Simon Leadbetter of unchained.marketing has responded to a couple of recent stories in EYE and proposes an innovative approach to potentially dealing with the housing crisis.

According to recent YouGov research, 62% of the UK population believes the government should intervene more to stimulate housebuilding. In contrast, just 17% feel there should be less governmental input. In tandem, there’s a solid lean towards affordable homes: 62% think the emphasis of future housebuilding should be on local authority homes for social rent, while only 22% prioritise private homes for sale (YouGov, July 20, 2023).

In an op-ed published in ‘Property Industry Eye’ on August 8, Russell Quirk from ProperPR highlighted the potential of removing politicians from housing decision-making and a taxpayer-owned national housing corporation. This entity could be a powerhouse, streamlining housing needs, expediting planning processes, and producing varied housing types while ensuring profits are channelled back into the system.

Two days later, Ian Barnett of Leaders Romans Group underlined the pressing need to disentangle the land industry from politics. He voiced concerns about recent political decisions, notably from figures like Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, dampening developers’ enthusiasm for land acquisitions. Barnett pinpointed local resistance as a pivotal influence and underscored the value of a national spatial plan. While risking sidelining community voices in a US-style approach, such a strategy could set ambitious, clear housing targets without excessive reliance on local authorities.

Despite unanimous agreement on the existence of a housing crisis, effective solutions have yet to emerge.

The team at unchained.marketing was inspired by the articles above and discussed a novel approach to unlocking sustainable growth in housing while preserving green spaces and cultural heritage. The Citizens’ Assembly is an innovative solution to consider, inspired by the Republic of Ireland’s approach to tackling recent divisive issues.

How a Citizens’ Assembly would address the UK’s housing crisis

A Citizens’ Assembly, when optimally utilised, can be transformative. It brings diverse perspectives to the table, fostering an environment of unbiased discussion and leading to informed, representational solutions to multifaceted challenges like housing. These assemblies could be local, national, or regional.

1. Scope & Objectivity: The outset of the assembly would involve clearly defining the mandate of the citizens’ assembly, ensuring that participants understand the complexity and nuances of the housing crisis, including the importance of the green belt, rural communities, and other critical concerns.

2. Diverse Representation: To echo the nation’s demographics, it’s essential to have representative but randomly selected participants from various backgrounds in rural and urban communities.

3. Inform & Educate: Participants must be versed in the housing landscape before any decisions. Experts can facilitate this through comprehensive sessions, shedding light on planning laws, green belt restrictions, and the broader economic context. Politicians, academics, pressure groups, and industry figures would give evidence at this stage.

4. Innovative Solutions Galore: From championing brownfield site development and upward expansion to considering co-housing models, the assembly can evaluate a spectrum of innovative strategies. Improving transportation links, especially to remote areas, can distribute housing demand more evenly.

5. Tackling Planning Permission: The assembly could champion a more efficient planning permission trajectory, balancing speed and scrutiny. For instance, they might propose a fast-track system for sustainable housing projects or developments that prioritise affordable housing two-thirds of the public want.

6. Community Feedback: Any strategy must resonate with the impacted communities. Garnering their insights and support is invaluable.

7. Environmental Stewardship: Emphasising sustainable practices and ensuring developments resonate with the local ethos is paramount.

8. Post-Deliberation: Once conclusions emerge, sharing them with a broader audience for feedback ensures transparency and inclusivity.

9. Commitment to Implementation: The ultimate litmus test is the political will to bring these recommendations to fruition. We would need a political party to champion a genuinely inclusive and democratic approach.

10. Iterative Approach: With a dynamic housing environment, revisiting and re-evaluating strategies regularly is essential.

Simon Leadbetter, founder of unchained.marketing, said, “The Citizen’s Assembly approach harnesses the collective wisdom of both experts and the community, echoing the principles of collaborative, transparent decision-making that we advocate for at unchained.marketing. It’s an innovative solution that could pave the way for more inclusive housing development.

“While the housing crisis poses substantial challenges, leveraging the insights and experiences of diverse groups, mainly through Citizens’ Assemblies, could hold the blueprint for a future where everyone has a place to call home. This is more than just brick and mortar; it’s about building sustainable communities for generations.”

The aforementioned Citizen’s Assembly in Ireland came up with a solution that eventually secured overwhelming support in the Irish Parliament (Oireachtas Éireann) and 66% support in a subsequent public referendum after years of division, frustration and delay.