EUKN - United Kingdom - Addressing housing affordability, clearance and relocation issues in the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinders

Addressing housing affordability, clearance and relocation issues in the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinders

Introduction

This document summarises a study which examined the support and financial assistance packages being provided to residents during clearance, relocation and demolition in Housing Market Renewal (HMR) areas.

Description

This document summarises a study which looked at means of effectively supporting residents in HMR areas during the process of clearance, relocation and demolition.

It also explored how the Pathfinders are addressing housing affordability issues facing relocating households. The report advises on how the process can be handled sensitively, avoiding conflict and maximising community involvement and empowerment.

Background information

The HMR Pathfinder Programme aims to renew failing housing markets in nine designated areas of England. Clearance and demolition are important elements of the housing renewal strategies in these areas.

Methodology

The researchers analysed policy documentation, evaluation reports and publicity material from each of the Pathfinders. Face-to-face and telephone interviews were conducted with Pathfinder and local authority officers in seven of the Pathfinder areas.

Further interviews and documentary analysis were carried out in a neighbourhood affected by clearance. The researchers also interviewed

Conclusions

Pathfinders and their partner agencies need to:

respond sensitively and appropriately to residents’ needs;
involve communities throughout decision-making processes;
further develop tailored support to affected households which is comprehensive, available at every stage of the process, free and includes access to independent advice. There are positive signs that this is now beginning to happen in earnest;
support vulnerable households, in particular, and continue support after relocation;
support sustainable forms of home-ownership and consider the role of other tenures in facilitating housing market renewal.

Contact info

Joseph Rowntree Foundation
publications@jrf.org.uk

Publication date

Project finished

//2006

Researcher

Sheffield Hallam University

Links

Visit the Joseph Rowntree Foundation website

Download the 'Addressing housing affordability, clearance and relocation issues' Report (PDF, Eng, 86 KB)

Document type

research

Themes

Urban Policy > Housing > Housing policy

Keywords

Housing market