[Tubby Isaacs]

That's definitely true. Something probably not unconnected to the strength of the Tories. Vicious circle. I think what Burnham referred to today would be a very impressive programme. But at least have an idea how the budget is before you make a promise.

[Killer Whale]

That's why the debate in Scotland and Wales is different. There's not an alternative waiting to do that.

But it's England where the need for social housing is greatest.

In absolute numbers, maybe, but try wrestling with the lack of social housing in an area blighted by over-tourism where NIMBY incomers will try and stop new housing estates using every delaying tactic available.

[Tubby Isaacs]

Can the Assembly do anything about the planning rules? Even if they're changed, I guess it's also about money, which Wales doesn't have that much of.

[Oboogie]

That's why the debate in Scotland and Wales is different. There's not an alternative waiting to do that.

But it's England where the need for social housing is greatest.

In absolute numbers, maybe, but try wrestling with the lack of social housing in an area blighted by over-tourism where NIMBY incomers will try and stop new housing estates using every delaying tactic available.

I'm very aware of that problem as it's a local crisis (in South West England) just as it is in Wales, parts of Scotland and elsewhere in England. I'm not sure what the answer is but nimbyism is a UK wide trait.

[Killer Whale]

Can the Assembly do anything about the planning rules? Even if they're changed, I guess it's also about money, which Wales doesn't have that much of.

Parliament. Yes, planning is devolved aside from national interest and security matters (nuclear power stations and army bases, for example). It's also being addressed at the other end with unoccupied housing being compulsorily purchased and, of course, holiday home multipliers on Council Tax. Plaid have a lot more incentive to get this moving considering their heartlands are in very different areas to the previous Labour governments who seemed keen to say the right things and put the right structures in place, but drag their heels on implementation on the ground.

[Tubby Isaacs]

Sorry, yes, Parliament.

[Tubby Isaacs]

Another unforced error from when Andy was in campaign mode.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/20 ... tions-bill

Burnham drops support for political funding cap aimed at curbing mega-donors

Burnham may be righ nowt, because some unions don't like the amendment and think it'll thwart their funding. Perhaps useless old Sir Keir had actually thought about this, and wasn't just refusing to do it because he was a continuity Thatcherite?

Anyone wanting to be PM really shouldn't be agreeing with every campaigner they come across, as Burnham seems to have done.

[The Weeping Angel]

Some good points here.