National differences in affordable housing policy risk deepening inequalities, new report finds

Access to affordable housing remains one of the biggest challenges facing governments across the UK and Ireland and a new PolicyWISE and David Hume Institute briefing warns that progress continues to depend on where people live.

The Wise in 5: Affordable Housing report, compares how each nation defines and delivers affordable housing. It discovers striking differences in approach, targets, and tenant protections that could shape social and economic outcomes for years to come.

The briefing identifies five key lessons for policymakers:

1. Access to housing is a core element of how governments provide social support, often reflected in how each nation defines affordable housing. These definitions vary across the UK and Ireland, and how it is defined plays a significant role in shaping national housing policy.

2. This briefing highlights distinct national approaches:

• England prioritises homeownership and developer-led models of affordable housing.

• Wales focuses on social housing, affordability, and strong tenant protections.

• Scotland leads on rent controls and embedding net-zero commitments in housing policy to reduce energy consumption and emissions.

• Northern Ireland maintains Right to Buy and operates a smaller affordable housing sector, overseen by the Northern Ireland Executive.

3. There is growing interest in comparative policy analysis, reflecting a desire to understand what works across different national contexts.

4. While targets for new housing supply often make headlines, the quality, affordability, and long-term sustainability of homes are just as important and increasingly under scrutiny.

5. The way each government defines affordability has a direct impact on who can access housing and under what restrictions. There is a clear need for further research to explore how these definitions influence housing outcomes across nations and to support evidence-based policymaking.

Dewi Knight, Director of PolicyWISE, said:
“Access to secure, affordable housing is one of the clearest markers of social justice. Our briefing shows that while all nations are taking action, the differences in how affordability is defined and delivered are widening. Sharing what works; particularly on rent control, sustainability, and affordability could help every government improve housing outcomes.”

The briefing was produced by PolicyWISE and the David Hume Institute. It draws on the latest policy developments and research from across the nations to promote comparative, evidence-led learning on one of today’s most urgent social issues.