Twitter Facebook RSS FEEDS

Review of social housing launched

Thursday, 13 December 2007 12:00 AM

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."

Related stories

The Housing Minister called for better transparency in social housing system.

Shapps wants transparency in social housing

Grant Shapps called for transparency in social housing as he unveiled plans to consult on a new way to scrutinise housing associations.

Caroline Flint

Labour outlines plans for social housing policy

The Labour Party plans to give priority to those with jobs in its new social housing policy.
Shapps said that the current rules have created a sense of unfairness. Image:All Star

New rules proposed on who gets social housing

Grant Shapps reveals consultation that will allow councils to give prirority to people in work and ex-service personnel.

Row of terraced houses in London

Leaked report shows lack of family social housing

The number of new family-sized social homes to be built in London could fall below the target set by the London Mayor’s office.
Block of flats in London

Ten social housing inspections made in 15 months

The Tenant Services Authority has not commissioned a property inspection in almost a year, an investigation has found.

 The latest progress means 93 per cent of social homes meet the government's required standard.

Shapps hails progress in social housing conditions

Number of non-decent council and housing association homes down by more than a quarter.
Abolition of stamp duty and reform of council tax tops list of recommendations from Mirrlees Review. Image: Thinkstock

Review calls for property tax shake-up

Abolition of stamp duty and reform of council tax tops list of recommendations from Mirrlees Review.

Social housing being shaken up

Shapps announces radical social housing overhaul

The housing minister has planned a major shakeup in the way housing is allocated and paid for.
Service men and women to get package of help to buy homes or apply for social housing. Image: Thinkstock

Government pledges housing help for heroes

Service men and women to get package of help to buy homes or apply for social housing.

 First-time buyers receive the keys to their property

New 95% mortgage launched for first-time buyers

Principality’s Assisted First-Time Buyer deal allows families to use their savings to secure mortgages for relatives.

Search property

Headlines

Directory

Alaris

Alaris Logo
Alaris specialise in quality Bathrooms and Kitchens along with many other unique products for your home. The range of kitchens, kitchen worktops and bathrooms is extensive and the highest quality so you are sure to find what you want. New bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, taps, showers and cabinets are added regularly.

Bathrooms365

Bathrooms365 Logo
Bathroom365 supply all areas of your new bathroom - leading-edge designed bathroom suites, stylish bathroom taps and showers, all styles and forms of shower enclosures and a vast collection of bathroom furniture.

Beds Direct

Beds Direct Logo
Whether you've just moved into a property and need to furnish it or just fancy having something new to sleep on, Beds Direct offer you a wide array of beds to order online or via the telephone.

Fitmykitchen

Fitmykitchen Logo
Fitmykitchen are specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, sink taps, waste bins and furniture. So whatever you want from kitchen sink taps to waste bins look no further than fitmykitchen, UK, the specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, stainless steel sink taps, waste bins and kitchen furniture.

MyStampDuty

MyStampDuty Logo
We help people buying property all over the UK to minimise Stamp Duty Land Tax on residential and commercial property. If you are looking at purchasing a new home or business premises over £500,000, contact us today by completing the form on the right

Oak Furniture Land

Oak Furniture Land Logo
For hardwood furniture, including Solid Oak, Mango, Mahogany, Sheesham, Acacia, Ash and Birch, look no further than Oak Furniture Land.

Propertywide

Propertywide Logo
Propertywide.co.uk is Countrywide plc's dedicated property website. Created to provide online access to all our estate agency, lettings and property related services, Propertywide.co.uk has been designed with the consumer at heart.

The 21st Century Radiator Company

The 21st Century Radiator Company Logo
Welcome to 21st Century Radiator Company. We supply a stunning range of traditional reproduction high quality cast-iron radiators and cast-iron baths. All our cast-iron radiators and cast-iron baths are brand new, fully tested and guaranteed for ten years.

Rated People

Rated People Logo
Whatever type of home improvement or garden remodelling project you have, Rated People can help you to identify the right tradesmen for the job in a way that is quick, easy, convenient and, as it is based on real-life recommendations, trustworthy.

Residential Land

Residential Land Logo
If you are looking for short or long term rentals in Central London, Residential Land have a portfolio of over 1200 flats and houses in the best postcodes across the Capital.

Simply Bedrooms

Simply Bedrooms Logo
Simply Bedrooms, a part of Sleepwell Bedrooms Ltd, supplying quality beds, wardrobes, sliding door wardrobes and bedroom furniture at low prices and great service, London and Home Counties Specialists.

Door Handles UK

Door Handles UK Logo
Door Handles UK is the UK's largest online range of Door Handle accessories, Door Hinges, Locks and Latches and so much more and all at genuine internet prices. We have a wide range of Chrome, Brass and Glass Crystal Mortice door knobs in both traditional and contemporary designs, whatever your taste and budget you will find a design to suit.

Woodlands Furniture

Woodlands Furniture Logo
We are an established family business situated in rural Herefordshire specialising in beautiful handcrafted classic reproduction furniture. Our comprehensive ranges are readily available from stock.

Join our directory aboutproperty.co.uk

Twitter

Join the conversation at #aboutproperty

Directory articles

What type of storage is best for small kitchens?

If you have a small kitchen you may well look enviously at the space and amount of storage in the country-style rooms that are beloved by property programmes on television. There may not be much you can do about the size of your room, but there are steps you can take to ensure the space is utilised as efficiently as possible.

What makes Chelsea a residential hotspot for the stylish and affluent?

Chelsea is one of the most exclusive parts of London thanks to its mix of traditional and modern architecture, fabulous shops and top-quality restaurants. A chic and stylish area, it is highly sought-after by the rich and famous.

Why does stamp duty exist on properties?

Stamp duty has been in existence for over 300 years, going back to the reign of William and Mary. It is important to understand where stamp duty came from and how it has evolved over the years to become the tax that it is today.