Housing, Race and Community Cohesion

Malcolm Harrison, Deborah Phillips, Kusminder Chahal, Lisa Hunt, John Perry

The debate about 'race' and its influence on communities came to the fore after the disturbances in Northern English cities in 2001. It has now been given a new and alarming dimension by the bombings and attempted bombings in London in 2005. Where people live, the deprivations they may suffer and the communities they create are important factors in any discussion about how about different groups can be encouraged to live in greater harmony. Housing - in terms of housing markets, housing conditions, and who gets to live where - is therefore of crucial importance. Yet official pronouncements often ignore it or downgrade its significance.

This book puts housing issues centre stage. It looks critically at government policies on 'race', 'equality' and community cohesion, from the perspective of both housing providers and of the 'housed'. It argues that there is a gap between what government says should be done, and the realities and practicalities that apply at community level. The authors argue that practical initiatives are needed to support deprived communities and promote contact and understanding (often in modest ways). And indeed in many places they are already happening. Government often fails to recognise this or - worse - makes policies that run counter to it.

Issues considered include:

• the housing market and how it works for ethnic minorities
• how policy has been reflected in developing law and practice
• the role of urban policy and the government's community cohesion agenda
• policy and attitudes towards asylum seekers and refugees
• the changing picture of housing needs
• racist harassment and how it is being tackled

References to practical examples and developing good practice are made throughout, and the book offers conclusions and recommendations as to how official policies should change.

Sponsored by William Sutton Group.

Published in partnership with the Housing Studies Association (HSA)