Brian Robson
@brianrobson.bsky.social
I want more people to live in a decent, affordable home. Don't you?
Work: Director Housing & Homelessness, @oak-foundation.bsky.social
Outside work: Dad, bookworm, sedate cyclist | Mackem in North Yorks | Trustee @thetcpa.bsky.social | Views mine.
Work: Director Housing & Homelessness, @oak-foundation.bsky.social
Outside work: Dad, bookworm, sedate cyclist | Mackem in North Yorks | Trustee @thetcpa.bsky.social | Views mine.
Pinned
Brian Robson
@brianrobson.bsky.social
· Nov 18
👋 Hello to new followers. My feed is shaping up into a nice mix of people I knew at the other place and new friends I haven't met yet.
Expect housing, homelessness and the joys of living in Yorkshire. Also interested in politics, philanthropy, and regional development.
Expect housing, homelessness and the joys of living in Yorkshire. Also interested in politics, philanthropy, and regional development.
Really pleased to see this getting some national coverage at last. And the City Council getting behind the campaign at long last.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Shattered dreams: Why the battle for Sunderland’s glass centre has turned into a political flashpoint
Custodian University of Sunderland says renovation costs of £45m are too high and building must be pulled down. Not without a fight, say locals, who believe they’re being taken for fools
www.theguardian.com
February 15, 2026 at 5:54 PM
Really pleased to see this getting some national coverage at last. And the City Council getting behind the campaign at long last.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Reposted by Brian Robson
I felt a little nervous writing this article. There is not a penny donated to our cause that isn't valued, but I wanted to be honest about what campaigners need from funders in order to make the most impact.
I ask: trust us, join us, and fund us to last.
www.alliancemagazine.org/blog/what-do...
I ask: trust us, join us, and fund us to last.
www.alliancemagazine.org/blog/what-do...
What do campaigners need from funders? - Alliance magazine
Can you think of a single organisation not trying to make an impact, however small, on someone’s life? Whether corporate, charity, or government, it’s what everyone is doing. What varies is the method...
www.alliancemagazine.org
February 13, 2026 at 1:36 PM
I felt a little nervous writing this article. There is not a penny donated to our cause that isn't valued, but I wanted to be honest about what campaigners need from funders in order to make the most impact.
I ask: trust us, join us, and fund us to last.
www.alliancemagazine.org/blog/what-do...
I ask: trust us, join us, and fund us to last.
www.alliancemagazine.org/blog/what-do...
What do campaigners need from funders? www.alliancemagazine.org/blog/what-do... << grateful to @bentwomeyuk.bsky.social for his kind words about @oak-foundation.bsky.social's support for Generation Rent. We love making core suppport grants - and we see the difference it makes every day.
What do campaigners need from funders? - Alliance magazine
Can you think of a single organisation not trying to make an impact, however small, on someone’s life? Whether corporate, charity, or government, it’s what everyone is doing. What varies is the method...
www.alliancemagazine.org
February 13, 2026 at 1:53 PM
What do campaigners need from funders? www.alliancemagazine.org/blog/what-do... << grateful to @bentwomeyuk.bsky.social for his kind words about @oak-foundation.bsky.social's support for Generation Rent. We love making core suppport grants - and we see the difference it makes every day.
Super interesting from the States on vehicle parking reform.
Why do *bars* have parking minimums? 🤯 Quite!
pca.st/episode/afd7...
Why do *bars* have parking minimums? 🤯 Quite!
pca.st/episode/afd7...
pca.st
February 12, 2026 at 4:47 PM
Super interesting from the States on vehicle parking reform.
Why do *bars* have parking minimums? 🤯 Quite!
pca.st/episode/afd7...
Why do *bars* have parking minimums? 🤯 Quite!
pca.st/episode/afd7...
