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Lack of political will

Created on 14-11-2024

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The lack of political will to address the problem of affordable housing is especially pronounced in the former socialist countries. As a result, very little is invested in social and public rental housing. This leaves not only low-income individuals but also increasingly middle-income earners without viable housing options. Buying is becoming too expensive, and options in the private rental market are dwindling. This scarcity is exacerbated by short-term rental trends, resulting in the touristification of housing stock. To tackle this problem, we need to use a comprehensive approach that policymakers and the public, including homeowners, find acceptable. One possible solution is to facilitate a public consultation or forum where all stakeholders can articulate their specific housing needs without exacerbating political tensions. Following the consultation, a potential strategy could involve adopting a “housing for all” approach.  

Systems knowledge

Actors

Policy makers

Policy makers are individuals or groups responsible for developing and implementing strategies, regulations, and initiatives aimed at addressing housing-related issues within a given region or jurisdiction. Their primary role is to create policies that influence housing affordability, accessibility, and quality, while also considering social, economic, and environmental factors.

Civil society organisations

Civil society organizations, often abbreviated as CSOs, are non-governmental, non-profit entities formed by citizens to address various social, political, or humanitarian issues. They operate independently from the government and business sectors and play a vital role in advocating for public interests, promoting civic engagement, and providing services or support to underserved communities.

Experts

By experts, I mean individuals with specialized knowledge and experience in areas such as housing policy, urban planning, and affordable housing management. For example, housing policy researchers at a think tank, or city planners with expertise in sustainable housing development can be considered experts in this field.

Local authorities

Local authorities, also known as local governments or municipal governments, are administrative bodies responsible for governing and providing services to specific geographic areas, such as cities, towns, or counties. They manage local public affairs, infrastructure, and policies, and are accountable to the residents within their jurisdiction.

Method

Transdisciplinary approach

A transdisciplinary approach in housing research involves integrating insights, methodologies, and expertise from diverse fields beyond traditional housing studies, such as sociology, economics, architecture, and environmental science, to address complex housing-related issues. This approach seeks to foster holistic, innovative solutions that account for the multifaceted nature of housing challenges and promote collaboration among experts from various domains.

Tools

Framework

A framework is a structured set of guiding principles providing a foundation for understanding, solving problems, or making decisions in a specific context, serving as a fundamental structure to guide processes and actions.

Housing for all

A "housing for all" approach in housing policy is a comprehensive strategy that seeks to ensure that every individual, regardless of their income or background, has access to safe, affordable, and suitable housing. This approach often involves a combination of government policies, subsidies, and private sector incentives to address housing affordability, quality, and inclusivity, with the ultimate goal of reducing homelessness and housing insecurity.

Target knowledge

Topic

Housing policy

Housing policy refers to a set of rules, regulations, and government initiatives designed to address various aspects of housing, including affordability, accessibility, quality, and housing market stability. These policies are developed to guide and influence the housing sector to meet the housing needs of a specific population or region, and they can encompass a wide range of measures, from subsidies and zoning regulations to support for affordable housing and addressing homelessness.

Dimension

Institutional

The structure of government institutions that have the responsibility and power to create building regulation and monitor compliance with them

Social

This dimension relates to aspects influencing or impacting people, communities, and societal structures.

Governance

This involves networks, systems and processes that steer decision-making, service delivery and policy implementation.

Economic

Level

Country

The political structure governs a specific geographical area and accommodates a specific population group.

Municipal

This level refers to the local administrative or governmental unit, typically a city or town, responsible for local governance, services, and decision-making within a defined geographic area.

Transformation Knowledge

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