The Conservative Party has announced a proposal to end social housing tenancies for foreign nationals in England, with exceptions for those holding EU Settled Status. The plan, outlined by Helen Whately, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, aims to prioritize British families on social housing waiting lists.
According to the proposal, nearly a quarter of a million social homes in England are currently rented by foreign nationals, with almost half of London's social housing occupied by non-British citizens. The party argues that this situation leaves British families waiting for years, sometimes in unsuitable accommodation. The proposal suggests that for future tenancies, only UK nationals would be eligible, excluding other nationalities, including EU citizens.
The Conservative Party claims this policy change could free up approximately 230,000 homes for British families. They estimate that over 1.3 million households are currently on social housing waiting lists. The party also stated that the changes build on a broader plan to end benefits for foreign nationals, which they project could save taxpayers £7 billion annually.
Whately stated that the current system, where a British family and a household that arrived two years prior have often had the same chance at social housing, must change. She emphasized restoring fairness and ensuring British families are prioritized. The proposal suggests that social housing tenancies, which can be long-term or even inherited, should be reserved for UK nationals. The party views these measures as common sense and a way to address concerns about the welfare bill, which they described as being out of control and needing to be a safety net rather than a lifestyle choice.