Quality of social housing in the Netherlands and England

Conference paper (2006)

Authors

F.M. Meijer OLD Housing Quality and Process Innovation
GAM Vijverberg OLD Housing Quality and Process Innovation
Research Group
OLD Housing Quality and Process Innovation
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Published Date

2006

Language

Undefined/Unknown

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Research Group

OLD Housing Quality and Process Innovation

Abstract

The Netherlands and England both have a large social housing stock. At first sight the quality backlog of an average public sector dwelling in the Netherlands and England seems to be similar. However the way quality backlog is defined and measured in the Netherlands (all backlog) and in England (backlog above fixed levels) differs. Within England there is a pronounced difference in quality between the social housing stock of local authorities and housing associations. The reasons for the difference in quality backlog are related to the age of the stock and differences at the sector level. Housing associations in the Netherlands are private companies who have a strong desire to develop businesslike approaches. They are also confronted with less regulation. Whilst English housing associations resemble the Dutch social sector, they tend to be smaller in size and as such lack the power to develop businesslike approaches. They also have to deal with more regulations and supervision requirements. Local authorities in England are still in public hands.