Social Housing Bill [HL] 2026-27

None NC64

To move the following Clause—
“Replacement of disposed rural social housing stock
(1) Within 12 months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must, by regulations made by statutory instrument, make provision to require disposed social housing providers to guarantee rural social housing is replaced like for like.
(2) Under subsection (1) ‘like for like’ means housing that is—
(a) in the same local area, and
(b) with the same number of bedrooms.
(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 new clause would require a local replacement guarantee where rural social housing is disposed of.

None NC65

To move the following Clause—
“Rural social housing targets
(1) Within 12 months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must set rural social housing targets, and every year thereafter, publish a report on progress towards those targets.
(2) The “rural social housing targets” under subsection (1) should include individual targets for the amount of social housing that is available for—
(a) social rent,
(b) affordable rent, and
(c) shared ownership.”

This new clause would require the Government to create and publish progress towards targets for rural social housing, broken down by tenure type.

None NC66

To move the following Clause—
“Review of the use of empty homes as social housing
(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, publish and lay before Parliament a review on the use of empty homes as social homes.
(2) A review under this section must include information on—
(a) the number of empty homes in England and Wales that could be used for social housing,
(b) the potential merits of a scheme to bring empty homes into use as social housing, and
(c) any challenges involved in establishing such a scheme.”

None NC67

To move the following Clause—
“Long-term empty homes use: strategy and funding
(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, publish and lay before Parliament a national strategy for increasing the acquisition and renovation of long-term empty homes for use as low-cost rental accommodation.
(2) A strategy published under this section must include options for establishing ring-fenced funding for bringing empty homes into use as low-cost rental accommodation, to be made available to strategic authorities or local authorities.
(3) In this section, “low-cost rental accommodation” has the meaning given in section 69 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (low cost rental).
(4) Within 12 months of the publication of the strategy under subsection (1)(a), and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State must publish data on—
(a) the number of empty homes renovated as a result of the strategy and any subsequent actions, and
(b) the number of acquired empty homes allocated to people previously in temporary accommodation or rough sleeping.”

This new clause would create a national strategy to bring long-term empty homes into use as low-cost rental accommodation.

Opposition Amendment 86

Page 1, line 4, leave out Clause 1

Opposition Amendment 88

Page 7, line 9, leave out Clause 6

Opposition Amendment 89

Page 7, line 26, leave out Clause 7

Opposition Amendment 90

Clause 8, page 8, leave out from line 2 to end of line 18

This amendment removes the restriction on those living in National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and areas designated as being exempt from Right to Buy.

None 104

Clause 8, page 8, line 10, at end insert—
“(1A) Regulations made under subsection (1)(a) above must use the Rural Urban Classification to determine whether an area is rural or urban.”

Opposition Amendment 83

Clause 8, page 8, line 25, leave out “35” and insert “10”

This amendment seeks to reduce the period during which newly built social housing is exempt from the Right to Buy from 35 years to 10 years.

Opposition Amendment 91

Clause 8, page 9, leave out lines 41 and 42 and insert—
“(c) may not be made unless a draft of the regulations has been laid before and approved by a resolution of both Houses of Parliament.”

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

Opposition Amendment 92

Clause 10, page 10, line 19, leave out “a determination” and insert “regulations”

This amendment removes the power of the Secretary of State to make a determination, but that changes to the use of capital receipts must be made by regulations instead.

Opposition Amendment 93

Clause 10, page 10, line 29, leave out “a determination” and insert “regulations”

This amendment removes the power of the Secretary of State to make a determination, but that changes to the use of capital receipts must be made by regulations instead.

Opposition Amendment 94

Clause 10, page 10, line 30, leave out “A determination” and insert “Regulations”

This amendment removes the power of the Secretary of State to make a determination, but that changes to the use of capital receipts must be made by regulations instead.

Opposition Amendment 96

Clause 10, page 10, leave out lines 33 to 40

This amendment would remove the Secretary of State’s ability to make different provisions in respect of different local authorities and to make retroactive provisions through a determination.

Opposition Amendment 97

Clause 10, page 10, line 39, leave out “determination is” and insert “regulations are”

This amendment removes the power of the Secretary of State to make a determination, but that changes to the use of capital receipts must be made by regulations instead.

Opposition Amendment 95

Clause 10, page 10, line 41, leave out from beginning of line to end of line 5 on page 11 and insert—
“(5E) Regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft has been laid before and agreed by both Houses of Parliament.”

Opposition Amendment 98

Clause 10, page 11, line 5, 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.

