Sign in

Rachael Williamson

@rachaelwhsg.bsky.social
416 followers 151 following 75 posts

Director of policy, communications & external affairs Chartered Institute of Housing. Trustee Citizens Advice East Herts. Former civil servant HM Govt. Passionate about social justice and quality, affordable homes as a foundation for life.

PostsRepliesMedia
Rachael Williamson @rachaelwhsg.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
"This is the kind of Britain I want us to be – a country where everyone has the security of a roof over their head, and where no one is left behind or written off. Let’s bring back hope."
000
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Inside Housing @insidehousing.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
dlvr.it
Ten years after the UK voted to leave the EU, what did Brexit do to housing?
Ten years ago, Britain voted by a 52% majority to leave the European Union. Caroline Thorpe looks back through the archives and speaks to sector figures about how a decade of Brexit has impacted the world of housing
011
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Chartered Institute of Housing @cihhousing.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
CIH's director of policy, communications and external affairs, @rachaelwhsg.bsky.social, chairs a session on the new Social and Affordable Homes Programme and the extent to which it will deliver the affordable and social homes the country needs. #HousingBrighton2026
022
Rachael Williamson @rachaelwhsg.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Building more affordable homes is the only way to tackle the homelessness crisis and give everyone a secure foundation to thrive 👇#ukhousing #BuildSocialHousing
000
Rachael Williamson @rachaelwhsg.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
The new Renters' Rights Act is now live, marking a watershed moment for the private rented sector. (I've had a busy week on the radio talking about it, with thanks to @felicityhannah.bsky.social 😀) If you need a quick overview of the changes, this is a helpful summary: www.gov.uk/government/p...
gov.uk
The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026
The Information Sheet about the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 that landlords and their agents must give to tenants.
162
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Inside Housing @insidehousing.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
dlvr.it
New report calls on Welsh government to invest in housing workforce as staff fill gaps left by cuts to public services
The national director of the Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru has called on the Welsh government to invest in the housing workforce after a new report found staff filling in gaps left by public service cuts
011
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Chartered Institute of Housing @cihhousing.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
📢 The 2026 UK Housing Review has landed 📢 With 200 charts and tables containing the most important, up-to-date housing statistics available for the UK, the Review is essential housing reading. And this year's edition is already hitting the headlines... 📰
133
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Chartered Institute of Housing @cihhousing.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
@rachaelwhsg.bsky.social chairs a discussion with @hendricksonclaude.bsky.social and Great Places HG's Rachel Sumner on the discrimination and inequalities that still exist in housing and the need to keep the issue on the agenda to bring about sustainable change. #NorthernHousingFestival
122
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Inside Housing @insidehousing.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
dlvr.it
Dispatches from 2026 Scotland Housing Festival
Scotland’s housing sector gathered in Glasgow this week to discuss everything from policy to professional development. Ellie Brown rounds up the key points
011
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Inside Housing @insidehousing.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
dlvr.it
Mentoring and investment in professional skills are key to shaping the next generation of housing leaders
To mark National Careers Week, Elly Hoult, chief operating officer at Peabody and former president of the Chartered Institute of Housing, reflects on her journey and her role as a mentor for PfP Thrive
021
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
CIH policy @cihpolicy.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Great to see this news today⬇️ Here's a 🧵with CIH's reaction from @rachaelwhsg.bsky.social 🗣️"CIH welcomes the government’s launch of funding, as announced in the National Plan to End Homelessness, to support community based and voluntary organisations tackling homelessness and rough sleeping. 1/3
134
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Matthew Pennycook MP @matthewpennycookmp.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Everyone deserves a decent, safe, secure and affordable home in which to live. Today, our new £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme opens for bids. At least 60% of homes delivered through the programme will be for Social Rent.
12710
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Refugee Action @refugeeaction.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
The conversation about housing is all wrong. For decades, governments haven’t built enough social homes. People are struggling. Yet refugees get blamed. Our new video flips the narrative and focuses on the real issue. Watch it. Share it. Let’s change the conversation.
