Delivering the homes Hertfordshire needs: Reflections from the December HIDB meeting
“It is our collective responsibility to deliver the homes that Hertfordshire needs.”
This was the message that echoed throughout December’s Hertfordshire Infrastructure and Development Board meeting – a message that felt more urgent than ever. Hertfordshire’s housing challenges are well-documented, but hearing the latest statistics laid out so clearly brought the scale of the issue sharply into focus. With a housing affordability ratio now at 12.2, more than 18,500 households on local authority waiting lists, and over £17 million spent on temporary accommodation in the past year alone, the need for coordinated action is undeniable.
Against this backdrop, December’s session served as both a reality check and a call to action. It also showcased the expertise, innovation and commitment across our county as we work together to unlock the potential for new homes and better outcomes for local residents.
Understanding the lifecycle of a new home
We were fortunate to hear from Verity Macey and Andrew Taylor of Vistry Group, who offered a detailed walkthrough of the end-to-end lifecycle of a new build home. Their presentation illustrated the complexity inherent in bringing forward development, from initial land promotion and planning strategy, through the technicalities of design and construction, all the way to sales and occupation.
Their insights highlighted the many pressures facing the sector: the national planning system, rising build costs, labour shortages, environmental performance requirements, and the need for predictable, policy-led local plans. It was a timely reminder that delivering homes is never as simple as building houses; it requires a long-term, multi-disciplinary effort shaped by collaboration across public and private sectors.
A County delivering above average – but still falling short
Next, Colin Haigh of Hertfordshire County Council presented a series of powerful statistics on local housing delivery. While Hertfordshire has performed better than many areas across the country, it still falls significantly short of the 10,000 homes per year target set out in national policy (NPPF).
Colin’s data demonstrated the progress being made, but also underscored a crucial point: even strong delivery is not enough when the need is increasing at a faster rate. Without consistently achieving the levels required, affordability will continue to worsen, local families will struggle, and pressure on council services will intensify.
Understanding the human impact of a home
We then heard from Nikki Davies and Ruth Skidmore of Meeting Place, who presented their insightful Impact of a Home research. This work examines not just housing numbers, but what secure, high-quality homes enable – better health outcomes, stronger communities, improved life chances, and a more resilient economy.
Their presentation challenged us to think differently about how we communicate the benefits of new development. Beyond bricks and mortar, delivering new homes means delivering opportunity. Being able to articulate those benefits with evidence and empathy can help build understanding and trust within communities.
Celebrating local success in affordable housing
The meeting also shone a spotlight on the impressive work happening within local councils. Ian Johnson, Zoe Hunt, and Oliver Donohoe of Dacorum Borough Council shared updates on their programme to deliver more affordable homes, celebrating the recent completion of their 500th property.
Their work demonstrates what’s possible when ambition is matched with long-term planning, partnership working, and political commitment. It also served as an encouraging example to other authorities striving to do more.
Closing with the human reality: Tackling homelessness
Given the theme of the meeting, it felt fitting to end with a powerful contribution from the voluntary sector. Duncan Lewis of Emmaus Hertfordshire delivered a heartfelt and myth-busting talk about homelessness. Its causes, its realities, and the difference community support can make.
His message was simple but compelling: while housing delivery is essential, so too is compassion. The work of charities like Emmaus plays a critical role in supporting people who have been failed by the system, and his call for greater engagement resonated strongly with the room.
Looking ahead
A huge thank you goes to Richard Henry of Stevenage Borough Council and Emma Tasker of Meeting Place for expertly chairing the session and guiding such a rich, constructive conversation.
December’s HIDB meeting reinforced that while the challenges are significant, the collective will, expertise and passion across Hertfordshire give us every reason to be optimistic. Delivering the homes our communities need will require continued collaboration, clear leadership, and a shared sense of purpose.
As we move into the new year, one message remains clear: housing is everyone’s responsibility, and together, we can make a measurable difference.