Christine Whitehead

For many younger and lower-income people, housing affordability continues to worsen. Based on the academic research of two distinguished housing economists – and stimulated by working with governments across the world - this wide-ranging book sets out clear theoretical and empirical frameworks to tackle one of today’s most important socio-economic issues. Housing unaffordability arises from complex forces and a prerequisite to effective policy is understanding the causes of rising house prices and rents and the interactions between housing, housing finance and the macroeconomy. The authors challenge many of the conventional wisdoms in housing policy and offer innovative recommendations to improve affordability.

For many younger and lower-income people, housing affordability continues to worsen. Based on the academic research of two distinguished housing economists – and stimulated by working with governments across the world - this wide-ranging book sets out clear theoretical and empirical frameworks to tackle one of today’s most important socio-economic issues. Housing unaffordability arises from complex forces and a prerequisite to effective policy is understanding the causes of rising house prices and rents and the interactions between housing, housing finance and the macroeconomy. The authors challenge many of the conventional wisdoms in housing policy and offer innovative recommendations to improve affordability.

Winner of the Royal Town Planning Institute award for research excellenceThis critical examination of the development and implementation of planning gain is timely given recent changes to the economic and policy environment. The book looks both at the British context as well as experience in other developed economies and takes stock of how the policy has evolved. It examines the rationale for planning gain, how it has delivered substantial funds for infrastructure and affordable housing and, in the light of this, how it might continue to play a role in the funding of these. It also draws on overseas experience, for example on impact fees and public sector land assembly. It looks at lessons from the past for future policy, both for Britain and for countries overseas. Mechanisms to tap development value are also a global phenomenon in developed market economies - whether through formal taxation or negotiated contributions. As fiscal austerity becomes an increasingly challenging issue, ‘planning gain’ has grown in importance as a potential source of funding for infrastructure and new affordable housing, with many countries keen to examine, learn from, and adapt the experience of others. a critical commentary of planning gain as a policytimely post credit crunch analysisaddresses recent planning policy changes

The Wondrous Wizdom of Oz: A Spiritual Odyssey is a fresh look at the The Wonderful Wizard of Oz--a classic that has much to teach us about life, about ourselves, and the choices we make. Dorothy and Toto's incredible journey home never grows old. But where exactly is home? Author Christine Whitehead teaches that our own yellow brick road can lead us home to a world of discovery, joy and personal fulfillment. Along this illuminated path, we meet some of the Earth's most enlightened journeymen-from Nelson Mandela to John Lennon, Ann Frank, Elton John, Jesus and Buddha, to the Zen masters. Their words of wisdom, along with Oz, Dorothy, and her companions, remind us that we, too, are wise, courageous and loving, if we only listen to our spirit.