98765
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Inside Housing @insidehousing.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
dlvr.it
What young professionals want from a career in housing – and what the sector can do about it
Our new report offers clear insight into the hopes and frustrations of those who will help shape the future of social housing, writes Bekah Ryder, research and insights manager at Altair
011
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
UK in a Changing Europe @ukandeu.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
🏡 "The way housing issues are discussed and amplified on social media has become a significant factor in shaping public opinion and influencing the political landscape." ✍️ @rachaelwhsg.bsky.social reflects on how housing issues can affect our politics 🔗 ukandeu.ac.uk/housing-popu...
ukandeu.ac.uk
Housing, populism, and the politics of belonging - UK in a changing Europe
Rachael Williamson argues that housing is a central issue for voters across the UK and Europe and that issues that stem from housing crises such as disconnection and distrust in institutions can lead ...
041
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Inside Housing @insidehousing.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
dlvr.it
Two new appointments mark CIH expansion into Scotland and Northern Ireland
The Chartered Institute of Housing has expanded its Scotland and Northern Ireland teams with two new appointments
011
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Chartered Institute of Housing @cihhousing.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
✍🏻 Our head of policy and external affairs, Chloe Fletcher, has penned an exclusive piece for Housing Today reflecting on this week's Budget and what it means for housing. Read the full article ➡️ buff.ly/UTVMyqz #AutumnBudget2025
buff.ly
The Budget was a missed opportunity for housing affordability and supply
While some measures were welcome, Reeves' package of policies fell short overall, writes Chloe Fletcher
011
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Chartered Institute of Housing @cihhousing.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
As we mark The 16 Days of Activism we hear from CIH's Rachael Williamson and Stephanie Morphew as they talk to Kristen Thue about the work EIDA are doing to take effective action on domestic abuse 🔊 buff.ly/8DKfbOo #16Days #NoExcuse #ACTtoEndViolence
021
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Chartered Institute of Housing @cihhousing.bsky.social · 27/11/2025
🚨WYNTK about the Autumn Budget 2025 🚨 The CIH policy team have put together a new member briefing exclusively for members detailing the key housing announcements in yesterday's Budget and what they mean for the sector. Read it here ➡️ buff.ly/i4bTTc5
023
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Chartered Institute of Housing @cihhousing.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, delivered her Autumn Budget to the House of Commons today (26 November). Read our full response here ➡️ buff.ly/pYkoreY #AutumnBudget2025
023
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Inside Housing @insidehousing.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
dlvr.it
The sector needs more than just grant funding from the Budget
It is vital that the government continues to work in partnership with the housing sector, writes David Ball, chief financial officer of VIVID
021
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
The UK isn’t a “soft touch” on asylum. UK asylum seeker benefits are similar to European neighbours No right to work before 12 months (it’s 6 months in France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands) UK settlement after 5 years (it’s 3 or 4 in Germany) Let’s cut out the alarmist rhetoric.
35728281
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Chartered Institute of Housing @cihhousing.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
🗣️CIH recognises the need for a fair, well-managed asylum system but the measures outlined in the government’s latest asylum and returns policy risk deepening the housing emergency and pushing more people into homelessness. 🔗 in🧵to a summary of the changes, what it means for housing & CIH's response
141
Rachael Williamson @rachaelwhsg.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
Some thoughts from me for @bigissue.com on why we need to invest in existing homes as well as new, and ensure that new supply stands the test of time. www.bigissue.com/news/housing... #ukhousing @cihhousing.bsky.social @cihpolicy.bsky.social
bigissue.com
We need to value the homes we have as much as the ones we build. Here's why
Housing reforms are welcome. But it's not just new builds that will fix the crisis – we must make sure the homes we have are fit for purpose.
