Tackling the housing and homelessness crisis: five key takeaways from the Future Local Lab Global Executive Panel

This session explored international best practice on one of the most pressing issues facing local government today: housing and homelessness. As the affordability crisis deepens and homelessness rates rise globally, councils are increasingly at the frontline of response. Yet, despite the scale and complexity of the challenge, local authorities are also leading innovation — from prevention-focused service delivery to community-led housing solutions.

Part of LGIU’s Future Local Lab series, this VLGA & LGIU Global Executive Live Panel brought together sector leaders from the UK and Australia to share lessons, explore challenges, and discuss practical strategies for building sustainable housing futures.

Watch the session here

Five Key Takeaways

1. Local government sits at the sharp end of the housing crisis

Councils are grappling with a perfect storm of challenges: growing demand for affordable homes, insufficient housing supply, rising homelessness, and demographic shifts that will further strain housing systems. Derek McGowan, Service Director for Housing and Homelessness at the City of Edinburgh Council, highlighted how these converging pressures require long-term planning and bold policy interventions, not just reactive measures.

2. Prevention is more effective — and more humane — than crisis response

Speakers agreed that the most successful homelessness strategies start before people reach crisis point. Early intervention, wraparound support, and integrated services are key to breaking cycles of homelessness. Fiona Caniglia, CEO of QShelter, emphasised the role of collaboration between housing providers, health services, and community organisations in building effective preventative models that address root causes rather than symptoms.

3. Partnerships with the private sector are essential but must be strategic

Dr Michael Fotheringham, Managing Director of the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI), stressed that local government cannot tackle the housing crisis alone. Working with developers and leveraging private investment is vital, but councils must set clear conditions and use planning powers strategically to deliver genuinely affordable homes. Balancing market incentives with social outcomes remains a delicate but crucial task.

4. Community-led solutions unlock new potential

Community organisations bring deep local knowledge, trusted relationships, and innovative approaches that complement council efforts. Andrew Leigh, Director for Housing at Liverpool Council, shared examples of partnerships where communities co-designed housing projects and support services, leading to more sustainable and inclusive outcomes. Empowering residents as partners — not just recipients — is a recurring success factor.

5. Housing strategy must align with broader social policy

Tackling homelessness requires a whole-system approach. Speakers highlighted the importance of connecting housing strategy with social care, employment, mental health, and justice services. McGowan argued that housing policy cannot operate in isolation — it must be part of a broader strategy to address poverty, inequality, and exclusion.

Speakers:

Derek McGowan, Service Director for Housing and Homelessness, City of Edinburgh Council

Andrew Leigh, Director for Housing, Liverpool Council

Dr Michael Fotheringham, Managing Director, Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI)

Fiona Caniglia, CEO, QShelter, Australia