A Plan for York

local food production – vertical farming – food vats – market gardens

Local food production is rapidly evolving in 2026, driven by technological innovations in vertical farming, the localization of supply chains, and a shift toward sustainable, urban-centric agriculture. These methods are designed to minimize transport, enhance food security, and offer year-round, nutrient-rich produce while reducing environmental impacts

And … The farmers and growers producing food in London

Housing ladder

Approximately 64.5% of UK adults own a property, but getting on the ladder is increasingly difficult, with first-time buyers relying on family for financial help or inheriting wealth. Average house prices are now roughly 7.7 to 8.6 times average annual household incomes, with first-time buyer ratios even higher at 10 to 16 in areas like London. GOV.UK +4

Key insights on getting onto the UK housing ladder as of 2026:

• Declining Ownership: Home ownership peaked 20 years ago at 70% and has since fallen, with young adult ownership (25-34) dropping from 59% in 2000 to only 39% in 2022–23.
• The Deposit Gap: The average deposit in England is 72% of an individual’s gross salary, rising to 137% in London, making savings alone difficult.
• Regional Disparity: While 62.3% of households own their home in England, that number is 46.8% in London.
• Heavy Reliance on Support: Over a third (34%) of first-time buyers in England rely on family gifts or loans, up from 1 in 5 seven years prior. GOV.UK +4

Many potential buyers in the North are restricted primarily by the deposit (29% of renters aged 25–39), while in the South, only 9% are solely hindered by the deposit, meaning others cannot afford the mortgage payments themselves. IFS | Institute for Fiscal Studies