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Lifecycle stage Royal Assent
4,910 days in stage

Social Housing Rent Policy

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is reforming social housing rent policy, including proposals to restore Local Housing Allowance rates, implement Social Rent convergence, and reform subsidy rules for council housing. Multiple bills are progressing including the Co-operative Housing Tenure Bill and Carers Bedroom Entitlement Bill. The policy aims to improve affordability and value for money in the social housing sector.


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2026

12 events
22 Apr 2026 | Committee report linked

We recommend that the Department for Work and Pensions unfreeze the subsidy rates by increasing the rate councils are reimbursed to match the current Local Housing Allowance rate. We also recommend that the Government conduct a detailed review of the subsidy rules to ensure they incentivise councils to source good-quality accommodation. (Recommendation, Paragraph 82)

We recommend that the Department for Work and Pensions unfreeze the subsidy rates by increasing the rate councils are reimbursed to match the current Local Housing Allowance rate. We also recommend that the Government conduct a detailed review of the …

22 Apr 2026 | Committee report linked

We recommend that the government set out how they plan to prioritise bids for grant funding through the Social and Affordable Homes Programme, including how they will take into account value for money. (Recommendation, Paragraph 102)

We recommend that the government set out how they plan to prioritise bids for grant funding through the Social and Affordable Homes Programme, including how they will take into account value for money. (Recommendation, Paragraph 102) Type: recommendation | Number: …

28 Jan 2026 | Consultation outcome Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Context · primary home: Social Housing Renewal Bill linked

Consultation on future social housing rent policy — outcome published

We are seeking views on a new Direction to the Regulator of Social Housing in relation to social housing rent policy from 1 April 2026.

2025

15 events
3 Oct 2025 | Consultation (closed) Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Context · primary home: Commonhold and Leasehold Refo… linked

Social Housing Tenant Service Charges — consultation closed

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (‘the Act’) introduces a range of measures to improve home ownership for millions of leaseholders in England and Wales, including increasing the transparency of fixed and variable service charges. On 4 July 2025, …

20 Aug 2025 | Consultation (closed) Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Context · primary home: Commonhold and Leasehold Refo… linked

Social Housing Tenant Service Charges — consultation opened

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (‘the Act’) introduces a range of measures to improve home ownership for millions of leaseholders in England and Wales, including increasing the transparency of fixed and variable service charges. On 4 July 2025, …

24 Jul 2025 | Committee report linked

The Pensions Policy Institute expects the number and proportion of pensioners renting privately to grow from around 6% now to 17% in 2041. As many as 400,000 households could become dependent on means-tested benefits. Pensioners renting privately are already at risk of poverty, with the operation of the Local Housing Allowance a contributing factor. (Conclusion, Paragraph 184)

The Pensions Policy Institute expects the number and proportion of pensioners renting privately to grow from around 6% now to 17% in 2041. As many as 400,000 households could become dependent on means-tested benefits. Pensioners renting privately are already at …

6 Feb 2025 | Announcement Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Context · primary home: Social Housing Renewal Bill linked

Improving the quality of social housing and strengthening tenant voice

UIN: HLWS419 My Right Honourable Friend the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Angela Rayner MP) has today made the following statement:Alongside our commitment to delivering the biggest increase in social and a...

2024

31 events
23 Dec 2024 | Consultation outcome Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Context · primary home: Social Housing Renewal Bill linked

Consultation on future social housing rent policy — consultation closed

We are seeking views on a new Direction to the Regulator of Social Housing in relation to social housing rent policy from 1 April 2026.

20 Nov 2024 | Announcement Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government linked

Social and Affordable Housing

UIN: HCWS238 I am publishing today a consultation on reforms to the Right to Buy in England.This Government is committed to the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation and to supporting councils to increase their capacity …

5 Nov 2024 | Announcement Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government linked

Supported Housing Consultation

UIN: HCWS185 Supported housing provides a home to over half a million people who rely on support to live as independently as possible or recover from a period of crisis. When it is provided responsibly, it results in improved wellbeing, …

30 Oct 2024 | Consultation outcome Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Context · primary home: Social Housing Renewal Bill linked

Consultation on future social housing rent policy — consultation opened

We are seeking views on a new Direction to the Regulator of Social Housing in relation to social housing rent policy from 1 April 2026.

8 May 2024 | Committee report linked

Accordingly, the next rent settlement should be set for at least five years and should also be linked to inflation. As part of setting the rent settlement, the Government should publish a non-exhaustive list of the types of events that would, in its view, likely lead to the reintroduction of rent caps in the future.

