Sir Michael Lyons’ independent review of housing for the Labour Party was launched last week with the aim of meeting the party’s pledge to see the nation build 200,000 homes a year by 2020 within existing budgetary constraints. Jonathan Werran analyses the main demands and gauges the sector’s reaction

Sir Michael Lyons has gained a reputation for wading into the more dangerous shores of public life and policy.

Whether the topic is Whitehall relocation, local government finance or taking on chairmanship of the country’s favourite dysfunctional broadcaster, the BBC, it is fair to say he has never knowingly shirked a challenge.