Social Housing Bill [HL] 2026-27

After Clause 11, insert the following new Clause—
“National audit of social housing
(1) The Secretary of State must publish a national audit of social housing stock within the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.
(2) The audit must include information relating to—
(a) stock condition,
(b) occupancy levels,
(c) rates of under-occupation,
(d) regional demand, and
(e) void properties.
(3) The Secretary of State must lay the audit before Parliament.”

This amendment would require a publication of a national audit of social housing stock.

After Clause 11, insert the following new Clause—
“Assessment of temporary asylum accommodation and social housing demand
(1) The Secretary of State must publish an assessment of the impact of temporary asylum accommodation on local social housing demand.
(2) The assessment must include—
(a) geographic concentration,
(b) local authority housing pressures, and
(c) impacts on temporary accommodation provision.
(3) The assessment must be laid before Parliament.”

This amendment would require assessment of the impact of temporary asylum accommodation on local social housing demand.

After Clause 11, insert the following new Clause—
“Large-scale housing stock transfers
After section 92K of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (fundamental objectives) insert—
“92KA Code of Guidance on large-scale housing stock transfers
In pursuance of the objective in section 92K(2)(b), the regulator may issue a Code of Guidance on large-scale housing stock transfers, to which registered providers must have regard.””

After Clause 1, insert the following new Clause— “Exercise of the right to buy by residential property owners Before section 121A of the Housing Act 1985 insert— “121ZC Exercise of the right to buy by residential property owners Prohibition on exercise of right to buy (1) The right to buy may not be exercised if any of the following persons owns other residential property— (a) the person, or any of the persons, to whom the right to buy belongs; (b) the spouse or civil partner of the person, or any of the persons, to whom the right to buy belongs (if they are living together at the relevant time in relation to the right to buy); (c) the co-habitee of the person, or any of the persons, to whom the right to buy belongs; and, for that purpose, one person is the co-habitee of another person if they live together as if they were a married couple or civil partners. (2) But that prohibition does not apply if— (a) the landlord is satisfied that— (i) the person or any of the persons to whom the right to buy belongs (“A”) has at any time within the relevant period been a victim of domestic abuse within the meaning given by section 1 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, and (ii) within that period A has for reasons connected to the abuse moved from the accommodation that they were occupying (whether or not more than once), and (b) the right to buy is being exercised by A (whether alone or with other persons). Residential property (3) In this section— (a) “other residential property” means residential property other than the dwelling-house to which the right to buy relates; (b) “residential property” means a building or a part of a building (whether in the United Kingdom or elsewhere) that consists of, or includes, property that— (i) is being used wholly or partly as a dwelling, or (ii) is constructed or adapted for use as a dwelling, but is not being used wholly or partly as a dwelling. Ownership: England, Wales and Northern Ireland (4) Subsections (5) to (7) apply for the purpose of determining whether a person owns other residential property that is in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. (5) The person owns the other residential property if the person is the beneficial owner, or one of the beneficial owners, of a qualifying interest in the other residential property. (6) For the purposes of subsection (5), any of the following is a “qualifying interest”— (a) the freehold; (b) a lease that was originally granted for a term of 21 years or longer. (7) For the purposes of subsection (5), a person (P) is a beneficial owner of a qualifying interest if— (a) the qualifying interest is not held on trust and P holds, or is one of the persons who hold, the qualifying interest, or (b) the qualifying interest is held on trust and P has, or is one of the persons who have, a beneficial interest under the trust; (and accordingly if P holds, or is one of the persons who hold, the qualifying interest on trust, P is not a beneficial owner unless P also has a beneficial interest under the trust). Ownership: Scotland (8) Subsections (9) and (10) apply for the purpose of determining whether a person owns other residential property that is in Scotland. (9) The person owns the other residential property if the person is the owner, or one of the owners, of the other residential property. (10) But where a person (“T”) holds other residential property in trust under the law of Scotland on terms such that, if the trust had effect under the law of England and Wales, one or more persons would be regarded as having an equitable interest in the trust property (the “notional beneficiary or beneficiaries”)— (a) the notional beneficiary or beneficiaries are to be treated as being the owner or owners of the residential property despite no such interest being recognised under the law of Scotland, and (b) T is the owner only if T is a notional beneficiary. Ownership: outside the United Kingdom (11) In determining whether a person owns other residential property outside the United Kingdom, regard must be had to the desirability of producing an effect that is as consistent with the effect produced by subsections (5) to (7) as is practicable (taking into account, in particular, any ways in which the law relating to the other residential property differs from the laws of the United Kingdom). Trusts and trustees: other provision (12) For the purposes of this section— (a) a qualifying interest (in relation to England, Wales or Northern Ireland), or ownership (in relation to Scotland), is not to be regarded as held on a trust created by a will unless and until the qualifying interest or ownership has been vested in the trustees; (b) a person is not to be regarded as holding a qualifying interest (in relation to England, Wales or Northern Ireland), or ownership (in relation to Scotland), if they hold it as a trustee in bankruptcy or otherwise in accordance with any legislation of any part of the United Kingdom relating to insolvency.””

