Read the latest insights from Campbell Tickell’s experts on current policy and real-world practice.
Across the UK, social housing providers continue to face an operating environment marked by financial constraint, increasing demand and heightened regulatory expectations. Yet, as ever, we see boards, executives and frontline teams responding with determination, creativity and a deep commitment to delivering safe, high-quality homes for the people and communities they serve.
This booklet brings together the latest thinking from Campbell Tickell’s experts on rent policy, organisational growth, governance, portfolio integration/stock rationalisation and some of the most pressing challenges facing local authorities and Registered Providers. In each article, our colleagues distil learning from our work across the UK, offering practical insights that will help organisations to navigate uncertainty while staying focused on their social purpose.
Rent Convergence
The potential reintroduction of rent convergence, currently under government consultation, represents a significant shift in England’s rent policy framework. In “Convergence” (page 2), Helen Routledge explains what convergence is, what the consultation proposes and what organisations should be doing now to model the impacts. She highlights the importance of understanding how £1 or £2 weekly increases could affect business plans, loan covenants and – critically – tenants, especially self-payers. With implementation potentially from April 2026, the sector may need to move quickly to update policies, systems and consultation plans.
Portfolio Integration/Stock Rationalisation
Acquiring tenanted homes remains an important growth route for many Registered Providers – but integration presents considerable challenges. In “Integrating a new portfolio” (page 6), Glenn Allum sets out practical steps to ensure a smooth transition for new customers and operational teams alike. From managing surges in service demand to ensuring robust and timely data transfer, the article outlines how to prepare effectively and sustain service quality through change.
Mergers
With financial pressures intensifying and development ambitions being reassessed, merger activity has once again risen up the agenda for many providers. In “Mergers: Top tips for a successful outcome” (page 7), David Williams and Glenn Allum outline their top tips for approaching a merger with clarity, curiosity and realism. Their guidance on trust, pace, integration and decision-making offers a vital reminder that successful mergers rely as much on behaviours and culture as on technical alignment.
Governance of For-Profit Registered Providers
The for-profit registered provider (FPRP) sector continues to evolve rapidly, bringing unique governance questions and challenges. In “For-Profit Registered Providers: Key considerations for effective governance” (page 12), Stephen Bull draws on recent work with FPRPs to outline the fundamentals of good governance in what is often a complex operating context. His reflections on regulatory expectations, investor relationships, board composition and governance structures offer essential reading for any FPRP navigating growth or seeking to strengthen assurance.
Temporary Accommodation Network
Finally, James McHugh addresses one of the most pressing issues facing local authorities today: the spiralling cost and rising use of Temporary Accommodation (TA). In “Temporary Accommodation: Searching for financial solutions to the crisis” (page 14), he explores the work of the Temporary Accommodation Network and the financial implications of the TA system, examining both near-term solutions and the need for wider policy reform – including the urgent case for revisiting Local Housing Allowance levels.
At Campbell Tickell, our work is grounded in helping organisations across the UK strengthen governance, build resilience and deliver on their social purpose. We hope you find the insights in this booklet both informative and thought-provoking. As ever, we welcome conversation and would be delighted to explore any of the themes raised here in more depth.
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Contact
To discuss any of the topics covered, please get in touch with our team:
- Finance: Helen.Routledge@campbelltickell.com
- Stock rationalisation & Mergers: Glenn.Allum@campbelltickell.com, David.Williams@campbelltickell.com
- For Profit Registered Providers and Governance: Stephen.Bull@campbelltickell.com
- Temporary Accommodation: James.Mchugh@campbelltickell.com or Maggie.Rafalowicz@campbelltickell.com
Call: +44 (0)20 8830 6777.
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