Full Breakdown
Labour Party Pushes for Greater Public Control of Social Housing
By Drooid · · How we work
New Powers for Councils and Housing Associations
At the Labour conference, the party outlined measures that will require housing associations to accept referrals of homeless families unless they provide reasonable grounds for refusal. Local councils will receive 60 days’ notice when a social home is placed on the market, giving them time to bid for the property. A new “collaboration duty” will obligate public services such as health authorities to alert councils to crises that could lead to homelessness, mirroring duties already in place in Scotland and Wales. The proposals will be introduced through the Social Housing Bill currently progressing in the Commons.
Context of Homelessness and Housing Need
Homelessness charities note that almost 180,000 children are living in temporary accommodation across England. Shelter estimates that 90,000 new social-rent homes are required each year for the next decade to end homelessness. The rise in families in temporary accommodation has prompted calls for stronger public control of the housing sector.
Official Statements & Responses
She added that the government is “tapping them on the shoulder” to encourage councils to submit more plans in the next funding round.
“Andy’s put even greater focus on council housing for sure,” — Angela Rayner
Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, has previously argued for directing all funds from the affordable homes programme toward social homes. Rayner echoed this focus, noting, “Andy’s put even greater focus on council housing for sure.”
Data & Statistics
- Children in temporary accommodation: ? 180,000
- Required new social-rent homes: 90,000 per year for 10 years (Shelter)
- Upcoming funding round: £16 billion for affordable homes, with the government encouraging bids for council-owned projects
What’s Next
The Social Housing Bill will be debated in the House of Commons in the coming weeks. Councils will have 60 days to respond to any sale of a social home, and the next £16 billion funding round for affordable housing is expected to be allocated later this year, with the Labour Party urging councils to prioritize council-owned construction.