None 102

Clause 12, page 11, line 24, at end insert—
“(1A) In the case of a dwelling—
(a) in a designated rural area, or
(b) with four bedrooms or more,
condition D also applies.”

This amendment, along with Amendment 103, would require written consent from a local authority for the sale of certain social housing properties.

None 101

Clause 12, page 11, line 33, at end insert—
“(ba) each community land trust providing social housing in that area at the time the sale notice is given, and”

None 99

Clause 12, page 11, line 35, at end insert—
“(2A) Condition AA is that a copy of any notice given in relation to the relevant sale is published on the registered provider’s website.”

None 103

Clause 12, page 12, line 2, at end insert—
“(4A) Condition D is that, in the case of a dwelling in a designated rural area or a dwelling with four bedrooms or more, the local authority has given written consent for the sale.”

This amendment, along with Amendment 102, would require written consent from a local authority for the sale of certain social housing properties.

Opposition Amendment 82

Clause 12, page 12, line 31, at end insert –
“(7) In exercising functions under this section and section 171A, 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 sections 171A and 171B of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008.

None 100

Clause 12, page 13, line 11, at end insert—
“(1A) The private registered provider’s stated reason for making the relevant sale must be one of the following reasons—
(a) financial viability,
(b) the cost to retrofit energy efficiency measures,
(c) stock rationalization, or
(d) another specified reason as set out in regulations made by statutory instrument.
(1B) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (1A)(d) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by, a resolution of each House of Parliament.”

Opposition Amendment NC25

To move the following Clause—
“Report: replacement of social housing stock
(1) Within 12 months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must undertake a review of the replacement of social housing stock.
(2) The review under subsection (1) must make a recommendation as to whether there should be a statutory requirement on local authorities to deliver one additional social rented dwelling for every social rented dwelling disposed of within the period of three years beginning with the date of disposal.
(3) Within one month of the review under subsection (1) being completed, the Secretary of State must lay a report before both Houses of Parliament stating whether the Secretary of State agrees with the recommendations of the review, and if not, the reasons for its disagreement.
(4) For the purposes of this section, “social rented dwelling” is accommodation which fulfils the criteria for “low-cost rental accommodation” in section 69 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (low cost rental).”

This new clause would require the Secretary of State to review the merits of introducing a one-for-one replacement policy for homes sold under the Right to Buy.

Opposition Amendment NC26

To move the following Clause—
“Replacement of social housing stock: data
(1) Within 12 months of the passing of this Act and every 12 months thereafter, the Secretary of State must publish a report containing the following data—
(a) the number of new dwellings for social rent that have been delivered within the preceding 12 months; and
(b) the number of dwellings for social rent that have been disposed of by local authorities within the preceding 12 months.”

This new clause would require the Secretary of State to publish annual data on the amount of social housing which is replaced once sold.

Opposition Amendment NC27

To move the following Clause—
“Social housing estates: regeneration
(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of passing of this Act, publish and lay before Parliament a report setting out proposals to support the regeneration of existing social housing estates in order to increase the quality and supply of social housing.
(2) The document under subsection (1) must include proposals relating to—
(a) funding to deliver alternative housing for existing tenants during the redevelopment of social housing estates;
(b) support for increasing density as part of social housing redevelopment, where appropriate;
(c) the use of public land and housing assets to facilitate regeneration; and
(d) grant funding for energy efficiency improvements as part of redevelopment schemes.
(3) In preparing the report under this section, the Secretary of State must have regard to the need to increase social and affordable housing supply within existing urban areas.”

This new clause would require the Government to bring forward proposals within 12 months to support regeneration of social housing estates, including decant funding and densification opportunities.

Opposition Amendment NC28

To move the following Clause—
“Supported housing and stock management strategy
(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, publish and lay before Parliament a strategy for the provision of supported housing within the social housing system.
(2) The strategy must consider—
(a) barriers to the delivery of additional supported housing dwellings within the social housing system;
(b) integration of supported housing within social housing stock management; and
(c) long-term demand projections.”

This new clause would require a strategy on supported housing as part of social housing stock management.

Opposition Amendment NC29

To move the following Clause—
“Report on the impact of changes to right to buy discounts
Within the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which section 6 (discount) comes into force, the Secretary of State must publish and lay before Parliament a report assessing the impact of the changes made by that section on—
(a) overall rates of home ownership,
(b) the number of social housing tenants exercising the right to buy,
(c) social housing supply, and
(d) the provision of replacement social housing.”

