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Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 June 2026. It was answered by Matthew Pennycook (Labour) on Monday, 20 July 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Affordable Housing: Waiting Lists

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to reduce waiting times for social housing, including changes to the stock of social and affordable housing; and what discussions he has had with his counterparts in the devolved Administrations on this matter.

Answer

Local authorities are responsible for designing and managing their own housing allocations policies to meet local need, including managing their own housing registers (waiting lists).

The government has launched a review into how effectively social housing providers use their properties, including exploring ways to reduce the time homes are left empty, encourage greater movement within the sector to address under-occupancy and overcrowding, and support people to move into more suitable properties.

Housing is a devolved matter but my Department regularly engages with the devolved administrations across a range of issues, including housing.

I otherwise refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statements made on 2 July 2025 (HCWS771) and 28 January 2026 (HCWS1283), and the Social and Affordable Homes Programme policy statement published on 7 November 2025, which can be found on gov.uk here.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
12681
Session
2026-27
Related items
Social and Affordable Housing Renewal
Wednesday, 2 July 2025
Written statements
House of Commons
Subjects
Devolution Affordable housing Waiting lists
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk