The Social Housing Green Paper: The beginning not the end
What does the new Green Paper on social housing offer? Professor Mark Stephens explores the content and context to assess its likely impact.
Aug 21
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Homeless people use Facebook and Whatsapp too!
Fran Calvo, a homelessness practitioner and scholar visiting I-SPHERE from Universitat Ramon Llull in Catalonia, reflects on the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) by members of the homeless population.
Children’s Rights and Public Space in South Korea
In June, Dr Jenny Wood traveled to Seoul, South Korea to present her PhD research on children’s rights and public space. In this blog she reflects on the experience and discusses the state of play for children.
Fixed Term Tenancies: Social housing at a cross-roads
A new I-SPHERE report reveals how housing associations and local authorities in England are using Fixed Term Tenancies.
The role of temporary accommodation in the perpetuation of chronic homelessness
Here, Lynne McMordie shares the findings of new research on the nature and design of temporary accommodation (TA) services in Belfast and their efficacy in resolving homelessness for those with more complex needs.
Temporary accommodation in Scotland: where are we now, and where do we go from here?
What is the state of play for temporary accommodation in Scotland? In this blog, Dr Beth Watts reflects on new I-SPHERE report and where to go next.
Conditionality and sanctions in welfare policy: broadening the debate
Beth Watts and Suzanne Fitzpatrick discuss their newly released Routledge book on Welfare Conditionality.
Back to the Land?
How can we fund social infrastructure through land value capture? Prof Mark Stephens talks us through some of the options from his new research.
How much housing do we need?
In this blog , Prof Glen Bramley reflects on the interim report of a new study investigating Housing supply requirements across Great Britain for low-income households and homeless people, and the key policy challenges facing Government and the Housing sector.
Domestic Abuse and Housing: Bringing Together Research and Practice
There is an increasingly recognised, but under-explored link between domestic abuse and housing. Here, postgraduate researcher Dora Welker reflects on a recent conference and future directions for research.
The Government’s housing benefit U-turn: evidence and sound economic analysis return to housing policy?
Last week the UK government announced a U-turn on providing housing benefits 18 to 21-year-olds. Here, Prof Chris Leishman reflects on this reassuring change of course.
Why does Housing First work?
Prof Sarah Johnsen reflects on why Housing First seems so much more effective than mainstream provision for the majority of homeless people with multiple and complex needs
I-SPHERE and Oak Foundation Research Internship Programme: Q&A with our intern Lynne McMordie
Lynne McMordie was appointed as our first intern under the I-SPHERE Oak Foundation research internship programme. In this Q&A Lynne tells us about her experiences to date.
PAID INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME ON HOMELESSNESS – DEADLINE EXTENDED
We have an exciting opportunity for two researchers to join us for 6 month paid homelessness research internships. Applications close midnight 26th March.
Reducing heat and shedding light in debates about homelessness and ‘social control’
In this blog, Sarah Johnsen, Suzanne Fitzpatrick and Beth Watts provide a framework offering potential to bring greater clarity and calm to extremely sensitive debates surrounding the use of ‘social control’ in responses to homelessness.
Invitation to focus group: can you help us explore new ways to help young people at risk of homelessness?
Shelter Scotland and Heriot-Watt University are exploring the potential of a new way to provide housing for young people at risk of homelessness. can you help us by participating in a focus group?
Beyond parks and playgrounds – how can we plan for children’s play?
The value of children’s play is under increasing discussion from policymakers, practitioners, and the general public Here, Dr Jenny Wood discusses the role of planning systems in facilitating play, and what currently happens in Scotland and Wales.
The centrality of poverty
Measurement of poverty is central to our understanding of social exclusion. Here, Prof Glen Bramley reflects on the findings of new book: Poverty and Social Exclusion in the UK: Volume 2 – The Dimensions of Disadvantage
AFTER GRENFELL
Mark Stephens reviews the various inquiries and reviews that have been established since the Grenfell Tower tragedy last June.
Bright spot in the budget: UK Government backs Housing First for vulnerable homeless people
The much-trailed ‘Housing Budget’ of November 2017 did more for homelessness than many might have expected. I-SPHERE Director Prof Suzanne Fitzpatrick explores the announcements.
Not Very Well Known Facts about the Noughties Commercial Property Boom and Bust
December saw the release of book 'Property Boom and Banking Bust: The Role of Commercial Lending in the Bankruptcy of Banks'. Here, Prof Colin Jones gives an insights into its contents.
What works in addressing rough sleeping?
In light of the furore over calls for rough sleepers to be cleared from the streets of Windsor for the upcoming Royal Wedding, Sarah Johnsen and Jenny Wood highlight key conclusions from an international evidence review of ‘what works’ in addressing street homelessness.
Online Sales and the Implications for Shopping Centres
recently published paper by Prof Colin Jones and Nicola Livingstone in the International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research offers some insights into the changing retail hierarchy. Here, Prof Colin Jones reflects on the findings
Exploring the ‘smart cities’ agenda in a developing world city: the case of Medellin, Colombia
In October 2017, Dr Fionn MacKillop participated in a research trip to Medellin, Colombia In this blog post, he offers some reflections on the ‘smart city’ agenda in Medellin.
Fuel Poverty – It Helps to Have a Sensible Target to Aim At….
The Scottish Government recently announced a new consultation on a Fuel Poverty Strategy for Scotland, leading up to an intended Warmer Homes Bill next year. Here, Professor Glen Bramley talks us through this positive story of evidence-based policy.
