Our vision

The lack of decent, affordable housing is one of the most pressing social problems facing the UK today. It causes harm to individuals and families, as well as to communities and society.

We all deserve to have a home that is safe and comfortable, and for it to be somewhere we can be sure we can remain living in for as long as we want or need. However, there is a direct link between housing and poverty. In the UK today, many people are without affordable and decent housing, and as a result, people struggle to establish settled lives or make the most of opportunities for employment, education, home life or relationships.

Historic changes in housing have often happened in a piecemeal fashion, with little thought of the wider implications. This has resulted in an unbalanced system, which is not fit for purpose and doesn’t meet the needs of people who are vulnerable or disadvantaged. What’s needed is systemic change, which looks at the big picture, makes connections and recognises causes and consequences.

Through our Decent Affordable Homes strategy, we seek to improve the lives of people who are disadvantaged because of their housing circumstances by using a systems change approach. Our aim is to increase the availability of decent, affordable homes for people in housing need.

Launched in 2013, and running until at least 2031, the Decent Affordable Homes strategy is now in its third phase. To read more about the journey our strategy is making to change the UK’s housing system, click here.