Reposted by Brian Robson
The average public transport journey from rural new builds is 62 minutes to the nearest hospital, 43 to the nearest secondary school and 37 to the nearest supermarket. This compares with 28, 17 and 12 minutes respectively for their urban counterparts.
neweconomics.org/2024/11/trap... 2/2
neweconomics.org/2024/11/trap... 2/2
Trapped behind the wheel
How England's new builds lock us into car dependency
neweconomics.org
February 11, 2026 at 12:31 PM
The average public transport journey from rural new builds is 62 minutes to the nearest hospital, 43 to the nearest secondary school and 37 to the nearest supermarket. This compares with 28, 17 and 12 minutes respectively for their urban counterparts.
neweconomics.org/2024/11/trap... 2/2
neweconomics.org/2024/11/trap... 2/2
Reposted by Brian Robson
New towns are baking in car dependency before the first brick is laid.
Our research in @thetimes.com - key stats in the reply. 1/2
www.thetimes.com/life-style/p...
Our research in @thetimes.com - key stats in the reply. 1/2
www.thetimes.com/life-style/p...
Three ways to make new towns better places to live
Building new towns in rural areas risks locking residents into a £7,000-a-year car habit and a lifetime of long commutes, warns Arthur Kay
www.thetimes.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:31 PM
New towns are baking in car dependency before the first brick is laid.
Our research in @thetimes.com - key stats in the reply. 1/2
www.thetimes.com/life-style/p...
Our research in @thetimes.com - key stats in the reply. 1/2
www.thetimes.com/life-style/p...
Reposted by Brian Robson
The Renters’ Rights Act is finally a thing – on paper. But unless renters know their rights and councils properly enforce them, it will mean little in practice.
We’ve told the London Assembly Housing Committee what it’ll take to make the Act work: z2k.org/wp-content/u...
We’ve told the London Assembly Housing Committee what it’ll take to make the Act work: z2k.org/wp-content/u...
z2k.org
February 11, 2026 at 2:17 PM
The Renters’ Rights Act is finally a thing – on paper. But unless renters know their rights and councils properly enforce them, it will mean little in practice.
We’ve told the London Assembly Housing Committee what it’ll take to make the Act work: z2k.org/wp-content/u...
We’ve told the London Assembly Housing Committee what it’ll take to make the Act work: z2k.org/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Brian Robson
6 years since letting agents were BANNED from charging renters admin fees, Foxtons is still 'accidentally' charging £200 for checking out.
Read what we thought of this below:
www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/buytol...
Read what we thought of this below:
www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/buytol...
Did Foxtons try to charge me an illegal £200 check-out fee on my flat?
The thing is, such charges are unlawful, and have been for the last six years, since the Tenant Fees Act of 2019 was implemented.
www.thisismoney.co.uk
February 11, 2026 at 3:22 PM
6 years since letting agents were BANNED from charging renters admin fees, Foxtons is still 'accidentally' charging £200 for checking out.
Read what we thought of this below:
www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/buytol...
Read what we thought of this below:
www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/buytol...
Reposted by Brian Robson
Can I have a pet? Can my landlord still evict me? We know renters are uncertain about the Renters' Rights Act which becomes law May 1.
So we've joined Husmus to host a free webinar on Feb 24 - "Know your rights - How the Renters' Rights Act Protects You".
https://bit.ly/3Md9k4P
So we've joined Husmus to host a free webinar on Feb 24 - "Know your rights - How the Renters' Rights Act Protects You".
https://bit.ly/3Md9k4P
Know your Rights: How the Renters’ Rights Act Protects You — Husmus blog
The UK rental market is entering a new era. On May 1, 2026 , the Renters’ Rights Act officially takes effect, bringing a new level of consistency and clarity to how we all live and work in the privat...
blog.husmus.net
February 11, 2026 at 3:37 PM
Can I have a pet? Can my landlord still evict me? We know renters are uncertain about the Renters' Rights Act which becomes law May 1.
So we've joined Husmus to host a free webinar on Feb 24 - "Know your rights - How the Renters' Rights Act Protects You".
https://bit.ly/3Md9k4P
So we've joined Husmus to host a free webinar on Feb 24 - "Know your rights - How the Renters' Rights Act Protects You".
https://bit.ly/3Md9k4P
Reposted by Brian Robson
The Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Bill was unanimously voted into law yesterday. We were pleased to see cross-party support for these important reforms.
This new law is the result of years of united efforts across the sector to make a big shift towards preventing homelessness.
This new law is the result of years of united efforts across the sector to make a big shift towards preventing homelessness.
February 11, 2026 at 4:17 PM
The Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Bill was unanimously voted into law yesterday. We were pleased to see cross-party support for these important reforms.
This new law is the result of years of united efforts across the sector to make a big shift towards preventing homelessness.
This new law is the result of years of united efforts across the sector to make a big shift towards preventing homelessness.
Reposted by Brian Robson
We welcome the passing of the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocations Bill - a landmark moment which has the potential to transform how #Wales prevents and tackles #homelessness.
whq.org.uk/2026/02/10/s...
whq.org.uk/2026/02/10/s...
Senedd passes 'life-changing' Homelessness Bill - WHQ
The Senedd has given Stage 4 approval to landmark homelessness legislation that campaigners say has the potential to transform how Wales prevents and tackles homelessness. The Homelessness and Social ...
whq.org.uk
February 11, 2026 at 5:30 PM
We welcome the passing of the Homelessness and Social Housing Allocations Bill - a landmark moment which has the potential to transform how #Wales prevents and tackles #homelessness.
whq.org.uk/2026/02/10/s...
whq.org.uk/2026/02/10/s...
Reposted by Brian Robson
The Community Led Housing Alliance has also released a short campaign film ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary Elections! Have a look here: \https://youtu.be/T2J4XzCX2M0
Back Scotland's Communities to Provide More Homes - Community Led Housing Alliance Manifesto 2026
YouTube video by South of Scotland Community Housing
youtu.be
February 10, 2026 at 9:35 AM
The Community Led Housing Alliance has also released a short campaign film ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary Elections! Have a look here: \https://youtu.be/T2J4XzCX2M0
I mean, maybe the Darlington Economic Campus should have been in Birmingham or Leeds, but it does exist, and the spades went in the ground for the permanent building 4 weeks ago. www.gov.uk/government/n...
February 11, 2026 at 9:55 AM
I mean, maybe the Darlington Economic Campus should have been in Birmingham or Leeds, but it does exist, and the spades went in the ground for the permanent building 4 weeks ago. www.gov.uk/government/n...
Reposted by Brian Robson
Community Led Housing Alliance publishes its 2026 Manifesto!
The CLH Alliance has published its manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary Elections, Back Scotland’s Communities to Provide More Homes. #CommunityLedHousingAlliance #CLHA sosch.org/community-le...
The CLH Alliance has published its manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary Elections, Back Scotland’s Communities to Provide More Homes. #CommunityLedHousingAlliance #CLHA sosch.org/community-le...
Community Led Housing Alliance - SOSCH
Photo: Staffin Community Trust The Community Led Housing Alliance Across Scotland, community organisations are providing permanently affordable, high-quality homes which meet local housing needs. Comm...
sosch.org
February 10, 2026 at 9:19 AM
Community Led Housing Alliance publishes its 2026 Manifesto!
The CLH Alliance has published its manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary Elections, Back Scotland’s Communities to Provide More Homes. #CommunityLedHousingAlliance #CLHA sosch.org/community-le...
The CLH Alliance has published its manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary Elections, Back Scotland’s Communities to Provide More Homes. #CommunityLedHousingAlliance #CLHA sosch.org/community-le...
Reposted by Brian Robson
Homelessness and Migration in Denmark and Germany
Date: Thursday 26th February
Time: 11:00 – 12:12
We're delighted to have two leading international scholars, Lars Benjaminsen and Volker Busch-Geertsema speak to our Feb seminar on the Homelessness and Migration in Denmark and Germany.
bit.ly/4rFlTVo
Date: Thursday 26th February
Time: 11:00 – 12:12
We're delighted to have two leading international scholars, Lars Benjaminsen and Volker Busch-Geertsema speak to our Feb seminar on the Homelessness and Migration in Denmark and Germany.
