The housing issue

This article was first published in the MJ in April 2012

Housing is an interesting issue for pollsters. Few mention it spontaneously as a key issue. But ask people about a list of issues, and it hurtles upwards as a problem. With good reason . Price volatility and faltering confidence are now posing real challenges for our 'property-owning democracy', and for governments keen to harness public aspirations and build social mobility. 'Generation rent' is the one most young people now belong to – and 59% of renters believe they will never be able to afford to buy. Rents are rising too. More than one-fifth of 18 to 44-year-olds without children admit they are delaying starting a family because of a lack of affordable housing and, with implications for the economy, an estimated 5.6 million people are unable to move for work because of housing costs. PM David Cameron says housing is 'not just about the economy, it's also about people's hopes and dreams… You always remember that moment, when you get that key and walk into your first flat… It's a moment I want everyone in this country to have'. No pressure, then, as local government tries to help realise people's dreams. The new National Planning Policy Framework, in theory, gives communities greater influence, and responsibility, for what happens where. But public opinion about building new homes is very conditional – the public will go along with it, but want a whole load of guarantees more than are often offered. Local projects will require very careful attention to local sentiment and real clarity about the benefits of building and how perceived and actual adverse impacts are going to be mitigated. More often than not, councils have failed in this, to date.