Clause 2, page 1, line 8, leave out from beginning to “Exercise” in line 9 and insert— “(1) After section 121ZC of the Housing Act 1985 (inserted by section (Exercise of the right to buy by residential property owners)) insert— “121ZD””

After Clause 9, insert the following new Clause— “Local recycling of right to buy receipts (1) Where a local authority is unable to apply capital receipts arising from the disposal of dwellings under the right to buy within the period prescribed by regulations, those receipts must first be offered for use by another local housing authority within the same strategic housing market area before being applied elsewhere. (2) Where a registered provider of social housing is unable to apply such receipts within the prescribed period, those receipts must first be applied towards the provision of social housing within the same strategic housing market area before being applied elsewhere. (3) The Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument make provision for the operation of this section. (4) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.”

Clause 11, page 11, line 39, leave out paragraph (b)

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause— “Health and safety lead: Parliamentary procedure In section 320 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (orders and regulations), in subsection (7)(d), for “sections 70 and 72” substitute “those sections referred to in subsection (3)(d)”.”

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause— “Protections for adapted social housing (1) This section applies where— (a) a dwelling owned by the local housing authority or a registered provider of social housing has been substantially adapted for occupation by a person with a disability or support need, or (b) a Disabled Facilities Grant has been used to fund substantial adaptations to that dwelling. (2) Before such a dwelling is allocated through the general housing allocation process, the landlord must take reasonable steps to offer the dwelling to a person whose needs would substantially benefit from those adaptations. (3) In this section, “substantially adapted” has such meaning as the Secretary of State may prescribe by regulations made by statutory instruments. (4) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this Act may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.”

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause— “Social purpose of registered providers of social housing (1) The Secretary of State must issue guidance on the social purpose of registered providers of social housing. (2) The guidance must include— (a) promoting tenant wellbeing; (b) effective state management; (c) the prevention and reduction of antisocial behaviour; (d) community engagement; (e) the provision and maintenance of safe and sustainable neighbourhoods; (f) the balance between development activity and social responsibilities of registered providers. (3) Registered providers must have regard to guidance issued under this section. (4) The Secretary of State must lay a copy of the guidance before Parliament.”

Clause 19, page 14, line 6, at end insert— “(za) section (Exercise of the right to buy by residential property owners) (right to buy: residential property owners);”

Clause 5, page 5, line 6, leave out “15” and insert “30”

This replaces the proposed reduction of the maximum right to buy discount to 15 per cent with a maximum of 30 per cent, from the current maximum of 60 per cent for houses and 70 per cent for flats.

After Clause 11, insert the following new Clause – "Large-scale housing stock transfers After section 92K of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (fundamental objectives) insert- “92KA Code of Guidance on large-scale housing stock transfers In pursuance of the objective in section 92K(2)(b), the regulator may issue a Code of Guidance on large-scale housing stock transfers, to which registered providers must have regard.”

After Clause 1, insert the following new Clause—
“Transitional arrangements relating to qualifying period for right to buy
(1) Section 119 of the Housing Act 1985 (qualifying period for right to buy) is amended as follows.
(2) After subsection (A1) insert—
“(A2) Subsection (A1) does not apply in relation to a secure tenancy entered into before the coming into force of section 1 of the Social Housing Act 2026.
(A3) In relation to a tenancy within subsection (A2), the right to buy does not arise unless the period which, in accordance with Schedule 4, is to be taken into account for the purposes of this section is at least three years.””

This amendment seeks to extend the transition period for the commencement of provisions in clause 1 in relation to secure tenancies.

The above-named Lords give notice of their intention to oppose the Question that Clause 1 stand part of the Bill.

This amendment seeks to probe the Government’s rationale behind extending the qualifying period for Right to Buy.

Clause 5, page 5, line 4, leave out “five” and insert “20”

This replaces the proposed reduction to the right to buy discount to five per cent with a reduction to 20 per cent, from the current rate of 35 per cent for houses and 50 per cent for flats.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook gives notice of her intention to oppose the Question that Clause 6 stand part of the Bill.

This italic notice seeks to remove the extension of the Right of First Refusal in perpetuity.

Clause 7, page 6, leave out lines 6 and 7

This is a probing amendment to understand the interaction with section 8(2) of the Bill.

Clause 7, page 6, leave out lines 15 to 18

This allows shared cost accommodation to be eligible for right to buy.

Clause 7, page 6, leave out lines 19 to 21

This is a probing amendment to test if there will be delays in what is deemed practical completion to avoid giving a right to buy.

