Housing, Homelessness and the Politics of Place – Video Podcast
Watch video here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458157/episodes/19562970
In this episode of Planning After Dark, Jackie Sadek and Catriona Riddell are joined by housing and regeneration experts Rose Grayston and Jack Shaw for a wide-ranging discussion about the future of housing, planning and devolution.
Recorded during a day of significant political change, the panel reflects on the progress made under Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, including planning reform, renters’ rights, social housing legislation and efforts to strengthen the role of local government. They consider why political continuity, experienced leadership and meaningful engagement with delivery partners will be essential if an ambitious programme of reform is to translate into homes and regeneration on the ground.
The conversation explores the urgent need to increase council and social housing, alongside the financial, structural and capacity barriers facing local authorities. Rose argues that solving the housing crisis will require the sector to use every available delivery mechanism rather than relying on a single traditional model of council housebuilding. This partnership-based approach is explored further in her Red Brick article, https://redbrickblog.co.uk/2026/05/how-to-increase-housing-supply-use-every-tool-in-the-box/
The guests also examine viability challenges, spatial development strategies and the risks posed by local government reorganisation. Jackie highlights the potential for spatial development strategies to provide long-term certainty, attract investment and connect housing growth with infrastructure and economic development. Her argument is developed further in the Estates Gazette article, https://www.estatesgazette.co.uk/news/why-spatial-development-strategies-should-be-a-kick-up-the-arse-for-the-economy/
A major focus of the episode is the ambition to end rough sleeping. Drawing on lessons from Greater Manchester and councils across the country, the panel discusses temporary accommodation, prison release, domestic abuse, support services and the need for coordinated action across Whitehall. They argue that homelessness cannot be solved through housing policy alone, but requires sustained investment, stronger public services and collaboration across government.
Rose also introduces the concept of “decline porn”, highly pessimistic and sometimes AI-generated portrayals of British towns and cities that use visible homelessness, tents and deteriorating public spaces as symbols of wider social collapse. The political significance of this emerging online trend is examined further in Prospect’s article, https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/conservatives/conservatives-and-the-british-right/73780/anglofuturism-and-decline-porn-the-brave-new-worlds-of-the-right
The episode concludes with calls for more ambitious place-based regeneration, stronger development corporations, better engagement with councils and delivery partners, and greater sharing of successful approaches between places.
As always, the discussion is candid, informed and occasionally interrupted by breaking political news. It is part planning masterclass, part political therapy session and entirely unfiltered.
Get in touch! Message us at [email protected]
Planning After Dark is the bold and insightful podcast where three powerhouse women in planning and development – Alex Notay, Catriona Riddell, and Jackie Sadek – shine a light on the industry’s biggest challenges, trends, and, yes, even a bit of behind-the-scenes gossip.
From navigating the complexities of development to debating the future of our cities, Planning After Dark is the no-holds-barred discussion you won’t want to miss.
Powered by Cratus Group, new episodes drop monthly on all major streaming platforms.
