2024: renewed hope for housing in Bradford

As the north-west city prepares to become the UK City of Culture for 2025, the chief executive and chair of Manningham Housing Association (MHA) have said that this year should restore hope for residents looking for homes.

In a joint message that was given earlier this week, Lee Bloomfield, and Rupert Pometsey, the chief executive and chair of MHA, claimed that despite a ‘multitude of challenges’ that have affected Bradford since the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and the beginning of the cost-of-living crisis, ‘the scent of a better future for Bradford and Keighley hangs in the air.’

Both men from the housing association said: ‘The past 12 months have been incredibly difficult for individuals and families across the Bradford district. Food and energy bills have rocketed, placing great pressures on people’s finances.

‘New research from the University of Manchester recently found that the cost-of-living crisis is having a disproportionately damaging impact on older people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

‘This is something we, as a housing association with a high proportion of BAME residents, are acutely aware of and have tried to offer the best support we can.’

Mr Bloonfield and Mr Pometsey went on to add that central government have let people in the city down far too often and it’s time for other authorities to act.

‘There can be no doubt that the people of Bradford district have been let down far too often by decision-makers in Whitehall and Westminster,’ they said. ‘We need many more affordable homes, better transport links and greater access to training and employment opportunities for people of all ages.  These were promised through the levelling-up agenda, but little has been delivered.’

Mr Bloomfield and Mr Pometsey stated: ‘Instead, schemes such as HS2 have been cancelled with resources directed back to London and the south-east.

‘Despite the disappointments and multitude of challenges caused by the aftermath of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, we believe the scent of a better future for Bradford and Keighley hangs in the air.

‘With a general election fast approaching, 2024 can be a year of renewed hope and expectation.  Politicians from all sides will be setting out their visions for a better Bradford district and, when voters make their choice, the winning candidates will be rightly held accountable for the promises they make.

‘This year also sees final preparations for Bradford becoming UK City of Culture 2025 which is expected to create almost 7,000 new jobs and grow the local economy by an estimated £389m.

‘It is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the district and we are confident that local residents, businesses, voluntary groups and community-based organisations such as Manningham Housing Association will grab it with both hands.’

Image: Emphyrio

More on Bradford:

Road to recovery: Regeneration projects to transform the city of Bradford

1,000 new homes set to replace monumental shopping centre in Bradford