What is Social Housing?
affordable housing
A key function of social housing is to provide accommodation that is affordable to people on low incomes. Limits to rent increases set by law mean that rents are kept affordable.
owned and managed
Registered providers (often known as social landlords) are the bodies that own and manage social housing. They tend to be non-commercial organisations such as local authorities or housing associations.
regulated
Registered providers are financially regulated and funded by the government through the Homes and Communities Agency, which is responsible for the construction of new social homes.
allocated on the basis of need
Unlike in the private rented sector, where tenancies are offered by the landlord and letting agent to whomever they choose, social housing is distributed according to the local council’s allocation scheme.
About Social Housing
Many of the issues with social housing stem from the same problem: there just have not been enough social homes built over the past few decades. But while there is a huge lack of supply, demand for social housing has soared. More recently, a series of government policy changes have changed the very nature of social housing.
The biggest problem facing social housing is that as a country we are simply not building enough affordable homes. As a result, waiting lists for social housing continue to grow – forcing more and more people to move into private rented accommodation.
Often this form of housing – with short-term contracts, unpredictable rent rises and a lack of security – is unsuitable for those who are vulnerable or in housing need. And yet with a lack of social housing available this is the only option left for many households.
Latest news
7 pioneering social housing projects
Following the release of Social Housing, a book spotlighting Europe’s best public housing projects, architect and co-author Paul Karakusevic has selected seven residential developments he thinks are particularly innovative.
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Moving to a smaller home could improve your way of life. Living in a home too large for you not only takes more time to clean and maintain, but it also costs a lot more to run. Downsizing could also help a family in need because there is a national shortage of family accommodation.
Independant Living for the over 50`s
Our Independent Living schemes for the over 55s provide high quality housing and support enabling you to live independently in a safe and secure environment. Apartments are available for single people and couples with some specially designed for disabled people.
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People sometimes worry about break-ins and burglaries, especially when there’s been a spate in the area. Protect yourself with these few simple tips and the all important 3Ds