Areas of research interest: bridging local authority and central government evidence needs related to housing
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Authors
Anne Buffardi
Lucien Begault
Contact
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Issue Date
06-May-26
Type
Conference Abstract
Language
Keywords
Housing , Implementation/scale up
Alternative Title
Abstract
Background. Nationally identified areas of research interest (ARI) may lead to studies that provide local authorities (LAs) with relevant evidence that can also inform their own policies and strategies. For research-active local authorities, existing ARIs may help to identify where their efforts to generate evidence, through collaborating on research studies and conducting their own evaluations, are best directed. For funding agencies, supporting studies that generate actionable evidence, particularly for multiple institutions and on issues that cover multiple levels of government, represent greater value for money.
We conducted a preliminary analysis to scope: i) similarities and differences between central and local government ARIs and ii) the extent to which existing research projects address these topics. Drawing on the national ARI website and linked projects from the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Gateway to Research, this review covered 2025 priorities identified by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the London Borough of Islington, for whom housing is a priority issue. This review identified four types of gaps: limited relevance of available evidence to the research question/ARI posed and gaps in evidence on the effectiveness of interventions, on implementation processes and on interventions within LA control.
Goal. To identify housing ARIs among a broader set of LAs, linked to an initial set of MHCLG ARIs (e.g. cost-effective measures for moving households out of temporary accommodation). In the medium-term, we hope to jointly convene a workshop with UPEN, MHCLG and academic collaborators.
Types of collaboration welcomed: other LAs who have identified housing ARIs, academics receiving and applying for national funding linked to MHCLG ARIs.