A report by Christine Whitehead, LSE London and Tony Crook, The University of Sheffield, with Kath Scanlon, LSE London.

The report titled "A Road Map to a Coherent Housing Policy," authored by Christine Whitehead from LSE London and Tony Crook from The University of Sheffield, with contributions from Kath Scanlon, is published by the Family Building Society. This comprehensive document addresses the critical issues surrounding housing policy in the UK and its implications for sustainable living.

The report highlights that housing is a fundamental issue affecting society at various levels, from family life to individual security. It notes that there have been 25 Housing Ministers since 1997, indicating a lack of stable leadership in this area. The authors argue for the need for a coherent and consistent housing policy framework that addresses both short and long-term housing needs.

The report presents alarming statistics: England's vacancy rate is less than 3%, among the lowest in the developed world, which exacerbates the housing crisis. The authors emphasize that over 99% of the current housing stock must be utilized more effectively, as new housing additions remain below 1% annually. Challenges include higher rents, rising house prices, and the increasing reliance on the private rented sector, which now houses nearly 20% of households.

To tackle these issues, the report proposes several policy initiatives. Among the key recommendations is the need to optimize existing housing stock by incentivizing downsizing among older adults and reforming the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). It suggests that exempting older households from SDLT could facilitate mobility and better distribution of housing.

The authors discuss the decreasing rate of home ownership, which has dropped from over 70% in 2000 to just above 64% in 2022, particularly among younger households. They advocate for government support to improve access to home ownership through initiatives like shared ownership and the "First Homes" scheme, which offers discounted home prices for first-time buyers.

The report emphasizes the growing importance of the private rented sector, noting that it has become the second-largest tenure in England. However, it also points out the challenges faced by tenants, including insecurity of tenure and rising rents. The proposed Renters (Reform) Bill aims to enhance tenant security but faces implementation challenges.

The report outlines the decline of social housing, which now constitutes only 16.5% of the total housing stock, down from 31% in 1979. It calls for increased investment in social housing to address income disparities and rising housing costs, emphasizing the need for a more robust Affordable Homes Programme.

The authors stress the importance of an efficient planning system that can adapt to changing circumstances. They recommend that all local planning authorities maintain up-to-date local plans to facilitate new housing development and infrastructure provision, which is essential for sustainable living.

In summary, the report provides a detailed analysis of the current housing policy landscape in England, highlighting the urgent need for a coherent and consistent approach to housing that prioritizes sustainability, accessibility, and effective use of existing resources. The proposed roadmap aims to address the pressing challenges in the housing sector while promoting a more equitable and sustainable future.