Local Authorities should understand and shape housing policy according to new NLGN pamphlet

February 2, 2007

A new NLGN e-pamphlet argues that the key to addressing problems in housing policy rests with local authorities and how effectively they co-operate with resident and community groups and private construction firms.

The pamphlet advocates an asset-based framework for creating new housing spaces. Its framework argues for structures and policies that allow more local and more creative solutions develop innovative housing needs. It proposes:

  • Using existing physical assets – land and existing housing – with care by maximising the use of renovation, including “recycling and reusing” brown field sites for new houses;
  • New roles for local authorities as strategic bodies that both understand and shape their residents’ aspirations in order to create new assets. It argues that local authorities are in a unique position to co-ordinate residents and private sector developers and improve understanding of resident’s requirements; and
  • Improved management of social housing as 68% of large sites are managed by companies without expertise in housing development.

Whilst the pamphlet recognises that the Government has made significant strides in the number of new houses being built, it raises concerns that it will not meet its target of building 200,000 new homes per year by 2016. The pamphlet also highlights concerns over the process of the Sustainable Communities Plan, including:

  • Lower income populations being priced out of the housing market due to high demand;
  • Lack of integration of new properties into already established social housing communities; and
  • A lack of information and minimal financial incentives has meant that schemes to allow low income groups to buy property have been largely unsuccessful.

In a foreword to the pamphlet, Phyllis Starkey MP, Chair of the Communities and Local Government Select Committee said that the pamphlet “rightly places communities at the heart of the planning process”. She continues:

“Efficient use of available land, whether for new development or regeneration will be critical to addressing current and future housing needs. Renovation and infill, for example, will play a key role in boosting the housing capacity of urban areas. Sustainability must be the guiding principle behind all our efforts and that means making best use of what we already have.”

“Local government must take a leading role if we are to generate solutions that blend new and old buildings to create sustainable mixed communities in which people want to live. [The pamphlet] calls on local authorities to engage in ‘educative conversations’ with residents to agree design principles and to be active in stimulating development in line with a local strategic vision. Such strategic leadership will be critical to the realisation of local government’s new ‘place-shaping’ remit outlined in the recent White Paper, Strong and prosperous communities.”

Where should housing policy go next? An asset-based framework by Liz Richardson, Institute for Political and Economic Governance, University of Manchester is available to download for free here


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