BMELL continues to strengthen its relationship with the GLA through productive dialogue with Deputy Mayor for Housing, Tom Copley. At our recent meetings, several key developments and opportunities were discussed:
Funding and Development
- Affordable homes program currently accepting bids
- Additional funding available through refugee housing program
- New opportunities for small housing associations to engage with GLA funding streams
EDI Progress
- GLA actively promoting diversity through funding requirements
- Partners required to publish EDI action plans
- SHARP (Social Housing Anti-racism Pledge) being promoted as best practice
- Opportunity for BMELL to review and challenge GLA partners’ action plans
St. Anns Site Development
- Ongoing discussions about community inclusion in the development
- Focus on meeting specific community needs
- Exploring Section 106 opportunities
Support for Smaller Providers
- Exploring ways to support smaller organizations and community-led projects
- Discussion of funding recycling opportunities for non-investment partners
- Focus on making development opportunities more accessible
Looking Forward The GLA has shown strong commitment to working with BMELL members, with several follow-up actions planned:
- Further discussions on EDI implementation
- Support for community-focused projects
- Exploration of funding mechanisms for smaller providers
