Housing tenure, housing costs and poverty in Flanders (Belgium)

This article deals with the relation betweenhousing and poverty in Flanders (Belgium). Wedescribe how home tenure and housing costsdeveloped differently for different incomegroups. Furthermore, we assess the impact ofthese evolutions on poverty and welfaredistribution. Our analyses show that in theobserved period homeownership increasedstrongly among higher-income categories andremained stable or even decreased amonglow-income households. Average housing costsincreased more for low-income households thanfor high-income households, leading to a sharpincrease in problematic rent-to-income ratiosfor the former. It appears that especially theprivate rented sector is problematic. Thesocial rented sector is evaluated ratherpositively. Taking account of housing costsleads to higher poverty levels and higherwelfare inequality compared to the situationwhere only current income is used to calculatepoverty and welfare distribution.     

On the genesis of an urban policy in Flanders, Belgium

Conclusion Inner-city decay took place gradually over many decades. As a matter of fact, improving the inner city is also a slow process; this goal cannot be achieved within one term of office. The city must regain the trust of the inhabitants. Plans must be drawn up, land and buildings must be purchased, and advisory bodies must be established. This is a complicated matter. Moreover, the rules of the game have changed. That is why the first convenant has great experimental value. Both the framework of the SIF and the convenant must be given a chance to grow. If the dilapidated neighbourhoods do not show improvement yet, and if the confidence of the population is not regained within a three-year period, we can only hope that the baby will not be thrown out with the bathwater. Above all, the urban policy requires stability and continuity if it is to thrive. Bascal de Decker studied sociology and urban planning at the State University of Ghent. He is expert at the Cabinet of the Flemish Minister of Internal Affairs, Urban Policy and Housing, Brussels.     

The experience of homeless women: An exploration of housing histories and the meaning of home

The exploratory study with homeless women presented in this paper aims to highlight two shortcomings in the current literature on homelessness, which accompany the predominant conceptualisation of ‘home’ as a place of safety and security, and homelessness as a primarily structural issue characterised by ‘residential instability’. The first is the paucity of research on homeless women in their own right and the second the lack of studies which examine underlying reasons for residential instability from homeless women's own perspectives. An intensive, small sample interview study was carried out with 12 regular women users of a day centre for homeless people (Brighton, south of England). They were asked about their patterns of residence, reasons for moving, definitions of ‘house’, ‘home’, and ‘ideal home’, and they gave their housing histories in some detail. In a quantitative analysis, their patterns of moving and definitions of ‘home’ were compared to those of a group of securely housed women. Number of moves was comparable in both groups, but for the homeless women the majority of moves had been made to avoid abuse and social services relocations. Whilst all of the securely housed women could confidently define a difference in meaning between a ‘house’ and a ‘home’, only 3 of the 12 homeless women did. They equated ‘home’ with safety and security, the same terms used in the literature to define what housing means, and the two most salient features largely absent in homeless women's experience of housing. The meaning of home is further explored in a qualitative analysis, where the themes of safety and security—or rather their absence in abusive relationships—are traced through the homeless women's childhood, adolescence and adulthood. These exploratory findings question an easy equation between ‘residential instability’ and homelessness, and highlight the need to investigate further the reasons why women leave housing, and the relationship this has to an understanding of what ‘home’ means. Whilst current formulations suggest that the homelessness of women is a problem, and housing the solution, this study suggests that housing is the problem—homelessness may well be a solution.     

Facets of housing and housing policies in Belgium

It seems that many Belgian cities are doing well. Their population is increasing, numerous urban projects are under way, and masses of construction sites testify to effective realisations. And the inner cities are swamped with tourists and visitors attracted by the historical monuments and leisure activities. Is the 21st century indeed becoming the era of the city, as a White Book on urban policies predicts? Or is some modification of that prediction necessary? It would seem so, since the population growth is due to people coming from abroad (family reunification or formation; asylum-seekers), while at the same time the natives—as they have done since the 1960s—keep on leaving the city. So sub- and de-urbanisation has not stopped. There are even indications that it is accelerating again. In this contribution we consider why sub- and de-urbanisation, why sprawl is so obstinate, so persistent. We look at the structures behind the Belgian sprawl, seeing them as the consequence of a longstanding dialectical process of political choices and actions, cultural convictions and economic possibilities that reinforced each other in daily practice over and over again in the dominant direction.     

