Scottish Government

ISBN 978 1 78045 116 9 (Web only publication)
ISSN 2045 6964
DPPAS 11451

Sarah Monk, Anna Clarke and Connie P.Y. Tang
Cambridge Centre for Housing and Planning Research
University of Cambridge

This document is also available in pdf format (520k)

CONTENTS

Executive Summary

1 Introduction
Definitions

2 Mixed communities policies in the UK
Regeneration
Planning policy
The Scottish policy context

3 Theory of social mix

4 Galster's view of the evidence on the benefits of social mix
Does social mix improve equity?
The effects of social mix on society as a whole
The limitations of Galster's findings for Scottish policy

5 Evidence on the benefits of mixed communities
Evidence on the problem
Evidence on addressing mix
Critical reviews
Evidence from outside the UK

6 Gaps in the literature
Methodological issues

7 Alternative ways to achieve the benefits of mixed communities
Use of social housing lettings policies
Addressing the problems of poor areas directly
Sell social housing stock into owner-occupation
Sell social housing stock in areas where it dominates and invest proceeds purchasing it elsewhere
Improve social interaction among people within and between neighbourhoods

8 Conclusions
Aims of mixed communities policies
Evidence on whether aims are met in practice
The potential impact of abolition of Right to Buy
Galster's work and implications for Scotland
Alternative policies
Evidence on costs
Potential alternatives to mixed communities
Implications for policy in Scotland

References

ANNEX
1 Reviews of Studies into the Benefits of Mixed Communities
2 Primary Studies and Secondary Data Analyses of the Benefits of Mixed Communities

The views expressed in this report are those of the researcher and
do not necessarily represent those of the Department or Scottish Ministers.