The paper applies the 'characteristics' approach developed with respect to the labour market in order to examine why the percentage of households who rent privately varies across the country. Regression analysis is used to show that the distribution of private renting is closely related to the...

Housing policy has traditionally been highly specific, concentrating on providing decent affordable homes. Now, however, housing is being seen more as a major factor in locating wider problems of deprivation and social exclu sion, as well as an important part in solutions, not only by increasing...

Housing policy has traditionally been highly specific, concentrating on providing decent affordable homes. Now, however, housing is being seen more as a major factor in locating wider problems of deprivation and social exclu sion, as well as an important part in solutions, not only by increasing...

European economic integration raises important questions about the role of social policy in an economic and monetary union. In the past, it was often argued that there would be upward convergence in the social policies of member-states. More recently, fears have been expressed about downward...

The supply of council housing over recent years has become increasingly dependent on re-lets of the existing stock, due to sharp reductions in new building by local authorities. This paper sets out a hypothesis for the determinants of re-let supply in terms of the characteristics of council...

There is a wide variety of theoretical models for explaining expenditure variations across local authorities. These include the demographic approach, agency models, party effect models and incrementalism. In this paper we examine inter-authority variations in housing capital expenditure, testing...

London is being successfully regenerated at present, yet poverty and social exclusion are increasing. The paradox is explained in part by the openness of the London economy and the lack of basic skills of a substantial minority of the population. The Government's policies for tackling social...

Swedish housing policy was dramatically changed during the 1990s. A traditional formally tenure-neutral and generous subsidy system has been replaced by much lower levels of assistance, more directed at lower-income households and depressed areas. This paper sets the Swedish policy in an...

This report considers the potential/appropriate role for local authorities (LAs) in relation to the downturn phase of the current recession. It focuses on the most valuable functions which they can fulfil in this context, and takes a cautious view about the potential for extending any boost to...