The Research on Differences and Policies of Housing Provision in UK Cities before and after the WWII

Abstract

WWII dealt a heavy blow to British cities, especially to urban housing provision. The purpose of this research paper is to compare the differences in urban housing supply data and policies in the UK before and after the WWII and draw out some successful experiences and housing policies. With reference to the changes in housing provision in London and Manchester before and after WWII, this essay firstly focuses on an overall development process of housing provision before and after WWII in British industrial cities represented by the two cities through a comparative and analytical data research method. Then, through comparative analysis, the article compares what effective government policies were put in place to stabilise housing supply before and after the WWII. Before WWII, the government met the large demand for working-class housing by clearing slums and increasing housing construction, while after WWII, the government encouraged the development of counter-urbanisation and dealt some conflicts in the urban-rural fringe to ensure effective urban housing provision.