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Written question asked by Kevin Hollinrake (Conservative) on Thursday, 15 May 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 May 2025. It was answered by Matthew Pennycook (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 May 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Social Rented Housing: English Language

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the publication Restoring Control over the Immigration System, published on 12 May 2025, CP1326, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of restricting access to local authority housing for (a) current and (b) former overseas nationals based on their English language proficiency.

Answer

The government has no plans to make such an assessment.

Eligibility for social housing is tightly controlled. If a person’s visa means that they cannot access state benefits or local authority housing assistance, they are not eligible for an allocation of social housing. Only eligible individuals can join waiting lists and be given a social housing tenancy.

Where foreign nationals are eligible, they will have their housing needs considered on the same basis as other eligible applicants in accordance with the local authority’s housing allocation scheme. People who are homeless, in overcrowded housing or who need to move for medical reasons are prioritised.

The previous government consulted on changes to social housing allocation tests. This government’s response was published on 2 September and can be found on gov.uk here.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
52628
Session
2024-26
Related items
Restoring Control over the Immigration System
Monday, 12 May 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Subjects
Foreign nationals English language Social rented housing
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk