Polly Neate steps down as chief executive of Shelter

Polly Neate steps down as chief executive of Shelter

0:02 AM, 3rd October 2024, About 2 months ago 49

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Polly Neate has announced her decision to step down as chief executive of housing charity Shelter after more than seven years in the role.

Ms Neate will leave the position at the end of March 2025, with the recruitment process for her successor already underway.

During her time at Shelter, Ms Neate has been a strong advocate for tenants’ rights and has pushed for the abolition of Section 21.

I feel immensely proud

Shelter claims that under Ms Neate’s leadership, the charity has helped millions of people facing homelessness and poor housing through its face-to-face advocacy, telephone and online advice services.

Shelter claims that Ms Neate has successfully campaigned for changes to tackle the housing emergency, including new laws to improve conditions in social housing and the strengthening of renters’ rights.

Ms Neate says the decision to leave Shelter was a personal decision so she could pursue new challenges.

Ms Neate said: “I joined Shelter because I know that an end to homelessness and housing insecurity in this country is not a wild fantasy – it is an achievable reality.

“I feel immensely proud of how Shelter has led the pursuit of that goal over the last seven years. Deciding to leave has been an incredibly difficult decision, but I know the time is right, both personally and for the organisation.”

Ms Neate adds Shelter will continue to voice their opinions on the housing emergency and renters’ rights.

“I’ll forever be grateful to the incredible colleagues, volunteers and supporters who have enabled us to achieve so much in my time here. With their passion and focus, I know Shelter will continue to draw public and political attention to the housing emergency, champion the building of more social homes as the only answer to that emergency, and fight to defend the right to a safe home for everyone.

“When we do finally have a country where homelessness is a thing of the past and everyone can afford a decent place to live, every one of those Shelter employees, volunteers and supporters will have been instrumental in that achievement.”

Indefatigable force for social justice

Helen Baker, chair of Shelter’s Board of Trustees, claims Ms Neate has had a huge impact on the housing sector praising her as an “indefatigable force for social justice.”

She said: “On behalf of Shelter’s Board and staff, I’d like to express our deepest thanks to Polly for everything she has achieved over the last seven years. Her impact on Shelter and the wider housing and charity sectors is both incalculable and inspirational.

“Under her leadership, Shelter has truly shifted the public discourse on housing, driving a much fuller understanding of the housing emergency, its causes and solutions, to the top of the political agenda.

“Polly is a born change-maker and an indefatigable force for social justice. We wish her all the very best at wherever she chooses to take that passion and leadership next”.


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Nick Van Hoogstraten

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11:36 AM, 3rd October 2024, About 2 months ago

She is parachuting out now. Labour are now in so there's a lot more certaintly that the new Renter's Rights Bill will go through with their big majority.
As stated above the sh*t is about to hit the fan. As reported today many ex-rentals are up for sale. Bad tenants will be protected and be kept in homes and good tenants will not find homes due to people not taking the risk.
She's milked the system long enough. It's an easy job being the CEO of a charity. Just begging for money, and some campaining saying "I think this and that" etc. Time for another BS job. As above, she now wants to detach herself from the upcoming mess. Preserve her legacy? Say it was implemented badly etc? What a complete **** she is. So much trouble has she caused.

Peter Merrick

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12:08 PM, 3rd October 2024, About 2 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Nick Van Hoogstraten at 03/10/2024 - 11:36
When I first started out as a landlord I must admit I was pretty lax and and bit naive at times and was inclined to give people a chance if I liked them and they seemed decent. The small number that didn't work out generally ended up leaving before I issued any proceedings.

With the changing rental climate, I would not take most of those people. Nowadays I consider it routine to have references, bank statements, credit check, guarantors and difficult conversations if need be. And I notice that the quantity and quality of available tenants seems to have improved since the "rental crisis".

So it's a bit of a double-edged sword really. Seeing a 3 bed property opposite the hospital in my area being rented out for over £1100 instead of £700 to excellent working tenants (not by me) and people queuing up for rooms starting at £90pw instead of quibbling at £70, may be advantageous to those that stay in the game.

I suspect that the price increases are also deterring DSS applicants as they can no longer afford anything unless they are on enhanced benefits like disability.

Chris @ Possession Friend

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12:17 PM, 3rd October 2024, About 2 months ago

Lots of 'praise' [sic] have been omitted from the many times more tenants competing for less rental properties available, and the increase in rents that helped to fuel.

Social Justice ( Communism ) where the fruits of the working are passed to those who can't be bothered is never going to be feasible, however deluded the Woke Lefties believe.

Nick Van Hoogstraten

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12:19 PM, 3rd October 2024, About 2 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Peter Merrick at 03/10/2024 - 12:08
In 2019 I struggled to rent my 3 bed semi in quote nice condition in East London. My agent referenced Nigerians. Whilst they passed, I didn't trust the referencing one bit. In the end they were a load of trouble. DSS people who claimed to be a Financial Advisors etc. I didn't want them at all but I did the right think. I got endless repairs, they deliberately or stupidly grew mould, tried to get compensation for astmha. It's all on the landlord to keep defending while these waste of spaces get free help to complain etc. I won't chance another tenant now. Too much red tape, too much taxes (and CGT to go up?). No inflation allowances. I could have made a lot more in the stock markets. It's where my money goes now.

I fear never getting my properties back at all..... Therefore I'm not worried about £700 per month or £1200 month if it means losing the property altogether. Especially being forced to be a landlord to some piece of ****. It's time to get out...

GlanACC

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12:25 PM, 3rd October 2024, About 2 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Nick Van Hoogstraten at 03/10/2024 - 12:19
Yup, I am out too when my current crop of tenants leave or die (they are excellent tenants but I won't be taking on any more). I have had my fair share of losses in the past 20+ years, time to cash in now and finally buy that Ferrari (petrol !)

Nick Van Hoogstraten

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12:30 PM, 3rd October 2024, About 2 months ago

Reply to the comment left by GlanACC at 03/10/2024 - 12:25
Haha. I have my eye on an F430 or an Audi R8 atm. Cashing out too. It's all been far too much hassle so far and I'm not staying for the party that's coming up under the new RRB!

NewYorkie

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12:32 PM, 3rd October 2024, About 2 months ago

7 years in charge, and Shelter hasn't re-housed a single homeless person.

Before she faces criticising her mates in Labour as the fallout from the RRB becomes apparent, she's getting out. Will no doubt be parachuted into another pointless charity.

Reluctant Landlord

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13:45 PM, 3rd October 2024, About 2 months ago

Rat and sinking ship comes to mind....Big pension payout and avoiding the carnage that WILL be coming is another...

Cider Drinker

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15:14 PM, 3rd October 2024, About 2 months ago

Can anybody explain what Polly Neate CBE has achieved with regard to tackling homelessness?

I thought homelessness was far worse today than when she took her £100,000+ part time job at Shelter (who done provide shelter for anyone).

Ryan Stevens

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15:34 PM, 3rd October 2024, About 2 months ago

“Polly is a born change-maker......". Sadly, she has no common sense, and the changes she has instigated are for the worst, not for the better.

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