“What people want, where people live”: New housing policy in the Netherlands

Abstract

The policy document “What people want, wherepeople live” outlines Dutch housing policy forthe coming decade, and gives a glimpse of theyears beyond. The policy document paints a broadbrush picture of the social, economic and administrativedevelopments in recent years. It is recognisedthat five core policy tasks are important toDutch housing policy in the years ahead:increasing the options for the citizens whilegiving due regard to social constraints,creating opportunities for people in vulnerablesituations, housing combined with tailor-madecare, improving the quality of urban life andmeeting the desire for a greener residentialenvironment. The policy document presents an administrativemodel for meeting these challenges. The role ofthe housing associations is also addressed.