SWHI Chairman, Richard Kitson – former CEO of the Aster Group of housing associations – highlights the issues >>

Maybe the Government has got it right

Am I alone in thinking that the Government’s proposals for planning have some merit? Firstly, the previous regional strategies (whilst effectively... Read more...

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Updates on Progress

SWHI Parliamentary Group:

The SWHI is securing support for a fast-growing all-party Parliamentary Group of MPs and South West members of the House of Lords. Their first full meeting will be held on 8^th November.

Media Relations:

Following active engagement with the Western Morning News over recent years, the SWHI’s Board members met with Northcliffe Media South West, owners of almost all daily newspapers in the region and most of the leading weekly titles.

As a result, the Western Daily Press Editor created “The Housing Debate”, launched in July, which features six articles from SWHI leaders and will include feedback letters from readers and an article from a Government minister. We shall add the SWHI articles to this website.

Charter launch:

The SWHI Housing Charter has been launched to the news media, and is regularly featured in the Western Daily Press “Housing Debate”.

SWHI partners, like the NHF, have urged their members to sign up to the Charter, and Richard Kitson (SWHI Chairman) is receiving dozens of emails via the SWHI website from organisations wanting to sign the Charter.

Local Housing Summits:

Having staged the first ever South West Regional Housing Summit last year, the SWHI is now tailoring events for 2011 with a sub-regional focus. Each event, which features senior Parliamentary input, is especially geared for delegates (elected members and senior officers) from the region’s local authorities.

Exeter: 7^th October at the offices of Trowers (law firm), attended by John Howell MP and shadow housing spokesman, Alison Seabeck MP;
Dorchester: 14^th October at the offices of West Dorset Council, attended by Oliver Letwin MP;
Bristol: date, venue, and Parliamentary attendee to be announced soon.

This page will provide an update on SWHI progress. Please refer back to this page as more events are planned and take place.