XClose

Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care

Home
Menu

From one affordability crisis to another: 'Generation Rent', gentrification and displacement...

Tim Butler and Jack Airey, King's College London

(Project no. 30166)

The study aims to assess the extent of displacement of lower-income groups in Tower Hamlet's private rented sector as a result of an influx of a higher-income rental class. It will combine cross-sectional census data with longitudinal census data.

Cross-sectional analysis has been carried out using area-level census data for 2001 and 2011, looking at the private rented sector in Tower Hamlets. The distribution of two broad NS-SEC categories (representing higher and lower incomes) has been examined at 2001 and 2011. The hypothesis developed is that where the proportion of lower-income persons has fallen between censuses, this represents displacement by persons with higher incomes.   

The aim is to test this hypothesis by examining LS members who are privately renting in Tower Hamlets in 2001 and 2011 respectively, and examining their location and tenure status in 2011 and 2001 respectively. 

The cross-sectional analysis examined specifically an area defined by seven particular Middle Layer Super Output Areas. The longitudinal analysis will be carried out at the lowest geographic classification possible but given the limited sample numbers of private renters, and the short time available, it may be necessary to work at Local Authority level.    

The purpose of the research is to highlight the growing affordability crisis in east London for private renters.