The Conservative Party has faced criticism for a proposal that could jeopardize families’ housing security by revoking foreign nationals’ access to social housing. The Tories argue that approximately 230,000 housing units would become available by restricting social housing eligibility to UK, Irish, or EU citizens only, potentially displacing individuals living in social housing who do not meet these criteria, even if they have dependents.
Currently, foreign nationals with settled or refugee status, along with specific humanitarian protections, are eligible for social housing. However, under the proposed policy, individuals without these statuses, including couples where neither partner is a UK or EU citizen without settled status, would lose their entitlement. Those deemed ineligible would be required to vacate their homes within six months.
The Labour Party has accused Kemi Badenoch of imitating Reform UK’s approach and failing to address the housing challenges caused by her party’s governance. A Labour Party spokesperson criticized the proposal as unfeasible and unoriginal, emphasizing that it would mainly impact refugees and long-term UK residents who have contributed to the country but are not British citizens, including NHS staff. The spokesperson highlighted the potential increase in homelessness risk and reliance on temporary accommodations at the taxpayers’ expense.
The proposal comes in the wake of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s previous statement about evicting all foreign nationals from social housing if his party gained power, alleging a discriminatory system in the country. Additionally, Andy Burnham has highlighted the UK’s housing crisis and pledged to implement a significant council house building initiative.
According to the English Housing Survey, in 2024/25, 88.5% of main householders in social homes were UK or Irish nationals, with 11.5% being non-UK/Irish nationals. Approximately 470,000 non-UK and non-Irish citizens currently reside in social housing.