Labour reacts to the budget: can we deliver £1.5m homes? With Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader of Greenwich Council and Cllr Jack Shaw

DESCRIPTION

Join us in this compelling episode of Urban Forecast by Ackroyd Lowrie, as we sit down with Anthony Okereke, leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, and Jack Shaw, councillor at Barking and Dagenham. Together, they share their unique perspectives on the intersection of politics, urban development, and housing. From the moral case for regeneration to the challenges of delivering sustainable housing, this episode delves into the critical decisions shaping the future of our cities. We also unpack the latest budget's implications for housing and infrastructure, offering insights into the real challenges and opportunities local councils face in tackling pressing housing issues.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Moral Case for Housing: Why building homes isn’t just about numbers but about transforming lives and creating sustainable communities.

Leadership in Development: The importance of councils showing clear leadership to balance public support and housing delivery.

Housing Targets and Challenges: Examining the Labour government's ambitious target of 1.5 million homes and the systemic hurdles to achieving it.

Public and Private Partnerships: How collaboration can unlock housing delivery while addressing community concerns.

Temporary Accommodation Crisis: Exploring innovative ways councils are improving living conditions and managing financial pressures.

Sustainable Urban Growth: The role of zero-carbon homes and sustainable infrastructure in combating poverty and reducing household bills.

Planning and Skills Gaps: Why the planning system needs reform and how addressing skills shortages is critical for future housing projects.

Budget Impacts: Highlights from Rachel Reeves' budget and what it means for local government housing strategies.

BEST MOMENTS

“We need to speak more about great housing. It enables people to turn a new chapter in their lives.” – Anthony Okereke

“Temporary accommodation must be seen as a service – making people's experiences as comfortable as possible in difficult times.” – Anthony Okereke

“You can’t build your way out of this crisis alone. Councils need government support to tackle housing issues at scale.” – Jack Shaw

“The moral case for regeneration is about more than policy – it’s about shaping better futures for our communities.” – Jack Shaw


VALUABLE RESOURCES
Labour Together
Ackroyd Lowrie

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT
Danielle St Pierre
Mark Baigent 

ABOUT THE HOSTS
Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.

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