Brian Robson
@brianrobson.bsky.social
I want more people to live in a decent, affordable home. Don't you?
Work: Director Housing & Homelessness, @oak-foundation.bsky.social
Dad, bookworm, sedate cyclist | Mackem in North Yorks | Views mine.
Work: Director Housing & Homelessness, @oak-foundation.bsky.social
Dad, bookworm, sedate cyclist | Mackem in North Yorks | Views mine.
Pinned
Brian Robson
@brianrobson.bsky.social
· Nov 18
👋 Hello to new followers. My feed is shaping up into a nice mix of people I knew at the other place and new friends I haven't met yet.
Expect housing, homelessness and the joys of living in Yorkshire. Also interested in politics, philanthropy, and regional development.
Expect housing, homelessness and the joys of living in Yorkshire. Also interested in politics, philanthropy, and regional development.
Reposted by Brian Robson
Today, we're launching a new report about Local Housing Allowance. This is the first time our Peer Research team, who all have lived experience of housing need, have led a project from initial concept to publication. Huge thanks to them for bringing a different perspective: bit.ly/3Lz8D55
Local housing allowance: A safety net unravelling - Shelter Cymru
bit.ly
November 11, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Today, we're launching a new report about Local Housing Allowance. This is the first time our Peer Research team, who all have lived experience of housing need, have led a project from initial concept to publication. Huge thanks to them for bringing a different perspective: bit.ly/3Lz8D55
Reposted by Brian Robson
🚨BREAKING: Our new research finds that 300,000 families and individuals are now facing the worst forms of homelessness in England – including rough sleeping, sofa surfing & living in unsuitable temporary accommodation.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Almost 300,000 families 'experiencing the worst forms of homelessness'
Housing charity Crisis says this includes people being forced to sleep on the streets and in unsuitable temporary accommodation such as nightly-paid B&Bs and hostels
www.mirror.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 2:23 PM
🚨BREAKING: Our new research finds that 300,000 families and individuals are now facing the worst forms of homelessness in England – including rough sleeping, sofa surfing & living in unsuitable temporary accommodation.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Reposted by Brian Robson
The #SMKCampaignerSurvey is aimed at campaigners, changemakers, advocates and activists across the UK. If you are involved in any sort of social change at a national, regional or local level, we want to hear from you.
https://forms.office.com/e/M2L9N2HUyZ
https://forms.office.com/e/M2L9N2HUyZ
November 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM
The #SMKCampaignerSurvey is aimed at campaigners, changemakers, advocates and activists across the UK. If you are involved in any sort of social change at a national, regional or local level, we want to hear from you.
https://forms.office.com/e/M2L9N2HUyZ
https://forms.office.com/e/M2L9N2HUyZ
"No one should be forced to live in unsafe conditions, whether it's children in poor-quality B&Bs or people having to sleep on the streets, in tents or in squats." www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Homelessness figures higher than data suggests, research shows
Official data for England underestimates the scale of the problem, according to research for charity Crisis says.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 9:45 AM
"No one should be forced to live in unsafe conditions, whether it's children in poor-quality B&Bs or people having to sleep on the streets, in tents or in squats." www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Brian Robson
That glass building in shot on #bbcqt while Fiona Bruce talked about Sunderland's rich history of glass making is the National Glass Centre.
In an act of cultural vandalism, Sunderland University intend to close and demolish it next year.
savethengc.art.blog
In an act of cultural vandalism, Sunderland University intend to close and demolish it next year.
savethengc.art.blog
November 6, 2025 at 10:59 PM
That glass building in shot on #bbcqt while Fiona Bruce talked about Sunderland's rich history of glass making is the National Glass Centre.
In an act of cultural vandalism, Sunderland University intend to close and demolish it next year.
savethengc.art.blog
In an act of cultural vandalism, Sunderland University intend to close and demolish it next year.
savethengc.art.blog
Reposted by Brian Robson
Frozen housing benefit rates are deepening poverty and homelessness.
Other government support is failing to plug the gap.
We're joining @crisis-uk.bsky.social and others to call on the Chancellor to act.
Read our blog here: z2k.org/out-in-the-c...
Other government support is failing to plug the gap.
We're joining @crisis-uk.bsky.social and others to call on the Chancellor to act.
Read our blog here: z2k.org/out-in-the-c...
November 6, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Frozen housing benefit rates are deepening poverty and homelessness.
Other government support is failing to plug the gap.
We're joining @crisis-uk.bsky.social and others to call on the Chancellor to act.
Read our blog here: z2k.org/out-in-the-c...
Other government support is failing to plug the gap.
We're joining @crisis-uk.bsky.social and others to call on the Chancellor to act.
Read our blog here: z2k.org/out-in-the-c...
