Bringing Home the Housing Crisis: Politics, Precarity and Domicide in Austerity London

This book explores how legislative and policy changes dismantle people's rights to secure, decent, and affordable housing by framing them as undeserving, based on resident interviews and analysis of political and media attitudes across three case studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 158 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

This book delves into the intricate and often overlooked realm of home, revealing it to be a profoundly political concept. Despite its portrayal as a neutral space, numerous groups within society are excluded from the fundamental right to a secure, decent, and affordable home under current UK policies. Through a combination of resident interviews and comprehensive analysis of political and media attitudes across three case studies—the criminalization of squatting, the bedroom tax, and family homelessness—the book uncovers the ways in which legislative and policy changes undermine the rights of individuals to secure housing by framing them as undeserving.

The criminalization of squatting serves as a poignant example of this phenomenon. Historically, squatting has been a means for marginalized individuals and communities to find shelter and assert their right to housing. However, under current laws, squatting is criminalized, and those who engage in it face legal consequences and eviction. The book argues that this criminalization is not only unjust but also undermines the broader goal of achieving housing justice. By criminalizing squatting, the government inadvertently perpetuates the cycle of homelessness and excludes those who are most in need of affordable housing options.

The bedroom tax, another policy that has garnered significant attention, is also examined in the book. Introduced in 2013 as part of welfare reforms, the bedroom tax imposes a financial penalty on households with excess bedrooms. While the intention was to encourage people to move into smaller accommodations to save money, the policy has had devastating consequences for families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. The book highlights the plight of families who are forced to choose between paying the bedroom tax or risking eviction, leading to increased levels of poverty and hardship.

Family homelessness, the final case study, underscores the systemic challenges that contribute to the lack of affordable housing. The book explores the complex interplay between social, economic, and political factors that lead to family homelessness, including poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and inadequate housing policies. It highlights the devastating impact that homelessness has on children's education, health, and well-being, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address this issue.

Through its comprehensive analysis, this book sheds light on the ways in which legislative and policy changes perpetuate inequality and exclude individuals and communities from their right to a secure home. It calls for a shift in mindset and a re-examination of housing policies to ensure that everyone has access to decent and affordable housing, regardless of their background or circumstances. The book also emphasizes the importance of community activism, grassroots movements, and social solidarity in advocating for housing rights and challenging the status quo.

In conclusion, this book offers a powerful critique of the political nature of home and the ways in which it is shaped by legislative and policy changes. It highlights the urgent need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to housing that recognizes the rights of all individuals to secure, decent, and affordable housing. By challenging the dominant narratives and advocating for systemic change, this book contributes to the ongoing conversation about housing justice and the pursuit of a more just and sustainable society.

Introduction:
The concept of home is often portrayed as a neutral and apolitical space, a place where individuals can retreat and find solace. However, this book challenges that notion by demonstrating that home is, in fact, a highly political concept. It explores the ways in which various groups within society are excluded from the fundamental right to a secure, decent, and affordable home under current UK policies.

The criminalization of squatting, the bedroom tax, and family homelessness serve as case studies to illustrate the political nature of home. These policies and practices have had devastating consequences for individuals and communities, perpetuating cycles of homelessness and inequality. By examining the ways in which legislative and policy changes dismantle peoples rights to secure, decent, and affordable housing, the book sheds light on the broader societal issues at play.

The Criminalization of Squatting:
Squatting has been a historical practice used by marginalized individuals and communities to find shelter and assert their right to housing. However, under current UK policies, squatting is criminalized, and those who engage in it face legal consequences and eviction. The book argues that this criminalization is unjust and undermines the broader goal of achieving housing justice.

By criminalizing squatting, the government inadvertently perpetuates the cycle of homelessness. Squatters are often forced to resort to illegal means of accommodation, such as sleeping rough or living in substandard conditions, which can have serious health and social consequences. Moreover, the criminalization of squatting creates a barrier to accessing affordable housing options, as it makes it difficult for individuals to establish a stable and secure base from which to pursue their livelihoods.

The book also highlights the disproportionate impact of squatting policies on certain groups within society. For example, women, children, and people from ethnic minority backgrounds are more likely to be affected by squatting laws. These groups are often already marginalized and face additional barriers to accessing housing, making the criminalization of squatting even more detrimental to their well-being.

The criminalization of squatting serves as a reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive and inclusive housing policies that address the root causes of homelessness and inequality. It calls for a shift in mindset towards recognizing the rights of all individuals to secure, decent, and affordable housing, regardless of their background or circumstances.

The Bedroom Tax:
The bedroom tax, introduced in 2013 as part of welfare reforms, imposes a financial penalty on households with excess bedrooms. While the intention was to encourage people to move into smaller accommodations to save money, the policy has had devastating consequences for families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.

The book explores the plight of families who are forced to choose between paying the bedroom tax or risking eviction. The financial burden of the tax can be significant, particularly for families with multiple children or those living in larger accommodations. In many cases, families are forced to choose between paying the tax or providing essential necessities such as food, clothing, and healthcare. This choice can have long-term consequences for their health, education, and well-being.

The bedroom tax also perpetuates the cycle of homelessness by creating additional barriers to accessing affordable housing. Families who are unable to pay the tax or find alternative accommodation are often forced to move to more expensive areas, which can further exacerbate their housing insecurity. Moreover, the policy can lead to increased levels of poverty and hardship, as families struggle to meet their basic needs while also paying the tax.

The book argues that the bedroom tax is a discriminatory policy that disproportionately affects vulnerable groups within society. It calls for the repeal of the bedroom tax and the implementation of alternative policies that prioritize the needs of families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.

Family Homelessness:
Family homelessness is the final case study examined in the book. It underscores the systemic challenges that contribute to the lack of affordable housing and the devastating impact that homelessness has on children's education, health, and well-being.

The book explores the complex interplay between social, economic, and political factors that lead to family homelessness. It highlights the role of poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and inadequate housing policies in creating and perpetuating this issue. It also emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of family homelessness, such as poverty, discrimination, and inadequate housing policies, to prevent it from occurring in the first place.

Family homelessness has far-reaching consequences for children's education and development. Children who experience homelessness are more likely to miss school, experience academic difficulties, and face social and emotional challenges. Homelessness can also have long-term effects on their health, as they are more susceptible to illness, injury, and mental health issues.

The book calls for a comprehensive and integrated approach to addressing family homelessness. It emphasizes the need for affordable housing, support services, and interventions that address the root causes of family homelessness. It also highlights the importance of community activism, grassroots movements, and social solidarity in advocating for housing rights and challenging the status quo.

In conclusion, this book offers a powerful critique of the political nature of home and the ways in which it is shaped by legislative and policy changes. It highlights the urgent need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to housing that recognizes the rights of all individuals to secure, decent, and affordable housing. By challenging the dominant narratives and advocating for systemic change, this book contributes to the ongoing conversation about housing justice and the pursuit of a more just and sustainable society.

Weight: 260g
Dimension: 233 x 158 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447361862