Clause 7, page 7, leave out lines 29 and 30 and insert—
“(c) may not be made unless a draft of the regulations has been laid before and approved by a resolution by both Houses of Parliament.”

This amendment would require an affirmative parliamentary approval for regulations defining rural areas exempt from the Right to Buy.

Clause 9, page 8, line 35, at end insert—
“(5F) Before making a determination relating to the use of capital receipts under this section, the Secretary of State must consult local housing authorities.”

This amendment would require consultation before determinations are made on the use of capital receipts.

After Clause 9, insert the following new Clause—
“Review of the impact of this Act on home ownership
(1) Within the period of two years beginning with the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must publish a review of the impact of this Act on rates of home ownership among former social tenants.
(2) The review under subsection (1) must include an assessment of this Act on—
(a) the number of Right to Buy applications,
(b) the number of completed Right to Buy purchases, and
(c) the ages of former social tenants who successfully purchased their homes through Right to Buy,
in the calendar year prior to the review.
(3) The Secretary of State must lay a copy of this review before both Houses of Parliament.”

This amendment would require a review of the impact of this Act on rates of home ownership.

Clause 11, page 10, line 23, at end insert—
“(7) In exercising functions under this section, the Secretary of State must have regard to the operational and financial independence of private registered providers.”

This amendment would require the Secretary of State to have regard to the independence of housing associations when exercising powers under new section 171B.

After Clause 12, insert the following new Clause—
“Local connection requirements
(1) The Secretary of State must, using powers under section 166A(7) and 167(3) of the Housing Act 1996, require that local housing authorities ensure that reasonable preference in allocations policies takes account of local connection.
(2) For the purpose of subsection (1), local connection includes—
(a) residence,
(b) employment,
(c) family association, or
(d) service in His Majesty’s Armed Forces.
(3) The Secretary of State may by regulations issue guidance on the implementation of subsections (1) and (2).
(4) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.”

This amendment would strengthen local connection considerations in social housing allocations.

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Access to social housing: British citizenship
(1) Where a dwelling is social housing within the meaning of Part 2 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008, the landlord must be satisfied that the lead tenant is a British citizen.
(2) Where the landlord is not a local authority, the relevant local authority should take all reasonable steps to ensure compliance with subsection (1).”

This amendment seeks to ensure that those who are not British citizens cannot access social housing.

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Tenancy review for persistent anti-social behaviour
(1) A social landlord must conduct a tenancy review where a tenant has engaged in persistent anti-social behaviour.
(2) Persistent anti-social behaviour refers to repeated conduct capable of causing harassment, alarm or distress to neighbouring residents.
(3) The Secretary of State may by regulations issue guidance under this section.
(4) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.”

This amendment would strengthen powers available to social landlords in cases of persistent anti-social behaviour.

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Brownfield land social housing development strategy
(1) The Secretary of State must publish a strategy for prioritising the development of brownfield land for social housing.
(2) The strategy must include—
(a) measures to accelerate planning approvals on brownfield sites for social housing, and
(b) incentives for regeneration of derelict urban land for the purpose of social housing.”

This amendment seeks to require the Government to publish a brownfield-first social housing development strategy.

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Review of regulatory burdens
(1) The Secretary of State must conduct a review of regulatory burdens affecting local authorities and registered providers of new social housing relating to social housing provision.
(2) The review under subsection (1) must consider—
(a) administrative costs,
(b) duplication of regulatory requirements,
(c) barriers to social housing development, and
(d) opportunities for simplification.
(3) The Secretary of State must lay the review before both Houses of Parliament within the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.”

This amendment would require a review of cumulative regulatory burdens affecting social housing delivery.

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Fiscal impact assessment
(1) Within the period of six months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must publish an assessment of the fiscal impact of this Act.
(2) The assessment under subsection (1) must consider—
(a) the impact on local authority finances,
(b) to what extent social housing represents value for money for the taxpayer, and
(c) the financial ability of social housing tenants to access Right to Buy.
(3) The Secretary of State must lay the assessment before Parliament.”

This amendment would require the Secretary of State to carry out a fiscal impact assessment of the Act.

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Eligibility for social housing: foreign public office holders and associated persons
(1) The Secretary of State may issue guidance concerning foreign public office holders and associated persons.
(2) A local housing authority must have regard to guidance issues by the Secretary of State concerning applications for social housing made by foreign public office holders and associated persons including—
(a) persons holding senior public office in a foreign state;
(b) spouses or civil partners of such persons;
(c) persons subject to sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom.
(3) Guidance under subsection (1) may include provision relating to disclosure requirements and verification of overseas assets.
(4) The Secretary of State must lay any guidance issues under this section before Parliament.”

This amendment would require guidance relating to social housing eligibility for certain foreign public office holders and associated persons.

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Illegal subletting of social housing: enforcement review
(1) The Secretary of State must publish a review of the effectiveness of enforcement activity relating to illegal subletting of social housing.
(2) The review must include—
(a) rates of prosecution,
(b) recovery of properties, and
(c) barriers to enforcement.
(3) The review must be laid before Parliament.”

This amendment would require review of enforcement activity relating to illegal subletting of social housing.

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Standards relating to maintenance of social housing
(1) The Secretary of State must publish guidance relating to standards for maintenance of social housing, in line with the Hazards in Social Housing (Prescribed Requirements)(England) Regulations 2025.
(2) Guidance under subsection (1) must include provision relating to—
(a) damp and mould,
(b) electrical safety,
(c) response times for repairs, and
(d) tenant complaints procedures.
(3) Registered providers must have regard to guidance issued under this section.”

This amendment would require guidance relating to maintenance standards in social housing.

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Review of fixed-term tenancy reforms
(1) The Secretary of State must review the operation of fixed-term social housing tenancies introduced under the Housing and Planning Act 2016.
(2) The review must assess—
(a) tenancy sustainability,
(b) housing mobility,
(c) efficient use of social housing stock, and
(d) impact on waiting lists.
(3) The review must be laid before Parliament.”

This amendment would require review of fixed-term social housing tenancy reforms.

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Shared ownership strategy
(1) The Secretary of State must publish a strategy for increasing opportunities for shared ownership within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed.
(2) The strategy must include proposals relating to—
(a) first-time buyers,
(b) key workers,
(c) housing association provision, and
(d) staircasing arrangements.
(3) The strategy must be laid before Parliament.”

This amendment would require publication of a strategy for expanding shared ownership.

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Higher-income social tenants
(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision requiring registered providers and local housing authorities to charge higher rents to households whose income exceeds a prescribed threshold.
(2) Regulations under subsection (1) must provide for—
(a) regional variation,
(b) household composition, and
(c) affordability considerations.
(3) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.”

This amendment would enable higher rents to be charged to higher-income social housing tenants.

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Review of income eligibility for social housing
(1) The Secretary of State must review income eligibility thresholds for social housing every five years.
(2) A review under subsection (1) must consider—
(a) earnings growth,
(b) regional housing costs,
(c) housing affordability, and
(d) demand for social housing.
(3) The Secretary of State must publish the findings of each review and lay them before Parliament.”

This amendment would require regular reviews of income eligibility thresholds for social housing.

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Assessment of social housing demand arising from net migration
(1) The Secretary of State must publish annual estimates of additional social housing demand arising from net migration.
(2) Estimates under subsection (1) must include regional assessments.
(3) The estimates must be laid before Parliament.”

This amendment would require publication of estimates of social housing demand arising from net migration.

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Overheating in new social housing
(1) The Secretary of State must by regulations make provision requiring that new social housing in England is designed and constructed so as to reduce the risk of overheating during periods of high external temperature.
(2) Regulations under subsection (1) may in particular make provision about—
(a) ventilation,
(b) shading and solar control,
(c) thermal performance of the building fabric, and
(d) any other measures the Secretary of State considers appropriate for reducing overheating risk.
(3) Regulations under this section must secure at least equivalent protection against overheating to that required for new residential buildings under the Building Regulations 2010.
(4) Regulations under this section are to be made by statutory instrument.
(5) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.”

This amendment creates a power to regulate that new social housing in England be constructed to reduce overheating risk.

Clause 17, page 13, line 16, leave out subsections (4) and (5) and insert—
“(4) Regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the regulations has been laid before and approved by a resolution by both Houses of Parliament.”

This amendment would require an affirmative parliamentary procedure for regulations made under Clause 17.

Clause 19, page 13, line 28, leave out paragraph (a)

This amendment, and another in the name of Baroness Scott of Bybrook, would prevent section 1 of this Bill coming into effect on the day on which the Act is passed, instead making the commencement of section 1 to be three years following the day on which the Act is passed.

Clause 19, page 14, line 3, leave out first “or” and insert “to”

This amendment, and another in the name of Baroness Scott of Bybrook, would prevent section 1 of this Bill coming into effect on the day on which the Act is passed, delaying commencement until three years following that day.

Clause 19, page 14, line 16, at end insert—
“(3A) Section 1 (right to buy: qualifying period) comes into force at the end of the period of three years beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.”

This amendment, and another in the name of Baroness Scott of Bybrook, would prevent section 1 of this Bill coming into effect on the day on which the Act is passed, delaying commencement until three years following that day.

Clause 1, page 1, line 6, leave out “ten” and insert “five”

This probing amendment seeks to enable a debate on the Government’s decision to extend the right to buy eligibility period from 3 years to 10 years.

