Derby City Council and Derby Homes have joined a national campaign to make social housing a Government priority in the coronavirus recovery.

‘Homes at the Heart’, organised by the National Federation of Housing, the Chartered Institute of Housing, homelessness charity Crisis, the National Federation of ALMOs, and the Association of Retained Council Housing, will highlight the importance of affordable homes and secure tenancies as key to our national recovery.

The coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown, which left many people trapped at home and unable to work, has shown more than ever before just how vital social housing is, according to the organisers.

The campaign is calling for for a ‘once-in-a-generation’ investment in social housing and has reached over two million people on social media.

More than 50 organisations, from NatWest to Save the Children, Wilmott Dixon to Carers UK, have declared their support.

The campaign identifies five priorities for national recovery: no return to rough sleeping; a new generation of affordable homes; helping people to thrive at home; a new drive to decarbonise social housing; change for communities across the country.

‘Everyone deserves a safe, secure, comfortable place to call home. Not just now, in the middle of this crisis, but for the future,’ said Roy Webb, Derby City Council cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Social Housing.

‘Investing in social housing – in all its forms – makes this possible. It will boost the local economy, create jobs and improve people’s lives when our nation needs it most.

‘In Derby, we have plans to deliver more than 500 homes over the next five years, whilst continuing to improve and adapt our existing stock.

‘We also want to ensure that we provide avenues back into housing, for those who may be homeless or at risk of losing their homes. Putting a roof over someone’s head doesn’t just help them – it helps us all.’