About Us

LSE Housing and Communities is a research and consultancy group within the Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion (CASE) at the London School of Economics led by Professor Anne Power.  CASE is a multi-disciplinary research centre which focuses on the exploration of different dimensions of social disadvantage, particularly from longitudinal and neighbourhood perspectives, and examination of the impact of public policy.  LSE Housing and Communities is also associated with the School’s Department of Social Policy. 

LSE Housing and Communities aims to develop understanding of the dynamics in disadvantaged neighbourhoods; promote models of housing and neighbourhood management; develop ways to support community and resident self-help action, especially in social housing areas; and shape government policy. Our research considers the impact of poor neighbourhood and area conditions on residents and the role of local people in regenerating and improving their communities.  

We have been carrying out research in low-income disadvantaged areas, into housing, regeneration, family life, communities and sustainable retrofit, for over 15 years.  Our work on sustainable development is wide ranging and encompasses the damage of suburban sprawl, energy resources and costs, environmental limits, inner city communities, marginal estates, neighbourhood renewal and the interconnections between retrofitting existing communities and limiting environmental damage, specifically in relation to families and young people, housing and health, elderly care, and integration.  We are involved in establishing and developing practical programmes of action and training for residents of poor neighbourhoods. LSE Housing and Communities has been at the frontline of evaluating and shaping government policy and in providing solutions to declining conditions and tensions in deprived areas. We are also actively engaged in helping social landlords implement change.

LSE Housing and Communities works collaboratively with other organisations within Europe and the United States. For example, since 2006, we have led a research programme and practitioner exchange exploring the decline and recovery potential of former industrial cities across Europe…

Our areas of expertise and interest are:

• disadvantaged and run-down neighbourhoods;
• social housing;
• housing management and neighbourhood management;
• supply of and demand for housing;
• disadvantaged and run-down neighbourhoods;
• cities and urban renewal;
• neighbourhood renewal and regeneration;
• social inclusion;
• mixed communities;
• sustainable communities;
• family interventions;
• climate change;
• energy efficiency;
• community infrastructure;
• marginal groups, race relations and community cohesion;
• international and European housing;
• community self-help and capacity building;
• community engagement;
• residential training and small grants;
• adult learning and basic skills;
• local and community action on environmental sustainability;
• sustainable transport including public transport, walking and cycling;
• anti-social behaviour, crime and residents' action over local crime;
• social change.