Izzy Lepone 20 June 2025

New social housing criteria to support vulnerable groups

New social housing criteria to support vulnerable groups image
© Clare Louise Jackson / Shutterstock.com.

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.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Data, Monitoring and Citizen Science Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 10 £37,035 to £40,476 p.a. (Pay Award Pending)
We are looking for an organised and reliable individual to join our team here at the North Pennines National Landscape in Stanhope for a period of 15 Stanhope
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 5, £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata 37 hours per week, Term Time only + 2 weeks Permanent     Required from 1st September Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Structures Commissioner

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Rough Sleeper Outreach Officer - WMF2139e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£31,067 - £31,586
We have an excellent opportunity for a motivated candidate to apply for the role of Rough Sleeper Outreach Officer. Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Customer Operations Assistant

Wyre Borough Council
£12.26 Per Hour
Marine Hall is a vibrant and dynamic venue dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for our audiences and customers. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner