Case studies

The London Borough of Lewisham used client journey mapping tools to reduce crime by repeat offenders, while improving life chances for this group.

The scope of this project was to understand changes in design quality beyond the grant of either full or outline planning permission and to strengthen the role of local planning authorities in securing higher quality in the final build out of development schemes.

We commissioned consultants to consider approaches to improve the private rented sector, undertake research and best practice from other councils and from this propose a number of options to help the team address poor management and disrepair in the private rented sector.

Given the complexity and depth of the problems it faces, Blackpool council takes a multi-faceted approach to the private rented sector.

Boston Borough Council has long worked closely with its neighbouring districts and the county council.

The private rented sector has grown considerably over the last two decades and following a stock modelling survey undertaken by the Building Research Establishment, accounts for approximately 29 per cent of the stock (over 58,000 properties).

The current housing and homelessness strategy (2019-2024) has as one its four core themes ‘improving the use of existing homes’.

DASH was set up in 2005 as a joint initiative by local authorities, property owners, landlords and tenants in the East Midlands.

The overall focus of the council’s policy is to improve the health and well-being of tenants in the private rented stock, as well as tackling the issues of poverty and deprivation faced by communities.

Work by housing and police officers in visiting targeted properties, talking with the occupants and assessing the conditions uncovered a range of criminal activity and poor conditions, including exploitation, fraud, sham marriages and human trafficking.