London School of Economics LSE Housing and Communities LSE
LSE Housing and Communities

About Us

LSE Housing is a research and consultancy group within The Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion (CASE). We aim 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 are involved in establishing and developing practical programmes of action and training for residents of poor neighbourhoods. LSE Housing 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. Please see projects and research for more information.

Funding for our research programmes comes from a variety of sources that include charitable organisations and public bodies: the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (including the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit, Tenant Participation branch and the Sustainable Communities Group), Department for Education and Skills, The Glass-House, the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, Thames Gateway London Partnership, Nuffield Foundation, the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the Basic Skills Agency and the Economic and Social Research Council.

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;
  • cities and urban renaissance;
  • neighbourhood renewal and regeneration;
  • social inclusion;
  • mixed communities;
  • sustainable communities;
  • 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;
  • local cycling projects and sustainable transport; and
  • anti-social behaviour, crime and residents' action over local crime.