Daniel Reast
@danreast.bsky.social
Senior Research Officer at Centre for London. Views my own. Local government, planning, housing, local economies and much more. Also found in Metro, Big Issue, Independent, Mirror et al.
🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Did somebody say mansion tax?? www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Tax raid on solicitors and GPs as Rachel Reeves targets wealthy
The chancellor considers the national insurance exemptions offered by limited liability partnerships to be unfair, and will use her budget to change the rules
www.thetimes.com
October 21, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Did somebody say mansion tax?? www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
If London meets targets, cutting to 20% would mean losing 13k affordable homes.
But it's failing to meet targets. London is the most expensive place to build in Britain. There's many reasons for this.
But a dose of realism is needed while recognising the desperate need for affordable homes.
But it's failing to meet targets. London is the most expensive place to build in Britain. There's many reasons for this.
But a dose of realism is needed while recognising the desperate need for affordable homes.
October 16, 2025 at 6:44 AM
If London meets targets, cutting to 20% would mean losing 13k affordable homes.
But it's failing to meet targets. London is the most expensive place to build in Britain. There's many reasons for this.
But a dose of realism is needed while recognising the desperate need for affordable homes.
But it's failing to meet targets. London is the most expensive place to build in Britain. There's many reasons for this.
But a dose of realism is needed while recognising the desperate need for affordable homes.
Planning reforms should make bidets compulsory in new builds so we're not filling with wet wipes and causing millions of pounds worth of damage & disruption. Health and sanitary benefits to bidets also obvious. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Thames Water removes 100-tonne fatberg from west London sewer
Toxic mass chiselled out of Feltham pipes amid campaign to stop people tipping harmful substances down drains
www.theguardian.com
October 7, 2025 at 7:57 AM
Planning reforms should make bidets compulsory in new builds so we're not filling with wet wipes and causing millions of pounds worth of damage & disruption. Health and sanitary benefits to bidets also obvious. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Devastating to lose such a pivotal queer nightlife venue in Soho. G-A-Y was often the first queer bar visited after coming out, like a rite of passage for so many. Old Compton Street will struggle to replace it. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
G-A-Y Bar to close as Old Compton Street 'has lost LGBT identity' - BBC News
Owner Jeremy Joseph says it is "time to say goodbye" as he hopes to keep his other venue open.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 2, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Devastating to lose such a pivotal queer nightlife venue in Soho. G-A-Y was often the first queer bar visited after coming out, like a rite of passage for so many. Old Compton Street will struggle to replace it. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Will never miss the opportunity to share this performance from Danny la Rue at the Royal Variety Performance in 1969. Drag at its most vintage, outrageous, camp and authentic. youtu.be/dGXslU0H4qY?...
Danny La Rue - The Royal Variety Performance 1969
YouTube video by MoonlightMusic Remasters
youtu.be
October 2, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Will never miss the opportunity to share this performance from Danny la Rue at the Royal Variety Performance in 1969. Drag at its most vintage, outrageous, camp and authentic. youtu.be/dGXslU0H4qY?...
I don't know if I'm comfortable with the memeification of our party politics. Embarrassing for all involved, especially Bell.
September 29, 2025 at 10:38 AM
I don't know if I'm comfortable with the memeification of our party politics. Embarrassing for all involved, especially Bell.
*whisper* I don't think Thamesmead should count as a New Town when it's already (and historically been) a site of significant regeneration...
But good news nonetheless. Extend that DLR out to Belvedere and Erith and then we're golden.
But good news nonetheless. Extend that DLR out to Belvedere and Erith and then we're golden.
September 28, 2025 at 10:11 PM
*whisper* I don't think Thamesmead should count as a New Town when it's already (and historically been) a site of significant regeneration...
But good news nonetheless. Extend that DLR out to Belvedere and Erith and then we're golden.
But good news nonetheless. Extend that DLR out to Belvedere and Erith and then we're golden.
I'm sure the students handing out copies of The Communist newspaper outside Kingston Station have hearts in the right place, but I don't think the Yardley-Drummonds of the borough were interested.
September 19, 2025 at 4:35 PM
I'm sure the students handing out copies of The Communist newspaper outside Kingston Station have hearts in the right place, but I don't think the Yardley-Drummonds of the borough were interested.
It's happened before but I do think a Tube strike exposes a glaring divide in London's transport system: the sudden realisation that other forms of public transit exist.
September 9, 2025 at 7:25 AM
It's happened before but I do think a Tube strike exposes a glaring divide in London's transport system: the sudden realisation that other forms of public transit exist.
To be Mayor of London, you have to have a positive, inclusive vision for the city. Describing your home as lawless, bleak and terrifying to live in is not that vision.
London would significantly more unsafe with a Mayor who thinks hate speech should be decriminalised.
inews.co.uk/news/politic...
London would significantly more unsafe with a Mayor who thinks hate speech should be decriminalised.
inews.co.uk/news/politic...
Nowhere’s safe in London, claims Reform rising star who wants to be mayor
British Muslim Laila Cunningham wants an end to hate-speech prosecutions - and the former CPS lawyer says Muslims who want Islamophobia laws should leave the UK
inews.co.uk
September 6, 2025 at 11:09 AM
To be Mayor of London, you have to have a positive, inclusive vision for the city. Describing your home as lawless, bleak and terrifying to live in is not that vision.
London would significantly more unsafe with a Mayor who thinks hate speech should be decriminalised.
inews.co.uk/news/politic...
London would significantly more unsafe with a Mayor who thinks hate speech should be decriminalised.
inews.co.uk/news/politic...
Alan Campbell leaving the Chief Whip for the Commons Leader role, with Jonny Reynolds demoted to Whips Office is one to watch for backbench discipline...
September 5, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Alan Campbell leaving the Chief Whip for the Commons Leader role, with Jonny Reynolds demoted to Whips Office is one to watch for backbench discipline...
Truly sad to lose one of the Labour Party's most authentic, genuine voices speaking from experience. There's been lots of disgraced former ministers but Angela Rayner isn't going to be one of them.
September 5, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Truly sad to lose one of the Labour Party's most authentic, genuine voices speaking from experience. There's been lots of disgraced former ministers but Angela Rayner isn't going to be one of them.
Truly banal, tiny tinfoil hat conspiracy theory to think Angela Rayner planned her stamp duty scandal to get the Treasury to agree on abolishing it altogether... www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/e67d46a...
I feel sorry for Angela Rayner, even I didn’t know about the tax rule she broke
The mess our Deputy Prime Minister is in proves Britain’s tangled tax system needs reform
www.telegraph.co.uk
September 4, 2025 at 9:57 AM
Truly banal, tiny tinfoil hat conspiracy theory to think Angela Rayner planned her stamp duty scandal to get the Treasury to agree on abolishing it altogether... www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/e67d46a...
Reposted by Daniel Reast
Case against Powell's Rivers of Blood speech was one of principle - that it was "racialist in tone and liable to exacerbate racial tensions" as the Conservative Party leader said in sacking him - rather than one of politics and popularity of "taking people with you" as Jenrick thinks.
Times leader
Times leader
September 4, 2025 at 7:22 AM
Case against Powell's Rivers of Blood speech was one of principle - that it was "racialist in tone and liable to exacerbate racial tensions" as the Conservative Party leader said in sacking him - rather than one of politics and popularity of "taking people with you" as Jenrick thinks.
Times leader
Times leader
Fully agree with this great report. Devolving Homes England to mayoral authorities will support place-based partnerships which are vital to build more homes at scale.
In London, devolving to the GLA has built thousands of affordable homes in opportunity areas. Absolutely right to roll out further.
In London, devolving to the GLA has built thousands of affordable homes in opportunity areas. Absolutely right to roll out further.