Towards a sustainable transformation of the detached houses in peri-urban Flanders,Belgium

This article explores possibilities for future uses of inflatable and fabric architecture in urban contexts. Such uses may serve regeneration or homeless sheltering purposes, drawing from the Bedouin and Traveller traditions. They may also build on the much more recent Western precedents offered by the “Occupy” movement and pop-up buildings, and arguably follow in the footsteps of Situationism.     

Calculation and mapping of critical loads of sulfur and nitrogen in Flanders, Belgium

Up to now, critical loads calculations for the Flemish Region were based on European background data of surrounding countries. A first attempt has been made to calculate and map critical loads for forest ecosystems in Flanders using available site-specific information. Values of current deposition were used to calculate and map exceedances. The lowest critical loads for acidification (697 eq ha(-1)year(-1)) occur in the Campine and the north of Limburg where ecosystems largely consist of coniferous forests on poor sandy soils. The dominance of coniferous forest types in the Campine is also responsible for low critical load values for eutrophication (between 536 and 971 eq ha(-1)year(-1)). In 75% of the receptor points that have been considered an exceedance of the critical load for acidification is noted, primarily in areas with high SO2 and NOx depositions, such as the north of the provinces East and West Flanders and Antwerp. The critical load for eutrophication is exceeded in all points considered. Exceedances are particularly high in coniferous forests in West Flanders, and in the north of the provinces of Antwerp and Limburg, where especially NHx depositions amount to high values. Data needed for the calculation of critical loads are still sparse in Flanders, e.g. for: (1) weathering rates of soil minerals; (2) interception and evaporation of forest ecosystems; and (3) uptake of N and basic cations by vegetation. This supplementary information will contribute to a further refining of the calculated critical loads, which constitute indispensable information in developing an emission abatement policy.     

The creation of the incapable social tenant in Flanders,Belgium. An appraisal

As long as the social rented sector housed traditional families and the allocation procedures were rather loose, there was little commotion about the sector. A combination of a change in family structures, economic changes, and the strengthening of allocation procedures in favour of those most in need did change perceptions. Marginalisation and ghettoisation, especially of high-rise social housing estates, became buzzwords. This paper deals with the causes of these changes and with their implications. The marginalisation discourse calls for enlarging the target groups and estate-specific allocation procedures (to obtain a `social mix'). It illustrates a profound desire to diminish the number of ethnic minorities, single parents, single-person households and all kinds of people with a weak income profile who gain access to social rental housing. Furthermore, this discourse is reaching a crescendo: after it was started in the early 1990s by staff members of local social housing companies, it passed through the union of the social housing companies, the umbrella organisation of the sector, and parliament, reaching its greatest momentum so far in early 2002 when it was adopted by the Flemish housing minister. The counterpoint to this negative discourse is the high degree of satisfaction among social tenants, as observed in a study carried out in 1999. In our paper we will try to explain the background of these opposing trends and the possible consequences for the social rental housing in general and for tenants in particular.     

Design principles in housing for people with complex physical and cognitive disability: towards an integrated framework for practice

To develop a research-based environmental framework to guide the design and construction of suitable residential dwellings for individuals with complex disability. An environmental approach to housing design and development recognises that there are physical, psychological and social components relating to housing design, dwelling location and the neighbourhood context, and that these elements interact to affect the physical, psychological, and social wellness of individuals. Following theoretical review and synthesis, a comprehensive set of design features that are conducive to residents’ wellness and quality of life are described. It is clear that housing design and development for people with complex disability ought to consider the physical, social, natural, symbolic, and care environment in relation to housing design, dwelling location, and the neighbourhood context for improved housing outcomes. An integrated housing design and development framework is presented. It is hoped this practical matrix/evaluative tool will inform future inclusive housing design and development decisions in Australia and internationally. The application of this framework is especially relevant to political climates striving to achieve design innovation to increase housing choice for people with complex disability.     

