Policy Press

Beyond Bricks and Mortar

Building Homes, Communities, and Neighbourhoods

By Anne Power

Published

Mar 28, 2025

Page count

176 pages

Browse the series

CASE Studies on Poverty, Place and Policy

ISBN

978-1447357537

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Mar 28, 2025

Page count

176 pages

Browse the series

CASE Studies on Poverty, Place and Policy

ISBN

978-1447357551

Imprint

Policy Press
Beyond Bricks and Mortar

Social housing continues to decline as existing tenanted homes are sold to their occupiers and run-down council estates are demolished. Demonstrating the value of the ‘Housing Plus’ approach –investment beyond “bricks and mortar” – this book outlines the role social landlords can play in tackling community problems. By investing in estate renewal, helping to house the vulnerable, offering a wide range of tenures and encouraging community housing, this approach builds links between housing design and a wider social value agenda.

With the voices of tenants and frontline staff at the forefront, Anne Power demonstrates how policy and practice can shift the bias against social housing in favour of its re-expansion.

Anne Power is Emeritus Professor of Social Policy at the London School of Economics.

1. Preface: Beyond Bricks and Mortar

2. Introduction: Community, People, and Place

3. The Meaning of Shelter

Part 1. Our (UK) Housing History

4. Early Reform

5. Homes Fit for Heroes: Playing the Numbers Game

Part 2. The Dream Unravels: New Ways to Tackle Old Problems

6. Rebuilding Communities: Putting People First

7. Race and Housing

8. Breaking Up Council Control: The Regrowth of Smaller, More Community-Based Landlords

Part 3. Targeting the Poorest Areas

9. New Labour

10. Wider Challenges Threaten Communities

Part 4. Changing the Basis of Welfare

11. Austerity Kicks In

12. Major Changes to Housing Policy and Practice

13. Social Landlords Plug the Gaps

14. Investing in Communities: Social Landlords to the Fore