The Need for Equity in BAME Communities

Please note that this article was published prior to the new brand name of PREACH Inclusion® on 25 April 2024, so you will notice references to BAME in Property.

It’s 2022 and we’re still talking about injustices in housing and planning?! To kick off our 2022 blog series, Antoinette Squires, an Urban Planning student at Loughborough University, shares her views on why equity over equality needs to be prioritised in planning to result in better outcomes for Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities. From meaningful engagement to community-based practices, these are just some of the equitable solutions planners can start to incorporate to create a more inclusive society. Less talking - more walking, who’s with us?

As I was exploring ways in which the planning system can prioritise the needs of BAME communities through explicit policy, I came across an impactful line:- In Amy Bristow’s report on ‘Meeting the Needs of BAME Households’, it stated that most of the planners interviewed, felt that “they would need strong evidence to prioritise the needs of certain groups above others.” In all honesty, I was completely stunned. Isn’t the evidence all around us? A walk through predominantly ethnic neighbourhoods in Hackney or Tower Hamlets reveals the ingrained inequalities. The tangible evidence often manifests itself in poorly maintained houses and streets, all of which contributes to the atmosphere of poverty that enshrouds these places. If I can see this with my naked eye, why is there an absence of “strong evidence”?

"There is a serious knowledge gap within the industry on manifestations of racial inequality"

In my opinion, this troubling perception is because research into the experience of BAME individuals is unprioritized. With only 3% of planners identifying as BAME, there is a serious knowledge gap within the industry on manifestations of racial inequality. Additionally, there is a tendency to adopt a technocratic approach to community engagement. This constrains democratic discourse; the only way we can hear the needs of the marginalised. Thankfully, following the Black Lives Matter protests, the RTPI has pledged to increase diversity within the sector. With greater power granted to the opinions of BAME planners, we might witness a shift in priorities.

Equality versus equity

A policy shift towards building equity within ethnic enclaves should be considered. Equity tailors resource allocation to the specific needs of a community, creating equal access to success. Within planning, the Equity Planning framework exists to make this possible. It encourages planners to utilise their resources and influence, to implement policies that redistribute resources to marginalised groups.

"The truth is equality can be problematic because we all have different starting points in life. Therefore, equity is the best way to achieve equality"

Since adopting equity planning, Baltimore City has altered its planning process to include equitable concerns. For example, when assessing proposals, they ask 'What historic disadvantages and advantages have affected residents in the given community?'. These changes align with their goal of making Baltimore a city that “addresses the needs of its diverse population, and meaningfully engages with residents through inclusive, collaborative processes to expand access to resources and power.” In its current form, the UK’s planning system evades equity. The domineering argument is the planning system is fair and inclusive because our procedures promote equality. However, the truth is equality can be problematic because we all have different starting points in life. Therefore, equity is the best way to achieve equality.

An equitable solution that can be considered is Collaborative Housing (CH). Popular in cities like Vienna, CH is designed to make communities take the lead in the housing development process. From its inception, residents work with external stakeholders like planners and architects, to design housing that fulfils their needs. Ranging from small apartments to a collection of single-family units, developments frequently include communal kitchens, childcare facilities, and green spaces. This tailored approach to housing, builds community networks, which ultimately improves residents’ quality of life.

Structural biases within housing

Many ethnic enclaves lack this community support. To comprehend why, we must consider the structural biases, particularly within the housing sector. According to research, 30% of the BAME population (excluding Indians), are likely to live in unaffordable housing, despite, on average, allocating one-third of their income to rent. When coupled with policies that disproportionally affect minorities like Benefit Cuts, NRPF and Right to Rent, considerable levels of housing insecurity are experienced. Because of this, ethnic minorities are frequently unable to develop spatial and personal attachments with their neighbourhoods. Hence, the rapid rates of residential turnover and lack of community engagement often witnessed.

"With strong connections, a willingness to aid each other can emerge."

On a household level, the lack of community leads to struggles in child rearing. With many parents working to provide for their family, both here and abroad, a pattern of parental absenteeism within the home emerges. Unfortunately, this may result in their child underachieving due to a lack of guidance, potentially stunting upward social mobility. A supportive community can change this. With strong connections, a willingness to aid each other can emerge. Multipurpose rooms may become language centres for parents, so they can better engage in their children’s education. Community operated childcare services may extend from a singular space, to include things like school bus services or affordable babysitting.

Changing policy

"I implore all planners and the RTPI to recognise the power they possess and use it to stimulate equity"

If the RTPI wants to increase diversity within the sector and achieve equality, it must begin by instilling equity into BAME communities. While it won’t be easy, policy changes are critical. Meaningful engagement must be prioritised, with a focus on allowing conversations and building understanding. Moreover, to increase participation, recommendations outlined in Grayling Engage and the RTPI’s Future of Engagement report must be implemented. Lastly, we must persuade investors by establishing a sound business case for equitable development. In closing, I implore all planners and the RTPI to recognise the power they possess and use it to stimulate equity.