02 December 2025
Summary: Speaking at the Social Housing Leaders' Conference, MTVH Chief Executive Mel Barrett stressed that housing associations can deliver for residents while driving development.
On 26th November, MTVH Chief Executive Mel Barrett addressed senior housing leaders, investors, advisers and policymakers at the Social Housing Leaders Conference in the City of London – a key forum for leadership and policy discussion to shape the future of the social housing sector.
The conference, organised by trade publication Social Housing, brought together influential leaders from across the housing sector to discuss priorities and challenges. Speaking at a session on the purpose of social housing, Mel stressed that although housing associations’ first responsibility is to existing residents and homes, they can also help tackle the housing crisis with ambitious development programmes without compromising this commitment.
MTVH is leading by example. Over the last six months, we’ve invested over £60m in repairs, maintenance and capital improvements to our existing homes, and, over the last year, delivered £1 billion in social value through our social tenancies – including £660 million in public service savings. We supported residents with essentials and rent adjustments through a £1 million tenant welfare fund and launched the Molly Huggins Foundation, which aims to invest over £75 million in community projects over the next decade.
Alongside this, we are on track to complete a record 1,200 new homes this year and have built a five-year development pipeline of 4,970 homes. We’ve achieved this whilst maintaining our strong financial position, including building our liquidity and maintained our two A- (stable) credit ratings from Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services.
Mel made his remarks on the same day as the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, which included measures to support housing delivery. Among the announcements were £48 million to boost planning capacity and a consultation on VAT reform to incentivise social housing development. The government also confirmed it will respond to the consultation on rent convergence in January 2026 – a key issue for housing providers seeking certainty on future income. These steps follow the Comprehensive Spending Review earlier this year, which brought welcome investment for the sector.
Mel Barrett, Chief Executive of MTVH, said:
“It was a pleasure to speak at the Social Housing Leaders Conference on Budget Day and I’m grateful for the chance to share ideas with colleagues and partners as we look to address the challenges and opportunities our sector faces.
“Our utmost priority is delivering for existing residents: maintaining homes, investing in communities and supporting people to live well. At the same time, we must build the homes Britain needs to reduce the number of families living in insecure temporary accommodation and creating thriving communities that deliver lasting social and economic value.”
Below: Mel Barrett on the panel alongside Steve Coffey, Chief Executive, Torus, Paul Dolan, Chief Executive, Riverside, and Charlie Norman, Chair, MSV Housing.
