Social Housing (Real Social Housing) Bill 2019

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

The proposal would split “social housing” into two clear categories: permanent homes owned by local authorities or approved housing bodies, and temporary housing supports such as Housing Assistance Payment, long-term leases, Rental Accommodation Scheme tenancies, and emergency homelessness services. It would also let councils provide housing by buying, building, leasing, converting, or refurbishing homes, and ask them to consider mixed-income housing when planning public housing. The main aim is to make the language and policy around social housing clearer, so there is less confusion between secure social homes and short-term supports.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to amend the Housing Acts 1966 to 2009 by providing a definition of social housing and social housing support. The Act makes a distinction between the provision of real social housing, a dwelling owned by the local authority or an approved housing body, and social housing support which can include Housing Assistance Payment, long term leases and Rental Accommodation Scheme tenancies.

Last updated 13 February 2020