Terminology can be confusing. What exactly is the difference between social housing, affordable housing and community housing? And which one do we aspire to? This post tries to outline the difference in these terms, and where we think we are at the moment. We’ll follow this up with more in-depth articles exploring this topic.
Let’s get some definitions!
What is Social Housing?
The aim of social housing is to provide affordable rental or shared ownership properties for those most in need who might not otherwise be able to afford to rent or buy a property. Social housing is usually provided at a lower cost than the market rate, making it some of the most affordable housing in the UK. Social housing is often provided by a housing association or council, and you will usually have to register with them. Our closest housing association is Eden Housing Association, and they allocate housing using Cumbria Choice – a partnership between Westmorland & Furness and Cumberland councils, and several Social Housing Providers
What is Affordable Housing?
Affordable housing is generally understood to mean homes that are for sale or rent at prices that are lower than those prevailing in the local housing market, thereby increasing opportunities for people who don’t have sufficient income to buy or rent properties through the market to secure a suitable home. Affordable housing is typically provided by private developers as part of / within a (larger) development of homes built for sale at the prevailing market rates.
What is Community Housing?
More properly we might call this Community Led Housing. This is where the community work to bring housing back into use or build new houses for the local community, It’s driven by the community, for the community. Community Led Homes describes it this way:
Community led housing is where:
- Meaningful community engagement and consent occurs throughout the development process. The community does not necessarily have to initiate and manage the process, or build the homes themselves, though some may do.
- The local community group or organisation owns, manages or stewards the homes and in a manner of their choosing, and this may be done through a mutually supported arrangement with a Registered Provider that owns the freehold or leasehold for the property.
- The benefits to the local area and/or specified community must be clearly defined and legally protected in perpetuity.
Community Led Housing is a mechanism by which the community might deliver either Social or Affordable Housing for the local community. Of course the options are not that limited, and Community Led Housing can build some very innovative schemes, such as this cohousing scheme in Lancaster.
What’s the Difference between Social And Affordable Housing?
The main difference between social housing and affordable housing is that social housing is primarily aimed at people on benefits or with disabilities, or facing financial hardship. Affordable housing may be too expensive for those on benefits.
So what do we want to build?
The truth is, it’s far too early to answer that question at the moment. But whether it is Social Housing, Affordable Housing, or even no housing at all, the decision lies with the Community, because we believe this must be community led. And this is where the short survey comes in! It’s really important that we gather as many views as possible to inform our next steps. This is your chance to have your say and shape the future of our community.
Keep up the good work.