Thought leader interview with Victoria Tomlinson

What will be the biggest issue you hope to hear more on at Housing 2023?

The journey to net zero carbon is complex and challenging, both in terms of retrofitting existing homes but also for the development of new homes. Housing waiting lists continue to grow and more than 100,000 families are in temporary accommodation, so we need to keep the supply of new affordable homes coming. I am interested to hear more about how providers are balancing the need for new homes, that either achieve net zero carbon or are retrofit enabled, alongside the retrofitting of existing homes.

 

What will you be speaking about in your session?

I am chairing ’Aiming high for tower block refurbishments – juggling the challenges and risks successfully’. Modernising, improving the energy efficiency, reducing CO2 emissions and reducing fuel poverty for over 1,000 tenants and leaseholders in 21 tower blocks across 4 estates was always going to be a challenge. This session explores how Watmos Community Homes (a unique landlord based around 10 Tenant Management organisations) and its partners undertook resident engagement, managed multiple stakeholders, programme and construction risks, funding, Covid-19 and construction inflation across the one of the largest single phase tower block improvement programmes and the largest individual SHDF scheme in recent years.

 

Tell us a question for the Secretary of State

We need our housing and planning standards to enable the creation of homes and open spaces that support mental wellbeing. Does government recognise the savings this approach could achieve for the NHS and how are policies being developed to link housing with mental wellbeing?

 

What are you most looking forward to?

Connecting with my network in person, making new connections and allowing myself time to think and be inspired!

 

Name us the housing speaker of your dreams and why?

Octavia Hill - Octavia’s mission was to reduce poverty, her understanding of the difference housing and open spaces can make to people’s lives was inspirational.

 

Why is it vital the whole sector has a place to meet each year?

This conference provides us with inspirational speakers and the space for strategic thinking. It enables the sharing of innovation and creates connections, to allow the development of deeper understanding.

 

Register for your ticket for Housing 2023 today.