From SIF to City Fund: a new direction for urban policy in Flanders,Belgium

For years, analysts have wondered about the exceptional place that Belgium, and in particular Flanders, has taken in the urban policy landscape. Contrary to neighbouring, equally strongly urbanised Western European countries, Flanders maintained a tradition of neglect towards its urban centres, linked to the hegemony of a rural-based Christian-democratic party. In the 1990’s, this tradition was converted into an urban policy approach which, equally at odds with developments towards urban entrepreneurialism in other Western European countries, remained strongly oriented towards social policy. Only in 1999, when, for the first time in 50 years Christian-democrats resigned from government, the Flemish discourse took a more pro-urban and entrepreneurial approach. This paper shows how this discursive shift at the regional scale is reflected in local urban policy-making practices and warns against the detrimental social effects it might have on the field.

Geophysical exploration of an old dumpsite in the perspective of enhanced landfill mining in Kermt area,Belgium

Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment - Landfills are becoming major sources for industrial raw materials yet it is difficult to determine the type of material hosted in old dumps....     

Evaluation of the process of integration in a transdisciplinary landscape study in the Pajottenland (Flanders, Belgium)

In order to preserve the overall landscape values in the Pajottenland, the province of Vlaams-Brabant initiated a campaign to raise awareness of local authorities and stakeholders and to stimulate co-coordinated actions. As very few scientific studies exist for the region, an interdisciplinary study was commissioned from the University of Ghent, involving archaeologists, historians, geographers and planners. This article evaluates the process of integration between the scientific disciplines and between the researchers (interdisciplinary) and program team and stakeholders (transdisciplinary) involved in this project. Potentials and difficulties encountered in the successive phases are evaluated and discussed. The interdisciplinary trajectory worked relatively smoothly as it was focused upon the realization of the first integrated landscape biography for the region. This biography includes scientific results as well as an integration of the complex legal and administrative instruments, which are necessary for the implementation of the study. Also, a methodology was developed for assessing landscape values at the municipal level, to be carried out by local stakeholders. This methodology was demonstrated with the case study of Gooik. The transdisciplinary integration encountered a series of difficulties, which mainly related to the unclear and shifting objectives of the program team and to aspects of communication between the partners and the lack of a common language.     

Cycling and ecosystem impact of metals in contaminated calcareous dredged sediment-derived soils (Flanders, Belgium)

Significant areas in Flanders, Belgium exhibit moderate contamination with trace metals caused by disposal of contaminated dredged sediments. After disposal, the sediments develop into a soil-like material, on which vegetation is planted or develops spontaneously. Behaviour, cycling and ecosystem impacts of trace metals in calcareous dredged sediment disposal sites in Flanders is reviewed. Although soil physico-chemical properties favour a low metal bioavailability, pore water concentrations can be elevated compared to pore water in uncontaminated soils. While metal leaching is not considered to be of concern, several plants accumulate elevated levels of Cd and Zn in leaves. Also metal levels in soil dwelling organisms and small mammals, particularly Cd, are elevated compared to reference situations. This raises concern for an enhanced transfer of metals to the food chain. Future research should identify biological effects on organisms caused by the contamination. A comprehensive knowledge of metal behaviour in these sites is essential for developing appropriate management options for these sites.     

Accumulation of metals in a horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland treating domestic wastewater in Flanders, Belgium

This study assessed the accumulation of metals in a horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland treating domestic wastewater of 350 PE after three years of operation. Metal concentrations in the influent wastewater, effluent, sediment, leaves, stems, and belowground biomass of Phragmites australis were analysed. Spatial variations were assessed by sampling at increasing distance from the inlet and at different positions across the width of the reed bed. All metals except Fe and Mn were efficiently removed in the CW, total metal concentrations in the effluent complied with basic environmental quality standards for surface water, and dissolved metal concentrations were often lower than analytical detection limits. Removal efficiencies varied between 49% for Ni and 93% for Al. Export of dissolved Mn and particulate Fe occurred, probably related to redox conditions in the sediment. After 3 years of operation, the sediment in the inlet area was significantly contaminated with Zn, Cu, and Cd, whereas Pb could form a contamination problem within the near future. The Cr and Ni levels in the sediment were low throughout the entire reed bed. At this stage of operation, the contamination problem was still situated within the inlet area and metal concentrations in the sediment decreased towards background values further along the treatment path. An exponential decrease of the metal mass in the sediment and belowground biomass was seen for all metals except Mn. Contrary to the other metals, Mn concentrations in the sediment increased with distance. For all metals, less than 2% of the mass removed from the wastewater after passage through the reed bed is accumulated in the aboveground reed biomass. The sediment acts as the primary sink for metals.     

