Chris Melia
Local Authority Growth Director , CapitaChris is Capita’s local authority Growth Director and is a highly experienced business development and customer experience director within our Local Public Service Team, working across a footprint of 280 council customers. Chris has worked and advised c-suite decision makers on digital and business transformation for over 17 years, primarily in the Local Government sector. Joining Capita in 2015, he has undertaken a number of senior roles where his expertise in leading mutli-disciplined teams of specialists in delivering innovative change, particularly linked to technology, has helped deliver better outcomes for customers. He has a passion for delivering easy access to services and information for both residents and businesses, and for supporting social value projects.
My Speaker Sessions
Thursday 05 December 2024
Navigating temporary accommodation challenges: Strategies for unlocking land and accelerating development
Temporary accommodation has become a significant financial burden for local authorities in the UK, driven by a complex interplay of factors. The dramatic increase in homelessness, rising rents, frequent evictions, and a persistent lack of affordable housing have all contributed to this crisis. The long-term challenge to build sufficient social housing forces more individuals and families into temporary accommodation, which is often more expensive and less suitable for long-term living. Additionally, the Right to Buy scheme has depleted the stock of affordable housing without adequate replacement.
The exit of private landlords from the market, due to regulatory and tax changes, has further strained the temporary accommodation system. Local authorities are grappling with the excessive costs of temporary solutions such as hotels and private rentals, compounded by significant cuts in central government funding. Managing temporary accommodation also involves considerable administrative costs and policy challenges, including the freeze on housing benefits and delays in banning ‘no-fault’ evictions.
The 2024 budget emphasised land use reform and incentives for brownfield site development. However, hidden costs and planning constraints often delay progress. This panel will explore how local authorities, partners and communities can collaborate to unlock land and accelerate the development of affordable housing.
