Safe as Houses: Why investment in social housing is great for us and our economy
St James/Westminster Room, Queen Elizabeth II Centre.

We invite you to join us for a crucial conversation on the importance of investing in social housing. At this event, we’ll explore why funding social housing isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s an investment that strengthens our communities and boosts our economy.

Bringing together a wide range of voices, including people with lived experience, economists, sector experts, government officials, and MPs, we’ll discuss why social housing must be a priority in the upcoming June Spending Review.

Expert speakers include:

Florence Eshalomi, MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green and Chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee.

Ann Pettifor, Director of Policy Research in Macroeconomics (PRIME). Political economist best known for predicting the Global Financial Crisis of 2007-9 with her book: The Coming First World Debt Crisis amongst other work.

Professor Kenneth Gibb, Professor of housing economics and director OF ESRC UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence both at the University of Glasgow.

Dr Adam Yousef is Head of Economics at the Greater London Authority. He leads the delivery of evidence-based policies to shape London’s economic priorities.

Becci Taylor Director of Retrofit at Scale. Expert in new build projects across housing, arts & culture and masterplanning globally.

Social housing isn’t just about providing a safe, secure place to live—it’s an investment that benefits everyone. From creating jobs and boosting local economies to cutting the costs of temporary accommodation and easing pressure on the NHS, social housing offers one of the most productive and sustainable ways the government can spend its money.

We’re committed to ensuring these facts are front and centre in the ongoing discussions about housing policy. Whether you’re involved in housing, policy, or simply care about the future of our communities, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

What to Expect:

Keynote speakers & panel from across the housing, economic & sustainability sectors
Personal stories from those with lived experience of social housing
Opportunity to engage in discussions about the future of investment in social homes
Networking lunch from 12-1pm after discussions and Q&A

Shelter Event: Safe as Houses