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Nick Harvey MPStanding up for North Devon since 1992 |
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COALITION SEEKS TO SHIFT HOUSING LOG-JAM
August 6, 2010 11:40 AM
The Coalition government has announced new proposals regarding social housing in an attempt to clear the mounting backlog of those on waiting lists. Under the plans to end council house tenancies for life, tenants would have to relocate into the private sector if their household income improved significantly.
Commenting, Nick Harvey said "I can see many potential pitfalls in this initiative and I would need convincing that the detail has been well thought through. However, tenure for life is not a fair way to manage public housing stock and eligibility on the basis of income does seem a fair way ahead.
"These reforms are also intended to encourage greater mobility through a national housing database that will allow families to relocate when job opportunities arise."
Ministers have stressed that these proposals would not apply to existing council or housing association tenants.
The proposal aims to clear the backlog of 5 million people on waiting lists. No one would be able to keep their council house by passing it on through the generations. Currently anyone who is allocated a council home can stay there for life, despite a change in circumstances and pass it on once. According to a Government consultation paper, the new proposals would be implemented by local councils.
Deputy Liberal Democrat leader Simon Hughes has stated that these reforms have not been formally discussed by the Coalition and that Lib Dem MPs in particular would need reassurances this initiative could be implemented smoothly.
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