The Politics of Housing Power, Consumers and Urban Culture

Exploring the politics of housing during 1890–1990, this fascinating study examines the interaction not only of national and local politics but also of local factors such as civic culture, key local players, local discourse and geographical and demographic problems.

This book argues that increasingly, tenants acted as consumers of a public service, and it questions the way in which notions of consumerism shaped responses to the housing debate.

An analysis of the impact of legislation on housing policy in different cities is provided, as well as a more detailed account of the politics of housing in Manchester, including the Victorian legacy, the emergence of local government intervention, post-war overspill estates, new system-built flats and their rapid deterioration, rising tenant anger and protests, and the beginning of a new approach based on consultation and partnerships.

The book will be of value to anyone studying urban history, politics, governance, civic culture, social policy and society.

Peter Shapely is Head of the School of History, Welsh History and Archaeology at the University of Wales, Bangor.

Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
PART I: THE NATIONAL FRAMEWORK
1. Government, Local Authorities and Housing, 1919-87
2. National Interpretations
PART II: THE RISE OF MUNICIPAL HOUSING
3. Civic Culture, Voluntarism and Council Intervention
4. Slum Houses, Slum Dwellers and Slum Clearance
5. The Post-War Housing Problem and the Great Overspill Drive
PART III: THE DECLINE OF MUNICIPAL LEGITIMACY: INNTER CITY DEVELOPMENTS AND TENANTS REACTIONS, 1962-92
6. New Slums and The Rising Tide of Tenant Anger
7. New Slums, New Left and New Partnerships
Conclusion: Consumers, Locality, and Discourse
Bibliography
Index