Liberal Democratic Party: Andrew Stunell: A fairer future for social housing

“In times of economic hardship, it is vital that social housing is effective in helping people get back on their feet.”

Liberal Democrat Communities Minister, Andrew Stunell today launches “Local Decisions: A Fairer Future for Social Housing”, the Coalition Government’s consultation document on reforms to social housing.

The proposals will give councils more flexibility to maximise the use of their social housing stock and drive down waiting lists. The plans will also allow for more flexibility to tackle the twin problems of under-occupation and overcrowding.

Housing Associations will be given the option of introducing fixed term tenure for new tenants. Lifetime security of tenure will be protected for existing tenants and will still be available as an option for new tenants. Housing Associations will also be able to offer new affordable rents and use this revenue to build more affordable homes.

Commenting, Andrew Stunell said:

“To have five million people stuck on social housing waiting lists is unacceptable – clearly this system is broken and needs a radical overhaul.

“Liberal Democrats have always said we need to have a much smarter system that protects lifetime tenancies, but also provides the flexibility to ensure that help is targeted at people who really need it, enabling us to get more for every pound of taxpayers’ money.

“In times of economic hardship, it is vital that social housing is effective in helping people get back on their feet.”