Ethnic inequalities in housing: exploring the policy response

Inequality is inevitable in a market based system where ability to pay is a key determinant of housing outcomes. However, some forms of inequality have been deemed unacceptable. These include factors unfairly disadvantaging particular groups, such as crude racism or the discriminatory practices of mortgage lenders, estate agents, letting agents and landlords. Over time, such practices were challenged by grass-roots movements, race equality legislation and policy and practice initiatives, helping to extend the housing options of different ethnic groups. However, ethnic inequalities persist within the UK housing system. These inequalities matter. The housing we live in impacts upon our ability to function and participate in society. It conditions our health and informs our life chances. There are therefore good social justice reasons for tackling discrimination and promoting race equality in housing. It is also a legal requirement under the Equality Act 2010. This chapter explores how policy is rising to this challenge. It begins by providing a descriptive overview of ethnic inequalities in housing in the UK. It then draws upon findings from a recent study undertaken by the authors for the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE) (Robinson et al., 2022) to consider what the contemporary evidence base tells us about the drivers of these inequalities, before exploring the policy response to ethnic inequalities in housing in England, Scotland and Wales. The CaCHE study involved a desk-based review of publicly available information and evidence, more than 20 semi-structured interviews with key policy and practice stakeholders across the three nations and a review of the rich historical evidence base of research and analysis, evaluation and good practice on race equality and housing generated from the 1970s through to the 2000s . The latter provided a useful counterpoint against which to judge the contemporary approach.