The UK won’t hit 1.5 million homes without a shake-up - could mayors be the answer?
In our latest Re:Think, Researcher, @seaneke.bsky.social, explores why devolving Homes England’s powers could unlock more housebuilding.
Check it out here👇
re-state.co.uk/rethink/devo...
In our latest Re:Think, Researcher, @seaneke.bsky.social, explores why devolving Homes England’s powers could unlock more housebuilding.
Check it out here👇
re-state.co.uk/rethink/devo...
Devolving to build - Re:State
re-state.co.uk
September 3, 2025 at 10:51 AM
Fully agree with this great report. Devolving Homes England to mayoral authorities will support place-based partnerships which are vital to build more homes at scale.
In London, devolving to the GLA has built thousands of affordable homes in opportunity areas. Absolutely right to roll out further.
In London, devolving to the GLA has built thousands of affordable homes in opportunity areas. Absolutely right to roll out further.
🏛️ Come work with me!
@centreforlondon.bsky.social is kicking off an exciting and provocative research programme - and we're looking for a researcher to build a commanding body of work.
Enquiries via link or reach out if you have any questions. Thrilling times! centreforlondon.org/vacancy/rese...
@centreforlondon.bsky.social is kicking off an exciting and provocative research programme - and we're looking for a researcher to build a commanding body of work.
Enquiries via link or reach out if you have any questions. Thrilling times! centreforlondon.org/vacancy/rese...
September 2, 2025 at 5:03 PM
🏛️ Come work with me!
@centreforlondon.bsky.social is kicking off an exciting and provocative research programme - and we're looking for a researcher to build a commanding body of work.
Enquiries via link or reach out if you have any questions. Thrilling times! centreforlondon.org/vacancy/rese...
@centreforlondon.bsky.social is kicking off an exciting and provocative research programme - and we're looking for a researcher to build a commanding body of work.
Enquiries via link or reach out if you have any questions. Thrilling times! centreforlondon.org/vacancy/rese...
If Andor has taught us anything, it's that original stories can and do work from existing universes. Fresh content in a setting we know, not poor quality remakes earning their tickets through familiarity. www.narniaweb.com/2025/08/firs...
First Look at Netflix's 'Narnia' Set as Filming Begins
Filming on Greta Gerwig's 'The Magician's Nephew' adaptation finally got underway in London this morning, with scenes being shot on public roads in the City of London near Cornhill and the Royal Excha...
www.narniaweb.com
August 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM
If Andor has taught us anything, it's that original stories can and do work from existing universes. Fresh content in a setting we know, not poor quality remakes earning their tickets through familiarity. www.narniaweb.com/2025/08/firs...
The bar is exceptionally low for housing delivery in the New Forest.
August 10, 2025 at 5:46 PM
The bar is exceptionally low for housing delivery in the New Forest.
The consultation on extending the DLR to Thamesmead closes next weekend. The extension must go ahead.
But the line would still be unfinished. Instead, TfL should be futureproofing the sub-region and extending it out to Belvedere and Erith. That's good growth.
haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/dlr-extensio...
But the line would still be unfinished. Instead, TfL should be futureproofing the sub-region and extending it out to Belvedere and Erith. That's good growth.
haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/dlr-extensio...
Extending the DLR to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead
Find out about TfL’s consultation on proposals to extend DLR services to Thamesmead
haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk
August 9, 2025 at 10:42 AM
The consultation on extending the DLR to Thamesmead closes next weekend. The extension must go ahead.
But the line would still be unfinished. Instead, TfL should be futureproofing the sub-region and extending it out to Belvedere and Erith. That's good growth.
haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/dlr-extensio...
But the line would still be unfinished. Instead, TfL should be futureproofing the sub-region and extending it out to Belvedere and Erith. That's good growth.
haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/dlr-extensio...
Reposted by Daniel Reast
love this new york times clip. they recently did a story about how sesame street's set has changed over the years, along with our urban politics.
