Policy Press
The complex and self-serving nexus behind the UK’s housing crisis is laid bare in this passionate book from Bob Colenutt. Investigating the network of landowners, house-builders, financial backers and politicians, he reveals how we have been forced to accept the cycle of low supply and high prices, and proposes solutions to the housing emergency.

In this accessible and passionately argued book, Bob Colenutt goes to the roots of the long-term crisis in housing and planning in the UK.

Providing a much needed, in depth critique of the nexus of power of landowners, house builders, financial backers and politicians that makes up the property lobby, this radical book reveals how this complex, self-serving and intimidating network perpetuates a cycle of low supply, high prices and poor building which has resulted in one of the biggest social and economic challenges of our time. With radical ideas for solutions, this is essential reading for anyone with an interest in housing, planning and social justice.

“The perfect guide, taking us through the complex and unforgiving realities of the contemporary housing market, exploring how the same interests always seem to win, even as the supply of genuinely affordable housing remains stubbornly inadequate.” Allan Cochrane, The Open University

“The housing crisis stems from a new and unholy alliance of financial, developer and land-owning interests which this timely book uncovers and promises to fix as a central part of fixing the economy and society.” Michael Edwards, University College London

“Traces how public policy on housebuilding has elevated profit-taking above the need for social and affordable housing and demonstrates the vital role that community action has in challenging our rigged planning and housing system.” Jerry Flynn, 35% Campaign

Bob Colenutt is an activist and commentator on housing and planning, and a part-time Lecturer at Oxford Brookes University.

The finance-housebuilding complex

The housing shortage

The housebuilding business

Financing housing investment

The property lobby

Shaping national housing and planning policy

The 2008 financial crash continues

The housebuilders and affordable housing

How the social and affordable housing sectors got swallowed

Local case studies

Unblocking the impasse

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