Menu
05/02/2008
Find Work Or Lose Your Home, Says Housing Minister
Tenants in social housing, including those on council estates, should be expected to actively seek work or risk losing their home, the new Housing Minister, Caroline Flint, has said today.
In an interview with The Guardian, Ms Flint suggested new applicants for social housing should be given "commitment contracts".
Half of all households paid for by benefits are without work, the Hills report published last February showed. The scheme would not be aimed at genuine incapacity benefit claimants.
Flint has outlined a number of proposals including the suggestion that more jobcentres should be opened within council estates to tackle the pockets of joblessness there and that unemployed tenants should also undertake skills audits.
It is thought to be the first time the government has proposed making a traditional social housing tenancy conditional on seeking work.
The new contracts would apply to new council tenants at first, but could be extended to existing tenants.
Ms Flint also told the Guardian that tenants who moved to take a job would be given priority in finding a new home.
"The question we should ask of new tenants is what commitment they will make to improve their skills, find work and take the support that is available," she said.
Housing charity Shelter condemned the suggestion, saying the government wanted to return unemployed people to the workhouse "by throwing them onto the streets".
Shelter chief executive Adam Sampson said: "What is being proposed would destroy families and communities and add to the thousands who are already homeless.
(GC)
In an interview with The Guardian, Ms Flint suggested new applicants for social housing should be given "commitment contracts".
Half of all households paid for by benefits are without work, the Hills report published last February showed. The scheme would not be aimed at genuine incapacity benefit claimants.
Flint has outlined a number of proposals including the suggestion that more jobcentres should be opened within council estates to tackle the pockets of joblessness there and that unemployed tenants should also undertake skills audits.
It is thought to be the first time the government has proposed making a traditional social housing tenancy conditional on seeking work.
The new contracts would apply to new council tenants at first, but could be extended to existing tenants.
Ms Flint also told the Guardian that tenants who moved to take a job would be given priority in finding a new home.
"The question we should ask of new tenants is what commitment they will make to improve their skills, find work and take the support that is available," she said.
Housing charity Shelter condemned the suggestion, saying the government wanted to return unemployed people to the workhouse "by throwing them onto the streets".
Shelter chief executive Adam Sampson said: "What is being proposed would destroy families and communities and add to the thousands who are already homeless.
(GC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 September 2009
CIH Submission To TSA Consultation
The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and its 16,000 members in England support the Tenant Services Authority's (TSA) move to co-regulation, where tenants will have a formal role in self-regulation and the power to bring about change in social housing.
CIH Submission To TSA Consultation
The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and its 16,000 members in England support the Tenant Services Authority's (TSA) move to co-regulation, where tenants will have a formal role in self-regulation and the power to bring about change in social housing.
04 August 2010
Freedom Pass For Tenants 'Wrong'
The National Housing Federation has expressed great concern following the Government's announcement to end life time tenures for social homes. Housing Minister Grant Shapps introduced a new 'freedom pass' to move from home to work to be closer to family, and also pledged a new National Affordable Housing Swap Scheme.
Freedom Pass For Tenants 'Wrong'
The National Housing Federation has expressed great concern following the Government's announcement to end life time tenures for social homes. Housing Minister Grant Shapps introduced a new 'freedom pass' to move from home to work to be closer to family, and also pledged a new National Affordable Housing Swap Scheme.
17 August 2009
Shelter Say 'Cancel RTB On New Tenancies'
The Right to Buy (RTB) should be scrapped for all new tenancies, according to housing charity, Shelter Scotland. The charity is calling on the Scottish Government to be bolder in its reform of RTB by ending the policy for all new tenancies.
Shelter Say 'Cancel RTB On New Tenancies'
The Right to Buy (RTB) should be scrapped for all new tenancies, according to housing charity, Shelter Scotland. The charity is calling on the Scottish Government to be bolder in its reform of RTB by ending the policy for all new tenancies.
21 February 2014
Court Of Appeal Rules Against Benefit Cuts Cases
The Court of Appeal has ruled against an appeal over cuts to benefits for those with spare bedrooms. Five disabled social housing tenants brought the appeal, with the aim of having the cuts ruled unlawful. Lawyers representing the group argued that the benefit changes failed to represent the needs of needs of disabled people.
Court Of Appeal Rules Against Benefit Cuts Cases
The Court of Appeal has ruled against an appeal over cuts to benefits for those with spare bedrooms. Five disabled social housing tenants brought the appeal, with the aim of having the cuts ruled unlawful. Lawyers representing the group argued that the benefit changes failed to represent the needs of needs of disabled people.
24 April 2012
Newham Council Accused Of 'Social Cleansing'
London’s Newham Council has been accused of “social cleansing” in the capital by asking a Stoke-on-Trent housing association to take on up to 500 families who receive housing benefit.
Newham Council Accused Of 'Social Cleansing'
London’s Newham Council has been accused of “social cleansing” in the capital by asking a Stoke-on-Trent housing association to take on up to 500 families who receive housing benefit.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