040
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
CIH events @cihevents.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Today, Nikki Pullen, Sarah Dunkerley and @rachaelwhsg.bsky.social share what you need to know about the Competence and Conduct Standard and how organisations and housing professionals can be gearing up for it. Book onto more upcoming events here: www.cih.org/events/
021
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 16/11/2025
The Prime Minister said in September that we are at a fork in the road. These asylum proposals suggest we have taken the wrong turning. The idea that recognised refugees need to be deported is wrong. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
theguardian.com
Asylum system in UK ‘out of control’ and dividing country, home secretary says
Shabana Mahmood to unveil new proposals modelled on Denmark’s controversial system
1151295374
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Red Brick @redbrickblog.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
NEW | Autumn Budget 2025: Five priorities to turn the corner on the housing crisis @rachaelwhsg.bsky.social, sets out how the upcoming Autumn Budget can support Labour’s plans to address the housing crisis. redbrickblog.co.uk/2025/11/autu...
redbrickblog.co.uk
Autumn Budget 2025: Five priorities to turn the corner on the housing crisis - Red Brick
Rachael Williamson, Director of policy, communications and external affairs at the Chartered Institute of Housing, sets out how the upcoming Autumn Budget can support Labour's plans to address the hou...
011
Rachael Williamson @rachaelwhsg.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
Some thoughts from me for @redbrickblog.bsky.social, on behalf of @cihhousing.bsky.social, on what we hope to see for housing in the #AutumnBudget on 26 Nov. 🏘️ redbrickblog.co.uk/2025/11/autu... #ukhousing
redbrickblog.co.uk
Autumn Budget 2025: Five priorities to turn the corner on the housing crisis - Red Brick
Rachael Williamson, Director of policy, communications and external affairs at the Chartered Institute of Housing, sets out how the upcoming Autumn Budget can support Labour's plans to address the hou...
031
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Inside Housing @insidehousing.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
dlvr.it
What does the Social and Affordable Homes Programme prospectus mean for the North?
It’s clear the government has really listened to what would help us deliver in the North, writes Patrick Murray, executive director for policy and external relations at the Northern Housing Consortium
011
Rachael Williamson @rachaelwhsg.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
Really enjoyed chairing this afternoon's launch of the UKHR Autumn Briefing Paper. We heard from a fantastic panel on issues spanning the economy, retrofit, hg insecurity, London and FTBs. Check it out - open to all 👇 #ukhousing
031
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Chartered Institute of Housing @cihhousing.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
🏘️ The Renters’ Rights Act has officially become law. Abolishing no-fault evictions & extending the Decent Homes Standard to the PRS are huge steps toward a fairer, safer housing system. 👀New member guidance on what the reforms mean in practice will be out soon. Read more🔗https://buff.ly/HyiebH5
Picture of Rachael Williamson with a quote Welcoming the Act’s passing, which says “The Renters’ Rights Act is a landmark step towards a fairer, safer and more secure private rented sector. Everyone deserves a safe, secure home – this Act brings us closer to that goal.”
032
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Chartered Institute of Housing @cihhousing.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
Community cohesion is lacking, and the lack of affordable, secure housing is only making the problem worse. Rachael Williamson explores the issue and how to fix it in this article published today in Housing Today ➡️ buff.ly/LN1HUo8
buff.ly
We can’t fix social cohesion without fixing housing
Secure homes are the foundation of safer, stronger, more united communities, argues Rachael Williamson
011
Rachael Williamson @rachaelwhsg.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
💯👇
010
Rachael Williamson @rachaelwhsg.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
Pleased to be able to contribute to this piece by Vicky Spratt in the i, on behalf of @cihhousing.bsky.social liveapp.inews.co.uk/category/397... #ukhousing
liveapp.inews.co.uk
Why housing in Britain is broken and how to fix it – from renting to mortgages
The i Paper’s Vicky Spratt asked experts why they think Britain’s housing crisis is so bad and what they think it will take to fix it
011
Rachael Williamson @rachaelwhsg.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
Really helpful insights on the s106 debate 👇
110
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Inside Housing @insidehousing.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
dlvr.it
40 UK sector organisations unite in call for government to unfreeze LHA in next Budget
Leaders of 40 groups across the housing sector are calling on the government to unfreeze Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates for the next year to help reduce homelessness and the use of temporary accommodation
055
Rachael Williamson @rachaelwhsg.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
A powerful example of the UK housing & homelessness sector coming together with a clear unified ask of the government ahead of next month's Autumn budget 👇 #UnfreezeLHA
010
Rachael Williamson @rachaelwhsg.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
#HopeNotHate
020
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Matthew Pennycook MP @matthewpennycookmp.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
This government inherited serious challenges in respect of Section 106 housing delivery and we continue to wrestle with them. A short 🧵
183
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Chartered Institute of Housing @cihhousing.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
Following the government's latest announcement on the Competence and Conduct Standard we've broken everything you need to know down in our latest member briefing - log in to access your copy now ➡️ buff.ly/jcbUxhh
021
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Chartered Institute of Housing @cihhousing.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
Shelter's new report finds that tenants' physical, mental and financial health start to improve as soon as they move into a social home. Moreover, the report puts the cost to the government of failing to delivering 90,000 social homes a year at £117bn. Read the report ➡️ tinyurl.com/v9c3jjve
england.shelter.org.uk
More than bricks - Shelter England
Report on the human and economic impact of social homes.
