July 2012 (Issue 50)
They said it would never last. They gave it two years tops.
But enough about the Coalition Government – this is the 50th edition of 24housing so at least there’s something to celebrate.
Spanning four of the most tumultuous years in housing history, the magazine has flourished against all the odds to become one of the sector’s most popular titles. It has become a must-read for housing professionals of all shapes and sizes and is much loved by the housing minister – although we are never entirely sure if that’s a good thing!
I remember being cornered during the early days by David Orr who wanted to know what the point of 24housing was. He thought the editorial content was lightweight and the advertising non-existent. Fast forward to June 2012 when David came up to me again to say that the magazine had exceeded all expectations and the recent revamp had worked wonders. High praise indeed!
We decided to mark our 50th edition by launching a major research project into the top 50 housing developments currently being built around the UK – yes, Scotland and Wales are included this time! With Grant Shapps and Jack Dromey constantly bickering over housebuilding stats, we decided to find out what is really happening out there. We also wanted to know how much affordable housing was currently being delivered – easier said than done!
The results, however, make for truly interesting reading and a big thank you must go to my tireless deputy editor Ross Macmillan and the ever-brilliant Kate Murray for their efforts in pulling it together. The fun starts on page 27 and, as always, let me know what you think – I’m sure there’s plenty to discuss.
Elsewhere in this edition, Sam Thorp takes a look at the high-rent, variable-quality, private rented sector and the efforts of local authorities to clamp down on rogue landlords (p14) while Halton Housing Trust chief Nick Atkin reveals his love of Adam Ant in Culture Vulture (p66) and we make Brian Johnson from Moat our King for a Day (p68).
So here’s to the next 50 issues. I wonder what the housing world will look like in four years’ time…
Jon Land
Editor
24housing Magazine
