Housing, Community, and the Future: A New Approach to Urban Inequality

Welcome back to Fair Enough. In this episode, Lauren and Victoria tackle the pressing issue of spatial inequality, focusing on the dynamics of cities and urban development. Joined by expert guests Bridget Wilkins, Head of Adoption, Engagement and Innovation at the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and Professor Mike Raco from the Bartlett School of Planning, the conversation explores the intersection of housing, community control, and the planning system.In this episode:Housing Access and FairnessThe critical issues surrounding housing availability, ownership, and the impact on social mobility and opportunity.Decision-Making and Local ControlExploring the challenges communities face in influencing decisions that affect their lives and environments.The Role of Technology in Urban PlanningHow innovations like AI can streamline planning processes while ensuring community engagement and input remain at the forefront.Community-Led RegenerationThe importance of empowering communities to take charge of their local environments and the potential for new models of collaboration.Rethinking Economic ModelsThe necessity of transforming the relationship between the state, developers, and community interests to create equitable urban spaces.Mike & Bridget both share their insights on the future of urban development, the role of technology, and the urgent need for a more inclusive planning system that prioritises community needs. This episode is a call to rethink how we approach urban inequality and the structures that underpin it.Fair Enough is a podcast from UCL’s Grand Challenge of Inequalities, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to explore innovative ideas and solutions for delivering everyday justice.Fair Enough is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative