Conservatives plan to restrict social housing access for foreign nationals
The Conservative Party has announced a proposal to end social housing for most foreign nationals in England if it wins the next election. The party claims this move would make more homes available for British families and reduce waiting lists. Critics, including Angela Rayner and housing charity Shelter, argue the policy is unworkable and could increase homelessness. The proposal has sparked debate over its impact on refugees and long-settled residents.
What we know
- The Conservatives propose banning new social housing tenancies for foreign nationals, except for those with EU settled status, refugee status, or specific humanitarian protections.
- Couples where neither partner holds UK, Irish, or EU citizenship would lose eligibility, and single non-UK, non-EU citizens would also be affected.
- Households found ineligible would have six months to leave their social housing.
- As of March 2025, 1.34 million households were on social housing waiting lists, with UK nationals making up 89% of new lettings in the 2024-2025 period.
- Critics, including Angela Rayner and Shelter’s Sarah Elliott, warn the policy could harm refugees and families who have lived in their homes for decades.
