Algorithm or no algorithm, the UK needs houses. Fast.

Clearly the Government’s model is flawed. But there is no perfect formula for solving this crisis.

Neil O’Brien: The next algorithm disaster – coming to a Conservative constituency near you. This time, it’s housing growth.

Most Tory MPs will be seeing large increases in the housing targets for their seats, while many Labour MPs see their local targets reduced.

Garvan Walshe: Italian governments have failed to revive Naples for centuries. What are the lessons for its British equivalents?

The lively and chaotic city presents a warning to the Government as to how its regeneration plans could go wrong.

Andy Street: One, two, three – it’s a hat-trick of coming Conservative Party conferences for Birmingham

This decision reiterates the political importance of the UK’s cities to our party – and we must aim for a blue-led council in 2022.

Neil O’Brien: No, more economic prosperity doesn’t depend on more social liberalism

I hesitate to disagree with Daniel Finkelstein, but city growth has been powered more by smalltown commuters than flat-cap wearing uber-boheminans.

David Chinchen: We need to develop effective operational links between neighbourhood policing teams and our schools

The police have also neglected retailers and small businesses for many years. They need more protection from criminals.

Interview with Chris Patten: We must stand up to the Communists in Beijing who hate freedom in Hong Kong

“I’m very, very positive about China, but I’m very, very negative about the Chinese Communist Party.”

Neil O’Brien: R & D. We invest disproportionately in the first at the expense of the second. Here’s how to improve.

This imbalance is driven by the core science budget: the Research Councils (which fund projects) and Quality Related “QR” funding, which universities allocate.

Birmingham Council owns more than 4,000 empty garages

Many of these buildings could be replaced with new homes. New rules are needed to end this scandal.

Harry Fone: Sheffield City Council employs 24 press officers

Residents want low taxes and regular bin collections, not big PR budgets and regular spin.

Ian Lewis: The Conservatives must not give up on Manchester, or Sheffield, or Liverpool…

Our message, and our approach to the issues in the cities, needs to be improved.

Damian Flanagan: What drives the Conservatives’ underlying problems? For answers, ponder our exile from the cities of the north.

The Party cannot be one of the South and of the countryside if it is to engage with voters – and to win.

Local elections 3) The contest with the Lib Dems – their revival has come far more at the expense of the Conservatives than of Labour

The Lib Dems have made net gains of 400 seats, so far.

Selections. Five more seats and the first ‘team seats’ open for applications.

Bath, Bishop Auckland, Bristol North West, Peterborough, and Wirral West are seeking candidates, as are several northern cities.

Multi-member council wards should be abolished

Smaller electoral areas with just one councillor each would make for less confusion, more accountability – and fewer one party states.