In years to come, this week could be seen as a turning point in the UK’s housing crisis. A big claim, I know. But bear with me while I explain. It is the laudable decision of Prince William to put his head above the parapet on an issue as difficult as homelessness, and embark on a five-year mission to end it, that could finally provide the housing game-changer this country needs.
It has the genuine potential to reframe and refresh the terms of a stale national debate. In my 20-plus years in frontline politics, the housing policies of all main parties have mainly revolved around promises to do three things: build more homes, promote home ownership and help first-time buyers.
