Value of Social Housing
Client: Plymouth Community Homes
Duration: 6 months
Funder: Plymouth Community Homes
Research Approach
The research will consider value from multiple outcomes, recognising that the impact of a social housing tenancy extends beyond the provision of a physical home. It encompasses outcomes related to financial stability, health and wellbeing, community connection, and employment and education. By examining these outcomes, the research aims to develop a more holistic understanding of the role social housing plays in supporting tenants and contributing to wider societal value.
The approach used for this research incorporates a variety of quantitative and qualitative data sources to explore the value of social housing with PCH, including:
Analysis of existing data held by PCH
Survey with PCH tenants
Focus group with PCH tenants
A bespoke Value of Social Housing Framework and Calculation
Overview
Plymouth Community Homes (PCH) commissioned the Social Research Unit to undertake research exploring the value of a social housing tenancy within the local Plymouth context. The study aims to examine a range of outcomes associated with social housing and to understand how these are experienced by tenants.
Social housing plays a critical role in supporting individuals, families and communities, particularly during periods of economic pressure and social change. Factors such as rising living costs, fuel poverty, and ongoing health and wellbeing challenges have further highlighted the importance of secure, affordable housing and the wider social benefits it can generate. This research seeks to capture those benefits by exploring tenants’ lived experiences alongside broader social and economic impacts.