Alan Murie

In the 1970s it was widely recognised that our planners and administrators were dealing not with a homogenous housing market but with a complex of housing sectors and sub-markets – with different locations, physical and social characteristics, tenures and costs. But although factual information was widely available from the Census and other official sources, our understanding of the true nature of the British housing system – and the relationships at work within it – had remained inadequate. Originally published in 1976, this book sets out, by careful examination of the complexities of the system, to improve that understanding and to discuss the implications for policy in the differing roles played by central and local government, developers, builders, the building societies and the voluntary housing movement.The book is divided into three parts. The first describes and classifies the different household types (identifying their various characteristics, such as income, social class and stage in the family cycle) and their dwellings. It examines the process of household movement and discusses various explanatory approaches to housing.Part Two describes in detail the three main tenure sectors in Britain and emphasizes the opportunities and constraints on access to housing. Not only is tenure of profound institutional, political and legal importance; it is also of great significance in the lives of individual households. Part Three analyses the objectives of housing policy and considers the nature of housing policy in Britain at the time. Factors that would lead to a more humane and effective policy are assessed and discussed.The authors, from the Centre for Urban and Regional Studies at the University of Birmingham, worked for three years on the SSRC Housing Systems Research Programme. They brought to this study a wealth of experience in applied social and policy-orientated research and were uniquely qualified to examine housing policy and practice in Britain. An important book which would have been of vital interest to all those concerned with contemporary urban and social problems at the time.

Originally published in 1990 and drawing on extensive research, this book provides an evaluation of the impact of the growth of home ownership in the UK, and of the claims and counter-claims made for its social significance. The book examines critically the evidence for and against the proposition that mass home ownership is contributing towards a more equal society. Wide-ranging in its coverage, the book discusses the changing nature and role of home ownership, wealth accumulation and housing, the relationship between social class and housing tenure, and policy development.

Originally published in 1990 and drawing on extensive research, this book provides an evaluation of the impact of the growth of home ownership in the UK, and of the claims and counter-claims made for its social significance. The book examines critically the evidence for and against the proposition that mass home ownership is contributing towards a more equal society. Wide-ranging in its coverage, the book discusses the changing nature and role of home ownership, wealth accumulation and housing, the relationship between social class and housing tenure, and policy development.

The Right to Buy has had a massive impact on Housing in the UK for 35 years and in 2015 there were proposals to extend it. But what is the Right to Buy policy, how has it developed and what has its impact been? What evidence is there about the wider and unintended consequences of the policy? How are the proposals to extend the policy in England likely to affect future housing provision and what alternatives are there? In The Right to Buy, Alan Murie provides an authoritative account of the origins, development and impact of the policy across the UK and proposals for its extension in England (and decisions to end it in Scotland and Wales). Presenting up-to-date statistical material the book engages with debates about transfers to private renting, the impact on public expenditure and on the current housing situation, addresses the proposals for new legislation and details the potential impact of these. It is an essential read for anyone interested in this highly topical issue.

Originally published in 1988, this book offers the first comprehensive and critical analysis of the privatisation of public housing in Britain. It outlines the historical background to the growth of public housing and the developing political debatea surrounding its disposal. The main emphasis in the book, however, is on the ways in which privatisation in housing links to other key changes in British society. The long trend for British social housing to become a welfare housing sector is related to evidence of growing social polarisation and segregation. Within this overall context, the book explores the uneven spatial and social consequences of the policy.

Originally published in 1988, this book offers the first comprehensive and critical analysis of the privatisation of public housing in Britain. It outlines the historical background to the growth of public housing and the developing political debatea surrounding its disposal. The main emphasis in the book, however, is on the ways in which privatisation in housing links to other key changes in British society. The long trend for British social housing to become a welfare housing sector is related to evidence of growing social polarisation and segregation. Within this overall context, the book explores the uneven spatial and social consequences of the policy.

An evaluation of the most enduring privatisation of the Thatcher era … Written in an accessible style, this is a key reference for students and researchers in housing and planning; geography; and social policy. The book analyses the operation and impact of the right to buy policy (RTB). It includes a critique of the Housing Act and the 2001 Housing (Scotland) Act. The enactment of these changes under a Labour government affirms the continuance of the RTB. The authors take stock of its profound effect on housing policy, reversing the growth in social housing developed over the twentieth century, transforming the nation's tenure structure and revolutionising the UK housing system. The Right to Buy: analysis and evaluation of a housing policy begins with an examination of the policy background to the establishment of the RTB and the main features of the legislation. This is followed by chapters that review its take-up and the pattern of sales and their impact on social housing; a chapter examining the financial aspects of the RTB from the viewpoints of tenants, local authorities and central government; one looking at the impact of the RTB via subsequent re-sales on the open market and on the private rented sector; and a chapter drawing on the information already reviewed to consider the potential of the RTB to create sustainable and diverse communities. In the final chapters the international experience of parallel policies are considered and the future take-up of the RTB is assessed in the light of recent reforms together with alternatives.

Housing Policy in the UK is a major new textbook that traces the emergence of a 'new comprehensive housing policy' in the wake of the Communities Plan and regionalisation. Grounded in cutting-edge research and analysis, it provides a clear account of the evolution and current dimensions and tensions at the heart of this policy.

Housing Policy in the UK is a major new textbook that traces the emergence of a 'new comprehensive housing policy' in the wake of the Communities Plan and regionalisation. Grounded in cutting-edge research and analysis, it provides a clear account of the evolution and current dimensions and tensions at the heart of this policy.

Established as the leading text in the field, this thoroughly revised and updated edition provides a comprehensive account of the current issues, set in a clear historical context. It assesses the legacy of eighteen years of Conservative governments and the initial policy impact of New Labour and the problems and challenges it now confronts. This book remains essential reading for all who wish to understand and contribute to determining the pace and direction of change in housing into the twenty-first century.