Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation (NHF), visited Halton on 26th March for a high level meeting with members of the Halton Housing Partnership (a collaboration of housing associations operating across Halton), and a tour of several major regeneration and retrofit schemes across the borough, highlighting the scale of ambition underway in Halton. 

The visit brought together senior leaders from Halton Housing, Plus Dane, Magenta, Onward and Your Housing Group to discuss shared priorities and the challenges facing local communities. The meeting opened with an introduction to Halton and the work of the Halton Housing Partnership (HHP), led by Sam Scott, CEO of Halton Housing and Chair of HHP. 

A wide ranging roundtable discussion followed, covering issues such as forthcoming legal and regulatory changes, the importance of strong partnership working, funding availability for net-zero and retrofit programmes, and disrepair challenges. 

Sam Scott said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Kate to Halton and to showcase the work our organisations are delivering together. Housing providers across Halton are facing real pressures, but we are also delivering real positive impacts for our customers and our communities- from tackling issues with damp and mould to investing in regeneration and retrofit at scale. Today’s discussion reinforced how vital it is that national policy and funding frameworks support the work we are doing on the ground.” 

Kate Henderson provided an update on the NHF’s national policy work and ongoing engagement with government on regulation, funding and the future of social housing. 

Following the roundtable, Kate Henderson toured key regeneration and retrofit schemes across the borough, including: 

• The regeneration of Runcorn Old Town, covering the Waterfront, Town Centre and Mercia Place by Halton Housing. This highlighted the commitment to the ongoing rejuvenation of the Old Town Centre and Runcorn Waterfront, working in partnership with Halton Borough Council by pooling assets, resources and expertise to deliver more for residents and communities. 

• The Palacefields ten-year regeneration programme by Riverside Housing. This project is tackling everything from ageing homes and fading community spaces to economic and social challenges, alongside improving the area’s connectivity. There are also plans for high quality, modern and affordable homes, a vibrant new local centre, a rebuilt church, revitalised heritage buildings, and an improved public realm. 

• The Murdishaw retrofit and community project including by Onward. This included a visit to the Tea Tree Café - a vibrant, community run hub led by passionate local volunteers and a look at their retrofitted bungalows using funding from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, improving the energy efficiency of 132 homes and giving the area a fresh, smart new look. 

The tour highlighted the scale of investment being made by housing providers and the tangible improvements being delivered for residents in those areas. The visit clearly highlighted how effective collaboration and true partnership working can deliver positive results at scale.