Maurice Lange
@mauricelange.bsky.social
keen on there being more houses for everyone. crunching numbers and thinking about urban problems @centreforcities.bsky.social; community unionising @acornunion.bsky.social; other bits
Pinned
We don’t build very many public houses anymore. Want to find out what was going on when we did?
Lessons from the last 80 years of public housebuilding – the highs and the lows – are out in my new report with @xuanrulin.bsky.social for @centreforcities.bsky.social
Lessons from the last 80 years of public housebuilding – the highs and the lows – are out in my new report with @xuanrulin.bsky.social for @centreforcities.bsky.social
Reposted by Maurice Lange
“A large housing project delivering more than 500 homes in west London will no longer go ahead…Specifically, [the developer] claims that the most significant reason for its termination was the new requirement to provide two staircases in London for buildings over 18 metres.”
Developer Peabody pulls out of building 564 homes in Southall - BBC News
Hundreds of affordable homes will no longer be built in west London after Peabody withdraws plans.
www.bbc.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:31 PM
“A large housing project delivering more than 500 homes in west London will no longer go ahead…Specifically, [the developer] claims that the most significant reason for its termination was the new requirement to provide two staircases in London for buildings over 18 metres.”
Reposted by Maurice Lange
Big cities like Birmingham could get many more people well connected to its city centre by a 30 minute public transport journey.
But this doesn't involve expanding the network - no new trams or new bus routes.
This is simply from making the existing network function better: integration.
Thread 🧵
But this doesn't involve expanding the network - no new trams or new bus routes.
This is simply from making the existing network function better: integration.
Thread 🧵
November 4, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Big cities like Birmingham could get many more people well connected to its city centre by a 30 minute public transport journey.
But this doesn't involve expanding the network - no new trams or new bus routes.
This is simply from making the existing network function better: integration.
Thread 🧵
But this doesn't involve expanding the network - no new trams or new bus routes.
This is simply from making the existing network function better: integration.
Thread 🧵
Come watch me & colleagues discuss my latest research on where housing densities should be higher in British cities.
Lots of fun maps
Lots of fun maps
The Government has set a clear mission – to get the UK growing again 🌱
To achieve this, they will need to increase residential density.
Join us for the launch of a new report exploring where higher densities could be expected in UK cities👇
www.centreforcities.org/event/report...
To achieve this, they will need to increase residential density.
Join us for the launch of a new report exploring where higher densities could be expected in UK cities👇
www.centreforcities.org/event/report...
Report launch – Flat Britain: The urban density gap and how to solve it - Centre for Cities
Join Centre for Cities for the launch of a new report exploring where higher densities could be expected in UK cities.
www.centreforcities.org
October 29, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Come watch me & colleagues discuss my latest research on where housing densities should be higher in British cities.
Lots of fun maps
Lots of fun maps
London isn't building houses and now we've got some emergency measures to fix things?
What to make of them? ...
What to make of them? ...
October 28, 2025 at 12:28 PM
London isn't building houses and now we've got some emergency measures to fix things?
What to make of them? ...
What to make of them? ...
Enjoyed this appearance on GLA TV a lot!
Lots more research on density in British cities coming from CfC soon. Sign up to the launch event here: www.centreforcities.org/event/report...
Lots more research on density in British cities coming from CfC soon. Sign up to the launch event here: www.centreforcities.org/event/report...
October 22, 2025 at 10:20 PM
Enjoyed this appearance on GLA TV a lot!
Lots more research on density in British cities coming from CfC soon. Sign up to the launch event here: www.centreforcities.org/event/report...
Lots more research on density in British cities coming from CfC soon. Sign up to the launch event here: www.centreforcities.org/event/report...
Reposted by Maurice Lange
🚨 This is a huge victory for the organised tenant movement after YEARS of organising.
We need to go further, and we’ll keep fighting for more, but the biggest change to renters rights in a generation is worth celebrating.
This wasn’t handed to us from above, we won it💪
We need to go further, and we’ll keep fighting for more, but the biggest change to renters rights in a generation is worth celebrating.
This wasn’t handed to us from above, we won it💪
The Renters' Rights Bill has been APPROVED by the House of Commons!
This is the final step before the Bill receives Royal Assent, which we expect shortly.
No more amendments, no more debate - renters' rights are coming.
This is the final step before the Bill receives Royal Assent, which we expect shortly.
No more amendments, no more debate - renters' rights are coming.
