A Policy Network Perspective on Social Housing Provision in the European Union: The Case of CECODHAS

Abstract

This article draws on network theory to examine the evolution of the network of European social housing providers (CECODHAS) in the context of a rapidly changing policy environment. In order to do so, it outlines the objectives and structure of the network and looks at the management mechanisms that it has had to put in place to adjust to new demands from its environment – notably, European laws and directives impacting on the delivery of social housing at national and local levels. In particular, the paper discusses the capacity to influence the policy of this highly diverse network, both in organizational and cultural terms. It is argued that the network is a highly cohesive one, which has expanded and increased its activity mainly due to the existence of strong personal ties built over 20 years amongst its members and through a shared belief about the need for a “social dimension” in an increasingly competitive and market‐orientated Europe. Using a policy network approach, the paper illustrates the processes leading to the development of a value‐based trans‐national network with a clear focus on influencing policy. It also explores how and to what extent CECODHAS is influencing policy outcomes in the social housing policy field.