Housing costs in the United Kingdom, for both renters and buyers, have been rising quickly in recent decades. In England, the median house price is now 7.7 times the median annual wage. This figure stood at just 3.54 in 1997.1 While it used to be the case that a majority of young Britons owned their homes, now only 34% of 25-34-year-olds are home-owners.
Nearly half of women have delayed or decided against having children, with many citing rising housing costs as the main reason. Private sector rents are rising too, with migration being a key contributor. The present housing shortage is caused by persistent under-building. While Britain used to build up to 300,000 houses per year, that figure has been closer to 200,000 since the 1980s. Analysts have suggested that there is a shortfall of 3-4 million homes.
This meeting asks how the UK can increase housing supply, expand home ownership and restore affordability for future generations?
Questions for Discussion
Planning and Supply
- What reforms to the planning system would most effectively increase housing supply without undermining local democratic decision making?
- Should England move towards a more rules-based zoning system, and how could thisbe reconciled with localism?
- Should Green Belt policy change to balance environmental protection with housingneed?
- How can Housing Policy better prioritise development in urban areas where infrastructure and employment already exist?
Affordability and Home Ownership
- What are the principal barriers preventing younger households from accessing home ownership?
- Should policy focus primarily on increasing supply, or is there a role for carefully designed demand-side support?
- How should mortgage regulation balance financial stability with access to ownership?
Construction, Land and Infrastructure
- How can competition in housebuilding be increased, particularly among small and medium-sized builders?
- What role should modern methods of construction play in addressing capacity constraints?
- How can infrastructure provision be better aligned with housing growth?
Long-term Strategy
- What should be the objectives of a long-term Conservative housing strategy?
- How can housing policy contribute to productivity, family stability, and intergenerational fairness?
- What principles should guide housing policy over the next twenty years?
GUEST SPEAKER - tbc
AGENDA:
- Introductions
- Presentation by Guest Speakers
- Open Forum
- Comments input
- Close
LOCATION: EWCA Office, 23-24 The Parade, Marlborough, Wilts, SN8 1NE (the venue may change should numbers exceed the limit)
TICKETS: £3
Please speak to the EWCA CPF Chairman, Sonny Hamid (07767 618919 / [email protected]) for more information.