After Clause 12, insert the following new Clause—
“Duty to ensure continuity of secure tenancy in cases of threat to safety
In the Housing Act 1985, after section 86 (periodic tenancy arising on termination of fixed term), insert—
“86ZA Duty to ensure continuity of secure tenancy in cases of threat to safety
(1) This section applies where—
(a) a registered provider of social housing has granted a secure and assured tenancy of a dwelling-house in England to a person (whether as the sole tenant or a joint tenant), and
(b) the registered provider is satisfied that there is a threat to the personal safety of that person or of a member of that person’s household which means there is a risk to their personal safety unless they move.
(2) When subsection (1) applies, the regulator must ensure that the registered provider grants the tenant a new secure tenancy which is—
(a) on terms at least equivalent to the existing tenancy, and
(b) in a dwelling where the threat to the tenant’s personal safety does not apply.
(3) In this section, a “threat to personal safety” means any threat of violence, including in circumstances of—
(a) domestic abuse where the perpetrator does not live at the same address as the victim;
(b) an escalating neighbour dispute;
(c) a threat of targeted youth or gang violence.
(4) In assessing the threat under subsection (1)(b), the registered provider must act in accordance with any relevant police advice provided to—
(a) the registered provider,
(b) the tenant, or
(c) any member of the tenant’s household.
(5) In the event that a registered provider is unable to ensure the provision of an appropriate new secure tenancy pursuant to subsection (2), the regulator must ensure that the registered provider concerned co-operates with other registered providers to ensure an appropriate new secure tenancy is provided in a timely manner.””

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Review of mayoral accountability for social housing delivery
(1) The Secretary of State must publish a review of mechanisms for strengthening accountability in relation to housing delivery by elected mayors.
(2) The review must consider—
(a) social housing delivery performance,
(b) accountability to local electors, and
(c) options to recall or other democratic accountability mechanisms.
(3) The review must be laid before Parliament within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed.”

This probing amendment would require a review of mechanisms for strengthening accountability for elected mayors in relation to social housing delivery.

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Review of incentives for social housing delivery by elected mayors
(1) The Secretary of State must publish a review of incentives designed to improve social housing delivery by elected mayors.
(2) The review must consider—
(a) performance measures relating to social housing delivery,
(b) financial incentives linked to delivery outcomes, and
(c) the impact of such incentives on social housing supply.
(3) The review must be laid before Parliament.”

This probing amendment would require a review of incentives linked to social housing delivery by elected mayors.

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Mayoral remuneration and social housing delivery performance
(1) The Secretary of State must by regulations establish a framework linking a proportion of remuneration payable to elected mayors of combined authorities to social housing delivery performance.
(2) The framework must include—
(a) measurable social housing delivery targets,
(b) assessment of social housing delivery, and
(c) criteria for adjustment of remuneration based on performance.
(3) Regulations under this section are to be made by statutory instrument.
(4) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.”

This probing amendment would require a statutory framework linking mayoral remuneration to social housing delivery performance.

Schedule 1, page 31, line 13, at end insert—
“(2) In section 160ZA of the Housing Act 1996 (allocation only to eligible and qualifying persons: England), after subsection (11), insert—
“(12) In deciding what classes of persons are not qualifying persons under subsection (7), a local housing authority must not have regard to any debt that was accrued by an applicant for housing accommodation, or by a member of their household, where that debt was accrued in connection with domestic abuse.
(13) For the purposes of subsection (12), “domestic abuse” has the meaning given by section 1 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.”
(3) In section 160A of the Housing Act 1996 (allocation only to eligible persons: Wales), after subsection (11), insert—
“(12) In deciding if an applicant is to be treated as ineligible for an allocation of housing accommodation under subsection (7), a local housing authority must not have regard to any debt that was accrued by an applicant, or by a member of their household, where that debt was accrued in connection with domestic abuse.
(13) For the purposes of subsection (12), “domestic abuse” has the meaning given by section 1 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.”
(4) In section 166A of the Housing Act 1996 (allocation in accordance with allocation scheme: England), after subsection (14), insert—
“(15) A local housing authority in England must not, in preparing or modifying their allocation scheme, have regard to any debt that was accrued by an applicant for housing accommodation, or by a member of their household, where that debt was accrued in connection with domestic abuse.
(16) For the purposes of subsection (15), “domestic abuse” has the meaning given by section 1 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.”
(5) In section 167 of the Housing Act 1996 (allocation in accordance with allocation scheme: Wales), after subsection (8), insert—
“(9) A local housing authority in Wales must not, when adopting or altering their allocation scheme, have regard to any debt that was accrued by an applicant for housing accommodation, or by a member of their household, where that debt was accrued in connection with domestic abuse.
(10) For the purposes of subsection (9), “domestic abuse” has the meaning given by section 1 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.””

This amendment is intended to ensure that people in England and Wales who have incurred debt, for example rent arrears, as the result of domestic financial abuse are not prevented from bidding for social housing.

Schedule 3, page 35, line 26, leave out paragraph 1

This is a probing amendment to consider the alternatives to secure tenancies for life.

