MHCLG areas of research interest · first published 5 March 2025
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published its third Areas of Research Interest (ARI) document, setting out the policy questions it most wants answered through external research. The ten priority themes cover housing delivery, homelessness, local government reform, economic growth, community cohesion, elections and cross-cutting methodology (including artificial intelligence and data tools). The document is not a call for bids — it explicitly warns that MHCLG cannot respond to speculative approaches for research funding, because all research projects are competitively tendered. For small firms in research, consultancy, data analytics, construction, housing or social policy, this document is a forward-look at where MHCLG will be commissioning paid work during this Parliament. Understanding these themes now lets you shape your capability statements, partnerships and pipeline tracking accordingly.
WHO THIS APPLIES TO
THE ENKII VIEW
For SMEs in research, data analytics, consultancy or specialist built-environment services, this ARI is essentially MHCLG's public wish-list for future tendered contracts — knowing it puts you ahead of competitors who wait for the notice to appear on Find a Tender or Contracts Finder. The strong emphasis on AI tools, preventative analytics, Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and evaluation methodology is notable: these are areas where agile small firms can credibly compete against larger consultancies. However, the explicit statement that funding is only awarded through competitive tender means no shortcuts — cold-call pitches will be ignored, so energy should go into building visibility through the engagement routes the document does offer (seminars, advisory groups, secondments).
1. Map your existing capabilities against MHCLG's ten priority themes now and update your capability statement or website to reflect alignment — so you are positioned when formal tenders appear on Contracts Finder or Find a Tender.
SMEs in research, consultancy or data analytics considering MHCLG work — The ARI explicitly states these are the areas MHCLG will seek evidence on, and all projects are competitively tendered, so early positioning beats reactive bidding.
2. Develop a concise case study showing how your AI or data tool has reduced reporting burden or improved decision-making at a local or national level — ready to submit as evidence or reference in a future bid.
SMEs with AI, data or analytics products or services — The document specifically calls out AI tools for local authority data gathering and planning system improvement as priority research questions, signalling likely future commissions in this space.
3. If you work with Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) or building safety/remediation, document quantified outcomes and lessons learned — this evidence base will strengthen bids for MHCLG-commissioned research or policy work.
SMEs in housing, construction or built-environment consultancy — MMC standards and construction productivity decline are named research interests, and Grenfell remediation is a stated departmental priority.
4. Do NOT send speculative funding pitches. Instead, email ari-contact@communities.gov.uk to introduce your organisation's research interests and ask about seminar, roundtable or advisory group opportunities — these are the legitimate engagement routes the document lists.
All SMEs wanting to engage with MHCLG — The document explicitly states MHCLG cannot respond to speculative approaches for research funding; relationship-building through named engagement mechanisms is the appropriate first step.
5. Write up your local delivery experience as a short evidence summary with measurable outcomes, and proactively share it via the ARI contact email or relevant What Works Centre — this builds your profile ahead of competitive tenders.
SMEs with evidence on local-level initiatives (homelessness, child poverty, community cohesion, etc.) — MHCLG explicitly says it is keen to learn from local-level initiatives with a strong test-and-learn approach and clear evidence on what works.
6. Set up Contracts Finder and Find a Tender alerts for MHCLG as buyer, filtered to research, consultancy and data services — the ARI themes give you the keywords to use (e.g. homelessness, MMC, preventative analytics, devolution, elections).
SMEs tracking the MHCLG pipeline — Since all MHCLG research funding is awarded through competitive tender, monitoring procurement portals is the only reliable route to knowing when opportunities go live.
Every rule below quotes the official document verbatim.
This document covers MHCLG's ten priority research themes for this Parliament, building on previous ARI documents published in 2018 and 2022. (MHCLG; all external research providers, funders and experts)
“MHCLG and our predecessor department have published two previous documents, in 2018 and 2022. This shorter document builds on these.”
MHCLG will not respond to speculative approaches for research funding; all research projects are competitively tendered. (All organisations seeking MHCLG research funding)
“the department cannot respond to speculative approaches for research funding, as research projects are competitively tendered.”
MHCLG's ten priority research topics are: Driving growth; Delivering 1.5 million new homes; Improving housing quality; Ending homelessness; Reforming local government and local public services; Make work pay; Stronger/more cohesive communities; Supporting resettlement programmes; Elections; Cross-cutting research methodologies. (All external research providers engaging with MHCLG)
“Driving growth • Delivering 1.5 million new homes • Improving housing quality • Ending homelessness • Reforming local government, local government finance and local public services • Make work pay • Stronger, more integrated and more cohesive communities • Supporting resettlement programmes • Elections • Cross-cutting – research methodologies and related issues”
MHCLG is specifically interested in AI tools for data gathering from local authorities and for speeding up the planning system. (Data, AI and technology suppliers engaging with MHCLG)
“Are there any examples of AI tools being used effectively for data gathering from local authorities creating a less burdensome approach to gathering data, analysis or reporting? What are the best ways in which the use of AI could speed up the planning system, reduce costs for local government and improve the delivery of public services?”
MHCLG has a research interest in Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), including module interface standards, in the context of delivering 1.5 million new homes. (Construction and housing research providers)
“What are the contexts in which the different types of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) are likely to be most useful? Are new standards for module interfaces required to facilitate the use of MMC?”
MHCLG wants evidence on preventative analytics tools to identify populations at risk of homelessness. (Data analytics and social policy research providers)
“What data, evidence and analytical tools (preventative analytics) are required to identify populations at risk of homelessness, such as families facing eviction, victims of domestic abuse, or individuals with precarious work conditions?”
MHCLG engages external organisations through seminars, roundtables, internships, advisory group membership, secondments and collaborative research partnerships — not only through commissioned contracts. (All external organisations seeking to engage with MHCLG)
“MHCLG collaborates with external organisations and academia through various mechanisms, including: strong working links with the What Works Centres... seminar, roundtables, ad hoc meetings... short and long-term internships... partnering with academic and non-academic organisations... secondment opportunities”
Contact for research engagement is ari-contact@communities.gov.uk. (All external organisations seeking to engage with MHCLG)
“contact can be made with us at ari-contact@communities.gov.uk”
MHCLG is interested in new and innovative local-level initiatives with a strong test-and-learn approach that generate clear evidence on what works and could be applied more widely. (All research and consultancy suppliers with relevant local delivery experience)
“keen to learn from any examples of local level initiatives that are relevant to our key policy areas, including new and innovative approaches that have a strong test and learn approach, are generating clear evidence on what works, and that could be applied more widely.”
MHCLG is committed to delivering 1.5 million net additional homes and fast-tracking planning decisions on 150 major infrastructure projects during this Parliament. (Housing, planning and construction research providers)
“getting Britain building – including the commitment to 1.5 million net additional homes during this Parliament and fast-tracking planning decisions on 150 major infrastructure projects”
This briefing is enkii's interpretation of the official document — the official text always governs.
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