Join us in Bristol on Saturday 11 June for our session, Access all areas: whose voices are heard on policy and development? at the Big Tent Ideas Festival.

We will be in the Frome tent from 16:00-16:50 GMT+1. 

Description

The housing crisis remains one of the UK’s most intractable policy issues. Initiatives have come and gone, yet the crux of the problem remains the same; housing is increasingly unaffordable or inaccessible for too many people. The question remains, why?

Our Permission Accomplished report found concerning evidence that vested interests may have a role to play in this predicament. Political donations and lobbying may be unfairly influencing policy decisions at Westminster, while local councils lack the safeguards needed to ward off corruption in planning decisions. Meanwhile, initiatives like the Town’s Fund intended to revitalise left behind regions have been mired in controversy. The consequence is that, too often, those at the sharp end of the housing crisis struggle to have their voices heard.

Transparency International UK's Director of Policy and Programmes, Duncan Hames, will be talking with Thangam Debbonaire MP, Layla Moran MP and Councillor Peter Gold about how we make policymaking in the UK – in housing and beyond – more inclusive and accountable as part of a packed programme of political debates, arts, a Speaker’s Corner, Community Fayre and a Dragon’s Den-style pitching competition. 

Check out the full festival programme and get your ticket today using the Transparency International UK discount code BIGTENTTIUK to save 10%. 

Speakers: 

• Duncan Hames, Director of Policy and Programmes, Transparency International UK
• Layla Moran MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesman for Foreign Affairs and International Development
• Peter Gold, Conservative Councillor for Island Gardens ward in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets
• Thangam Debbonaire MP, Shadow Leader of the House of Commons