This free 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 report 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.

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.