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. Street scene in financial district, London

    Rule of the market: How to lower UK borrowing costs

    The UK is paying a premium on its borrowing costs that ‘economic fundamentals’, such as the sustainability of its public finances, cannot fully explain. 
  2. A mother and child from behind looking out of a window

    Restoring security: Understanding the effects of removing the two-child limit across the UK

    The government’s decision to lift the two-child limit marks one of the most significant changes to the social security system in a decade.
  3. A group of healthcare professionals sitting in a staff common room in a hospital in Newcastle

    Building a healthier, wealthier Britain: Launching the IPPR Centre for Health and Prosperity

    Following the success of our Commission on Health and Prosperity, IPPR is excited to launch the Centre for Health and Prosperity.