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

Social Worker - Young People with Disabilities

Essex County Council
£37185.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Young People with DisabilitiesPermanent, Full Time£37,185 to £50,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Debtors and Collection Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 5 £26,403 - 28,598 p.a. Pro rata
This is an exciting opportunity in an ever-changing revenues environment where you will continue to learn and develop your skills and experience with Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £4,800 (approx.) £12.85 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Sessional Lecturers

Durham County Council
Unqualified Teachers 1 - 6, £22,601 - £35,259 pro rata to hours worked
An exciting opportunity has arisen for Sessional Lecturers to join Durham County Council’s Adult Learning service - DurhamLearn, delivering a wide ran Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Public Health Consultant

Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
£81,347 - £90,305
This is a great opportunity to join our Public Health at Tameside MBC. Tameside, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner