Summer 2025

A message from Tracy Allison, our Chief Executive

Welcome to our summer edition of Stakeholder News

Over the last few weeks, the government has announced plans for delivering a 'decade of renewal for social and affordable housing'. The new Social and Affordable Homes Programme, through £39bn in grant funding, aims to deliver 300,000 homes over ten years from 2026, with up to 30% to be in London. Importantly 60% are to be at social rent.

We will also begin to see how Mayoral Strategic Authorities set the strategic direction for the programme in their areas, which is of particular interest as devolution approaches for Kent. This, together with the certainty of a ten-year rent settlement of CPI +1% and the potential for rent convergence, means we can look to increase our pipeline for new homes and progress our regeneration plans, confident we can meet the investment needs for our existing homes.

Our largest land-led development to date, Woodland Place in Allington, Maidstone, is progressing well as the latest site images below show. From the outset, we're focused on creating a strong, connected community.

We’ve recently added to our resident involvement offer. Firstly with the new homes advisory group, where residents and shared owners will be helping with the design briefs for planned regeneration schemes. Secondly, we’ve recruited two resident ambassadors, supporting strategic oversight, reviewing performance and ensuring resident feedback is reflected in committee decisions. You can hear from Iain, one of our ambassadors, on why they he got involved below.

It’s great when the work we do is recognised by others. I’m so pleased to share that our Help for You campaign has been shortlisted in two categories at the commsHERO awards. The impact of this is really brought to life with this case study; Kelly - a resident who was struggling with financial hardship.

I hope you enjoy the news from around West Kent. Keep an eye out on our website and LinkedIn page to hear more stories from our residents and staff.

Best wishes,

Tracy

Tracy Allison, Chief Executive, West Kent

tracy.allison@wkha.org.uk, 01732 749415

Meet Iain, our new Resident Ambassador

Iain has been a resident at West Kent for the last ten years and has recently joined as one of our resident ambassadors. Find out more about why he wanted to get involved.

We're recognised as finalists at 2025 Housing Hero Awards

Our home ownership team was recently recognised as a finalist for Team of the Year (1,000-15,000 homes), at this year's Housing Heroes Awards.

A new community taking shape at Preston Fields, Faversham

We’re proud to share the first homes have been completed at Preston Fields, one of our latest developments in Faversham.

Progress at Woodland Place: homes taking shape and community plans underway

We’re making great progress at Woodland Place, our new development in Allington, Maidstone. The site is really taking shape, and we are working towards delivery of these high-quality new homes.

HOUSE opens new gaming room thanks to social value contributions

HOUSE, our youth centre in Edenbridge, recently opened a brand new gaming room, thanks to social value contributions.

Raglan Resident Action Group gets to work on new community garden

Our newly set up Raglan Resident Action Group has completed their communal garden improvement project.

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