Breaking the Holding Pattern: A new approach to aviation policy making in the UK

Article

In 2007 and early 2008, to inform its advice to government, the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC), with the Institute for Public Policy Research, ran a stakeholder assessment on aviation. This report presents our observations from the assessment, followed by our recommendations for government.

UK aviation delivers multiple benefits, but with these benefits come costs, notably greenhouse gas emissions, and negative impacts on the communities around aviation facilities.

Projections for large increases in aviation volumes, as outlined in the 2003 UK Air Transport White Paper, have prompted vigorous debate about the contribution of aviation to sustainable development.

In 2007 and early 2008, to inform its advice to government, the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC), with the Institute for Public Policy Research, ran a stakeholder assessment on aviation. This unlocked a range of views, from businesses, industry representatives, governments, academia, citizens' groups and NGOs. This report presents our observations from the assessment, followed by our recommendations for government.

Related items

  1. Graphic depicting a stack of pound coins in the background and one sideways pound coin displayed on its side in the foreground

    The full-speed economy: Does running a hotter economy benefit workers?

    How a slightly hotter economy might be able to boost future growth.
  2. The outside of Rochdale town hall on a sunny day, with flowers in the foreground

    Making the most of it: Unitarisation, hyperlocal democratic renewal and community empowerment

    Local government reorganisation need not result in a weakening of democracy at the local level.
  3. West Midlands Metro Tram at Victoria Square in Birmingham city centre during 2022 Commonwealth Games

    Transport and growth: Reforming transport investment for place-based growth

    The ability to deliver transformative public transport is not constrained by a lack of ideas, public support or local ambition. It is constrained by the way decisions are taken at the national level.