Race Equality in Housing A Review of the Policy Approach in England, Scotland and Wales
Published on 1 December, 2022.
Introduction There are long-standing ethnic inequalities in housing in England, Scotland and Wales. These inequalities matter and there are good social justice reasons to promote greater equality in the housing system. It is also a legal requirement under the Equality Act 2010. This study set out to understand how housing policy in England, Scotland and Wales is rising to this challenge. The focus was understanding the policy approach to protecting people from discrimination and advancing race equality in the housing system. Approach The research approach centred on a desk based exercise that involved identifying, collating and analysing publicly available information and evidence. More than 20 semi-structured interviews were also conducted with key policy and practice stakeholders across England, Scotland and Wales. Finally, a review was conducted of the rich historical evidence base of research and analysis, evaluation and good practice on race equality and housing generated from the 1970s through to the 2000s. This provided a useful counterpoint against which to judge contemporary policy and practice, and a rich source of ideas for addressing observed weaknesses and failings. Findings The study was framed by four key questions, which served to focus attention on the key components of a framework for understanding and responding to ethnic inequalities in housing and promoting race equality.