6 O’Clock Sessions: Affordable Housing?

Who gets to live in the city?

What does affordable housing really mean – and how can we deliver it?

Housing in the UK is changing fast. In England the average home now costs £290K, a house-price-to-earnings ratio of 7.7. In Bristol it’s £353K.

The picture for renters is equally challenging. In England, private renters now spend 36% of monthly income on rent, up from 23% in 2020. In Bristol the figure is 45% and the city has remained above the affordability threshold of 30% since at least 2016.

Affordability is one of the defining issues our time. It shapes opportunity, affects younger generations most sharply and increasingly limits social mobility.

So what do we do about it? Is building more homes enough to keeping housing affordable, or does something more fundamental need to change?

What do we really mean by affordable housing? What does the status quo mean for who gets to live in the city – and who gets priced out? How does a crisis in affordability hold Bristol back?

And what levers can we actually pull to give everyone a decent home?

Join councillors, researchers, young people, business owners, developers, housing associations, campaigners & policy makers for a conversation about what comes next – as we plot a way forward together.

6 O’Clock Sessions:

Imagine a place where public, politicians and professionals come together to debate the future of our cities. The 6 O’Clock Sessions are home to informed civic debate – topical discussion with a twist. These sessions are participatory in nature – different opinions are welcome, heard and respectfully challenged. Just the tonic for our polarised times. Everyone welcome. 

Speakers tbc

Location: The Architect | Wed 15 April | 6 pm

Ticket includes 1 x Gin + Tonic (or Alcohol-Free alternative)