Policy Press Finance for housing: An Introduction

The global financial crisis of 2007-08 was triggered by sub-prime mortgage mis-selling in the US and the global sale of these debts as new bonds. Austerity programmes are designed to reduce the borrowing that governments undertook to stabilise failing banking systems but the UK's Coalition government is using 'austerity' as a cover to dismantle the welfare state. Housing is at the forefront of these changes. Mortgages and rental costs are rising as 'the market' dictates them, while people with low incomes now receive substantially less financial help from the welfare state. In this much-needed text by an experienced author with a policy background, current housing finance issues (and their history) are linked with broader social policy and political themes. It covers the finance of building and refurbishment, managing and maintaining property for all the different tenures (owner occupation, council housing, housing association and private renting), and discusses whether current arrangements are sustainable. Written for housing, social policy and politics students and staff, it is also accessible to anyone concerned about housing in Britain today. Review a clear guide to understanding the continuing crisis in the UK housing sector and the Coalition's policies in particular...highly recommended Dexter Whitfield, The Spokesman issue 123 A much needed up-to-date resource for housing students. Victoria Hiscocks, Cardiff Metropolitan University Finance for Housing... is a mine of useful information and argument that will be of interest to anyone wanting to know more about the housing system, and so is highly recommended - Red Brick blog Frequently provocative and is likely to challenge many of its intended readership's views...an accessible and thought provoking account of finance for housing policies. People, Place and Policy This book is well-written, well-structred and easy to engage with as a result. Dr Stuart Cameron, The Univeristy of Bolton. About the Author Dr Cathy Davis is a freelance writer and housing and social policy researcher. Her career has spanned academia and all aspects of housing practice. Most recently, she has been a housing academic at the University of Salford (2003-12). Previously she worked for the National Housing Federation in their Yorkshire and Humber office (1986-96) representing housing associations. She is a qualified housing manager and former CAB specialist housing advisor.