The place for progressive housing debate
Red Brick is a progressive political blog with a particular focus on housing policy edited by Alex Toal since March 2024.
As a forum it is open to anyone interested in the progressive debate about housing, communities, and wider politics.
We are linked to the Labour Housing Group but the views expressed here are those of individual authors and/or the editors and are not necessarily the view of LHG or London LHG.
Through debate and the sharing of ideas in this open forum, we will help to develop sound Labour housing policies, support Labour councils to do their best to address housing needs, and support LHG to make sure housing is seen a priority for Labour.
It was founded in 2010 by Tony Clements and Steve Hilditch and been previously edited by our pseudonymous friend Monimbo.
- Grey belt: the underestimated game-changer for housing
John Myers, Director of YIMBY Alliance, outlines the homes already being unlocked by Labour’s new reforms to low-quality ‘grey belt’ land - Despite its hefty price tag, Carbon Capture and Storage is needed but why are we ignoring a ‘free’ equivalent?
Paul Brannen, Confederation of Timber Industries and former MEP 2014-19, lays out the potential for building with timber to have significant environmental benefits with no costs to the Treasury. - Why this Labour government must learn lessons from Attlee as it embarks on its regeneration journey
Steve Stride looks back to the history of the post-war regeneration to look ahead to Labour’s plans to unlock new homes in cities. - Devolution will determine the success of the 10 year housing plan
The Northern Housing Consortium’s (NHC) Chief Executive Tracy Harrison looks at how devolution can ensure the 10 year housing plan benefits communities across the UK, and that Government investment makes the biggest possible difference.