Shortages Impact Housing Development Efforts

Scotland is warned of potential housing supply shortages if the upcoming Scottish Housing Bill, which includes rent controls, is not implemented with careful consideration for investment in the private rented sector. Industry leaders, including Stuart Oag of the Scottish Property Federation, emphasize that inadequate supply could worsen existing housing shortages and that the details of the legislation are critical. Meanwhile, a nationwide shortage of urban and regional planners is hindering housing supply and infrastructure developments in Australia, as reported by the Planning Institute of Australia. Similarly, the Los Angeles region faces a construction worker shortage, complicating efforts to meet its housing goals, with predictions indicating a significant workforce contraction due to retirements. In the UK, 84% of district councils report insufficient planning officers to meet housing ambitions, resulting in concerns over development quality and budget deficits. The District Councils’ Network has called for enhanced recruitment and support for planning authorities to address the housing crisis.