bit.ly/4rFlTVo
February 10, 2026 at 4:35 PM
Homelessness and Migration in Denmark and Germany
Date: Thursday 26th February
Time: 11:00 – 12:12
We're delighted to have two leading international scholars, Lars Benjaminsen and Volker Busch-Geertsema speak to our Feb seminar on the Homelessness and Migration in Denmark and Germany.
bit.ly/4rFlTVo
Date: Thursday 26th February
Time: 11:00 – 12:12
We're delighted to have two leading international scholars, Lars Benjaminsen and Volker Busch-Geertsema speak to our Feb seminar on the Homelessness and Migration in Denmark and Germany.
bit.ly/4rFlTVo
Book 6 of 2026.
Good concept - a group of old friends meet up at a lake house. Readable. Didn't warm to the characters (not in itself a crime) but also found them interchangeable/indistinguishable. When you're halfway in and still working out who's who, it isn't a great sign.
2⭐
#booksky
Good concept - a group of old friends meet up at a lake house. Readable. Didn't warm to the characters (not in itself a crime) but also found them interchangeable/indistinguishable. When you're halfway in and still working out who's who, it isn't a great sign.
2⭐
#booksky
February 10, 2026 at 12:57 PM
Book 6 of 2026.
Good concept - a group of old friends meet up at a lake house. Readable. Didn't warm to the characters (not in itself a crime) but also found them interchangeable/indistinguishable. When you're halfway in and still working out who's who, it isn't a great sign.
2⭐
#booksky
Good concept - a group of old friends meet up at a lake house. Readable. Didn't warm to the characters (not in itself a crime) but also found them interchangeable/indistinguishable. When you're halfway in and still working out who's who, it isn't a great sign.
2⭐
#booksky
Book 5 of 2026.
Picked this up on a whim because it gave me Tove Ditlevsen vibes. It's Norwegian rather than Danish, but it does attain Ditlevsen levels of bleakness as a woman recounts her life to a stranger who's invited her to go home with him. Real creeping dread as it went on.
4⭐
#booksky
Picked this up on a whim because it gave me Tove Ditlevsen vibes. It's Norwegian rather than Danish, but it does attain Ditlevsen levels of bleakness as a woman recounts her life to a stranger who's invited her to go home with him. Real creeping dread as it went on.
4⭐
#booksky
February 7, 2026 at 12:06 PM
Book 5 of 2026.
Picked this up on a whim because it gave me Tove Ditlevsen vibes. It's Norwegian rather than Danish, but it does attain Ditlevsen levels of bleakness as a woman recounts her life to a stranger who's invited her to go home with him. Real creeping dread as it went on.
4⭐
#booksky
Picked this up on a whim because it gave me Tove Ditlevsen vibes. It's Norwegian rather than Danish, but it does attain Ditlevsen levels of bleakness as a woman recounts her life to a stranger who's invited her to go home with him. Real creeping dread as it went on.
4⭐
#booksky
Awful case, but brilliant work from Harrow Law Centre - this is what it looks like when renters have rights that are protected and realised: harrowonline.org/2026/02/01/h...
Harrow Law Centre wins £35,000 illegal eviction case after mother locked out of home - Harrow Online
A mother of three has been awarded more than £35,000 in compensation after a judge ruled she had been illegally evicted from her home while she was on
harrowonline.org
February 6, 2026 at 10:58 AM
Awful case, but brilliant work from Harrow Law Centre - this is what it looks like when renters have rights that are protected and realised: harrowonline.org/2026/02/01/h...
So taking a position and making a case can be popular? Who knew?
I guess it helps if you know what you want to DO, rather than just what position you want to occupy...
I guess it helps if you know what you want to DO, rather than just what position you want to occupy...
Among those who saw/heard Carney's Davos speech
Innovative finds 60% of Canadians view Carney and the federal government more favourably because of the speech
Similarly, Pollara finds 59% saying the speech made them more favourable towards Carney, including 30% of Conservatives
Innovative finds 60% of Canadians view Carney and the federal government more favourably because of the speech
Similarly, Pollara finds 59% saying the speech made them more favourable towards Carney, including 30% of Conservatives
February 5, 2026 at 6:19 PM
So taking a position and making a case can be popular? Who knew?
