Planning reforms not the “radical shake-up” some expected, says IEA expert

6 August 2020
Housing and Planning

Planning reforms not the “radical shake-up” some expected, says IEA expert

In response to the government’s planning proposals, Dr Kristian Niemietz, Head of Political Economy at the Institute of Economic Affairs, said: “The announced planning reforms are a step in the right direction. But they are not the ‘radical shake-up’ some were expecting. “The basic idea is to make the planning system less discretionary, and more rules-based. ... Continue reading
6 August 2020
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Is the plan to revitalise John Lewis likely to be a success?

31 July 2020
Housing and Planning

Is the plan to revitalise John Lewis likely to be a success?

Emma Revell writes for City A.M.

As John Lewis announces plans to turn nonviable stores into housing, the City A.M. Debate page asks "Is the plan to revitalise John Lewis likely to be a success?" Emma Revell, Head of Communications at the Institute of Economic Affairs, says "YES" arguing "John Lewis is showing the kind of flexibility many businesses and local ... Continue reading
31 July 2020
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A permanent stamp duty cut would “get the property marketing moving”

10 July 2020
Housing and Planning

A permanent stamp duty cut would “get the property marketing moving”

Syed Kamall quoted in the Yorkshire Post

IEA Academic and Research Director  Syed Kamall responded to the temporary cut to stamp duty announced in the Chancellor's summer statement. While he welcomed the move, he questioned "why isn't it permanent?" Quoted in the Yorkshire Post, Syed argued that "making it permanent would get the property market moving and encourage those who want to downsize as ... Continue reading
10 July 2020
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Disappointing that ‘more was not announced to encourage private investment in infrastructure’

9 July 2020
Housing and Planning

Disappointing that ‘more was not announced to encourage private investment in infrastructure’

Syed Kamall quoted in The Times

Responding to the Chancellor's announcement of a further £5.8bn to be spent on infrastructure projects, the IEA's Academic and Research Director Syed Kamall told The Times :"It is disappointing more was not announced to encourage private investment in infrastructure - such as reopening old railways or re-zoning to allow homes to be built in places ... Continue reading
9 July 2020
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Chancellor’s housing announcement “misses the point”

14 March 2020
Housing and Planning

Chancellor’s housing announcement “misses the point”

Dr Kristian Niemietz quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post

“The Chancellor’s announcements on housing miss the point", warns the IEA's Head of Poltiical Economy, Dr Kristian Niemietz. Quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post, Kristian advised that "the crucial bottleneck of the housing market is land supply: we are simply not releasing enough land for housing development." Read the full article here.... Continue reading
14 March 2020
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Sadiq Khan’s rent control pledge is a minefield of unintended consequences

4 March 2020
Housing and Planning

Sadiq Khan’s rent control pledge is a minefield of unintended consequences

Prof Syed Kamall writes for City AM

As economist Friedrich Hayek said, there will always be gaps in our knowledge when making policy. This is why we should always consider the possible consequences of any decision — both intended and unintended. Writing for City AM, the IEA's Academic and Research Director Syed Kamall argues that while "imposing rent controls may make the ... Continue reading
4 March 2020
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Rent controls “have never worked anywhere”

3 March 2020
Housing and Planning

Rent controls “have never worked anywhere”

Dr Kristian Niemietz quoted by the Daily Express

Responding to Sadiq Khan's rent control pledge, the IEA's Head of Political Economy Dr Kristian Niemietz said: “Rent controls have never worked anywhere. They do not just fail to solve the problem they are intended to solve; they also create new ones of their own." Kristian added: “This is one of the very few issues ... Continue reading
3 March 2020
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London mayor should “focus on supply side”

3 March 2020
Housing and Planning

London mayor should “focus on supply side”

Dr Kristian Niemietz quoted by the Independent

Quoted by the Independent, the IEA's Head of Political Economy Dr Kristian Niemietz said: “Rent controls have never worked anywhere. They do not just fail to solve the problem they are intended to solve; they also create new ones of their own. “If Sadiq Khan had any interest in solving London’s housing crisis, he would ... Continue reading
3 March 2020
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IEA: Sadiq Khan wrong to push failed rent control agenda in London

3 March 2020
Housing and Planning

IEA: Sadiq Khan wrong to push failed rent control agenda in London

Responding to Sadiq Khan’s claim the London mayoral election will be a referendum on rent controls, Dr Kristian Niemietz, Head of Political Economy at the Institute of Economic Affairs, said: “Rent controls have never worked anywhere. They do not just fail to solve the problem they are intended to solve; they also create new ones ... Continue reading
3 March 2020
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The planning system can be liberalised in a conservative way

25 February 2020
Housing and Planning

The planning system can be liberalised in a conservative way

Professor Philip Booth writes for ConservativeHome

The UK is in the grip of a housing crisis that can most easily be solved by liberalising the planning system and building more homes, but can that be done in a small-c conservative way, asks Professor Philip Booth, Senior Academic Fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs. Writing for ConservativeHome, Philip argues that allowing ... Continue reading
25 February 2020
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