Everything you wanted to know about housing finance

Conferences
Tue, 20th May 2025
10:00 to 16:15
The Studio, Glasgow

All presentations from the conference are now available on the Cvent app. 

Whether you are new to the sector or wanting to refresh your knowledge, this conference provided a comprehensive and accessible overview of key concepts and approaches to social housing finance. 

Through a variety of discussions, interactive workshops and keynote presentations, the day brought together a range of sector experts to share their insights on everything you always wanted to know about social housing finance (but were afraid to ask)! 

Book now
Members : £
284.00
Non-members : £
396.00
parliament windows

Why attend?    

Over the course of the day attendees gained an understanding of key aspects of social housing finance policy, including insights into: 

  • The fundamentals of the Scottish social housing model
  • Considerations around rent setting and affordability
  • Funding new social and affordable housing developments
  • The wider economic context housing associations are operating in 

 

9.15
Registration and networking

Registration will take place on the 9th floor with refreshments available in the exhibition. 

10:00
Conference Welcome

Join us for the conference welcome in Climb

10:10
Opening plenary: The evolving economic and political environment
  • Scott Edgar, Diffley Partnership

Housing association finance teams are working in an increasingly complex environment - global volatility, macroeconomic trends, and shifting policy agendas all have an impact. We will be starting the day hearing from Scott Edgar of Diffley Partnership who'll be looking at the big picture to help us understand the context the sector is operating in now.

11:00 networking break
11:30
Workshop sessions Block A
A1 The bomb proof balance sheet - the financial model that underpins social housing success
  • Bill Truin, 4point2 

In the first of two business planning workshops, Bill Truin will be looking at the concept of the perfectly hedged, risk-free balance sheet. Bill will explore the factors that can weaken that resilience, the role of financial covenants, importance of cashflows... and a word of warning about lease arrangements

A2 An introduction to bank lending
  • Peter Freer, Allia C&C

Private finance is a key source of income for the sector. In this session Peter Freer from Allia C&C will provide an overview of the types of bank lending available, and will share expertise and insights into the pros, cons, and risks to consider when entering into private finance arrangements

A3 VAT and Accounting
  • Kelly Adams, Thomas Bright and Paul Russell, RSM UK

In this session we will hear from sector adviser's RSM on how to navigate an ever evolving and increasingly complex accounting and tax landscape

12:30 networking lunch
13:25
Panel: Everything you wanted to know about housing finance

Speakers:

  • Glenn Drysdale, Lloyds Bank
  • David Bookbinder, GWSF
  • Lesley-Anne Junner, Ayrshire Housing

This wide-ranging panel discussion will look at housing association finances from a range of perspectives, from both inside and outside the sector. We will be questioning speakers on how to balance competing priorities, emerging trends, and anything else you wanted to know about housing finance (but were afraid to ask).

14:15
Workshop Session Block B
B1 Long-term financial planning - the only certainty is that it won't look like this!
  • Bill Truin, 4point2

In our second business planning workshop, Bill Truin will take a deep dive into long-term financial planning: it's strengths, weaknesses, and why you should always be prepared for the unexpected

B2 Rent and affordability
  • Aoife Deery, Citizens Advice
  • Jonah Thurgood, Housemark

The cost-of-living crisis is ongoing and affordability remains a huge concern for tenants. This workshop will look at what 'affordability' means within this context, and will also provide information on housing association rent setting processes.

B3 Grant funding and the Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP)
  • Will Tyler-Greig and Kirsty Henderson, Scottish Government

Join Will Tyler-Greig, Deputy Director of More Homes Division and his colleagues at the Scottish Government for an exploration of the Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) and the range of funding mechanisms it provides to support the delivery of social homes, MMR, and low cost home ownership. 

15:05 Refreshments
15:15
Closing Plenary - Fireside chat: a finance director's view
  • Lynn Mirley, Eildon Housing Association Ltd 

We will close the day with an in-depth discussion with about the central role that finance teams play within their housing organisations, with reflections on career opportunities, the skills and behaviours needed to succeed, and the impact that finance decisions ultimately have on tenants and communities

16:00
Conference close

Closing remarks

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