ESG - Whitehall Lending

OUR PURPOSE

By giving landlords and developers access to finance, we play a role in the creation of new homes and in maintaining liquidity in the housing market. Our Borrowers are SME’s, who are crucial to supporting the real economy and ultimately resolving Britain’s housing crisis.

ENVIRONMENT

Our development loans contribute to increasing energy efficiency standards and the regeneration of Britain’s housing stock. Many loans are specifically for works to achieve a higher energy performance certificate rating, ultimately supporting the transition to net zero and reducing tenant bills.

PEOPLE AND CULTURE

When it comes to growing our team, we always hire the best person for the job, but we also want our workforce to represent the communities we operate in. Our business is entirely minority-owned, and 60% of our workforce are members of under represented communities, so too are the vast majority of our borrowers.

Croydon - Social Housing Development

The conversion of former farm buildings into 50 residential units, the majority of which are studios and one-bed flats. The properties are designed to be used for social housing – a space where the developer has substantial experience. As this is a brownfield development, the project significantly contributes to the regeneration of the local housing stock while preserving green space which surrounds the site. The EPC rating of the buildings prior to development was G. As a result of the works we are funding, this is anticipated to achieve at least level B.

Colchester – Housing Association

The conversion of a former and now disused care home into 30 flats to provide temporary accommodation for those found homeless. The site will be used to accommodate single persons and families while applications for homelessness are assessed. Prior to the development works, the EPC rating is F. It is anticipated that the ratings achieved as a result of the works will be at least level B. Additionally, supporting technology such as sensor-based lighting is planned.

Essex – Assisted Living Scheme

The conversion of a former care home into 46 rooms to mitigate rising homelessness in the area. When complete, the development will allow housing associations to provide suitable accommodation directly rather than through the use of Bed and Breakfasts. This will reduce the cost of temporary accommodation, thereby increasing the reach of the local authority and allow it to help a greater number of those in need. The current energy efficiency rating is C (adequate), and it is anticipated that as a result of the works a level of at least B will be achieved.

WHITEHALL CHARITABLE LOAN FUND

As a responsible lender we understand that in the current economic environment, many in the communities in which we operate could be experiencing short-term liquidity issues. This is why we set up the Whitehall Charitable Loan Fund (WCLF).

The WCLF issues interest free loans with flexible repayment options to help individuals and families in difficult times. We tailor the terms of each loan to fit the needs of our borrowers. Examples of use cases are assisting with children’s tuition, helping with utility bills and credit cards, or short-term working capital solutions for business experiencing cashflow problems.