B-Side: The Last Housing on The Left
Summary
Quiet Riot B-Side hosts Alex Andreu, Naomi Smith, and Kenny discuss the UK housing crisis with Labour MP Rachel Blake. They explore supply shortages, land banking, and the shift from ownership to secure renting. Blake outlines her plans to chair the Housing Committee, focusing on delivery, retrofitting, and ending rough sleeping by Christmas.
Topics discussed
Intro: USAA ad and Quiet Ride B-Side welcome
Guest intro: Rachel Blake on the housing crisis
Housing inequality across wealth divides
Historical context and missed government targets
Committee scope: Devolution and local government
Barriers to supply: Land banking and reviews
The impact of build cost inflation
Council homes, Right to Buy, and buying back stock
Converting offices and non-residential space
Short-lets, Airbnb, and registration schemes
Infrastructure, utilities, and planning delays
Land banking incentives and public sector roles
Market perverse incentives and property investment
Housing quality, damp, and landlord accountability
Rent controls vs. rent stabilization models
Tenancy security and ending Section 21
Homelessness deadline and rough sleeping support
Call to action: Contact your MP
B-Side: The history of hedge rage disputes
Outro: Support the show and final thoughts
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