Priced Out: Affordable housing in England

Article

England is in the midst of a housing crisis. In 67 per cent of local authorities, insufficient houses were built to meet demand in 2015/16 (DCLG 2016; DCLG 2017).

Across England, of the 265,936 houses that are needed, just 189,650 new dwellings (71 per cent) were provided. While other factors, such as money supply, play their part, this is impacting on the affordability of housing. House prices have risen by 76 per cent since 1995, far outstripping inflation (ONS 2017).

In this context, a number of recommendations are put forward set around a stronger approach to affordable housing at a national level, including a clear measure of affordability, and the devolution of greater powers to mayors to deliver the housing their regions need.

Related items

  1. Doctor with patient for consultation, medical advice or procedure at clinic

    Building the foundations for transformation in the NHS

    The government has published a bold 10-year plan to transform England’s health system which, if fully delivered, will make the NHS of tomorrow look radically different from today’s service. 
  2. A huge overflowing recycling bin full of discarded empty bottles of alcoholic drinks

    Taking stock: Counting the economic costs of alcohol harm

    Alcohol consumption across the UK is increasing. Government and employers must act to address the health risks.
  3. The inside of a bus. Lots of people sit or stand on a bus during daylight

    A people-focussed future for transport in England

    Our findings from three roundtables on the impact of transport in people’s lives and the priorities for change.