Regional Responses in a Changing Context: Housing Associations and Market Renting in the North East and North West of England

The research explores the regional responses to a changing context in housing associations and market renting in the North East and North West of England. Housing associations are operating within a radically altered and rapidly changing policy context — something which was heightened during the course of this research. This research originated in the convergence of a number of factors shaping an agenda for housing associations to engage with market renting: ◾The growth of private renting within a changing housing system. ◾Government policy encouraging institutional investment in the private rented sector. ◾The impact of funding and welfare reform on the operating environment of housing associations, including a trend towards commercialisation and diversification. Within this context, the research aimed to examine the extent and nature of market renting provision amongst housing associations, but also – crucially - to explore the strategic decision making processes shaping such activity. While much of the discussion of market renting amongst housing associations so far has been located in London and the South East , this research was conducted in the North East and North West regions of England.