The recent government Review of Sub National Economic Development and Regeneration is driving forward changes in the regional structure and puts new emphasis on the Regional Development Agencies and local authorities working together to join up strategic decisions on economic development, regeneration, housing, planning and other key policy areas to deliver economic growth and sustainable communities.

The dominant expression of the linkages between housing and the economy has until recently been focused on the lack of supply in housing, high prices and lack of accessibility to affordable housing. This has been seen as impacting recruitment and labour mobility adversely. Recent reversals in house prices has not eased the situation, with difficulty in accessing finance leading to a sharp drop in house building. The changes and volatility have emphasised the need to develop greater understanding of the two way impact in the housing and economic markets.