Reports on research which looked at how local authorities and others are addressing the problems of neighbourhoods with run-down private sector housing, particularly in areas of low demand. Considers local authority responses to the strategic context and assesses the role and contribution that community plans and local strategic partnerships can play. Describes the range of funding sources used to address problems of run-down private sector housing, and makes recommendations on the need for new funding sources and/or new roles for agencies that provide them.

The study was commissioned in response to two concerns: the issue of low demand in areas of run-down private sector housing seemed to be becoming increasingly widespread; and many local authorities were reporting a lack of effective strategies to address the emerging issues presented by such trends. At the same time, the government introduced a number of policy changes that affected funding regimes for regeneration, the process of renewal of private sector housing, and the way local authorities worked.

The research involved: a scoping study; a telephone and email survey of 63 local authorities focused on those having experienced, or being at risk of experiencing, low demand; and detailed case studies of 8 local authorities.

Finds that there is a significant gap in the financial instruments available for housing regeneration schemes, and that there is a pressing need for a new form of ‘gap funding’ to engage private sector developers in redevelopment schemes on cleared sites. Also notes that relatively few local authorities are actively undertaking clearance mainly due to lack of resources, skills and concern over the ability of the compulsory purchase power to deal adequately with obsolete housing.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
Phone: +44 20 7944 4400
enquiryodpm@odpm.gsi.gov.uk

01/10/2006

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DTZ Pieda Consulting

research

Urban Policy > Urban environment > Urban renewal

Housing estate redevelopment