This book of specially commissioned essays by distinguished housing scholars addresses the big issues in contemporary debates about housing and housing policy in the UK. Setting out a distinctive and coherent analysis, it steers a course between those accounts that rely on economic theory and analysis and those that emphasize policy. It is informed by the idea that the 1970s was a pivotal decade in the second half of the twentieth century, and that since that time there has been a profound transformation in the housing system and housing policy in the UK. The contributors describe, analyze and explain aspects of that transformation, as a basis for understanding the present and thinking about the future. The analysis of housing is set within an understanding of the wider changes affecting the economy and the welfare state since the crises of the mid 1970s.

Housing: The Essential Foundations provides a comprehensive introduction to housing studies. This topical text is essential reading for students embarking on degree and diploma courses in housing, surveying, town planning and other related subjects. Professionals within these fields will also find the book valuable as a source of up-to-date information and data. Uniquely multi-disciplinary and including a wealth of illustrations and examples, this book focuses on key topics which include: * equal opportunities and housing organisations * town planning and housing development * housing management, design and development * economics of housing * management and organisation * environmental health and housing * property, housing law, policy-making and politics * housing policy and finance prior to and post Thatcherism * future policy issues under the Labour government post 1997 Throughout the authors stress the importance of housing market activity that accords with good planning practice, legislation, democratic decision-making, economy and efficiency. In introducing the many diverse aspects of housing within a single volume, this book provides the essential foundations for the study of this multi-disciplinary subject. Paul Balchin, Gregory Bull, Pauline Forrester, David Isaac, R.Shean McConnell John O'Leary, Maureen Rhoden, Jane Weldon all at Univeristy of Greenwich, UK and Mark Pawlowski, University