Mark Whitehead 01 August 2024

House building failing to keep pace with the population rises say researchers

House building failing to keep pace with the population rises say researchers image
Image: Irene Miller/shutterstock.com

House building has failed to keep pace with the rising population in some areas, according to researchers.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies says England has a poor record of building homes where they are most needed.

It says growth in the number of houses overall has kept pace with the increase in the adult population since the mid-1990s.

But the supply of homes has not properly responded to differences in local demand, especially in urban areas.

Between 1996 and 2021, the adult population in England grew by 20%, while total number of properties grew by 21%.

In London the adult population grew by 29% while the number of properties grew by only 23%.

The analysis comes as the Government announces new housing targets and an overhaul of the planning system.

Elaine Drayton of the IFS said: 'England appears particularly bad at building homes where they are needed compared to other countries such as France, Germany and the USA.

'Constraints, particularly restrictions on land-use, mean that in England local housing supply does not track changes in local housing demand, even over long periods. 'This makes it more difficult for workers to move to areas with growing economic opportunities.”

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner