There are internal migration controls in the sense of "local" connection rules/ preferences for eligibility for taxpayer subsidised housing. Born in Belgravia stay in Belgravia is govt policy.

A little honesty is needed when referencing Grenfell. Residents of the building were enjoying an average rent subsidy of £17,000 per annum per flat before any housing benefits were taken into account. That subsidy had increased over the years of austerity as "social" rents were held flat by the Cameron govt whilst market rents grew. I'm hardpressed to understand how a family receiving that much support from the state could be viewed as being under the cosh of austerity.

On the subject of fine economists and PhDs, Martin Wolf doesn't have one and if I'm not mistaken, neither does the noble Lord King.