Liz Truss and Russell Quirk tackle the housing crisis – and who’s to blame

former prime minister liz truss Property commentator and former estate agency owner also joins Russell Quirk To examine the drivers of the UK housing crisis and the impact of government policy on both major parties in the latest episode of his show.

Reform UK councilor Quirk argues that recent and proposed policy changes – including tax measures, regulatory requirements and the tenant reform agenda – are contributing to landlord exit from the private rented sector. They say this is reducing available supply and putting upward pressure on rents.

The discussion covers a range of policy and market factors influencing the housing system, including:

• Tenant Reform Bill and EPC Requirements
• Effect of government intervention on pricing and demand
• The impact of Help to Buy on demand-side stimulus versus supply constraints
• Bank of England monetary policy and asset price inflation
• Barriers to home ownership for young buyers
• The role of Homes England and the Climate Change Committee in shaping housing policy
• Relationship between immigration, demand and housing supply
• Alleged shortcomings in housing delivery by successive governments

The episode also touches on wider political and institutional topics, including sentiment towards landlords, the impact of local planning decisions and whether housing policy is being shaped more by short-term political considerations than long-term supply solutions. It also references upcoming local elections in Essex and beyond as a possible indicator of voter attitudes.

The conversation focused on why affordability pressures persist in the UK housing market, and where responsibility lies for policy, regulation and monetary conditions.