Filtering, subsidies, affordability and tenure within the evolving role of UK state intervention

Purpose This paper aims to provide a perspective on the changing provision of housing by tenure driven by the use of filtering, subsidies and the role of the state. Design/methodology/approach It reviews state intervention in the housing market in the UK from the 19th century. It takes a holistic view of state intervention across all tenures. Findings The filtering model has been reformulated for a housing system where the dominant tenure is home ownership: households are being financially supported and encouraged to become owner occupiers while social housing subsidies for low-income households are diluted. However, the evidence is that with persistent low levels of private house building and housing shortages, filtering is not working. And the evidence from history is that filtering in its different guises has never been successful as a housing market solution to addressing the needs of low-income households. Originality/value The paper’s unique contribution is looking at the role of the concept of filtering has had implicitly or explicitly in UK housing policy so it does not have to be directly aimed at the poorest of society.