My colour speaks before me: How racism and discrimination affect Black and Black Mixed heritage people’s access to social homes in England

People of Colour, particularly Black communities, are disproportionately affected by the housing emergency. Black-led households face the highest rates of homelessness, and many communities of colour are more likely to be living in unsafe or unaffordable homes.

A social home offers people solid foundations to get on in life. It can help tackle racial inequalities in the housing system. However, in our research with Black and Black Mixed Heritage social housing applicants, people reported discrimination and barriers to accessing a safe and secure social home. We also highlight historic barriers and systemic racism embedded within the housing sector.

This research was driven by 16 Peer Researchers who identify as Black or Black Mixed heritage. The Peer Researchers took photography and interviewed 46 people with similar lived experiences about trying to access a social home. Peer Researchers also co-produced the policy solutions recommended in this report. Implementing these solutions will help to build an equitable and inclusive social housing system.