IG nytimes
IG nytimes
August 6, 2025 at 2:25 AM
love this new york times clip. they recently did a story about how sesame street's set has changed over the years, along with our urban politics.
IG nytimes
IG nytimes
Missed this ambitious and impressive Growth Plan from Wandsworth Council. And good to see placemaking and partnerships at the heart of planning - increasingly hard to build in Inner London without both.
www.standard.co.uk/news/london/...
www.standard.co.uk/news/london/...
Wandsworth unveils 'growth plan' which could see 14,000 new homes in next decade
The scheme includes plans for 8,400 new homes in Nine Elms, 3,000 more homes in Clapham Junction and 3,000 extra homes in Wandsworth Town
www.standard.co.uk
August 5, 2025 at 7:36 AM
Missed this ambitious and impressive Growth Plan from Wandsworth Council. And good to see placemaking and partnerships at the heart of planning - increasingly hard to build in Inner London without both.
www.standard.co.uk/news/london/...
www.standard.co.uk/news/london/...
Bournemouth International Centre, lifeblood of the party conference season, has been battling a dramatic fire for the past few hours. Hoping all are safe.
Would be a devastating impact for my hometown if damaged. Many happy memories there. www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/2536506...
Would be a devastating impact for my hometown if damaged. Many happy memories there. www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/2536506...
PICTURES: Fire services descend on Bournemouth International Centre
Fire crews have been battling a fire at the Bournemouth International Centre this evening
www.bournemouthecho.co.uk
August 4, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Bournemouth International Centre, lifeblood of the party conference season, has been battling a dramatic fire for the past few hours. Hoping all are safe.
Would be a devastating impact for my hometown if damaged. Many happy memories there. www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/2536506...
Would be a devastating impact for my hometown if damaged. Many happy memories there. www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/2536506...
The evolution of the term gentrification is really fascinating. And frustrating.
Housing is genocide sign seen at a NIMBY protest today against a mixed income high rise.
The new homes are less than a few blocks to a trolley stop.
And the neighborhood is majority white and middle to upper income.
The new homes are less than a few blocks to a trolley stop.
And the neighborhood is majority white and middle to upper income.
August 2, 2025 at 9:52 PM
The evolution of the term gentrification is really fascinating. And frustrating.
Please, I beg of the Government, book yourselves some comms workshops over the summer, instead of cosplaying as someone who uses Facebook.
Extraordinary moment on Sky News as Peter Kyle hits out at criticism of the Online Safety Act:
“If people like Jimmy Savile were alive today he’d be perpetrating his crimes online, and Nigel Farage is saying that he’s on their side"
Told that Zia Yusuf will be responding shortly on the programme
“If people like Jimmy Savile were alive today he’d be perpetrating his crimes online, and Nigel Farage is saying that he’s on their side"
Told that Zia Yusuf will be responding shortly on the programme
July 29, 2025 at 7:15 AM
Please, I beg of the Government, book yourselves some comms workshops over the summer, instead of cosplaying as someone who uses Facebook.
Reposted by Daniel Reast
⬅️ Looking back to June 26 - our researcher @danreast.bsky.social spoke to the The London Assembly on energy infrastructure
He covered:
🔌 Plugging energy into planning
🏡 Community energy for residential
📜 A strategic vision for connectivity & capacity
www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/w...
He covered:
🔌 Plugging energy into planning
🏡 Community energy for residential
📜 A strategic vision for connectivity & capacity
www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/w...
July 24, 2025 at 3:44 PM
⬅️ Looking back to June 26 - our researcher @danreast.bsky.social spoke to the The London Assembly on energy infrastructure
He covered:
🔌 Plugging energy into planning
🏡 Community energy for residential
📜 A strategic vision for connectivity & capacity
www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/w...
He covered:
🔌 Plugging energy into planning
🏡 Community energy for residential
📜 A strategic vision for connectivity & capacity
www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/w...