Accordingly, the next rent settlement should be set for at least five years and should also be linked to inflation. As part of setting the rent settlement, the Government should publish a non-exhaustive list of the types of events that …

8 May 2024 | Committee report linked

We remain very concerned about the impact of rent increases on social housing tenants. These are some of the most financially vulnerable people in our society. We believe housing associations must bear this in mind when they are setting rent levels, and reflect on the levels of their reserves they may be able to use to hold down rents.

We remain very concerned about the impact of rent increases on social housing tenants. These are some of the most financially vulnerable people in our society. We believe housing associations must bear this in mind when they are setting rent …

8 May 2024 | Committee report linked

Social housing providers should involve their tenants in discussions about rent levels. When rent rises are being considered providers should explain to residents why such rises may be necessary. The Regulator should proactively assess how registered providers use their reserves not only as an indication of financial viability, but also as an indication of providers’ governance, value for money and responsiveness to tenants.

Social housing providers should involve their tenants in discussions about rent levels. When rent rises are being considered providers should explain to residents why such rises may be necessary. The Regulator should proactively assess how registered providers use their reserves …

8 May 2024 | Committee report linked

A significant percentage of rent in the social housing sector is ultimately borne by the Department for Work and Pensions through benefits. As a result, rent increases could end up transferring costs onto central Government finances.

A significant percentage of rent in the social housing sector is ultimately borne by the Department for Work and Pensions through benefits. As a result, rent increases could end up transferring costs onto central Government finances. Type: conclusion | Number: …

8 May 2024 | Committee report linked

The Government should set out in its response to this report what role the Department for Work and Pensions will have in future discussions about rent settlements. When a rent settlement is agreed, the Government should write to us to inform us what impact it expects the change in rent to have on housing benefit costs. (Paragraph 82) New financing models

The Government should set out in its response to this report what role the Department for Work and Pensions will have in future discussions about rent settlements. When a rent settlement is agreed, the Government should write to us to …

8 May 2024 | Committee report linked

The current low levels of direct Government grant available to housing associations to build new social homes has received justified criticism from housing associations for being inadequate. We reiterate the conclusion in our 2020 report that the Government must invest significantly to fund the building of new social homes.

The current low levels of direct Government grant available to housing associations to build new social homes has received justified criticism from housing associations for being inadequate. We reiterate the conclusion in our 2020 report that the Government must invest …

8 May 2024 | Committee report linked

The Government should make an assessment of the extent to which a significant increase in grant funding for social housing development would allow the sector to build more homes and the overall balance of revenue and capital funding together with other sources of private finance and available subsidies.

The Government should make an assessment of the extent to which a significant increase in grant funding for social housing development would allow the sector to build more homes and the overall balance of revenue and capital funding together with …

8 May 2024 | Committee report linked

Properly motivated and regulated private investors present a real opportunity to increase the building of social housing. The Government should set out its assessment of how many new social homes for-profit registered providers can be expected to build over the short and long term. In addition, the Government should engage with local authorities to explain the role it wants institutional investors to play in the social housing sector.

Properly motivated and regulated private investors present a real opportunity to increase the building of social housing. The Government should set out its assessment of how many new social homes for-profit registered providers can be expected to build over the …

28 Mar 2024 | Government response linked

The Government should as a matter of urgency explore the implications of changing the terms of shared ownership leases delivered under current and previous iterations of the Affordable Homes Programme so that shared owners only ever have to pay service charges for repairs and maintenance proportionate to the size of share they own.

The Government should as a matter of urgency explore the implications of changing the terms of shared ownership leases delivered under current and previous iterations of the Affordable Homes Programme so that shared owners only ever have to pay service …

30 Jan 2024 | Announcement Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities linked

Social Housing Update

UIN: HCWS225 Social housing is a finite resource and in any compassionate society it is incumbent upon the Government of the day to ensure it is utilised in the most effective way to support those who truly need it and …

30 Jan 2024 | Announcement Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities linked

Social Housing Update

UIN: HLWS221 My Honourable friend the Minister for Housing and Planning (Lee Rowley MP) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement today:Social housing is a finite resource and in any compassionate society it is incumbent upon the Government of the …

2023

6 events
4 Sep 2023 | Announcement Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities linked

Housing Update

UIN: HLWS985 My Right Honourable friend the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and Minister for Intergovernmental Relations (The Rt Hon. Michael Gove MP) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.Over the summer I have taken furthe...

2022

27 events
7 Dec 2022 | Committee report linked

On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (the Department) and Homes England about the Affordable Homes Programme.1

On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (the Department) and Homes England about the Affordable Homes Programme.1 Type: conclusion | Number: 1 | …

2 Aug 2022 | Policy paper Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities linked

A fairer private rented sector

This white paper sets out our plans to fundamentally reform the private rented sector and level up housing quality in this country.

25 Jul 2022 | Government response linked

Social care workers should be designated as key workers on the same basis as public sector employees so they can access affordable rented housing from local authorities and registered providers.

Social care workers should be designated as key workers on the same basis as public sector employees so they can access affordable rented housing from local authorities and registered providers. Type: conclusion | Number: 67 | Paragraph: 219 | Response …

20 Jul 2022 | Committee report linked

Whatever the extent and causes of housing disrepair, we call on everyone in and connected to the social housing sector to work together and prioritise above all else the quality of housing being provided to existing tenants.

Whatever the extent and causes of housing disrepair, we call on everyone in and connected to the social housing sector to work together and prioritise above all else the quality of housing being provided to existing tenants. Type: recommendation | …

16 Jun 2022 | Announcement Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities linked

Housing Update

UIN: HCWS111 The Government has today published its White Paper A Fairer Private Rented Sector.The private rented sector currently offers the most expensive, least secure, and lowest quality housing to a growing number of vulnerable people, including 1.3 million house...

16 Jun 2022 | Announcement Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities linked

Housing Update

UIN: HLWS108 My Hon. Friend, the Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing (Eddie Hughes MP), has today made the following written statement:The Government has today published its White Paper A Fairer Private Rented Sector.The private rented sector currently offers the …

29 Mar 2022 | Announcement Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities linked

Housing update

UIN: HLWS717 My Hon. Friend, the Minister for rough sleeping and housing (Eddie Hughes) has today made the following statement:Everyone in this country deserves to live in a safe and decent home. It is unacceptable in a country like the …

17 Mar 2022 | Announcement Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities linked

Housing Update

UIN: HLWS680 My Hon. Friend, the Minister for rough sleeping and housing (Eddie Hughes) has today made the following statement:Supported housing plays a vital role in delivering better life outcomes and improved wellbeing and health for many vulnerable people.The Gove...

2021

9 events
15 Dec 2021 | Announcement Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities linked

Housing Update

UIN: HLWS481 My Hon. Friend, the Minister for rough sleeping and housing (Eddie Hughes) has today made the following statement:I wish to update the House on the publication of the Government Response to the 2021 Future Buildings Standard consultation and …

25 Oct 2021 | Announcement Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities linked

Housing Update

UIN: HCWS352 The Government has protected renters across the country throughout the pandemic, providing an unprecedented £400 billion support package for the economy, a six-month stay on possession proceedings to protect renters from eviction, and extended notice peri...

25 Oct 2021 | Announcement Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities linked

Housing Update

UIN: HLWS339 My Hon. Friend, the Minister for rough sleeping and housing (Eddie Hughes) has today made the following statement:The Government has protected renters across the country throughout the pandemic, providing an unprecedented £400 billion support package for ...

31 Mar 2021 | Committee report linked

The Government should review its decision to freeze Local Housing Allowance rates by maintaining the 30th percentile in cash terms only, and instead keep rates indexed at the 30th percentile long-term. This will help households across England to afford their rent. (Paragraph 94) Protecting the homeless and the private rented sector: MHCLG’s response to Covid-19 39

The Government should review its decision to freeze Local Housing Allowance rates by maintaining the 30th percentile in cash terms only, and instead keep rates indexed at the 30th percentile long-term. This will help households across England to afford their …

31 Mar 2021 | Committee report linked

We also call on the Government to temporarily boost funding to discretionary housing payments to meet the needs of the tens of thousands of households who are receiving no extra income from welfare increases due to the benefit cap. This will further protect households from falling into rent arrears because of the pandemic.

We also call on the Government to temporarily boost funding to discretionary housing payments to meet the needs of the tens of thousands of households who are receiving no extra income from welfare increases due to the benefit cap. This …

11 Mar 2021 | Announcement Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government linked

Residential Property Update

UIN: HCWS843 I wish to update the House on the measures taken to support renters following the Prime Minister’s announcement of the roadmap for national restrictions in England.To support renters as we move towards the lifting of most restrictions in …

2020

20 events
17 Nov 2020 | Announcement Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government linked

Social Housing Update

UIN: HCWS581 I am today announcing the publication of the Social Housing White Paper. This White Paper will bring transformational change for social housing residents and the new approach and regulatory changes we set out will make a measurable difference …

17 Nov 2020 | Announcement Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government linked

Social Housing Update

UIN: HLWS578 My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (Robert Jenrick) has today made the following Written Ministerial Statement:I am today announcing the publication of the Social Housing White Paper. …

17 Nov 2020 | Consultation outcome Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government linked

A new deal for social housing

This green paper seeks views on government’s vision for social housing providing safe, secure homes that help people get on with their lives.

