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sailseaplymouth's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.25
bluestarfish's review against another edition
5.0
Municipal Dreams charts the history of council housing in England from it's beginnings with the first municipal housing built in Liverpool in 1869 to 2017 and the fire that burnt Grenfell Tower. Both the market and philantropy has failed to meet the need for decent housing and this looks at the various ways the state has stepped in (or failed to). The Right to Buy is one of the housing policies I did know about but I learned a lot about the contexts running up to it and its aftermath.
There's a lot of interesting discussion about the changing perceptions of council housing and the harmful stereotypes that never do much to help alleviate real problems or offer solutions. Of course the social cleansing discourse in London around new (re)developments was also familiar, in terms of language at least, but again I learned a lot more on the topic. Some policies are just so infuriating in their lack of decency and disregard of human dignity! Of course councils aren't always going to be magical fairytale landlords, and Boughton doesn't argue that either, but the central government hasn't been a massive help for a long time either. The origins of social landlords was eye-opening too. Basically, I learned a lot. It was a well-written and interesting history.
There's a lot of interesting discussion about the changing perceptions of council housing and the harmful stereotypes that never do much to help alleviate real problems or offer solutions. Of course the social cleansing discourse in London around new (re)developments was also familiar, in terms of language at least, but again I learned a lot more on the topic. Some policies are just so infuriating in their lack of decency and disregard of human dignity! Of course councils aren't always going to be magical fairytale landlords, and Boughton doesn't argue that either, but the central government hasn't been a massive help for a long time either. The origins of social landlords was eye-opening too. Basically, I learned a lot. It was a well-written and interesting history.
carlakingmolina's review against another edition
3.0
Very historical and interesting take on council housing - I learned a lot but I wish it had been a little bit more urban economics-y in its approach.
honorsenglishdropout's review against another edition
3.0
"When council housing is seen as housing of last resort -- a safety net for the poorest or most vulnerable, even in present terms a temporary safety net -- it (and its residents) are seen as second-rate."
newlouisallaway's review against another edition
4.0
Very good and interesting history of council housing in the UK, how it has changed over the year and declined throughout the late 70s to the modern era.
I especially found the discussions surrounding New Labour’s and 70s Labours actions on the matter interesting, so much discourse focuses on right to buy rather than other policy objectives in relation to council housing.
Other reviewers are correct in suggesting it’s a bit of a slow and dense read, lots of specific examples given and it is written (from an obviously pro council housing perspective) but in a largely analytical perspective making it in some areas a not particularly enjoyable read, however if you enjoy the subject matter it is a good summary of the history and policy surrounding the matter.
I would’ve liked to hear more of the authors thoughts on what needs to be done in a conclusion chapter, but honestly it’s a non issue and a merely personal wish.
I especially found the discussions surrounding New Labour’s and 70s Labours actions on the matter interesting, so much discourse focuses on right to buy rather than other policy objectives in relation to council housing.
Other reviewers are correct in suggesting it’s a bit of a slow and dense read, lots of specific examples given and it is written (from an obviously pro council housing perspective) but in a largely analytical perspective making it in some areas a not particularly enjoyable read, however if you enjoy the subject matter it is a good summary of the history and policy surrounding the matter.
I would’ve liked to hear more of the authors thoughts on what needs to be done in a conclusion chapter, but honestly it’s a non issue and a merely personal wish.
mrears0_0's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
comprehensive overview of the history of council housing in the UK
alfboyreads's review against another edition
3.0
listen...... did i enjoy this book? i..... yes. was it very dry and objectively boring? yes. that is not why it took me 25 days to read though, i was busy going through a Major Life Event™. cut me some slack