Hosted in association with the G15, London Councils, London Housing Directors' Group and BusinessLDN, the London Theatre will provide national audiences with insight into how one of the country’s most complex and pressurised housing systems is shaping approaches that can be adapted far beyond the capital. The agenda will examine housing’s role as an economic and political lever for government, introduce the Developing London project, and set out how broad‑based prosperity and sustainable development can underpin better outcomes for residents. Delegates will gain a practical understanding of emerging solutions to major systemic challenges, including temporary accommodation and allocations, demonstrating how joint working in practice can transform systems nationwide. The programme will also showcase resident‑led change in UK housing, highlighting how resident voice can strengthen accountability, improve outcomes and drive better delivery. What's more, the theatre will unveil the G15 Impact Report, a major new study illustrating the social value generated by social and affordable housing and its role in long‑term economic resilience. Designed as a dynamic, forward‑looking forum, the Theatre will equip partners across the country with collaborative models and system innovations to support stronger housing delivery, prevention and resilience across the UK.
Why attend?
Translate London’s evidence and insights into national application
Gain clarity on how findings from the Developing London project and the capital’s refreshed evidence base can inform prosperity‑focused strategies and system improvements across the UK.
Featured speakers
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Jamie Carswell
Deputy chief executive & director of housing and safer communities
Royal Borough of Greenwich
Stage agenda
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09:40
10:05
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As London navigates the dual pressures of growth and affordability, this session will explore how the capital’s housing and development strategy can act as a catalyst for national economic prosperity. The panel will examine what it will take to unlock the homes, infrastructure and investment that London needs. The discussion will consider how a thriving London contributes to national growth – and the policy, partnership and delivery models required to make it happen.
10:25
11:40
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London is at the centre of a national homelessness crisis. The capital accounts for 56% of all homeless households in England, while one in 50 Londoners (including 1 in 21 children) are estimated to be homeless and living in temporary accommodation arranged by their council. Ending homelessness is not the responsibility of any single organisation, but a collective effort that depends on partnership, innovation, and long-term thinking. This session will explore how key stakeholders are coming together to move beyond crisis response and fundamentally reshape how homelessness is prevented and resolved. Drawing on insights from the London Ending Homelessness Accelerator, research into temporary accommodation and practical learning from what’s already working well, the discussion will explore how more effective joint working, clearer pathways and smarter use of existing stock can improve stability and outcomes for households. The panel will explore how key stakeholders including local authorities, housing associations and charities can help shift the system upstream toward prevention.
13:25
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This informal conversation will consider the priorities, challenges and opportunities ahead for London’s housing sector and what it means for the national agenda.
13:45
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For two decades, London has consistently experienced the highest levels of financial pressure on households in the UK, a challenge intensified by rising living costs. This session will explore how social housing providers are supporting residents into work, boosting incomes and building long‑term financial resilience within communities. Drawing on partnerships and place‑based programmes, the discussion will explore what's working, where gaps remain, and how services can better align to deliver sustained impact at scale – including making the best use of government funding, targeted at the communities that need it most. The session will also explore how effectively national employment and welfare systems reflect London’s labour market, and what greater devolution of funding and powers could enable in terms of more tailored, locally led solutions.
15:00
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This session will explore how resident leadership is reshaping services, governance and delivery across the housing sector, showcasing practical examples of co-production and innovation. Through real‑world approaches that put people at the centre, the discussion will explore how resident voice improves outcomes, strengthens accountability and supports better delivery, with lessons beyond London. Panellists will consider what it takes to embed these practices at scale - from culture change and service redesign to new partnership models that build trust and support long‑term, resident-centred change.
15:50
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Tall residential buildings are a necessary part of meeting housing need in major cities, but are they working well for the people who live in them? With a significant number of post-war high-rise homes ageing and no clear national approach to renewal, what comes next? Managing the complexities of modern high-rise buildings also brings challenges for both residents and social landlords. And in development terms, how do we balance density, design and viability while creating places where people want to live? This session will take a practical look at what it takes to make high-rise living work day to day, from design choices through to long-term management. We’ll explore what shapes a good resident experience, consider where things fall short, and discuss how to better align development and operations in dense urban settings.