Evidence-based Policy in Planning: An Analysis of Housing Trajectories in England

Abstract

The delivery of new housing is an important part of UK urban regeneration policy and practice. The ‘housing trajectory’ seeks to help policy makers make better decisions about housing delivery. This study evaluates the housing trajectory within the framework of evidence-based policy. Methods included in-depth semi-structured interviews with officials from government and six local planning authorities. Government guidance on trajectories is deficient, fragmented and does not take account of recent changes in government policy. The study reveals shortcomings regarding the relationship between planning policy processes and housing delivery. There is little involvement of stakeholders or awareness of the need to prepare contingency plans if housing supply targets are not met. This gives rise to concerns about the reliability and accuracy of housing delivery forecasts as well as the difficulties of measuring the effectiveness of urban policy. Despite these concerns, the study concludes that the housing trajectory is useful in helping local authorities manage housing delivery.