This new clause would require the Secretary of State to assess the impact of the Bill’s changes to right to buy discounts on home ownership, right to buy uptake and housing supply.

Opposition Amendment NC30

To move the following Clause—
“Domestic abuse protections: implementation review
(1) Within the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which section 14 and Schedule 1 (Protection for victims of domestic abuse) come into force, the Secretary of State must publish and lay before Parliament a review of the effectiveness of those provisions at protecting victims of domestic abuse who hold social housing tenancies.
(2) The review under this section must include an assessment of—
(a) the effectiveness of the courts and relevant agencies at identifying when incidents of domestic abuse have occurred within social housing dwellings; and
(b) the ability of local authorities and other relevant agencies to identify previous victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse when allocating social housing tenancies.”

This new clause would require the Government to assess the effectiveness of the provisions on protecting domestic abuse victims.

Opposition Amendment NC31

To move the following Clause—
“Local connection requirements
(1) Part VI of the Housing Act 1996 (Allocation of housing accommodation) is amended as follows.
(2) In section 166A (Allocation in accordance with allocation scheme: England), after subsection (4), insert—
“(4A) The scheme must ensure that additional preference is given to people with a local connection to the local housing authority area.
(4B) For the purposes of assessing “local connection” under subsection (4A), a local authority must take account of—
(a) current residence,
(b) employment, and
(c) family members.
(4C) For the purposes of assessing local connection, the local housing authority must disregard any disruption to the local connection caused or exacerbated by recent service in His Majesty’s Armed Forces.
(4D) The Secretary of State may by regulations issue guidance on the implementation of subsections (4A) to (4C).
(4E) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (4D) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.”
(3) In section 167 (Allocation in accordance with allocation scheme: Wales), after subsection (2E), insert—
“(2D) The scheme must ensure that additional preference is given to people with a local connection to the local housing authority area.
(2E) For the purposes of assessing “local connection” under subsection (4A), a local authority must take account of—
(a) current residence,
(b) employment, and
(c) family members.
(2F) For the purposes of assessing local connection, the local housing authority must disregard any disruption to the local connection caused or exacerbated by recent service in His Majesty’s Armed Forces.
(2G) The Secretary of State may by regulations issue guidance on the implementation of subsections (2D) to (2F).
(2H) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (2G) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.””

This new clause seeks to strengthen local connection considerations in social housing allocations.

Opposition Amendment NC32

To move the following Clause—
““Access to social housing: British citizenship
(1) Where a dwelling is social housing within the meaning of section 68 (basic principle) of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008, the landlord must be satisfied that the lead tenant is a British citizen.
(2) Local authorities must take all reasonable steps to ensure compliance with subsection (1) by all social housing landlords in the local area.
(3) The Secretary of State may by regulation make further provision 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 new clause seeks to ensure that those who are not British citizens cannot access social housing.

Opposition Amendment NC33

To move the following Clause—
“Social housing tenancy review for persistent anti-social behaviour
(1) The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 is amended as follows.
(2) After section 45, insert—
“45A Tenancy review for persistent anti-social behaviour
(1) A social landlord must conduct a tenancy review in relation to any person who is—
(a) a social housing tenant, or
(b) resident in, or in regular attendance at, a social housing dwelling,
where that person has been issued with a community protection notice under this Act.
(2) Where a community protection notice is issued to a person meeting the requirements set out in subsection (1) above, the authorised person must notify the landlord of the relevant social housing dwelling.
(3) The Secretary of State may by regulation 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 new clause seeks to strengthen powers available to social landlords in cases of persistent anti-social behaviour.

Opposition Amendment NC34

To move the following Clause—
“Brownfield sites social housing development strategy
(1) Within 12 months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must publish and lay before Parliament a strategy for prioritising the development of brownfield sites for social housing.
(2) The strategy published under this section 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 new clause seeks to require the Government to publish a strategy for prioritising brownfield land for social housing development.

Opposition Amendment NC35

To move the following Clause—
“Review of regulatory requirements
(1) The Secretary of State must conduct a review of regulatory requirements on local authorities and registered providers of new social housing relating to social housing provision.
(2) The review under subsection (1) must consider—
(a) the levels of administrative cost arising from relevant regulations;
(b) any duplication of regulatory requirements;
(c) whether any regulatory duties are acting as barriers to, or deterrents against, new social housing developments; and
(d) any opportunities for simplification.
(3) The Secretary of State must lay the review before Parliament within the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.”

This new clause would require a review of regulatory requirements on social housing delivery.

Opposition Amendment NC36

To move the following Clause—
“Fiscal impact assessment
(1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must publish and lay before Parliament an assessment of the fiscal impact of this Act.
(2) The assessment under subsection (1) must consider—
(a) any impact on local authority finances;
(b) an analysis of the extent to which social housing represents value for money for Government expenditure; and
(c) any changes to the financial ability of social housing tenants to access Right to Buy.”

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

Opposition Amendment NC37

To move the following Clause—
“Provision of social housing: foreign public office holders and associated persons
(1) The Secretary of State may issue guidance concerning the provision of social housing by foreign public office holders.
(2) A local housing authority must have regard to any guidance issued 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; and
(b) spouses or civil partners of such persons;
(3) Guidance under subsection (1) may include provision relating to—
(a) public office holders subject to sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom;
(b) disclosure requirements; and
(c) verification of overseas assets.
(4) The Secretary of State must lay any guidance issued under this section before Parliament.”

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

Opposition Amendment NC38

To move the following Clause—
“Illegal subletting of social housing: enforcement review
(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, publish and lay before Parliament a review of the effectiveness of enforcement activity relating to illegal subletting of social housing.
(2) The review under this section must include information on—
(a) numbers of prosecutions,
(b) numbers of properties recovered, and
(c) any barriers to enforcement.”

This new clause would require a review of enforcement activity relating to illegal subletting of social housing.

Opposition Amendment NC39

To move the following Clause—
“Standards relating to maintenance of social housing
(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, publish guidance relating to standards for the maintenance of social housing.
(2) Guidance under this section must include detailed instructions for full compliance with the Hazards in Social Housing (Prescribed Requirements) (England) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/1042).
(3) Guidance under this section must also include provision relating to—
(a) damp and mould,
(b) electrical safety,
(c) response times for repairs, and
(d) tenant complaints procedures.
(4) Registered providers must have regard to guidance issued under this section.”

This new clause would require the Government to issue guidance relating to maintenance standards in social housing.

Opposition Amendment NC40

To move the following 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 in accordance with existing enactments.””

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

Opposition Amendment NC41

To move the following Clause—
“Shared ownership strategy
(1) Within 12 months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must publish and lay before Parliament a strategy for increasing opportunities for access to the shared ownership scheme.
(2) The strategy under this section must include proposals relating to—
(a) first-time buyers,
(b) key workers,
(c) housing association provision, and
(d) staircasing arrangements.
(3) For the purposes of this section, “staircasing” means the practice of buying additional shares in a Shared Ownership home in order to increase overall equity.”

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

Opposition Amendment NC42

To move the following Clause—
“Review of income eligibility for social housing
(1) Within two years of the passing of this Act and every five years thereafter, the Secretary of State must review income eligibility thresholds for social housing.
(2) A review under subsection (1) must include consideration of the following trends over the previous five years—
(a) household earnings,
(b) regional housing costs,
(c) housing affordability, and
(d) levels of demand for social housing.
(3) The Secretary of State must publish the findings of each review and lay them before Parliament.”

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

Opposition Amendment NC43

To move the following Clause—
“Assessment of social housing demand arising from inward migration
(1) The Secretary of State must publish and lay before Parliament annual estimates of any additional social housing demand arising from inward migration over the previous year.
(2) Estimates under subsection (1) must include regional assessments of demand.”

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

Opposition Amendment NC44

To move the following Clause—
“National audit of social housing
(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, publish and lay before Parliament an audit of social housing stock in England.
(2) The audit under this section must include information relating to—
(a) stock condition,
(b) occupancy levels,
(c) rates of under-occupation,
(d) levels of regional demand, and
(e) numbers of empty properties.”

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

Opposition Amendment NC45

To move the following Clause—
“Model shared ownership agreement
(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, publish a model shared ownership agreement.
(2) The model shared ownership agreement must include standard provisions relating to—
(a) rent reviews,
(b) staircasing,
(c) service charges,
(d) administrative fees,
(e) sales and resales, and
(f) capital improvements undertaken by shared owners.
(3) Registered providers must have regard to the model agreement when granting shared ownership leases.”

This probing new clause would require the publication of a standardised model shared ownership agreement.

Opposition Amendment NC46

To move the following Clause—
“Report on effective management of social housing stock
(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, publish a strategy for the effective management of social housing stock.
(2) The strategy must include proposals relating to—
(a) unlawful subletting of social housing dwellings,
(b) long-term vacant dwellings,
(c) under-occupation of dwellings,
(d) adaptations to dwellings,
(e) abandoned properties, and
(f) reletting times.”

This probing new clause would require the Government to publish a strategy for improving the management of existing social housing stock.

Opposition Amendment NC47

To move the following Clause—
“Social responsibilities of registered providers
(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, publish guidance concerning the social responsibilities of registered providers of social housing.
(2) Guidance under this section must include consideration of—
(a) tenant wellbeing,
(b) estate management,
(c) anti-social behaviour,
(d) community engagement,
(e) neighbourhood quality, and
(f) support for vulnerable tenants.”

This new clause would require the Government to provide guidance on the wider social responsibilities of registered providers.

Opposition Amendment NC48

To move the following Clause—
“Review of registered providers of social housing: governance
(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, publish and lay before Parliament a review of the governance arrangements of registered providers of social housing.
(2) The review under this section must consider—
(a) board composition;
(b) accountability to local communities;
(c) the role of elected representatives;
(d) tenant representation;
(e) transparency and scrutiny arrangements; and
(f) the publication of performance information.
(3) A report of the review must be laid before Parliament within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed.”

This probing new clause would require a review of governance arrangements within registered providers of social housing.

Opposition Amendment NC49

To move the following Clause—
“Social housing governance standards
(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, publish guidance on minimum governance standards for registered providers of social housing.
(2) Guidance under this section must include provision on
(a) financial transparency,
(b) tenant representation, and
(c) publication of performance criteria.”

This new clause seeks to strengthen governance and transparency among registered providers.

Opposition Amendment NC50

To move the following Clause—
“Attendance before local authority scrutiny committees
(1) A senior officer of a registered provider of social housing must attend a meeting of a local authority overview and scrutiny committee if—
(a) complaints have been made about the performance of the registered provider in relation to the quality or provision of social housing, and
(b) the registered provider is requested to attend the meeting by that authority.
(2) Subsection (1) applies only where the registered provider owns or manages more than 10% of the social housing stock within the authority’s area.”

This new clause would enable local authorities to require senior housing association representatives to attend scrutiny committee meetings.

Opposition Amendment NC51

To move the following Clause—
“Quarterly performance information
(1) Registered providers of social housing must, within six months of the passing of this Act and every three months thereafter, publish quarterly performance information.
(2) The information published must include—
(a) repairs which are not completed within 6 months,
(b) complaints received and upheld,
(c) instances of antisocial behaviour,
(d) percentage of tenants satisfied with their housing service, and
(e) number of properties void for longer than three months.”

This new clause would require housing associations to publish quarterly performance information.

Opposition Amendment NC52

To move the following Clause—
“Periodic review of applications for social housing
(1) Local housing authorities must review applications held on a housing register at least once every three years.
(2) The purpose of a review under subsection (1) is to determine whether each applicant—
(a) remains eligible for social housing,
(b) wishes to remain on the register, and
(c) continues to require the level of housing priority previously awarded.”

This new clause would require housing register applications to be reviewed at least every three years to ensure that waiting lists remain accurate and up to date.

Opposition Amendment NC53

To move the following Clause—
“Regulatory inspection at tenants’ request
(1) The Secretary of State must, by regulations made by statutory instrument, make provision enabling tenants of a registered provider of social housing to request an inspection of their dwelling by the Regulator of Social Housing.
(2) Regulations under subsection (1) must specify—
(a) the proportion of tenants required to support a request,
(b) the grounds on which a request may be made, and
(c) the circumstances in which an inspection may be refused.
(3) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section is subject to annulment pursuant to a resolution of either House of Parliament.”

This probing new clause would enable tenants of a registered provider to request an inspection by the Regulator of Social Housing.

Opposition Amendment NC54

To move the following Clause—
“Review of the impact of this Act on home ownership
(1) Within 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 the number of social housing tenants becoming homeowners in the previous year, relative to each of the preceding ten years.
(2) The review under subsection (1) must include an assessment of the impact 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 new clause would require a review of the impact of this Act on rates of home ownership among social housing tenants.

Opposition Amendment NC55

To move the following Clause—
“Strategy relating to Right to Buy: 16 to 25 year olds
Within 12 months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must publish a strategy for promoting awareness of the Right to Buy scheme to people aged 16 to 25.”

This new clause would require the Secretary of State to issue a strategy for promoting the Right to Buy scheme among young people.

