Social Housing for the Future: Can Housing Associations Meet the Challenge?

Abstract

Social Housing for the Future explores the implications of the National Development Plan’s ambitious target for housing provided by housing associations. The paper argues that if the target is to be met, the housing association development process must be radically streamlined. It proposes a transfer of responsibilities from local authorities to housing associations with substantial development programmes. This would be tied to a regulatory system that would protect tenants and public funds.

Housing provided by housing associations or local authorities is unpopular compared with owner-occupation. The paper argues that to overcome this and make social housing a tenure of choice rather than the tenure of last resort, a package of measures needs to be implemented. This should include community letting; legally enforceable security of tenure and a charter of rights; an overhaul of the rental system; and an equity tenant system that will enable low income tenants to have a financial stake in their homes.