Clause 5, page 5, line 6, leave out “15” and insert “30”

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause- "National audit of social housing (1) The Secretary of State must publish a national audit of social housing stock within the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed. (2) The audit must include information relating to - (a) stock condition, (b) occupancy levels, (c) rates of under-occupation, (d) regional demand, and (e) void properties. (3) The Secretary of State must lay the audit before Parliament."

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause – “Assessment of temporary asylum accommodation and social housing demand (1) The Secretary of State must publish an assessment of the impact of temporary asylum accommodation on local social housing demand. (2) The assessment must include - (a) geographic concentration, (b) local authority housing pressures, and (c) impacts on temporary accommodation provision. (3) The assessment must be laid before Parliament."

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Fixed term tenancies: existing enactments
Nothing in this Act prevents a local housing authority from granting fixed-term tenancies for social housing in accordance with existing enactments.”

This amendment would preserve local authority discretion to use fixed-term tenancies for social housing.

Clause 1, page 1, line 6, leave out “ten” and insert “five”

After Clause 12, insert the following new Clause – "Duty to ensure continuity of secure tenancy in cases of threat to safety In the Housing Act 1985, after section 86 (periodic tenancy arising on termination of fixed term), insert - "86ZA Duty to ensure continuity of secure tenancy in cases of threat to safety (1) This section applies where- (a) a registered provider of social housing has granted a secure and assured tenancy of a dwelling-house in England to a person (whether as the sole tenant or a joint tenant), and (b) the registered provider is satisfied that there is a threat to the personal safety of that person or of a member of that person's household which means there is a risk to their personal safety unless they move. (2) When subsection (1) applies, the regulator must ensure that the registered provider grants the tenant a new secure tenancy which is – (a) on terms at least equivalent to the existing tenancy, and (b) in a dwelling where the threat to the tenant's personal safety does not apply. (3) In this section, a “threat to personal safety” means any threat of violence, including in circumstances of – (a) domestic abuse where the perpetrator does not live at the same address as the victim; (b) an escalating neighbour dispute; (c) a threat of targeted youth or gang violence. (4) In assessing the threat under subsection (1)(b), the registered provider must act in accordance with any relevant police advice provided to - (a) the registered provider, (b) the tenant, or (c) any member of the tenant's household. (5) In the event that a registered provider is unable to ensure the provision of an appropriate new secure tenancy pursuant to subsection (2), the regulator must ensure that the registered provider concerned co-operates with other registered providers to ensure an appropriate new secure tenancy is provided in a timely manner."

Schedule 1, page 31, line 13, at end insert - "(2) In section 160ZA of the Housing Act 1996 (allocation only to eligible and qualifying persons: England), after subsection (11), insert- "(12) In deciding what classes of persons are not qualifying persons under subsection (7), a local housing authority must not have regard to any debt that was accrued by an applicant for housing accommodation, or by a member of their household, where that debt was accrued in connection with domestic abuse. (13) For the purposes of subsection (12), “domestic abuse” has the meaning given by section 1 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.” (3) In section 160A of the Housing Act 1996 (allocation only to eligible persons: Wales), after subsection (11), insert - "(12) In deciding if an applicant is to be treated as ineligible for an allocation of housing accommodation under subsection (7), a local housing authority must not have regard to any debt that was accrued by an applicant, or by a member of their household, where that debt was accrued in connection with domestic abuse. (13) For the purposes of subsection (12), “domestic abuse” has the meaning given by section 1 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.” (4) In section 166A of the Housing Act 1996 (allocation in accordance with allocation scheme: England), after subsection (14), insert – "(15) A local housing authority in England must not, in preparing or modifying their allocation scheme, have regard to any debt that was accrued by an applicant for housing accommodation, or by a member of their household, where that debt was accrued in connection with domestic abuse. (16) For the purposes of subsection (15), “domestic abuse” has the meaning given by section 1 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.” (5) In section 167 of the Housing Act 1996 (allocation in accordance with allocation scheme: Wales), after subsection (8), insert – “(9) A local housing authority in Wales must not, when adopting or altering their allocation scheme, have regard to any debt that was accrued by an applicant for housing accommodation, or by a member of their household, where that debt was accrued in connection with domestic abuse. (10) For the purposes of subsection (9), “domestic abuse” has the meaning given by section 1 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.””

Schedule 3, page 35, line 26, leave out paragraph 1

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause— “Review of mayoral accountability for social housing delivery (1) The Secretary of State must publish a review of mechanisms for strengthening accountability in relation to housing delivery by elected mayors. (2) The review must consider— (a) social housing delivery performance, (b) accountability to local electors, and (c) options to recall or other democratic accountability mechanisms. (3) The review must be laid before Parliament within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed.”

