November 2026. 

Welcome to the CtW Supporters Newsletter.

We are delighted that CtW’s collective entry for all ten JobsPlus pilots has been shortlisted for a 2026 ERSA Employability Award, in the Innovative Employment Support category. Since launching in 2024, JobsPlus has brought housing associations, local partners and residents together to deliver a community approach to employment support. More than a quarter of participants (27%) have moved into work, and 55% of those who found work were still employed six months later.

Winners will be announced at the ERSA Employability Awards in London on Wednesday 25 November. Finalist tickets include the ERSA Conference that day, and we would love to see colleagues from every pilot there. Whatever the result, this is recognition for the housing associations, partners and residents who make JobsPlus work. Find out more about the awards.

JobsPlus Toxteth on BBC Radio Merseyside

The JobsPlus Toxteth team spoke to BBC Radio Merseyside on 1 October about how the programme reaches out to a tight-knit local community. You can watch the full interview here. A huge thanks to the team for representing JobsPlus so brilliantly and highlighting the incredible support they are providing for local residents.

The Autumn Budget: what it means for members

The Chancellor, John Healey, delivered his first Budget on 28 October, with the cost of living as its main focus. Measures relevant to our members include an extra £1.5 billion for around 10,000 homes, prioritised for Social Rent; a £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant and £100 million over two years so that every mayor can run a local apprenticeship service; and a reduced financial cliff edge for claimants in supported housing and temporary accommodation, to help make work pay. There was little detail on the Warm Homes Plan, outside of up to £2.5bn being cut to the £15bn funding pot which was originally announced earlier this year.

The Government’s Budget summary sets out the full detail.

Raising Aspirations Annual Report – Weaver Vale Housing Trust, October 2026

This report outlines the progress and impact of WVHT’s Raising Aspirations programme – a one-to-one mentoring initiative supporting participants to achieve their personal and professional goals. It also outlines the success in securing five further years of National Lottery funding.

Good growth: What, where, how? - Smart Thinking, October 2026

This briefing argues that good growth means both creating more higher-paid jobs and helping people reach them through skills, employment support, transport and housing, with mayors best placed to tailor this to local need.

Advancing Social Mobility: A Best Practice Guide For Universities - The Sutton Trust, October 2026

This guide sets out how universities can improve social mobility at every stage, from admissions and the move into university to student success and progression into work or further study.

Work Matters 2026: No quick fixes? Tackling youth employment crisis after the Milburn Review, Thursday 26 November, 2:00pm - Lancaster University

Work Foundation at Lancaster University, online. With nearly one million 16 to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training, this free panel will look at the Government’s response to the Milburn review and what employers, local leaders and policymakers can do next.

Households to receive £150 Warm Home Discount confirmation letter, 22 October

Around six million households will receive the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, with confirmation letters going out until January 2027 and every billpayer on means-tested benefits now eligible.

More people protected as government acts to make more homes safe, 27 October

The Government will protect more people who own several properties from the cost of fixing unsafe buildings, make construction product manufacturers contribute to repairs, and introduce fines of up to £500,000 for those responsible who fail to act.

Cornwall’s first Youth Guarantee Jobs Fair moves hundreds of young people closer to employment, 30 October

Over 500 young people attended Cornwall’s first Youth Guarantee Jobs Fair at the Eden Project, and more than 250 secured job opportunities on the day.