Tenure preference and housing strategy: An exploration of Pakistani experiences

There is an increasing literature on the exclusion of and difficulties faced by minority ethnic communities in a range of areas, of which housing is one of the most important. But there is relatively little good, recent, qualitative material available, which explores the process of decision‐making—including decisions regarding housing—within minority ethnic families. A missing element, therefore, is the study of action by householders and consequently, the realisation (or otherwise) of preferences and the cumulative results of actions in facilitating or restricting choice. The present paper reports on a small‐scale research study of Pakistani housing preferences in Glasgow, whose aim was to develop a life history interviewing technique, using a semi‐structured schedule, focusing on housing preferences, housing moves and experiences. Pakistani households are shown to experience continuing difficulties in funding and organising household moves. There are areas of Glasgow where families feel unsafe and there is a continuing problem of racial harassment. Neither the local authority nor housing associations are generally able to offer appropriate housing. The life history interviewing technique used allows an exploration of how households reached decisions on their housing and on how they indulged in ‘trade‐offs’ between different houses, areas or tenures. Thus our understanding of the role of agency in the development of patterns of housing and individual housing careers is developed.     

Race and uneven recovery: neighborhood home value trajectories in Atlanta before and after the housing crisis

We use zip-code-level home value data and cluster analysis to define three types of neighborhood housing markets in the Atlanta region based on their levels of volatility and stability before, during, and after the housing crisis. We identify the demographic and housing market characteristics of each of these clusters and use multivariate analysis to measure their predictive association with the neighborhood types. We also examine factors that predict long-term price appreciation over the 2001–2014 period. One key finding is that many black neighborhoods exhibited steep rates of price decline with only little recovery following the crisis. Meanwhile, many predominantly white, middle- and upper-income neighborhoods generally more than recovered from any housing price declines. The findings suggest that the legacies of the mortgage crisis may have long-lasting implications for housing wealth inequality and housing markets. Implications include a call for a renewed commitment to fair housing, community reinvestment, and equitable housing finance policies to support more evenness in recovery.     

"Near and far": social distancing in domiciled characterisations of homeless people

For domiciled individuals, homeless people provide a disturbing reminder that all is not right with the world. Reactions to seeing homeless people frequently encompass repulsion, discomfort, sympathy and sometimes futility. This paper considers domiciled constructions of homeless people drawn from interviews with 16 participants recruited in the central business district of a New Zealand city. It documents how, when trying to make sense of this complex social problem, domiciled people draw on shared characterizations of homeless people. The concept of "social distance" is used to interrogate the shifting and sometimes incongruous reactions evident in participant accounts. "Social distancing" is conceptualised as a dynamic communal practice existing in interactions between human beings and reflected in the ways that domiciled people talk about their experiences with homeless individuals.     

Improving housing outcomes: the value of advice and support for vulnerable older people

Theories of household decision making stress the importance of access to information in informing residential choice. The difficulties in gathering and processing information on housing options, however, are compounded in later stages of life, with push factors to expensive forms of residential care assuming greater significance as individuals reach a crisis through deteriorating health and restricted physical ability. The purpose of this paper is to examine the ways in which the provision of a UK government-backed advice and support service, named FirstStop, altered the housing outcomes of a sample of vulnerable elderly individuals on the verge of a crisis and living in inappropriate housing for their needs. The paper concludes that not only can such a publicly-funded service facilitate independent living for longer; it may also delay or prevent the need for more expensive institutional care which is costly to both individuals and public finances. As this initiative is the first of its kind internationally, evaluating its benefits not only informs UK policy makers but also those in other countries considering replicating such a service.