I guess it helps if you know what you want to DO, rather than just what position you want to occupy...
I guess it helps if you know what you want to DO, rather than just what position you want to occupy...
Oh, Adobe AI, I wish these people *were* looking at a safety net, but I doubt they are.
February 5, 2026 at 5:32 PM
Oh, Adobe AI, I wish these people *were* looking at a safety net, but I doubt they are.
Reposted by Brian Robson
Thinking of a career in think tanks?
We're hosting a webinar for undergraduates or those with similar experience interested in working in the sector. We'll have speakers from numerous organisations sharing their insight and experience.
Register here 👉 buff.ly/DYHqI26
We're hosting a webinar for undergraduates or those with similar experience interested in working in the sector. We'll have speakers from numerous organisations sharing their insight and experience.
Register here 👉 buff.ly/DYHqI26
February 5, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Thinking of a career in think tanks?
We're hosting a webinar for undergraduates or those with similar experience interested in working in the sector. We'll have speakers from numerous organisations sharing their insight and experience.
Register here 👉 buff.ly/DYHqI26
We're hosting a webinar for undergraduates or those with similar experience interested in working in the sector. We'll have speakers from numerous organisations sharing their insight and experience.
Register here 👉 buff.ly/DYHqI26
Reposted by Brian Robson
This Deeds not Words Day of Action, our CEO Alicja Zalesinska reminds us why this work matters more than ever, and how we can all work together.
#ChangeNeedsAllOfUs #DeedsNotWords #AntiRacism
#ChangeNeedsAllOfUs #DeedsNotWords #AntiRacism
February 5, 2026 at 2:10 PM
This Deeds not Words Day of Action, our CEO Alicja Zalesinska reminds us why this work matters more than ever, and how we can all work together.
#ChangeNeedsAllOfUs #DeedsNotWords #AntiRacism
#ChangeNeedsAllOfUs #DeedsNotWords #AntiRacism
Reposted by Brian Robson
For Deeds not Words Day of Action @eystwales.bsky.social are taking on pledge 2: Tackle racial disparities in housing conditions.
Working with their clients to amplify the voices of ethnic minorities facing inequalities, and educating on these issues.
#DeedsNotWords #ChangeNeedsAllOfUs #AntiRacism
Working with their clients to amplify the voices of ethnic minorities facing inequalities, and educating on these issues.
#DeedsNotWords #ChangeNeedsAllOfUs #AntiRacism
February 5, 2026 at 3:26 PM
For Deeds not Words Day of Action @eystwales.bsky.social are taking on pledge 2: Tackle racial disparities in housing conditions.
Working with their clients to amplify the voices of ethnic minorities facing inequalities, and educating on these issues.
#DeedsNotWords #ChangeNeedsAllOfUs #AntiRacism
Working with their clients to amplify the voices of ethnic minorities facing inequalities, and educating on these issues.
#DeedsNotWords #ChangeNeedsAllOfUs #AntiRacism
Reposted by Brian Robson
Today is your LAST CHANCE to submit a nomination for the 2026 SMK National Campaigner Awards! The nominations form closes tomorrow, 6th February, at 5pm GMT.
Submit your nomination at https://forms.office.com/e/NYDnHp2wKw
Submit your nomination at https://forms.office.com/e/NYDnHp2wKw
February 5, 2026 at 7:05 AM
Today is your LAST CHANCE to submit a nomination for the 2026 SMK National Campaigner Awards! The nominations form closes tomorrow, 6th February, at 5pm GMT.
Submit your nomination at https://forms.office.com/e/NYDnHp2wKw
Submit your nomination at https://forms.office.com/e/NYDnHp2wKw
Reposted by Brian Robson
The guy who owns Amazon shutting down the books section of the Washington Post is beyond parody
WaPo also closing Books section and downsizing International and Metro sections
February 4, 2026 at 2:05 PM
The guy who owns Amazon shutting down the books section of the Washington Post is beyond parody