Tackling the Temporary Accommodation crisis
In October 2016 the RSA and Policy lab held a one-day workshop to explore solutions to the number of households in temporary accommodation in London.
Britain’s housing problems are a major contributor to the inequality and insecurity that has become prevalent in our society. The RSA’s Housing Equity programme seeks to think systemically about the housing market in order to find ways to promote economic security for all. It has three main areas of focus:
- Housing finance and wealth. This lies at the heart of the structural problems at the heart of our housing system. The RSA will explore opportunities such as land and property taxes, and new shared models of housing wealth.
- Decentralising our housing system. The levers over housing policy largely sit with central government, despite the localised nature of housing challenges. We will examine how the housing system can become more rooted in place.
- Building healthy and sustainable neighbourhoods. Good and decent housing should also contribute to the development of neighbourhoods and places that are healthy, sustainable and cohesive. Housing is a critical part of the social infrastructure that makes our towns and cities tick.
We are currently working with One Manchester to explore these issues in a place-based context, focusing on young adults’ transition into the housing market and how they might overcome the insecurity associated with their experience of the system.
Co-living and the common good
The RSA worked with the creators of one of the world’s largest co-living scheme The Collective to publish a short collection of essays on the opportunities and challenges raised by co-living.
Grenfell: Taking stock
Jonathan Schifferes, Associate Director of RSA Public Services and Communities, explores how the Grenfell Tower fire exposed several injustices, and compels our society to guarantee safe housing for everyone.
RSA Scale to Change: Building inclusive neighbourhoods through london’s largest new housing developments
London is growing at a rate that creates new housing challenges, particularly in terms of supply and affordability. Addressing these challenges is fundamental to the overall social and economic success of the city.
Project Team
Ed Cox
Director of Public Services and Communities
