Review of social housing launched

The government is to launch a review of social housing in the UK, with the aim of refocusing the service on individuals, rather than the properties they inhabit.

Addressing the Chartered Institute of Housing and Housing Corporation, housing minister, Yvette Cooper, announced a package of measures and extra investment aimed at making social housing fairer, more effective and more personal.

"Social housing has been part of the fabric of the nation for over a hundred years. However, social and affordable housing must now meet the needs of the twenty-first century too," said Ms Cooper.

One element of the plan, the Overcrowding Action Plan, will target £15 million of funding at the most deprived regions of the country, including 38 areas of London, Birmingham, Bradford, Leicester, Liverpool and Manchester.

The proposals also include changes to give greater priority to under-occupiers - such as the elderly and middle-aged 'empty nesters' - who want to move into smaller homes or nearer to their families.

Families living in overcrowded social housing and those on council house waiting lists will also benefit from the proposal, as larger homes become available for them to rent.

"As a government we want to widen access to home ownership and help more people build up assets. But home ownership won't be sustainable for everyone. And for some it is a real struggle to find an affordable stable home in the private sector," continued Ms Cooper.

"Social housing needs to deliver the security and stability as well as the affordability that families need. But affordability and security are not enough. Social housing needs to support opportunity too.

The plans were welcomed by the National Association of Landlords (NLA).

"The NLA hopes this review will further enhance the critical importance of the private rented sector in providing high standard and affordable housing to those who choose to rent," said NLA chairman, David Salusbury.

"In a market where home ownership continues to elude many people, having appropriate residential accommodation is of the highest priority. With so many changes in the sector, a strategic review offers the chance to explore the impact of recent developments."