Reposted by Brian Robson
I’m afraid I’ve heard enough to take this seriously - No.10 is thinking of abolishing ECO, the main source of funding for upgrading fuel poor homes.
There’s no way to sugar coat this: it would be a disaster.
And it would mean this government spending less on upgrading homes than the last one
There’s no way to sugar coat this: it would be a disaster.
And it would mean this government spending less on upgrading homes than the last one
To be clear, what is being proposed here is to axe the main mechanism for getting Britain’s homes insulated - which is by FAR the best way to reduce household energy bills in the long term 🤦♂️
…and also, just incidentally, an absolute non-negotiable requirement for meeting UK climate targets 😬🥵☠️
…and also, just incidentally, an absolute non-negotiable requirement for meeting UK climate targets 😬🥵☠️
Reeves considers cut to green levies in effort to reduce cost of energy bills
Exclusive: Chancellor hopes to save up to £170 from average bill but industry insiders say move would be ‘disastrous’
www.theguardian.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:31 PM
I’m afraid I’ve heard enough to take this seriously - No.10 is thinking of abolishing ECO, the main source of funding for upgrading fuel poor homes.
There’s no way to sugar coat this: it would be a disaster.
And it would mean this government spending less on upgrading homes than the last one
There’s no way to sugar coat this: it would be a disaster.
And it would mean this government spending less on upgrading homes than the last one
This is lovely from @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social - especially if, like me, you've spent more time than you'd care to remember on Transpennine trains snaking their way round the centre of Manchester - on.ft.com/4ot2yG1
Postcard from Manchester: a Landmark Trust retreat at the heart of railway history
A house that was at the centre of the 19th-century rail revolution can now be yours for the weekend
on.ft.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:43 AM
This is lovely from @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social - especially if, like me, you've spent more time than you'd care to remember on Transpennine trains snaking their way round the centre of Manchester - on.ft.com/4ot2yG1
Lots of UK coverage of the NYC mayoral race.
But the city also passed four pro-housing charter amendments yesterday - interesting straw in the wind on the politics of housing.
But the city also passed four pro-housing charter amendments yesterday - interesting straw in the wind on the politics of housing.
November 5, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Lots of UK coverage of the NYC mayoral race.
But the city also passed four pro-housing charter amendments yesterday - interesting straw in the wind on the politics of housing.
But the city also passed four pro-housing charter amendments yesterday - interesting straw in the wind on the politics of housing.
Reposted by Brian Robson
Abel’s experience is too common among the people we support.
He experienced homelessness for five months. Because housing benefit did not cover the cost of rent, he couldn’t find anywhere he could afford.
His message to the Chancellor: fix housing benefit on 26 November. [1/5]
He experienced homelessness for five months. Because housing benefit did not cover the cost of rent, he couldn’t find anywhere he could afford.
His message to the Chancellor: fix housing benefit on 26 November. [1/5]
November 3, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Abel’s experience is too common among the people we support.
He experienced homelessness for five months. Because housing benefit did not cover the cost of rent, he couldn’t find anywhere he could afford.
His message to the Chancellor: fix housing benefit on 26 November. [1/5]
He experienced homelessness for five months. Because housing benefit did not cover the cost of rent, he couldn’t find anywhere he could afford.
His message to the Chancellor: fix housing benefit on 26 November. [1/5]
Trip up to Sunlun today to see my sister's work exhibited at Pop Recs. I'm a very proud big brother 😍
November 1, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Trip up to Sunlun today to see my sister's work exhibited at Pop Recs. I'm a very proud big brother 😍
Striking that a mainstream politician has spent a campaign reminding folks that 'het Kan wél' (it is possible) - and it seems to have worked for him. Optimism is a pretty good antidote to fear.
“We are closing the Wilders chapter,” says jubilant Rob Jetten www.dutchnews.nl?p=259293
"We are closing the Wilders chapter," says jubilant Rob Jetten - DutchNews.nl
D66 leader Rob Jetten, who is likely to become the next prime minister of the Netherlands, told a cheering crowd in Leiden that the Dutch had said goodbye to the politics of negativity and chosen to look...
www.dutchnews.nl
October 29, 2025 at 10:56 PM
Striking that a mainstream politician has spent a campaign reminding folks that 'het Kan wél' (it is possible) - and it seems to have worked for him. Optimism is a pretty good antidote to fear.
What a great concept.
One nice quirk of Dutch elections: you can vote in many museums, including Anne Frank House, the Frans Hals, maritime museums in R’dam & A’dam. Cast your vote, then see some art. Nice.
Or if you prefer, there also polling points at former concentration camps 😳
www.museum.nl/nl/zien-en-d...
Or if you prefer, there also polling points at former concentration camps 😳
www.museum.nl/nl/zien-en-d...
