URBAN-POLICY, HOUSING POLICY, AND THE DEMISE OF THE DUTCH WELFARE-STATE

The urban and housing policies at the height of the welfare state have improved the housing situation of low-income households in the large cities in the Netherlands. However, the current trend toward deregulat ion and the proposals to taper off subsidy programs will weaken their housing market position. The urban policy of revitalization will expos e them to more severe competition from higher-income groups, thus caus ing their housing situation to deteriorate. The least attractive parts of the neighborhoods built in the 1950s may turn into concentration a reas for low-income households. That trend would increase segregation at the city level, which could lead to conflicts of interest of a scop e unprecedented in Dutch cities.