Social Housing

Social homes are provided by housing associations (not-for-profit organisations that own, let, and manage rented housing) or a local council. The key idea of social housing is that it is more affordable than private renting and usually provides a more secure, long-term tenancy. This gives social renters better rights, more control over their homes, and the chance to put down roots.

 

There are concerns that some housing associations have lost their way - that they have become too commercial and have lost their social purpose, and in some cases, even their charitable purposes. Housing associations should build as many new homes as they can and should be for social housing. The sector must focus on investment in existing homes and services, listen to residents and support local communities. 

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Housing Policies

Here are some of our policy ideas that we believe will go a long way in addressing some of the social housing issues.

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Democratise Housing Associations

Legalisation is urgently needed for tenants majority on executive boards for housing associations to ensure fairness and accountability. Expecting tenants to pay above inflation rent rises during a public health crisis while Chief Executives pay themselves £300K is utterly unacceptable. Time to end the undemocratic bureaucracy of larger Housing Associations and put tenants in control of their communities by legislating for a tenants majority on executive boards supported by tenants’ unions.

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Cultivate Social Mission of Housing Associations

Cultivate the social mission of housing associations through a combination of policy, funding and a regulatory framework. Grant more funding powers to housing associations for building more units at scale. Expect evidence of the social purpose of housing associations via partnerships with local councils and working with tenants and residents groups.

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Build More Public and Social Housing 

Accelerate the building of more public and social housing, rent it out for affordable prices for public benefit. This will undercut the private rental sector and address the wealth and equality gap. Underused derelict land and brownfield sites should be developed where possible, with the developer financing any land remediation works where feasible.