This panel discussion will assess how far the government’s good intentions on housing are being realised. But what are the prospects for tackling the UK’s dysfunctional property taxes? Is the speculative builder model for private sector housing supply fit for purpose? Do we need radical new ways of expanding access for Britain’s families to decent roofs over their heads?

The UK faces a severe housing crisis. House prices remain far too high compared to incomes. Renters and the young bear the brunt of the affordability crisis. Many spend over a third of their earnings on housing alone. Political attitudes between them and more secure homeowners are increasingly polarised.

New housing supply, especially of affordable social housing, isn't keeping pace. Construction activity stayed flat through 2025. 


Economic inequality, especially between generations, and social exclusion, are dramatically influenced by housing and land use planning. Poor housing has negative health outcomes and restricted access to housing affects family formation. Our poorly insulated homes increase vulnerability to energy price shocks and make it hard to reduce carbon emissions. Productivity growth is severely impeded by failing policies and institutions related to land use, housing and credit markets.

The UK holds the record for the extent of value embedded in the underlying land rather than in buildings. The current government has signalled good intentions on planning reform, land value capture, expanding the social housing stock and improving tenure security. But what is the state of progress? What are prospects for tackling the UK’s dysfunctional property taxes? Is the speculative builder model for private sector housing supply fit for purpose? Do we need radical new ways of expanding access to Britain’s families to decent roofs over their heads?

Professor Eric Beinhocker from INET and the Blavatnik School of Government will moderate a discussion with four leading experts from Oxford, from MHCLG, from Shelter and from the private sector.

Professor of Economics and Senior Fellow, INET Oxford

Director for Analysis and Data, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Author, broadcaster, technologist and former investigative journalist

This is a joint event with the Institute for New Economic Thinking at the Oxford Martin School (INET Oxford).

Panel discussion: Are there solutions to the UK’s housing crisis?