Leeds City Council received high commendation at the UK Housing Awards 2024 for successfully constructing 4,441 homes in the 2023/24 financial year and implementing the impactful Council Housing Growth Programme. Celebrated in Manchester, this recognition highlights the council’s commitment to elevating housing standards and enhancing community welfare across Leeds.
Why was Leeds City Council recognized at the UK Housing Awards 2024?
Leeds City Council was highly commended at the UK Housing Awards 2024 for its exceptional efforts in housing development, including the construction of 4,441 homes in the 2023/24 financial year and the implementation of the Council Housing Growth Programme, which has led to significant improvements in local housing standards and community welfare.
National Recognition for Housing Efforts
Leeds City Council’s relentless dedication to creating high-standard living spaces has been acknowledged on a national platform at the current UK Housing Awards. In the run-up to the event, Leeds had the honor of being shortlisted for the ‘council or combined authority of the year’ award in September, spotlighting the city’s achievements in the housing sector. The subsequent ceremony, which celebrated the UK’s housing sector’s finest, took place on November 26 at Manchester’s Point conference and events centre, where Leeds was named one of two highly commended entities.
The awards highlighted the council’s significant role in elevating the quality of housing. A presentation earlier in the year to the awards’ judges delineated Leeds’ accomplishments, attracting commendation for the city’s housing service. The presentation provided a narrative of Leeds’s progressive housing growth: a total of 4,441 homes established within the 2023/24 financial year, marking the zenith of local housing efforts since the early 1980s.
Furthermore, the impact of the Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP) was evident, spearheading the construction or procurement of nearly 700 homes. The programme illuminated the difference schemes like the Gascoigne House extra care development in Middleton make to individuals’ lives. The council’s strategy ensures new residential projects cater to diverse housing requirements, with Leeds seeing more affordable homes built over the last five years than any other major city in the UK outside of London.
A Bright Future for Housing in Leeds
Looking forward, Leeds has solid plans for housing revitalization in six city centre-adjacent neighbourhoods. Areas such as Mabgate, Holbeck, and Hunslet are scheduled for development that promises to unlock the potential for thousands of new homes. This forward-thinking approach underscores the council’s commitment to housing as a cornerstone for community enhancement and quality of life improvements.
At the awards ceremony, the London Borough of Haringey secured the victory in Leeds’s category, with Birmingham City Council also receiving a commendation alongside Leeds. The shortlist featured two other contenders, the London Borough of Newham and Westminster City Council, amidst a competitive backdrop reflective of the wide-ranging achievements in the sector. In total, 17 categories were celebrated at the event, including ‘homebuilder of the year’, ‘professional services partner of the year’, and ‘homelessness project of the year’.
Councillor Jess Lennox, the executive member for housing in Leeds, expressed her thoughts about the council’s recognition: “As a council, we are determined to use every tool at our disposal to drive housing growth and deliver the kind of homes that can transform communities and, most importantly, people’s lives.” Lennox continued, “It was really pleasing, therefore, to be shortlisted for this award and then to receive a special commendation at Tuesday’s ceremony.” The councillor also extended congratulations to Haringey and other winners, commending the breadth and quality of accomplishments celebrated by the awards.
The Role of Partnerships and Looking Ahead
The UK Housing Awards, a stage for celebrating the pinnacle of housing excellence, is an initiative orchestrated by Inside Housing magazine and the Ocean Media Group. It serves not only as an event to honor achievements but also as a platform for sharing best practices and fostering collaboration among professionals and authorities in the housing sector. The commendations received by Leeds City Council reflect a shared vision and concerted efforts with numerous partners, all striving towards a common goal of enhancing living conditions and community welfare.
As Leeds stands in the spotlight, the city’s achievements and future plans present an encouraging blueprint for sustainable and inclusive urban development. The highly commended status affirms that the strategies employed by Leeds City Council are exemplary, setting a benchmark for other cities and authorities to aspire to.
With a commendable track record and a clear trajectory towards further accomplishments, Leeds City Council’s role in advancing housing standards sets a promising outlook for the city’s inhabitants. The recognition at the UK Housing Awards 2024 not only celebrates past successes but also shines a light on the potential for continued progress in creating homes that underpin the growth of vibrant communities.
Inside Housing magazine and Ocean Media Group have been instrumental in bringing to the fore the accomplishments of housing authorities like Leeds City Council. Through their collaborative efforts, they have established the UK Housing Awards as a benchmark for excellence and innovation in the housing sector.
- Leeds City Council was highly commended at the UK Housing Awards 2024 for constructing 4,441 homes in the 2023/24 financial year.
- The Council Housing Growth Programme significantly contributed to housing development, with nearly 700 homes constructed or procured through the initiative.
- Leeds was shortlisted for the ‘council or combined authority of the year’ award prior to the ceremony, showcasing its achievements in the housing sector.
- The awards ceremony took place on November 26 in Manchester and featured competitive categories, with Leeds receiving commendation alongside Birmingham City Council.
- Councillor Jess Lennox emphasized the council’s dedication to driving housing growth to transform communities and improve lives.