Issue: 77 | April 2025

Welcome to this latest edition of CT Brief. Spring has now sprung and an air of uncertainty remains. These past few years have taught us how complex and interconnected our world is. Our best laid plans can go awry due to events beyond our control. Many reading this will currently be trying to come to terms with the potential shocks reverberating from tariffs imposed by the US on their own organisation’s plans and strategies.

Turning back to domestic matters, we are now nearing 12 months since the general election and continue to witness the unfolding of the (not so new) government’s policy agenda. This features a strong focus on economic growth and public service transformation, including a comprehensive upheaval to the structures of local government, which continues to generate debate and discussion. We are near the next set of local elections and awaiting the outcome of the greatly anticipated Spending Review in June. Hopes for the Spending Review remain subdued, with the recent Spring Statement confirming just how tough the fiscal environment really is, as well as the Government’s willingness to take tough decisions.

In such turbulent times we hope the CT Brief can shine a light on positive approaches to improve lives. We have sought to bring together a mixture of views and perspectives, with a particular focus on Temporary Accommodation (TA) in this edition. TA represents the hard edge of the housing crisis, affecting an ever-growing number of vulnerable households, including young children, and serving to divert scarce resources away from pursuits to build affordable homes and support individuals to prosper.

Housing for Older People continues to challenge us and we are proposing a 15-point plan to government. In addition to this, we have articles on community cohesion, charity sector, artificial intelligence, regulation of social housing and business growth. As we enter a new financial year, with more uncertainty to come, we hope this provides a space for reflection and a potential source of inspiration.