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause— “Review of incentives for social housing delivery by elected mayors (1) The Secretary of State must publish a review of incentives designed to improve social housing delivery by elected mayors. (2) The review must consider— (a) performance measures relating to social housing delivery, (b) financial incentives linked to delivery outcomes, and (c) the impact of such incentives on social housing supply. (3) The review must be laid before Parliament."

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause – "Mayoral remuneration and social housing delivery performance (1) The Secretary of State must by regulations establish a framework linking a proportion of remuneration payable to elected mayors of combined authorities to social housing delivery performance. (2) The framework must include (a) measurable social housing delivery targets, (b) assessment of social housing delivery, and (c) criteria for adjustment of remuneration based on performance. (3) Regulations under this section are to be made by statutory instrument. (4) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament."

The above-named Lords give notice of their intention to oppose the Question that Clause 1 stand part of the Bill.

After Clause 1, insert the following new Clause— “Transitional arrangements relating to qualifying period for right to buy (1) Section 119 of the Housing Act 1985 (qualifying period for right to buy) is amended as follows. (2) After subsection (A1) insert— “(A2) Subsection (A1) does not apply in relation to a secure tenancy entered into before the coming into force of section 1 of the Social Housing Act 2026. (A3) In relation to a tenancy within subsection (A2), the right to buy does not arise unless the period which, in accordance with Schedule 4, is to be taken into account for the purposes of this section is at least three years.”

Clause 5, page 5, line 4, leave out “five” and insert “20”

Baroness Scott of Bybrook gives notice of her intention to oppose the Question that Clause 6 stand part of the Bill.

Clause 7, page 6, leave out lines 6 and 7

Clause 7, page 6, leave out lines 15 to 18

Clause 7, page 6, leave out lines 19 to 21

Clause 7, page 7, leave out lines 29 and 30 and insert - "(c) may not be made unless a draft of the regulations has been laid before and approved by a resolution by both Houses of Parliament."

Clause 9, page 8, line 35, at end insert — "(5F) Before making a determination relating to the use of capital receipts under this section, the Secretary of State must consult local housing authorities."

After Clause 9, insert the following new Clause- "Review of the impact of this Act on home ownership (1) Within the period of two years beginning with the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must publish a review of the impact of this Act on rates of home ownership among former social tenants. (2) The review under subsection (1) must include an assessment of this Act on – (a) the number of Right to Buy applications, (b) the number of completed Right to Buy purchases, and (c) the ages of former social tenants who successfully purchased their homes through Right to Buy, in the calendar year prior to the review. (3) The Secretary of State must lay a copy of this review before both Houses of Parliament."

Clause 11, page 10, line 23, at end insert- "(7) In exercising functions under this section, the Secretary of State must have regard to the operational and financial independence of private registered providers."

After Clause 11, insert the following new Clause – "National audit of social housing (1) The Secretary of State must publish a national audit of social housing stock within the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed. (2) The audit must include information relating to - (a) stock condition, (b) occupancy levels, (c) rates of under-occupation, (d) regional demand, and (e) void properties. (3) The Secretary of State must lay the audit before Parliament.”

After Clause 11, insert the following new Clause- “Assessment of temporary asylum accommodation and social housing demand (1) The Secretary of State must publish an assessment of the impact of temporary asylum accommodation on local social housing demand. (2) The assessment must include - (a) geographic concentration, (b) local authority housing pressures, and (c) impacts on temporary accommodation provision. (3) The assessment must be laid before Parliament.”

After Clause 12, insert the following new Clause- "Local connection requirements (1) The Secretary of State must, using powers under section 166A(7) and 167(3) of the Housing Act 1996, require that local housing authorities ensure that reasonable preference in allocations policies takes account of local connection. (2) For the purpose of subsection (1), local connection includes - (a) residence, (b) employment, (c) family association, or (d) service in His Majesty's Armed Forces. (3) The Secretary of State may by regulations issue guidance on the implementation of subsections (1) and (2). (4) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.”

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause – “Access to social housing: British citizenship (1) Where a dwelling is social housing within the meaning of Part 2 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008, the landlord must be satisfied that the lead tenant is a British citizen. (2) Where the landlord is not a local authority, the relevant local authority should take all reasonable steps to ensure compliance with subsection (1).”

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause – "Tenancy review for persistent anti-social behaviour (1) A social landlord must conduct a tenancy review where a tenant has engaged in persistent anti-social behaviour. (2) Persistent anti-social behaviour refers to repeated conduct capable of causing harassment, alarm or distress to neighbouring residents. (3) The Secretary of State may by regulations issue guidance under this section. (4) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament."

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause – "Brownfield land social housing development strategy (1) The Secretary of State must publish a strategy for prioritising the development of brownfield land for social housing. (2) The strategy must include- (a) measures to accelerate planning approvals on brownfield sites for social housing, and (b) incentives for regeneration of derelict urban land for the purpose of social housing."

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause – "Review of regulatory burdens (1) The Secretary of State must conduct a review of regulatory burdens affecting local authorities and registered providers of new social housing relating to social housing provision. (2) The review under subsection (1) must consider – (a) administrative costs, (b) duplication of regulatory requirements, (c) barriers to social housing development, and (d) opportunities for simplification. (3) The Secretary of State must lay the review before both Houses of Parliament within the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.”

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause – "Fiscal impact assessment (1) Within the period of six months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must publish an assessment of the fiscal impact of this Act. (2) The assessment under subsection (1) must consider (a) the impact on local authority finances, (b) to what extent social housing represents value for money for the taxpayer, and (c) the financial ability of social housing tenants to access Right to Buy. (3) The Secretary of State must lay the assessment before Parliament."

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause- “Eligibility for social housing: foreign public office holders and associated persons (1) The Secretary of State may issue guidance concerning foreign public office holders and associated persons. (2) A local housing authority must have regard to guidance issues by the Secretary of State concerning applications for social housing made by foreign public office holders and associated persons including- (a) persons holding senior public office in a foreign state; (b) spouses or civil partners of such persons; (c) persons subject to sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom. (3) Guidance under subsection (1) may include provision relating to disclosure requirements and verification of overseas assets. (4) The Secretary of State must lay any guidance issues under this section before Parliament."

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause- "Illegal subletting of social housing: enforcement review (1) The Secretary of State must publish a review of the effectiveness of enforcement activity relating to illegal subletting of social housing. (2) The review must include - (a) rates of prosecution, (b) recovery of properties, and (c) barriers to enforcement. (3) The review must be laid before Parliament.”

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause "Standards relating to maintenance of social housing (1) The Secretary of State must publish guidance relating to standards for maintenance of social housing, in line with the Hazards in Social Housing (Prescribed Requirements)(England) Regulations 2025. (2) Guidance under subsection (1) must include provision relating to – (a) damp and mould, (b) electrical safety, (c) response times for repairs, and (d) tenant complaints procedures. (3) Registered providers must have regard to guidance issued under this section."

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause "Fixed term tenancies for social housing Nothing in this Act prevents a local housing authority or registered provider from granting a fixed-term tenancy for social housing.”

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause – "Review of fixed-term tenancy reforms (1) The Secretary of State must review the operation of fixed-term social housing tenancies introduced under the Housing and Planning Act 2016. (2) The review must assess – (a) tenancy sustainability, (b) housing mobility, (c) efficient use of social housing stock, and (d) impact on waiting lists. (3) The review must be laid before Parliament."

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause – "Shared ownership strategy (1) The Secretary of State must publish a strategy for increasing opportunities for shared ownership within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed. (2) The strategy must include proposals relating to - (a) first-time buyers, (b) key workers, (c) housing association provision, and (d) staircasing arrangements. (3) The strategy must be laid before Parliament.”

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause – “Higher-income social tenants (1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision requiring registered providers and local housing authorities to charge higher rents to households whose income exceeds a prescribed threshold. (2) Regulations under subsection (1) must provide for - (a) regional variation, (b) household composition, and (c) affordability considerations. (3) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament."

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause- "Review of income eligibility for social housing (1) The Secretary of State must review income eligibility thresholds for social housing every five years. (2) A review under subsection (1) must consider- (a) earnings growth, (b) regional housing costs, (c) housing affordability, and (d) demand for social housing. (3) The Secretary of State must publish the findings of each review and lay them before Parliament."

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause – "Assessment of social housing demand arising from net migration (1) The Secretary of State must publish annual estimates of additional social housing demand arising from net migration. (2) Estimates under subsection (1) must include regional assessments. (3) The estimates must be laid before Parliament."

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause- "Fixed term tenancies: existing enactments Nothing in this Act prevents a local housing authority from granting fixed-term tenancies for social housing in accordance with existing enactments.”

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause – “Overheating in new social housing (1) The Secretary of State must by regulations make provision requiring that new social housing in England is designed and constructed so as to reduce the risk of overheating during periods of high external temperature. (2) Regulations under subsection (1) may in particular make provision about- (a) ventilation, (b) shading and solar control, (c) thermal performance of the building fabric, and (d) any other measures the Secretary of State considers appropriate for reducing overheating risk. (3) Regulations under this section must secure at least equivalent protection against overheating to that required for new residential buildings under the Building Regulations 2010. (4) Regulations under this section are to be made by statutory instrument. (5) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament."

Clause 17, page 13, line 16, leave out subsections (4) and (5) and insert— "(4) Regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the regulations has been laid before and approved by a resolution by both Houses of Parliament.”

Clause 19, page 13, line 28, leave out paragraph (a)

Clause 19, page 14, line 3, leave out first “or” and insert “to”

Clause 19, page 14, line 16, at end insert- “(3A) Section 1 (right to buy: qualifying period) comes into force at the end of the period of three years beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.”