Thoughts

In 2010, when the Conservative government implemented austerity measures in the aftermath of the financial crisis, many economists warned that focusing solely on spending cuts without contemplating their long-term social impact was ill-considered. Fourteen years later, the UK faces similar issues under a Labour government. The dire economic legacy inherited by the current government necessitates fiscal responsibility, yet lessons from the past suggest that cuts in essential services, such as the Winter Fuel Allowance, could lead to greater social and economic costs in the future.

Labour is committed to building 370,000 new homes per year in England. RealWorth's Erik Bichard discusses what this means for social value in the built environment.

To conduct its social value analysis, RealWorth teamed up with the charity Big Help Project to survey people with experience of fuel poverty and establish the social value of escaping fuel poverty. In the report, the authors discuss how fuel poverty impacts lives and what measures the built environment sector can put in place to reduce the likelihood of fuel poverty.

Issues like food poverty and the worst effects of climate change disproportionately affect low-income neighbourhoods. Town planners have the opportunity to tackle the social inequalities created by hayfever through the planting of public orchards

The days are getting longer, the plants are blooming, and the spring cleaning is well underway. But while it’s traditionally a time of year for hope and excitement, many of us are struggling with feelings of defeat and gloom. It’s unsurprising given the current global climate- but not unavoidable. With just a small change of perspective, we can claim back our optimism, effecting positive change in the world around us.

While billionaire’s wealth fell by $500 billion from 2022 to 2023, Forbes estimates that there are still 2,640 people in the world with ten-figure fortunes with a combined wealth of $12.2 trillion. What else could that money be used for?

Following the finding that over a third of households in England and Wales are rented, James McGowan explores potential solutions to the UK's home ownership crisis.

After the UK government confirmed its plans to grant new North Sea oil and gas licences at the opening of parliament, RealWorth’s Erik Bichard provides his thoughts on how controversial or errant policymaking can be avoided in the future.

Defining Wellbeing is an ever-present challenge in the social impact community. There are a lot of frameworks, guidance, definitions and ideas out there. But do they get to the heart of what's really important?

Far from simply echoing the quality of the project, social value studies highlight the good and pinpoint the harmful. They can also highlight the under-invested opportunities to improve housing schemes for the public benefit.

Public parks are much prized community assets that have immeasurable positive impact on communities and neighbourhoods. So knowing this, why are they so chronically underfunded? Have we forgotten the true purpose, and the true value of public spaces?

Rising energy costs and poor insulation have left many worrying about how much heating they can afford. Developers should understand how energy efficiency measures can create both positive and negative social value for residents.