Beyond Bricks and Mortar: Building Homes, Communities, and Neighbourhoods

by Anne Power

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781447357537
Publisher:	Bristol University Press
Publication date:	04/22/2025
Series:	CASE Studies on Poverty, Place and Policy
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	252
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x (d)

About the Author

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

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Community, People, and Place

2. The Meaning of Shelter

Part 1. Our (UK) Housing History

3. Early Reform

4. Homes Fit for Heroes: Playing the Numbers Game

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

5. Rebuilding Communities: Putting People First

6. Race and Housing

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

Part 3. Targeting the Poorest Areas

8. New Labour

9. Wider Challenges Threaten Communities

Part 4. Changing the Basis of Welfare

10. Austerity Kicks In

11. Major Changes to Housing Policy and Practice

12. Social Landlords Plug the Gaps

13. Investing in Communities: Social Landlords to the Fore

Editorial Reviews

There's no one silver bullet for sorting the UK's housing crisis, but Anne Power’s “Beyond Bricks and Mortar” powerfully reminds us that social housing has to be at the heart of any new strategy – with hands-on, community-based approaches the key to lasting success. For everyone involved in this critically important debate, connecting with Anne's frontline experience, deep empathy and unique wisdom is an invaluable gift." Jonathon Porritt, environmentalist and former Chair of the Sustainable Development Commission

“Many in housing claim to be building communities, not just homes. This book demonstrates just why that is essential.” David Orr CBE, Chair of Clarion and the Canal and River Trust and former Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation

"Social housing has a key role to play in addressing the current housing crisis. This book demonstrates how housing investment needs to go hand in hand with investment in local people and their communities." Lucy de Groot CBE, Treasury Civil Servant, Chief Executive at Community Service Volunteers and Chair of The Baring Foundation

"Anne Power's latest book delivers a powerful history of UK social housing at the exact time when housing challenges are worsening across all places and segments of multiple societies. Her "housing plus" model, informed by research and residents alike, has clear and practical lessons for the US and other countries. This is a book primed for impact." Bruce Katz, Co-author of The New Localism: How Cities can Thrive in the Age of Populism

"A powerful argument for the importance of social housing, and a practical roadmap for the future. Essential reading." Kitty Stewart, Professor of Social Policy and Associate Director of the Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion, London School of Economics

From the Publisher