Design Council’s response to the Social Housing Green Paper

Design Council has responded to the social housing green paper which aims to rebalance the relationship between residents and landlords, tackle stigma and ensure that social housing can be both a stable base that supports people when they need it and support social mobility.

In our response, we make clear to government that as it puts people at the centre, design is the golden thread that creates high quality, safe and decent social housing. It is central to creating a legacy of inclusive neighbourhoods and building communities where people want to live.

Our recommendations to government are:

• Promote a set of design principles for social housing
• Expand the current system to deliver design reviews at the pre- and post-planning stages to ensure consistent quality of design through the concept, technical and construction stages

Pilot a comprehensive and integrated design-led approach to the planning, construction and management of social housing in areas of high priority.