October 22, 2025 at 4:52 PM
🚨 This is a huge victory for the organised tenant movement after YEARS of organising.
We need to go further, and we’ll keep fighting for more, but the biggest change to renters rights in a generation is worth celebrating.
This wasn’t handed to us from above, we won it💪
We need to go further, and we’ll keep fighting for more, but the biggest change to renters rights in a generation is worth celebrating.
This wasn’t handed to us from above, we won it💪
Reposted by Maurice Lange
The Renters' Rights Bill has been APPROVED by the House of Commons!
This is the final step before the Bill receives Royal Assent, which we expect shortly.
No more amendments, no more debate - renters' rights are coming.
This is the final step before the Bill receives Royal Assent, which we expect shortly.
No more amendments, no more debate - renters' rights are coming.
October 22, 2025 at 1:48 PM
The Renters' Rights Bill has been APPROVED by the House of Commons!
This is the final step before the Bill receives Royal Assent, which we expect shortly.
No more amendments, no more debate - renters' rights are coming.
This is the final step before the Bill receives Royal Assent, which we expect shortly.
No more amendments, no more debate - renters' rights are coming.
Reposted by Maurice Lange
Today, Analyst @mauricelange.bsky.social attended @londonassembly.bsky.social #AssemblyPlanning to discuss how mid-rise residential development could help London’s housing needs👇
October 22, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Today, Analyst @mauricelange.bsky.social attended @londonassembly.bsky.social #AssemblyPlanning to discuss how mid-rise residential development could help London’s housing needs👇
Reposted by Maurice Lange
📅 Centre for Cities on: The New Towns Taskforce report
Our housing and planning experts @antbreach.bsky.social and @mauricelange.bsky.social will introduce key takeaways from the report and what they mean for the Government’s housing delivery plans.
Register here👇
buff.ly/QM52C1a
Our housing and planning experts @antbreach.bsky.social and @mauricelange.bsky.social will introduce key takeaways from the report and what they mean for the Government’s housing delivery plans.
Register here👇
buff.ly/QM52C1a
Centre for Cities on: The New Towns Taskforce report - Centre for Cities
Centre for Cities' housing and planning experts break down the New Towns Taskforce report and answer your questions on what it means for where and how we deliver housing.
buff.ly
October 3, 2025 at 11:03 AM
📅 Centre for Cities on: The New Towns Taskforce report
Our housing and planning experts @antbreach.bsky.social and @mauricelange.bsky.social will introduce key takeaways from the report and what they mean for the Government’s housing delivery plans.
Register here👇
buff.ly/QM52C1a
Our housing and planning experts @antbreach.bsky.social and @mauricelange.bsky.social will introduce key takeaways from the report and what they mean for the Government’s housing delivery plans.
Register here👇
buff.ly/QM52C1a
Come watch me and colleagues chat more about new towns - next Wednesday, 11am: www.centreforcities.org/event/centre...
🏘️The New Towns Taskforce report understands what new towns are for, but now it’s up to Government to deliver.
This blog reviews the report's recommendations and the Government’s response👇
buff.ly/eZwN2iJ
This blog reviews the report's recommendations and the Government’s response👇
buff.ly/eZwN2iJ
October 3, 2025 at 11:03 AM
Come watch me and colleagues chat more about new towns - next Wednesday, 11am: www.centreforcities.org/event/centre...
Reposted by Maurice Lange
🏘️The New Towns Taskforce report understands what new towns are for, but now it’s up to Government to deliver.
This blog reviews the report's recommendations and the Government’s response👇
buff.ly/eZwN2iJ
This blog reviews the report's recommendations and the Government’s response👇
buff.ly/eZwN2iJ
October 2, 2025 at 1:54 PM
🏘️The New Towns Taskforce report understands what new towns are for, but now it’s up to Government to deliver.
This blog reviews the report's recommendations and the Government’s response👇
buff.ly/eZwN2iJ
This blog reviews the report's recommendations and the Government’s response👇
buff.ly/eZwN2iJ
The New Towns Taskforce report makes for pleasant reading. They've selected locations where fast, large-scale housebuilding is needed.
But I'm left wondering whether it'll all have been worth it. Three starting by the end of this parliament isn't very many...
But I'm left wondering whether it'll all have been worth it. Three starting by the end of this parliament isn't very many...
September 30, 2025 at 8:31 AM
The New Towns Taskforce report makes for pleasant reading. They've selected locations where fast, large-scale housebuilding is needed.
But I'm left wondering whether it'll all have been worth it. Three starting by the end of this parliament isn't very many...
But I'm left wondering whether it'll all have been worth it. Three starting by the end of this parliament isn't very many...
Primary school closures in Inner London have hit the headlines. This is understandable: pupil numbers have fallen; journalists live in London; and people love to believe Londoners are weird.
But I think the story is a broader one: falling pupil numbers are the new normal
But I think the story is a broader one: falling pupil numbers are the new normal
Pupil numbers in London are declining 🚸
⚠️But Centre for Cities analysis suggests that the prevailing framing risks being too London-centric.
Read more in our latest blog from @mauricelange.bsky.social 👇
buff.ly/LmP9B8P
⚠️But Centre for Cities analysis suggests that the prevailing framing risks being too London-centric.
Read more in our latest blog from @mauricelange.bsky.social 👇
buff.ly/LmP9B8P
Declining pupil numbers isn’t just a London thing - Centre for Cities
The headline story on pupil numbers is that numbers are declining across the country.
buff.ly
September 26, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Primary school closures in Inner London have hit the headlines. This is understandable: pupil numbers have fallen; journalists live in London; and people love to believe Londoners are weird.
But I think the story is a broader one: falling pupil numbers are the new normal
But I think the story is a broader one: falling pupil numbers are the new normal
Reposted by Maurice Lange
NEW PODCAST | A year of planning reforms🎙️
@andrewcities.bsky.social, @mauricelange.bsky.social and @antbreach.bsky.social discuss how the government has been doing over the last year as they implement planning reforms to try and meet the housebuilding target.
Listen now🎧👇
buff.ly/9FtSQP5
@andrewcities.bsky.social, @mauricelange.bsky.social and @antbreach.bsky.social discuss how the government has been doing over the last year as they implement planning reforms to try and meet the housebuilding target.
Listen now🎧👇
buff.ly/9FtSQP5
City Minutes: A year of planning reforms - Centre for Cities
Chief Executive Andrew Carter is joined by Maurice Lange and Ant Breach to discuss planning reform.
buff.ly
September 23, 2025 at 1:43 PM
NEW PODCAST | A year of planning reforms🎙️
@andrewcities.bsky.social, @mauricelange.bsky.social and @antbreach.bsky.social discuss how the government has been doing over the last year as they implement planning reforms to try and meet the housebuilding target.
Listen now🎧👇
buff.ly/9FtSQP5
@andrewcities.bsky.social, @mauricelange.bsky.social and @antbreach.bsky.social discuss how the government has been doing over the last year as they implement planning reforms to try and meet the housebuilding target.
Listen now🎧👇
buff.ly/9FtSQP5
Reposted by Maurice Lange
NEW CAMPAIGN 🚨
Right now, people are pushed into poverty when councils send in bailiffs for council tax debt.
But there’s another way.
Together, we can stop this. Together, we can have dignity not debt. Together, we can make Britain Bailiff Free👇
🔗 acorntheunion.org.uk/bailiffs/
Right now, people are pushed into poverty when councils send in bailiffs for council tax debt.
But there’s another way.
Together, we can stop this. Together, we can have dignity not debt. Together, we can make Britain Bailiff Free👇
🔗 acorntheunion.org.uk/bailiffs/
September 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM
NEW CAMPAIGN 🚨
Right now, people are pushed into poverty when councils send in bailiffs for council tax debt.
But there’s another way.
Together, we can stop this. Together, we can have dignity not debt. Together, we can make Britain Bailiff Free👇
🔗 acorntheunion.org.uk/bailiffs/
Right now, people are pushed into poverty when councils send in bailiffs for council tax debt.
But there’s another way.
Together, we can stop this. Together, we can have dignity not debt. Together, we can make Britain Bailiff Free👇
🔗 acorntheunion.org.uk/bailiffs/
In this blog @antbreach.bsky.social and I set out the rationale for legislating for a zoning system
A key weakness in the English system is that it doesn't establish clear rules in local plans, and there are limits to how effectively policy-making from the centre (i.e. NDMPs) can override this
A key weakness in the English system is that it doesn't establish clear rules in local plans, and there are limits to how effectively policy-making from the centre (i.e. NDMPs) can override this
BLOG | What should the Government put in the second planning bill? 🏗️
England's planning system needs more certainty at the plan-making stage.
@antbreach.bsky.social & @mauricelange.bsky.social set out how new legislation could help to establish a zoning system. Read 👇
buff.ly/pxUo7mh
England's planning system needs more certainty at the plan-making stage.
@antbreach.bsky.social & @mauricelange.bsky.social set out how new legislation could help to establish a zoning system. Read 👇
buff.ly/pxUo7mh
September 9, 2025 at 12:59 PM
In this blog @antbreach.bsky.social and I set out the rationale for legislating for a zoning system
A key weakness in the English system is that it doesn't establish clear rules in local plans, and there are limits to how effectively policy-making from the centre (i.e. NDMPs) can override this
A key weakness in the English system is that it doesn't establish clear rules in local plans, and there are limits to how effectively policy-making from the centre (i.e. NDMPs) can override this
Reposted by Maurice Lange
Why? Unis are big international exporters in their cities - they bring in overseas student fees and spending.
9 of top 10 English cities where universities are most important for exports are outside the Greater South East. Leicester will feel this far more than Oxford.
9 of top 10 English cities where universities are most important for exports are outside the Greater South East. Leicester will feel this far more than Oxford.
September 3, 2025 at 6:54 AM
Why? Unis are big international exporters in their cities - they bring in overseas student fees and spending.
9 of top 10 English cities where universities are most important for exports are outside the Greater South East. Leicester will feel this far more than Oxford.
9 of top 10 English cities where universities are most important for exports are outside the Greater South East. Leicester will feel this far more than Oxford.
The New Towns Taskforce is expected to report to Government in the next few weeks.
Ahead of all the likely commotion, which I expect will focus on locations rather than the big picture questions, I've written about what @centreforcities.bsky.social is hoping to see:
Ahead of all the likely commotion, which I expect will focus on locations rather than the big picture questions, I've written about what @centreforcities.bsky.social is hoping to see:
A year since the New Towns Taskforce was established, their report and the Government’s response are expected very soon ⏰
What are the knowns, and what do we think of them?👇
buff.ly/Ngr6VpR
What are the knowns, and what do we think of them?👇
buff.ly/Ngr6VpR
The new towns are coming: Hopes and expectations ahead of the Taskforce’s report - Centre for Cities
The New Towns Taskforce is expected to publish their findings in the next few weeks. What can we expect them to find?
buff.ly
September 1, 2025 at 12:07 PM
The New Towns Taskforce is expected to report to Government in the next few weeks.
Ahead of all the likely commotion, which I expect will focus on locations rather than the big picture questions, I've written about what @centreforcities.bsky.social is hoping to see:
Ahead of all the likely commotion, which I expect will focus on locations rather than the big picture questions, I've written about what @centreforcities.bsky.social is hoping to see:
Reposted by Maurice Lange
That's why 1.5 million homes and planning reform is so important - the electorate want the homes, but reform is needed to deliver them.
You can read much more on the flaws with local planning in the UK in this overview by @mauricelange.bsky.social 👇
www.centreforcities.org/publication/...
You can read much more on the flaws with local planning in the UK in this overview by @mauricelange.bsky.social 👇
www.centreforcities.org/publication/...
www.centreforcities.org
August 21, 2025 at 1:56 PM
That's why 1.5 million homes and planning reform is so important - the electorate want the homes, but reform is needed to deliver them.
You can read much more on the flaws with local planning in the UK in this overview by @mauricelange.bsky.social 👇
www.centreforcities.org/publication/...
You can read much more on the flaws with local planning in the UK in this overview by @mauricelange.bsky.social 👇
www.centreforcities.org/publication/...
Reposted by Maurice Lange
How does England's planning system compare to international peers?
Big Q that my colleagues @mauricelange.bsky.social and Luka Kovacevic admirably address.
well worth a read
Big Q that my colleagues @mauricelange.bsky.social and Luka Kovacevic admirably address.
well worth a read
Why do Germany, France and Japan all build more houses than England? 🏘️
Read lessons from the Centre's research on international planning systems 👇
buff.ly/ZKn3GFR
Read lessons from the Centre's research on international planning systems 👇
buff.ly/ZKn3GFR
Yes, the grass is greener: lessons from research on international planning systems - Centre for Cities
Centre for Cities latest report explains why Germany, France and Japan all build more houses than England, by comparing how their planning systems function.
buff.ly
August 21, 2025 at 11:26 AM
How does England's planning system compare to international peers?
Big Q that my colleagues @mauricelange.bsky.social and Luka Kovacevic admirably address.
well worth a read
Big Q that my colleagues @mauricelange.bsky.social and Luka Kovacevic admirably address.
well worth a read
Reposted by Maurice Lange
Today on the blog ✍️
🏛️ Tourist taxes are not about keeping museums free.
Why? Their aim should be to raise revenue that places can invest in their visitor economic and wider amenities.
Read @rjson.bsky.social's post here ⬇️
buff.ly/cRP5xpJ
🏛️ Tourist taxes are not about keeping museums free.
Why? Their aim should be to raise revenue that places can invest in their visitor economic and wider amenities.
Read @rjson.bsky.social's post here ⬇️
buff.ly/cRP5xpJ
August 19, 2025 at 7:39 AM
Today on the blog ✍️
🏛️ Tourist taxes are not about keeping museums free.
Why? Their aim should be to raise revenue that places can invest in their visitor economic and wider amenities.
Read @rjson.bsky.social's post here ⬇️
buff.ly/cRP5xpJ
🏛️ Tourist taxes are not about keeping museums free.
Why? Their aim should be to raise revenue that places can invest in their visitor economic and wider amenities.
Read @rjson.bsky.social's post here ⬇️
buff.ly/cRP5xpJ
Reposted by Maurice Lange
🚨 Work for ACORN!
We’re hiring a:
- Birmingham Community Organiser
- Hull Community Organiser
- Junior Membership Organiser
- Leeds Organising Assistant
- Leicester Community Organiser
- London Community Organiser
To find out more/apply👇
acorntheunion.org.uk/join/work-fo...
We’re hiring a:
- Birmingham Community Organiser
- Hull Community Organiser
- Junior Membership Organiser
- Leeds Organising Assistant
- Leicester Community Organiser
- London Community Organiser
To find out more/apply👇
acorntheunion.org.uk/join/work-fo...
August 15, 2025 at 4:54 PM
🚨 Work for ACORN!
We’re hiring a:
- Birmingham Community Organiser
- Hull Community Organiser
- Junior Membership Organiser
- Leeds Organising Assistant
- Leicester Community Organiser
- London Community Organiser
To find out more/apply👇
acorntheunion.org.uk/join/work-fo...
We’re hiring a:
- Birmingham Community Organiser
- Hull Community Organiser
- Junior Membership Organiser
- Leeds Organising Assistant
- Leicester Community Organiser
- London Community Organiser
To find out more/apply👇
acorntheunion.org.uk/join/work-fo...
Reposted by Maurice Lange
I want to come back properly on this Economist piece that questions Britain's approach to net zero.
It gets three things wrong imo:
1. Ignoring periods of v cheap renewable energy
2. Misdiagnosing the relative costs of renewables
3. Looking backwards, not forwards.
It gets three things wrong imo:
1. Ignoring periods of v cheap renewable energy
2. Misdiagnosing the relative costs of renewables
3. Looking backwards, not forwards.
Is Britain’s net-zero push to blame for its high energy prices?
A mighty rise in electricity costs has complicated the drive for clean power
www.economist.com
August 5, 2025 at 4:18 PM
I want to come back properly on this Economist piece that questions Britain's approach to net zero.
It gets three things wrong imo:
1. Ignoring periods of v cheap renewable energy
2. Misdiagnosing the relative costs of renewables
3. Looking backwards, not forwards.
It gets three things wrong imo:
1. Ignoring periods of v cheap renewable energy
2. Misdiagnosing the relative costs of renewables
3. Looking backwards, not forwards.
Reposted by Maurice Lange
Me on why city regions should carry on pushing for powers to tax tourists - it's not about the tourists themselves!
A local, flexible, and fully retained tax could demonstrate the growth principles of fiscal devolution in microcosm - for city regions, this is an opportunity to not pass up 👇
A local, flexible, and fully retained tax could demonstrate the growth principles of fiscal devolution in microcosm - for city regions, this is an opportunity to not pass up 👇
August 6, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Me on why city regions should carry on pushing for powers to tax tourists - it's not about the tourists themselves!
A local, flexible, and fully retained tax could demonstrate the growth principles of fiscal devolution in microcosm - for city regions, this is an opportunity to not pass up 👇
A local, flexible, and fully retained tax could demonstrate the growth principles of fiscal devolution in microcosm - for city regions, this is an opportunity to not pass up 👇
