The launch of a new housing strategy by the French government in September 2017 triggered a showdown with the social housing providers. Virginie Toussain, Union Sociale pour l' Habitat (USH) EU Delegation Legal Adviser presents the current state of play.

Every month we introduce you to one of the people leading the work of our member organisations. In this edition, we just took the train to nearby Charleroi in the heart of Wallonia to meet Alain Rosenoer. Alain manages Sociéte Wallonne du Logement (SWL) which is the Walloon Housing Company. He provides with insights concerning the perception of housing in the French-speaking region of Belgium and shares some thoughts about the current challenges. Plus, as usual, he unveils his way of balancing life with work.

Following a series of positive announcements in October, the Secretary of State delivered the latest piece of good news for the sector by confirming the ONS’ (Office of National Statistics) decision to remove housing associations from the public sector and off the Government’s balance sheet. In doing so, they have reversed the decision made in October 2015 and reaffirmed housing associations’ status as independent social businesses.