Welfare Reform on the Web (March 2005): Social Housing - Overseas

TENANT EMPOWERMENT THROUGH INNOVATIVE TENURES: AN ANALYSIS OF WOONBRON-MAASOEVERS' CLIENT'S CHOICE PROGRAMME

V. Gruis and others

Housing Studies, vol.20, 2005, p.127-147

According to the recent Housing Memorandum (MVROM 2000), Dutch housing associations are expected to offer tenants choice of tenure. Paper discusses the innovative types of tenure that they have developed, and the benefits and risks for tenant and landlord. It focuses on the Client's Choice Programme developed by the Woonbron-Maasoevers housing association which offers tenants choice between a traditional rent contract, a fixed rent contract for a five or ten year period, a fixed rent increase contract, socially bound ownership, and ownership with buy-back option.

USING PUBLIC HOUSING TO ACHIEVE SELF-SUFFICIENCY: CAN WE PREDICT SUCCESS?

R.G. Kleit and W.M. Roche

Housing Studies, vol.20, 2005. p.81-105

In the USA since the mid-1980s, self-sufficiency programmes have sought to transform social housing from permanent accommodation into "way stations" for low-income families. Authors use longitudinal data and in-depth interviews with participants in self-sufficiency programmes to identify factors associated with programme success. Results suggest that lack of previous welfare experience and prior vocational training or a high-school education are predictors of success.

WHY ARE HOUSES MORE AFFORDABLE IN FRANCE?

J. Ball

Political Quarterly, vol.76, 2005, p.82-91

Housing for low-and middle-income households is affordable in France basically because plenty of homes are built. The government has encouraged a culture of construction through a supportive legal structure and a range of fiscal incentives that encourage provision of private rented, social rented and owner occupier housing.