While Brexit is the main focus of upcoming British elections, the skyrocketing cost of housing is also gaining attention.
Who should be trusted to handle the housing crisis impacting the UK: the Labour party or the Conservatives? For Labour politicians, the hope is that voters will turn to them to solve a host of domestic issues, including wage growth and the ever increasing cost of housing. The Economist reports that Labour politicians are seeking support from voters based on their claim that Labour controlled councils have built more housing than Conservative councils since 2010. Research conducted by The Economistfound that the housing story is a bit more complicated.
Our research suggests that in absolute terms, the performance of Labour councils is indeed better. On average they increased the total stock of housing in their local authority by 3,000 in 2010-16. The Tories did so by 2,000 over the same period.
And yet. Labour-controlled councils tend to be bigger, so you would expect the absolute number to be higher anyway. Surely what really matters is the proportional increase in housing stock. And here, Labour does less well. We calculate that since 2010 the housing stock in Labour councils rose by 3.5%, slightly lower than the 4% in Tory-controlled ones.
FULL STORY: Who builds more houses, the Conservatives or Labour?
What Will Become of London's Transit Megaproject After Brexit?
London's Crossrail promises faster commutes and neighborhood revitalization in a global economic hub. But what if Brexit puts a damper on that future?
England Begins Second Lockdown to Protect the National Health Service
The day after Election Day in America, the U.K. Parliament voted overwhelmingly to impose a 4-week lockdown in England to ensure that nation's prized healthcare system doesn't collapse due to treating mounting coronavirus infections.
Resilience Plan Revealed in London
Resilience in a post-Brexit London.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie