Summary

Local authorities no longer directly produce new council housing units. Their role is now one of enabling the provision of affordable housing by housing associations, housing trusts and the private sector. The aim of this research is to assess the response to the Department of the Environment's advice to local planning authorities on securing affordable housing through the planning system. Specifically, the research aims to obtain information about the extent of coverage and content of affordable housing policies in local development plans since the 1991 Circulars. It looks at the characteristics and success of a representative sample of schemes and recommends good practice in policy development and implementation.