ABSTRACT
This chapter provides evidence to enable change in housing policies. Evidence can help shape language games, and the information is intended as a contribution to the debates and negotiations around housing policy. The chapter explains the kind of evidence that is useful in the policy process. It examines different forms or mechanisms of housing policy and comment on their effectiveness in different contexts. There are many influences on housing policy, and the term 'governance' used in contrast to the term 'government' shows the acceptance that policy is made through networks consisting of a number of public, private, voluntary and hybrid organisations. Housing policy is usually considered to be essentially a national concern. In most countries, local governments are involved to a greater or lesser extent in the making and implementation of housing policy. There are many different approaches to guide governments and other agencies to make housing policy.
