This article first appeared on BNN Breaking
Dame Kate Barker CBE leads a new commission under Radix Big Tent, aiming to tackle England’s pressing housing shortage with sustainable solutions.
Announced today, Dame Kate Barker CBE is poised to lead a pivotal commission under Radix Big Tent’s initiative, supported by Shoosmiths, to delve into England’s persistent housing shortage. This comes as a response to the country’s dire need for sustainable, affordable housing solutions amidst growing demand. Barker, known for her influential reviews on housing supply and planning for the Labour government, alongside a diverse team of experts, aims to address key issues obstructing housing development.
Setting the Stage for Change
The Radix Housing Commission, with its assembly of property professionals, planners, and policy experts, including the esteemed Lord Richard Best, is set to explore multifaceted approaches to alleviate England’s housing challenges. By focusing on land development, specialist housing, sustainability, and affordability, the commission endeavors to propose actionable, pragmatic policies in anticipation of the forthcoming General Election. This collective expertise signifies a strategic move towards reconciling commercial realities with the urgent need for diverse housing options.
A Pragmatic Rethink Overdue
Dame Kate Barker’s commentary underscores the stagnation in addressing the housing supply issue, marking a crucial moment for a ‘pragmatic rethink’. The commission’s aim to pivot away from the politicization of housing towards a solution-oriented approach reflects a significant shift in dialogue. Lisa Tye from Shoosmiths highlights the necessity for quality, sustainable, and mixed-tenure homes to satisfy England’s housing requirements, emphasizing the commission’s role in bridging the gap between ambitious promises and tangible outcomes.
Collaborative Efforts Towards Solutions
Over the coming months, the commission will engage in both public and private meetings, soliciting insights from real estate sector experts. This collaborative effort is designed to culminate in a series of recommendations for the next government, addressing crucial aspects such as planning policy, land use, and investment unlocking. The collective wisdom of the commission members, including industry veterans and innovators, positions this initiative as a hopeful beacon for addressing one of England’s most pressing societal challenges.
This endeavor represents not just a call for policy reform but a rallying cry for collective action across sectors. As England stands on the brink of a potential housing revolution, the commission’s work may very well lay the groundwork for a future where affordable, sustainable housing is not just an aspiration but a reality. With the General Election on the horizon, the outcomes of this commission could influence the national agenda, making housing not only a matter of policy but a cornerstone of societal well-being and economic stability.
Other articles covered the launch of the new Commission:
- Inside Housing by James Riding – Dame Kate Barker to lead new study of England’s housing shortage
- Inside Housing by Stephen Delahunty – The Week in Housing: round-up
- Property Week by Ciaran Nerval – Dame Kate Barker to lead commission into England’s housing shortage
- Housing Today by Olivia Barber – Dame Kate Barker to lead new housing inquiry
- Planning, Building & Construction Today by PBC Today – Dame Kate Barker to lead new commission into England’s housing shortage
- Construction Index by the Construction Index – Think tank sets up housing inquiry
- Property Industry Eye by Marc Da Silva – Dame Kate Barker to lead new study into England’s housing shortage
Image from BNN Breaking
What a complete waste of time. Is this some kind of distraction activity to conceal the REAL crisis in the Housing Market that prices are far too high?
See Mulheirn’s explainer that build-more can fixes this
https://housescheaperbettermore.blogspot.com/2024/03/so-you-think-housing-crisis-can-be-fix.html