Proposals to transfer significant powers from Whitehall to regional mayors and local authorities, championed by figures such as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, are prompting a critical examination of their potential impact on the UK's persistent housing crisis. While the 'circuit breaker' plans aim to empower regional leaders across areas including housing, skills, transport, and economic growth, an expert warns this could expose a fundamental contradiction in existing housing policy.
For decades, successive UK governments, regardless of political affiliation, have progressively tightened their grip on housing numbers. This centralisation has manifested through mechanisms such as regional strategies, the Standard Method for calculating housing need, Housing Delivery Tests, and local plan examinations. This approach stems from a long-held belief that, if left entirely to local political discretion, communities often fail to plan for a sufficient number of new homes. The underlying reason is often attributed to the immediate political pressure from existing residents who may object to development, contrasting with the less visible political influence of those in need of housing.
The dilemma posed by a more devolved England, as outlined by Lawrence Turner, a director at Boyer, centres on the critical question of who would ultimately determine regional housing targets. If Whitehall continues to dictate these numbers, the extent of genuine devolution, particularly in such a crucial area, becomes questionable. Conversely, if central government entirely withdraws from setting targets, regional leaders could find themselves grappling with the very same political pressures that have historically constrained local councils from delivering adequate housing.
Every regional mayor would undoubtedly aspire to foster economic growth and ensure younger generations can afford homes within their areas. However, they would also inevitably face strong opposition from thousands of existing residents who often prefer development to occur elsewhere. This inherent political reality of planning is not a criticism of devolution itself but rather an acknowledgement of the practical challenges involved in balancing competing interests.
Turner suggests a potential solution that seeks to reconcile these tensions: the national government could continue to establish housing targets using the Standard Method, but apply these on a regional basis. Responsibility for determining the specific locations for these homes would then be devolved to regional mayors and combined authorities. These regional bodies could subsequently distribute the housing requirement among their constituent local authorities, with each council responsible for planning and delivering its allocated share. This model, he argues, offers a more effective form of devolution without losing sight of the overarching national imperative to address the housing crisis.
This discussion highlights the complex interplay between national policy objectives and local political realities in the ongoing effort to tackle the UK's housing shortage. As calls for greater regional autonomy grow, finding a workable framework for housing delivery will be crucial to the success of any devolution agenda.
Source: Lawrence Turner, Director at Boyer