In the context of a new London Mayor and the Government’s Housing and Planning Act 2016, the Society’s forthcoming 21st Century Challenges events will consider the economic, social and environmental aspects of the current housing crisis in London and, more broadly, the UK.
Life off the Ladder, a public panel discussion taking place on 15 June, will bring together expert speakers to discuss the rise of long-term renting in Britain; while the Society’s Seeking Common Ground? Policy Forum, on 20 June, invites policy-makers, practitioners and researchers working in the housing sector to share knowledge on their solutions to the housing crisis and deepen their expertise through evidence-based discussion.
Life off the ladder
Wednesday 15 June, 7.00pm – 8.30pm
Chair: Aditya Chakrabortty (Senior economics commentator for The Guardian)
11 million people in the UK are off the housing ladder and in private renting, up dramatically from previous generations. Over half of Londoners rent. Join us to discuss the rise of the long-term renter. Should we accept that Britain’s home-owning dream has ended? Can we improve rights for renters so life off the ladder can be something to celebrate not commiserate? Speakers include Rosie Walker, author of The Rent Trap; Tim Lowe, ‘Secret tenant’; and architectural and interior designer Ben Pentreath.
Seeking common ground? Affordable, timely and sustainable housing for London’s workforce
Monday 20 June, 5.30pm – 7.15pm (followed by networking drinks)
Chair: Chris Hamnett (Professor of Geography, King’s College London)
Will the Housing and Planning Act 2016 and current Greater London Authority initiatives address the substantial need for genuinely affordable, timely and sustainable housing – for rent and for purchase – for London’s workforce now, and in the future? An expert panel including Nick Raynsford, former Housing Minister; Barney Stringer, Director at Quod; Lynne Sullivan OBE Chair of the RIBA Sustainable Futures Group; and Professor Paul Cheshire, London School of Economics, will consider the realistic potential to meet London’s housing demand, in terms of how, where and with due environmental care. The Policy Forum asks, can we identify common ground to address the housing crisis, and what are the implications of this?