17 Nov 2020 | Consultation outcome Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government linked

A new deal for social housing — outcome published

This green paper seeks views on government’s vision for social housing providing safe, secure homes that help people get on with their lives.

5 Nov 2020 | Policy paper Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government linked

Business rate retention and non-domestic rates 2019 to 2020

Business rate retention accounts as required under schedule 7B of the Local Government Finance Act 1988.

7 Oct 2020 | Policy paper Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government linked

Long-term delivery of social and affordable rented housing: government response to the Select Committee report

A response by the government to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee's report on long-term delivery of social and affordable rented housing.

16 Sep 2020 | Committee report linked

We asked the Department if it knew of any impact to social sector rents as a result of cladding replacement. It told us that it does not collect the information currently, but it has received information from social landlords, and is considering what further programme monitoring it can do.53 Insurance and lending

We asked the Department if it knew of any impact to social sector rents as a result of cladding replacement. It told us that it does not collect the information currently, but it has received information from social landlords, and …

10 Sep 2020 | Announcement Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government linked

Housing update

UIN: HCWS446 I wish to update the House on the comprehensive measures that the Government is taking to ensure renters affected by coronavirus continue to be protected over autumn and winter. The Government has already taken unprecedented action to ensure …

27 Jul 2020 | Committee report linked

It is disappointing that the Government does not have a published plan on social housing, nor has its own assessment of social housing need. We regard an estimate of need to be essential to calculating how much investment the Government may need to make to meet social housing need and deliver such a “step change”.

It is disappointing that the Government does not have a published plan on social housing, nor has its own assessment of social housing need. We regard an estimate of need to be essential to calculating how much investment the Government …

27 Jul 2020 | Committee report linked

It is time for the Government to invest so the country can build 90,000 social rent homes a year. We appreciate that even with the funding we set out below, any programme will take time to scale up, but we expect the Government should be able to increase delivery to 90,000 within five years.

It is time for the Government to invest so the country can build 90,000 social rent homes a year. We appreciate that even with the funding we set out below, any programme will take time to scale up, but we …

27 Jul 2020 | Bill proceedings linked

A social housebuilding programme should be top of the Government’s agenda to rebuild the country from the impact of COVID-19. The crisis has exposed our broken housing system. Families in overcrowded homes have faced worse health outcomes. Private renters have struggled to meet housing costs. A large social housebuilding programme will provide jobs, boost the economy, and help the Government meet its 300,000 homes a year target.

A social housebuilding programme should be top of the Government’s agenda to rebuild the country from the impact of COVID-19. The crisis has exposed our broken housing system. Families in overcrowded homes have faced worse health outcomes. Private renters have …

2019

3 events

2018

6 events
6 Nov 2018 | Consultation outcome Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government linked

A new deal for social housing — consultation closed

This green paper seeks views on government’s vision for social housing providing safe, secure homes that help people get on with their lives.

14 Aug 2018 | Consultation outcome Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government linked

A new deal for social housing — consultation opened

This green paper seeks views on government’s vision for social housing providing safe, secure homes that help people get on with their lives.

2016

4 events

2015

5 events
8 May 2015 | Policy paper Homes and Communities Agency Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government linked

2010 to 2015 government policy: rented housing sector

We're improving the quality and quantity of social homes for rent and encouraging investment in the private rented sector.

2014

2 events

2013

2 events

2012

29 events
18 Dec 2012 | Bill stage linked

Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Bill

Order of Commitment Discharged 15:06:00 Moved By Baroness Eaton: That the order of commitment be discharged. Baroness Eaton: My Lords, I understand that no amendments to this Bill have been set down and that no noble Lord has indicated a …

30 Nov 2012 | Bill stage linked

Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Bill

Second Reading 10:06:00 Moved By Baroness Eaton: That the Bill be read a second time. Baroness Eaton: My Lords, there are around 4 million social homes in England and more than 200,000 in Wales. These homes provide safety and security, …

9 Nov 2012 | Bill stage linked

Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Bill

Bill, as amended in the Public Bill Committee, considered. Third Reading 14:17:00 Richard Harrington (Watford) (Con): I beg to move, That the Bill be now read the Third time. I shall be brief as the Bill has been discussed very …

23 Oct 2012 | Bill stage linked

Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Bill (Money)

16:01:00 The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Brandon Lewis): I beg to move, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment …

2011

3 events
11 Oct 2011 | Bill stage linked

Co-operative Housing Tenure Bill

Motion for leave to bring in a Bill (Standing Order No. 23) 16:16:00 Jonathan Reynolds (Stalybridge and Hyde) (Lab/Co-op): I beg to move, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision that occupiers of dwellings owned …

2010

1 event