DEMOS

 

Over the past century, rich and poor have increasingly lived apart. But now the government and many others call for mixed communities, which include both privately owned and socially owned housing. This report examines community life on such ‘mixed tenure’ estates. It argues that while few residents perceive that mixing tenures creates significant problems, most developments are characterised by little contact between richer and poorer groups. Fostering an inclusive society is more complex and will require new intermediary institutions and workers who can help engender an environment characterised by trust, common action and acceptable public behaviour.