David Orr, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation and President of CECODHAS

David Orr is Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation which represents 1300 independent not-for-profit housing associations in England.

Housing associations are social businesses that provide affordable homes and associated neighbourhoods services and facilities such as education and skills services and sports facilities. They own and manage 2 million homes for 5 million people.

He is also President of CECODHAS, the European Liaison Committee for Social Housing which represents 46 regional and national federations across 19 EU member states providing 22 million homes to 70 million Europeans.

What has housing got to do with the European Union?

Although housing is not a competence of the EU, and the EU cannot legislate on housing, we are, like any other services and businesses, affected by decisions made at European level. In fact, it is estimated that at least half of our legislation stems from legislation agreed by Ministers in Brussels originally!

Things like Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) that provide information to tenants and potential buyers on the energy efficiency of homes, state aid rules or whether governments can give financial support to companies, the reduced VAT rate that we can apply on certain services or products have to do with the EU. So housing has everything to do with the European Union!

Looking at the priorities on the UK social housing agenda which issues have a European dimension or are there issues where co-operation across Member States could prove beneficial?

Environmental sustainability springs to mind. The government has agreed some very challenging greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and the residential sector, which is responsible for 27% of all greenhouse gas emissions and 40% of all energy consumption, has a key role to play. The social housing sector has been leading the way in building to high environmental standards, having to follow tighter building regulations than the private sector. Our members have also started refurbishing their existing stock to high environmental standards to tackle fuel poverty. With 80% of existing homes likely to still be here by 2050, the task ahead is huge and financial incentives are needed to bring about the change. Fiscal incentives such as a 0% VAT rate on green products and services can only be agreed at European level. Similarly European funds, such as Structural Funds and European Social Funds could help develop expertise, encourage the sharing of knowledge between member states and help skill up the workforce.

You are the current President of CECODHAS, the European Liaison Committee for Social Housing, what different cultural or political approaches to social housing do you encounter in your work?

There are as many different conceptions of social housing and delivery mechanisms as they are EU member states. In the Netherlands for example, social housing which constitutes 30% of all housing tenures is strong and is universal in its mission, i.e. it does not just house the most vulnerable or people who cannot be housed through the usual routes. On the other side of the spectrum, in Eastern European countries, social housing is nearly non-existent as it was sold off following the political changes in these countries. The stock tends to be in a bad condition as there is a lack of rules and regulations to help co-owners manage common services and refurbishment. Yet although the reality of social housing differs from one country to the next, CECODHAS' social housing providers, whether they are independent, public or cooperatives have signed up to our vision of 'a Europe which provides access to decent and affordable housing for all in communities which are socially, economically and environmentally sustainable and where all are enabled to reach their full potential.'

Members of the Federation increasingly participate in the annual European Neighbours' Day at the end of May each year. What do you think the value of such a day can be?

European Neighbours' Day is a day when people are encouraged to go out and meet their neighbours, talk to them and establish a first contact with them that will help foster nicer and more supportive neighbourhoods. Housing associations have been very active in promoting this initiative as it helps develop sustainable communities. At a time when everyone is leading increasingly hectic lives, with little time for anything else than themselves and their families, days like that bring the emphasis back onto the importance of the community which is there to support the individual.

The European Parliament Elections 2009 will take place on 4 June in the UK. Why would you say from a professional point of view it is important to vote?

European decisions affect our life in every possible way. It makes sense to ensure that our views and needs are taken into account and that we have good representation in Brussels.

The National Housing Federation represents 1,300 not-for-profit housing associations. Collectively, our members provide 2 million homes and community services for 5 million people.

Housing associations are 'iN business for neighbourhoods'. They have made fresh commitments to neighbourhoods, customers and excellence.