October 29, 2025 at 11:03 AM
What a great concept.
Reposted by Brian Robson
I reckon the collapse of Northern Rock was worse for consumer confidence. Wonder who the Chair was?
October 28, 2025 at 10:05 PM
I reckon the collapse of Northern Rock was worse for consumer confidence. Wonder who the Chair was?
Reposted by Brian Robson
Homes are the foundations of our lives. Evictions shatter those foundations.
Last night the Renters' Rights Act became law, paving the way for the end of S21 evictions.
The Government must bring in the changes ASAP to prevent more renters like Christina experiencing this turmoil.
Last night the Renters' Rights Act became law, paving the way for the end of S21 evictions.
The Government must bring in the changes ASAP to prevent more renters like Christina experiencing this turmoil.
October 28, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Homes are the foundations of our lives. Evictions shatter those foundations.
Last night the Renters' Rights Act became law, paving the way for the end of S21 evictions.
The Government must bring in the changes ASAP to prevent more renters like Christina experiencing this turmoil.
Last night the Renters' Rights Act became law, paving the way for the end of S21 evictions.
The Government must bring in the changes ASAP to prevent more renters like Christina experiencing this turmoil.
All in for an interesting couple of days at @homelessnetwork.scot's annual conference in the fair city of Perth. Excellent speakers and panel this morning getting things off to a great start 👍
October 27, 2025 at 12:00 PM
All in for an interesting couple of days at @homelessnetwork.scot's annual conference in the fair city of Perth. Excellent speakers and panel this morning getting things off to a great start 👍
Reposted by Brian Robson
As the annual homelessness conference begins today, ScotGov has announced £1.6m for homelessness crisis measures including funding to tackle rough sleeping and support women who have experienced domestic abuse. Read more:
www.gov.scot/news/boostin...
www.gov.scot/news/boostin...
Boosting crisis support
New funding to prevent homelessness and expand emergency grants.
www.gov.scot
October 27, 2025 at 9:12 AM
As the annual homelessness conference begins today, ScotGov has announced £1.6m for homelessness crisis measures including funding to tackle rough sleeping and support women who have experienced domestic abuse. Read more:
www.gov.scot/news/boostin...
www.gov.scot/news/boostin...
Reposted by Brian Robson
THAT’S IT!! WE’VE DONE IT!!!!
CHELSEA 1-2 SUNDERLAND!!
CHELSEA 1-2 SUNDERLAND!!
October 25, 2025 at 3:57 PM
THAT’S IT!! WE’VE DONE IT!!!!
CHELSEA 1-2 SUNDERLAND!!
CHELSEA 1-2 SUNDERLAND!!
Reposted by Brian Robson
I always liked that Red Hot Chilli Peppers song about that time the singer had a scart issue, written before the ubiquity of HDMI cables.
October 24, 2025 at 9:45 PM
I always liked that Red Hot Chilli Peppers song about that time the singer had a scart issue, written before the ubiquity of HDMI cables.
Reposted by Brian Robson
Over the years we've seen how fiddling with targets and putting faith in market forces leads to nowhere near enough social rent homes being built. The stark and shameful truth of this is record levels of homelessness.
Ministers confirm plans to reduce London’s affordable housing quotas
Developers will qualify for fast-track planning status if they include 20% affordable housing instead of current 35% target
www.theguardian.com
October 23, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Over the years we've seen how fiddling with targets and putting faith in market forces leads to nowhere near enough social rent homes being built. The stark and shameful truth of this is record levels of homelessness.
Reposted by Brian Robson
Philadelphia renters know it, the rent is going up and up, and more and more residents of the city are cost-burdened. RHLS Board member Kadeem Morris of @clsphila.bluesky.social explains what his clients face in the city's tough and increasingly unaffordable rental market.
More Philly renters are ‘scraping by’ each month, saddled by low incomes and higher costs
Philly's median monthly rent increased from 2023 to 2024, while household incomes decreased, according to Census Bureau data. Renters are "cost burdened," spending more of their wages on housing.
buff.ly
October 23, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Philadelphia renters know it, the rent is going up and up, and more and more residents of the city are cost-burdened. RHLS Board member Kadeem Morris of @clsphila.bluesky.social explains what his clients face in the city's tough and increasingly unaffordable rental market.
🔴⚪🔴⚪
From @theathleticfc.bsky.social: In each of the last two Premier League seasons, all three clubs that began as newly promoted sides went straight back down. This season feels rather different. And that means some of the Premier League’s more established clubs are starting to sweat.
The Premier League’s established elite are in real danger, and for one very good reason
Strong starts by the newly-promoted clubs are causing some of the top flight's longest tenants to sweat about their futures
nyti.ms
October 23, 2025 at 3:56 PM
🔴⚪🔴⚪