The report looks at the issues to be considered by the pathfinders both within and outside their intervention area boundaries. It identifies transferable lessons regarding displacement associated with other area based initiatives. It also describes what displacement is in relation to an HMR programme or project, when to think about displacement and over what time period and area, and how market forces and other public sector policies and initiatives affect displacement. The report makes recommendations on how to measure displacement and includes an appendix on additionality and how to measure it.

In April 2002 the Government invited nine areas affected by housing market failure to establish pathfinder programmes to tackle the problem of low demand for housing. The HMR programmes exist to influence the housing market in their area and influence decisions taken on investment in that area. One of their effects is to shift demand from one area to another, known as displacement. The research sought to define and give advice on the issue of displacement.

Existing guidance on displacement and additionality was reviewed, with particular reference to the English Partnerships Additionality Guide (2004). Evidence from evaluations of area based initiatives was also reviewed. Discussions with HMR Pathfinders, property agents, developers and English Partnerships were used to inform the research.

The issue of displacement was found to be relevant to all stages of a programme’s life cycle. By minimising displacement, pathfinders can help to ensure that their actions result in the maximum additional benefits. A number of key questions were identified that must be addressed in order to correctly assess any programme’s displacement levels. Displacement is not easily assessed, but is a necessary process.

Department for Communities and Local Government
Phone: +44 20 7944 4400
contactus@communities.gsi.gov.uk

01/03/2006

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (now Department for Communities and Local Government)

research

Urban Policy > Housing > Housing policy

Housing market