As Labour continues its strong commitment to economic growth, local authorities face the complex challenge of addressing multiple priorities simultaneously. Evidence-based and data-driven approaches can help balance local need with wider scale impact, for example, allocating housing while responding to the demand for environmental sustainability. 

The carbon impacts of new housing are influenced not only by the operational and embodied emissions of buildings, but also by the travel behaviours of residents – whether they walk to a local shop or have to use a car to get to a supermarket, for example. These behaviours, sustained over the life of the housing, significantly contribute to emissions. Furthermore, daily transportation choices have a profound impact on public and individual health, with increased car use linked to issues such as obesity and respiratory diseases.