Britain has survived another bombshell year in politics in 2025, earmarked in equal parts by turmoil and progress. At Building Relations, part of our job is to navigate the hills and valleys of the political landscape on behalf of our clients.

Public relations has always been closely entwined with the political calendar, but this relationship has never been more palpable than in the last 18 months.

The year ahead

As Labour gets down to the business of governing in 2026, there is anticipation as to what will wash up on the tides of a new year. Until now, housing has been pivotal to the government’s agenda. 2026 will bring into effect much of the preparation and promises made so far: planning commitments, the Future Homes Standard, and funding for affordable homes delivery, to name a few. The housing sector will be watching closely to see how it plays out.

This May will also usher in a fresh wave of council elections, though some local authorities have been invited to postpone due to immense delivery pressures. This will no doubt reassure some, and spark alarm accordingly in others. Our clients with a vested interest in local housing delivery will be relieved to avoid the disruption and stalled momentum brought on by an election period.

For those in the housing sector wondering how best to set the course and navigate the shifting political and policy landscape in the year ahead, rest assured – these are not uncharted waters.

How can we help?

Our team of PR specialists are here to guide and advise you, helping you to intercept the challenges and identify the opportunities. Going into 2026, the businesses that will thrive must be confident in their brand mission, bold enough to influence the market, and unafraid of the challenge that comes with political scrutiny.

Establishing and nurturing valuable stakeholder relationships, the ones that genuinely matter to you and your organisation, will be key to surviving in an evolving political ecosystem. Whether that’s engaging with local councillors and planning offices, or MPs and Ministers, these relationships will be critical to your organisation’s success in the coming year. Positive sentiment is hard-won and even harder to keep. That’s why it is essential to build a bank of political trust and goodwill with the most prominent voices and decision makers across local and national government.

Building Relations’ dedicated public affairs team is here to help you capitalise on the opportunities ahead. As government priorities are set, those who engage first will shape the agenda – while others will be left to respond to it.

We work with our housing sector clients to produce a calendar of high visibility, big impact moments throughout the year, aligned to a pipeline of politically relevant milestones. These range from muddy boots site visits with local councillors, to sit-down meetings with your local MP, to hosting panel events at Labour (or other!) Party Conferences. We know that our clients and industry have a lot to contribute to the conversation, with strong opinions to boot. We’ll create the right forum for the right moment, striking while the iron is hot to shape debate and inform discussion as policy is being shaped.

Plus, we have a little black book of journalists who are desperate to hear your thoughts and reactions to the political and regulatory environment.

Get in touch with our team today to discuss how we can put you and your organisation into the heart of the political agenda going into 2026. Contact us via pr@building-relations.co.uk.