A new briefing paper published this week calls for much greater integration of housing with economic planning, not least in times of housing market volatility.

The new briefing from the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) sponsored by the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) and East Midlands Development Agency (emda), urges regional and local bodies to align plans for housing development much more closely with economic, regeneration and transport strategies to maximise economic prosperity.

The briefing sets out a framework for housing, planning and economic development professionals as well as for local councillors, members of Regional Development Agencies and other partners, to make better connections between housing and the economy in their regions.

-- Advertisement --

Closer integration of housing and other elements of the local and regional economy can ensure the labour market works by providing appropriate housing for workers that they can afford. Housing also has a crucial impact on the construction sector and is a key service provider within local economies.

The document is very timely in its focus upon joining together key economic considerations, in light of the changes to regional structures announced in the government's Review of Sub National Economic Development and Regeneration and the development of integrated regional strategies, as well as with the new national housing and regeneration agency, the Homes and Communities Agency.

Sarah Webb, CIH Chief Executive, said: "It has never been more important for local decision makers to develop a framework for integrating housing into their economic plans. I would urge councillors, economic leaders and housing and regeneration professionals to get involved in the debate on how the proposals from the Sub National Review can be worked out in each region, and I hope that this briefing paper will help to open up many of the key issues."

(CD/JM)