Some reflections from Christmas dinners with family. 1.Everyone agrees that public services don't work. 2. Division on whether the economy is doing better or worse. 3. Genuine anxiety about AI and its impact on individual jobs.

Two things I spotted in today English Housing Survey headlines. The number of older private renters has reached it's highest absolute level since the survey began. Older people were just a footnote in the PRS. They now make up 1 in 10 of renters and rising

Seems like we may not see the Renters reform bill return before Christmas. Seems like some of crisis management in No. 10 spilling over to other issues

Also imagine that Starmer must feel like this is all destined for him. Luck matters most in politics and he has it.

Also feel like Brenda from Bristol at the thought of another leadership contest. I love politics but seriously?

I won't rant about the current immigration chaos as its all depressing. But I'm tired of people suggesting the tackling immigration will improve the housing situation.

One thought (aside from the obvious) on the govt's new immigration policies. Lab will be wary of opposing. But if in govt, will Lab make changes to deliver their housing targets? I doubt there is capacity to build the homes they want by 2030 without more foreign workers.

My moment of the week. Saw Henry from Big Brother down in Kensington.

Sometimes there is nothing better than a proper policy discussion with colleagues. To the rest of the world it might be dull. But I love it.

Great piece by Mike Ainsley. The value of social housing to many not least older people hasn't changed. But how we talk about it and it's purpose has. www.insidehousing.co.uk/comment/soci...

One thing I wonder with all the recent political news especially the stuff from the Covid Inquiry/Boats/Reshuffle is how much attention is being paid. Very anecdotally I know people who have significantly cut down on news due to fatigue. Wonder what the data says.

Interesting to see Kendall reference health and work. Investment in health is a good in its own right. But doesn't always generate the savings people hope for. Labour would treat health and work as ‘two sides of same coin’, says Liz Kendall | Labour | The Guardian

Reflecting on the Economist piece on Treasury reform. Think HMT reform is important but have become convinced that substantial devolution of tax and spending to all councils and ALBs needed to change the culture. www.economist.com/britain/2023...

Must admit surprised but pleased. Govt won't get much political credit except from councils. But the impact will be massive especially for older private renters. www.itv.com/news/2023-11...

Just saw Ocean at the End of the Lane by @neilhimself.neilgaiman.com in the West End. So many smart production choices and breathtaking moments. Just wish it had a longer run so more people could see it.

Really interested by mayor of London's plan to buy private homes and convert to social housing. It's an idea to explore further as a short term relief measure for the housing emergency

I can understand the interest in cutting IHT from the government given public views. But I'm not sure the average swing voter would think it would help them with the cost of living.

I've arrived to the calm ocean of BSky! My first thought is that we need to start thinking about what an ageing population that doesn't own their homes means for retirement and poverty in later life.