A change in housing rules is set to improve access to social housing for care leavers under 25 and domestic abuse survivors.
The recent Government announcement confirms that the local connection requirement in social housing applications will be removed, making it easier for vulnerable groups to find safe homes.
All councils in England must abide by the new rules and abolish the local connection test, which is currently used by 90% of councils to determine eligibility for social housing.
Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner said: ‘It breaks my heart to hear countless stories of people leaving the care system or fleeing an abusive relationship and not having a place they can truly call home.’
‘Our changes will make sure these vulnerable groups do not face unfair barriers to safe and secure housing’, she added.
Katharine Sacks-Jones, CEO of Become, commented: ‘Too many children in care are moved away from the people and places that matter to them and then made to move back to their local authority area once they turn 18 to access social housing support.
‘Removing the local connection test will prevent forced moves, could help reduce homelessness and give care leavers a more positive start to adulthood.’
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