Housing and community

Includes: housing crisis, affordable housing, Community Land Trusts, social equity

The URBED perspective:

Addressing the housing crisis requires a focus on affordability, social equity, and community resilience. Innovative schemes like Community Land Trusts demonstrate how local ownership and collective effort can deliver affordable housing while fostering social cohesion. Sustainable urban growth hinges on balanced development, ensuring housing policies serve both economic needs and community well-being as well as respecting the environment.

Smarter Urbanisation and Rapid Growth HFA

Smarter Urbanisation and Rapid Growth HFA

Cities need to change direction fast, if we are to satisfy our needs and retain social values. As the world tips towards the East, and to ‘mega cities’ of more than 10 million inhabitants, countries such as the UK need to offer better models for how to manage growth. The young and the poor feel squeezed out of the residential property markets. But we all complain of congestion, pollution and stress, despite the promised benefits of the Digital Revolution. What is to be done?
Indian Urban Futures I

Indian Urban Futures I

The publication reports on a symposium held on May 11th, 2017, focusing on the future of urban areas in India. With a population exceeding 1.2 billion, only 30% live in urban settings, leading to challenges such as urban sprawl, pollution, and inadequate housing. The event featured discussions on smarter urbanisation, addressing transport, housing, public health, and community engagement. The symposium aimed to foster collaboration between Indian and British organisations to share knowledge and develop innovative solutions for urban challenges.
Funding housing and local growth: how a British investment bank can help

Funding housing and local growth: how a British investment bank can help

Funding Housing and Local Growth advocates for a transformative approach to housing development in the UK. It proposes establishing a Municipal Investment Corporation (MIC) linked to a British Investment Bank (BIB) to mobilise private investment and enhance infrastructure. By prioritising upfront infrastructure, selecting optimal growth locations, and fostering local authority collaboration, the report aims to double house-building rates and create sustainable neighbourhoods. It critiques the current financial system’s shortcomings and highlights successful international models, urging a shift towards smarter growth that balances economic needs with environmental and social considerations for future generations.