Shelter’s controversial Chief Executive Polly Neate to step down
One of Renters’ Rights Bill’s chief architects, Polly Neate, is to step down from her position as Shelter’s Chief Executive in March next year.
After more than seven years in charge, Polly Neate CBE has announced she will be leaving her role as Chief Executive of the homelessness charity Shelter at the end of March 2025.
Neate has been at the forefront of campaigns to tackle the ‘housing emergency’ and has helped push through new laws to improve conditions in social housing, the banning of tenants’ fees and, most recently, the Renters’ Rights Bill.
Under her guidance, Shelter has also helped millions of people facing homelessness and poor housing through its face-to-face advocacy, telephone and online advice services and legal support.
Back in 2019, she was awarded a CBE for her role in persuading the Government to bring in the tenant fees ban.
Divisive figure
She is though a highly divisive figure in the property industry and has been accused by many in the sector of ‘demonising’ landlords.
Over the years, there have also been a number of spats with the NRLA and Propertymark and Neate has regularly lambasted both letting agencies and the PRS.
I joined Shelter because I know that an end to homelessness and housing insecurity in this country is not a wild fantasy.”
She said of her tenure: “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.”
She adds: “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.”
Helen Baker, Chair of Shelter’s Board of Trustees, said of Neate: “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”.
The process of recruiting Polly’s successor is reported to be already underway.
“Back in 2019, she was awarded a CBE for her role in persuading the Government to bring in the tenant fees ban.” Not much of an achievement given the tenant fee ban immediately had a knock on effect of increasing rents – entirely predictable and proof of ill considered legislation
Summary of 7 years? – Some might say “Extremist views, helped destroy a good market, make housing worse for everyone, take a pension and leave. Cheers everyone.” I wonder who she voted for.
Having been influential in the introduction of many measures which have driven landlords away from the private sector, increased rents and reduced the supply of rental property, Ms Neate is now leaving before the excrement really hits the fan. I recall a proverb about rodents leaving a sinking ship.
In her seven years as Chief Executive, I do not know of a single example of Shelter providing accommodation for anyone.