Decentralisation and inter-governmental relations in the housing sector
Based on a survey, this paper presents new data on the decentralisation of the housing
system and co-ordination mechanisms across levels of government, focusing on the provision
of social housing. Decision-making in social housing tends to be more devolved to
sub-national actors, as compared to other key public services. Policy decision making
tends to be more centralised, while sub-national governments and housing providers
have more control over decisions regarding the inputs, outputs and monitoring of social
housing. Governments globally have implemented a mix of housing policy interventions.
Demand side interventions include tax allowances and subsidies to facilitate the purchase
of a home or the provision of social housing in the rental market to those in need.
Interventions to influence the supply of housing are generally aimed at housing developers
or sub-national governments, to stimulate housing construction. There are a number
of policy tools readily available to sub-national governments to improve housing outcomes,
including the implementation and reform of taxes on immovable property and the relaxation
of restrictive land use regulations.
Published on May 25, 2020
In series:OECD Working Papers on Fiscal Federalismview more titles