Alike in dignity? Housing in Bradford

Article

Bradford's housing landscape is a legacy of its industrial past. This report focuses on the effects of changes in tenure patterns - especially the trend towards housing benefit tenants residing in the private rental sector - and highlights the significance of non-decent and empty homes in shaping the local housing market.

Bradford is a place of extremes; the area is highly polarised in terms of concentrations of high- and low-income households, which is linked to the way the housing market operates. Yet those on the lowest incomes who live in the cheapest areas still face the worst affordability constraints - these areas present the most substantial policy challenges in Bradford.

The provision of affordable homes, in particular, can contribute to local economic development and support other policy agendas, such as skills, education and health.

The recommendations of this case study report fall into four categories:

  • localising housing benefit
  • establishing a new 'something-for-something' deal with private-sector landlords
  • secure residential development
  • guide development with solid local plans

Related items

  1. A row of international flags flying in the breeze outside a building in Paris on a sunny day

    Diversifying diplomacy: UK strategy in a fragmenting world

    How the UK might build more durable international partnerships in energy, defence and technology.
  2. A 'To Let' sign outside a row of houses on a residential street, UK

    High housing costs in the private rental sector: The case for action

    45 per cent of all private renters in the UK have unaffordable rents. It's time for the government to act to limit rent increases.
  3. A wide shot of several large commercial vessels, including oil tankers and a survey boat, floating on turquoise water. In the background, an industrial shoreline with numerous smokestacks and refinery infrastructure is visible under a cloudy sky. Concept of global logistics, maritime industry, and international trade.

    Price caps and economic stability: How to manage the Iran war energy shock?

    The Iran war energy shock will impose significant costs on the UK economy, even if the government does not offer a universal support package.