, there were a few crumbs of comfort despite the annus horribilis.
In many ways we saw great examples of society at its best, with communities coming together and showing resilience, compassion and support.
This was best typified during May’s 75th anniversary of VE Day, which was not only heartwarming but also provided great perspective especially as we prepare for the challenges ahead.
It is hard to imagine the relief felt in 1945, especially given Winston Churchill’s grim assessment only a few years earlier that “the storm will not pass. It will rage and it will roar, ever more loudly, ever more widely. There is no chance of a speedy end except through united action”.
While in so many ways incomparable given the human sacrifice, loss and mass devastation, there is some synergy with the predicament the world now faces.
Despite vaccines being rolled out, a quick end to the pandemic seems unlikely.
But pulling together as Churchill suggested gives us the best chance of succeeding when we do finally emerge.
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If we don’t take the opportunity forced upon us by coronavirus to unite with a wider range of partners to create and deliver a connected masterplan, the housing crisis, scale of inequalities, poor health and unemployment will get drastically worse.
The pandemic has underlined the importance of people’s health, well-being and quality of home. Sadly, and unsurprisingly, it is the most vulnerable who are being hit hardest.
So the launch in December of Build Back Fairer: the COVID-19 Marmot Review was timely and its principles can guide how the sector addresses the root causes of inequalities.
In essence, it reaffirms the point that good housing and employment is central to better health. Overcrowded living conditions and poor-quality housing are cited as being intrinsically linked with higher risks of coronavirus-related mortality.
Homebuilding organisations in particular can make a significant difference here.
At JV North – a consortium of 11 housing association and local authority members which come together to build more homes by pooling grant bids, running a framework and sharing best practice – we are shaping our future around the premise that everything starts with providing high-quality affordable homes through partnership working.
COVID-19 has impacted most on homeless people and lower-income households, therefore the need to build more genuinely affordable homes that people can afford to heat and power along with appropriate tenures being offered is greater than ever.
Like other conscientious home builders, JV North members want to build more properties quicker, better and greener.
This is not solely to help meet demand but to be the catalyst for broader benefits, such as improving well-being, boosting the economy, easing pressure on health and social care services and reducing the welfare bill.
Quality has to be at the forefront. Building back better has to mean high standards, especially around space – both internally and externally.
Crucially, contractors and consultants are central to our homebuilding plans, yet they are facing even greater pressure as a consequence of COVID-19. But housing can help here, too.
Focusing purely on narrow economic goals are not going to create the rounded communities we so often talk about.
It is imperative we adopt a new approach to contracting going forward. It starts with a change of culture by treating them more as valued, key partners or ‘part of the team’ instead of the traditional client–supplier relationship where cost is invariably key.
“Quality has to be at the forefront. Building back better has to mean high standards, especially around space – both internally and externally”
We also need the courage to commit to collective, calculated risk-taking at different stages of the construction process.
This approach marks the latest chapter in JV North’s 14-year history and we are adapting in numerous ways to boost local economies and realise broader ‘Build Back Fairer’ benefits.
Two new members have recently joined from Plus Dane Housing and Stockport Homes in partnership with Stockport Council; Homes England’s 2021/26 Affordable Homes Programme begins; and we have kick-started work to establish a new contractors and consultants’ framework.
Members are building more than 4,550 homes in the current programme and have a big appetite to build more in the next. Establishing the right relationships and frameworks with partners will be key to future delivery.
There has to be some give and take on all sides but expectations will be high for those involved, as will the need to be innovative and provide added value.
Investing in buildings is not enough, we need to invest in people, too.
One of our members, One Manchester, is taking the lead ensuring all those applying to our new framework will provide measurable social value around employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities.
While the perfect storm has circled us the past 10 months, if we work together better and become more united, we can navigate our way to a brighter future where we not only build back better but also fairer.
Wayne Gales, chair, JV North; and chief executive, Weaver Vale Housing Trust
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