Three cheers for David Walker for bringing regional policy (or the current lack of it) to our attention ("Southern comforts, Northern plight", 23 January, page 28).

This must be one of the most important issues facing our sector. It is easy to see the price that is paid in dysfunctional housing markets and growing social, geographical and economic polarisation in the UK.

New Labour's market-based approach doesn't leave room for the interventionist policies tried in the 1960s but there is new thinking around – as well the IPPR project, the Core Cities Group is working with the London Development Agency on economic competitiveness, looking at how other European countries achieve more even patterns of development without jeopardising the global role of capital cities.

The housing sector needs to join this debate, help bring forward new ideas and add its voice to those calling for more sustainable economic development. Or are we only interested in competing for Challenge or housing market renewal funding – dealing with the symptoms and ignoring the causes?

Source

Housing Today

Postscript

Mervyn Jones, chief executive, Willow Park Housing Trust, Manchester