Achieving policy recognition for community-based housing solutions: the case of self-help housing in England

There has been a resurgence of interest in ‘community-based’ and ‘collaborative housing’ in many countries in recent years as this special issue testifies. A key barrier faced by ‘self-help’ groups is often the absence of recognition within government housing policy and funding frameworks. Case studies of policies that have enabled successful engagement with state support are therefore important. This policy review provides an account of the ‘Empty Homes Community Grants Programme’ (EHCGP) in England that enabled over £50 million public funding to be invested by over 100 grassroots organisations between 2012 and 2015 to bring 1299 homes (with 3048 bedrooms) back into use. This programme provides an important example of what can be achieved when procurement systems are re-designed to provide access for grassroots organisations. Drawing on long-term formative evaluations and subsequent legacy impact work, the review considers the context in which the programme developed, the precursors, agenda-setting and policy-influencing processes. This is followed by an account of enactment, delivery and impact of the programme. The next section considers longer term legacy and sustainability. The conclusion draws out the international significance and relevance to other community-based housing fields.