043
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Resolution Foundation @resolutionfoundation.org · 29/09/2025
Scrapping the two-child limit on benefits would be the most targeted and cost-effective way for the Government to meet its aim of reducing child poverty.
0176
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Matthew Pennycook MP @matthewpennycookmp.bsky.social · 28/09/2025
To accelerate housing delivery and unlock economic growth, this Labour government will build the next generation of new towns. High-quality, well-designed, sustainable, and liveable communities – we’re determined to have spades in the ground on at least three in this Parliament.
7212
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Chartered Institute of Housing @cihhousing.bsky.social · 28/09/2025
Today, the government has published the final report from the New Towns Taskforce, which includes a strong commitment to affordable housing, a key step to solving the housing crisis. CIH chief exec Gavin Smart was on BBC Breakfast this morning discussing it 🎬➡️https://buff.ly/7A592lS
032
Rachael Williamson @rachaelwhsg.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
I'll be representing @cihhousing.bsky.social at the #LabourPartyConference later this week, speaking on panels with a range of delegates, including housing ministers Matthew Pennycook and Baroness Taylor 🏘️ If you're attending I hope to see you there! Details below 👇
010
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Matthew Pennycook MP @matthewpennycookmp.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
Yesterday’s planning application statistics were disappointing but we are seeing clear green shoots. Even accounting for the serious delivery challenges in London, Q2 figures released today show housing starts up 29% compared to last year. We’re getting Britain building again.
362
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Chartered Institute of Housing @cihhousing.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
🗣️ Leadership diversity is not just about equality, it is also key to an organisation’s effectiveness @rachaelwhsg.bsky.social has authored an insightful piece for @campbelltickell.bsky.social examining why who leads in the housing sector matters. Article 🔗⬇️ www.campbelltickell.com/ctbrief/issu...
campbelltickell.com
EDI leadership - CTB 79 Final
CTB 79, The latest insights from Campbell Tickell's CT Brief - CIHʼs Rachel Williamson on future leaders and why representation at the top matters
023
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Big Issue @bigissue.com · 30/08/2025
The recent protests outside asylum hotels claim to ‘protect women and girls’. But they are not about women's safety at all.
bigissue.com
I'm a survivor of domestic violence. Asylum hotel protests do not speak for me
12111
Rachael Williamson @rachaelwhsg.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
Really disappointing news – 28 days is not enough time for refugees to find housing after their asylum decision. They’ve proved their right to protection; we shouldn’t be putting them at risk of homelessness. I hope govt rethinks this move - we’re better than this. 🏘️ #ukhousing
010
Reposted by Rachael Williamson
Chartered Institute of Housing @cihhousing.bsky.social · 23/08/2025
⏰ At our next Supported Housing Network webinar, we’ll be joined by @natfednews.bsky.social to discuss the #StartsAtHome campaign. Speakers include Suzannah Young and Katie Miller from NHF. 📅 Open to all – to join, please email: policyandpractice@cih.org #SupportedHousing #HomesNotCuts
063