Conclusion: The Politics of Change

Abstract

For many years, the political arithmetic involved in gaining and retaining power via targeting the median voter in marginal constituencies has taken precedence over the long-term public good. However, the housing crises, simmering for many years have now spread too far to be contained by marginal constituency politics. The runes were observable in the 2016 European Union referendum and became clearer in the 2017 General Election. New housing supply is increasing but production remains a long way from the number required to make a significant impact on purchase and rental prices. Meanwhile, housing costs relative to incomes are excessive, especially for lower-income households with children. Unless the radical action necessary to reduce costs—greatly enhanced social housing supply at social rent; classic rent control; far more land release to depress prices and enhanced state support for low-income owner-occupiers and renters, financed by more progressive forms of taxation—then the party deemed responsible for the inertia will be punished in the ballot box.