Opposition Amendment NC56

To move the following Clause—
“National strategy for management of social housing stock
(1) Within 12 months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must publish and lay before Parliament a strategy for improving the management and use of existing social housing stock.
(2) The strategy under this section must include proposals for—
(a) reducing vacancy periods;
(b) improving re-letting performance;
(c) tackling unlawful subletting and tenancy fraud;
(d) improving waiting list management;
(e) addressing under-occupation;
(f) tackling barriers to downsizing, where appropriate; and
(g) improving transparency and data collection in stock management.
(3) Every local housing authority and registered provider of social housing must publish annually, in such form as the Secretary of State may direct, information relating to—
(a) the number of void properties;
(b) average re-let times;
(c) unlawful subletting investigations and prosecutions;
(d) recovered properties; and
(e) the date on which the social housing waiting list was most recently reviewed.
(4) The Secretary of State must publish and lay before Parliament an annual report summarising and analysing the information published under this section.”

This new clause seeks to require a national strategy to improve the management of existing social housing stock and requires social landlords to publish key stock-management data, with the Secretary of State reporting annually on performance.

Opposition Amendment NC57

To move the following 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 new clause seeks to extend the transition period for the commencement of provisions in Clause 1 in relation to secure tenancies

Opposition Amendment NC58

To move the following Clause—
“Review of lifetime secure tenancies
(1) A local housing authority must review each lifetime secure tenancy at intervals of no more than five years.
(2) A review under subsection (1) must consider—
(a) whether the tenant continues to require the accommodation having regard to their housing needs,
(b) whether the accommodation remains suitable having regard to the size and composition of the tenant’s household,
(c) whether the tenant has developed a local connection with another local housing authority area,
(d) whether the tenant requires support to move to more suitable accommodation, and
(e) such other matters as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.
(3) Following a review under this section, the local housing authority may—
(a) confirm the continuation of the tenancy,
(b) offer alternative suitable accommodation, or
(c) take such other action as may be provided for by regulations.
(4) The Secretary of State must issue guidance to local housing authorities on the conduct of reviews under this section.
(5) Local housing authorities must have regard to guidance issued under subsection
(6) 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 new clause requires local housing authorities to review lifetime secure tenancies every five years to ensure that social housing continues to meet tenants’ needs and that existing stock is being used effectively.

None NC59

To move the following Clause—
“Review of the impact of the Act
(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, conduct and publish a review of the impact on the Act on—
(a) the supply and retention of social housing;
(b) the extent to which social housing tenants’ rights are protected by the provisions of the Act;
(c) the exercise of the right to buy; and,
(d) the exercise of the right to acquire.
(2) The Secretary of State must lay the review before Parliament together with a statement setting out any proposed actions in response to its findings.”

This new clause would require the Secretary of State to carry out a review of the impact of the Act on the supply and retention of social housing, tenants' rights, and Right to Buy and Right to Acquire.

None NC60

To move the following Clause—
“Access to dwellings for registered providers
(1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must, by regulations made by statutory instrument, provide a right of access for registered social housing providers and landlords to a dwelling-house without the prior agreement of the tenant where it is required for purposes of—
(a) an annual Gas Safety inspection under section 36 (duties of landlords) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998;
(b) an electrical inspection under section 3B (duties of registered providers for the safety and checking of electrical equipment) of the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector and Social Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020;
(c) an energy performance assessment under the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2010; or
(d) a safety check required to be performed by any other statute.
(2) Any regulations made under this section must specify that a right of access for the purposes set out in subsection (1) may only be granted if—
(a) a minimum of two attempts at agreeing access with the tenant have been made;
(b) a minimum of 48 hours has been given prior to the right to access being evoked; and
(c) the tenant has the right to be present whilst the access is provided.
(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.”

None NC61

To move the following Clause—
“Social housing quality standards
After section 92K (fundamental objectives), of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008, insert—
“923KA Quality standards
(1) In discharging the regulator’s objectives under subsection (3) of section 92K (fundamental objectives), the regulator must, within twelve months of the passing of the Social Housing Act 2027, publish—
(a) specific quality standards (the “Home and Place Standard”) for social housing; and
(b) a methodology for assessing providers against those standards.
(2) The Home and Place Standard published under this section must include provision on—
(a) the quality of—
(i) homes,
(ii) service to tenants, and
(iii) surrounding environment, including green space and access to transport links; and
(b) the long-term environmental sustainability of social housing developments.””

This new clause would require the Regulator of Social Housing to publish a new Home and Place Standard, along with plans to assess social housing providers against those standards.

None NC62

To move the following Clause—
“Ability of tenants to request an electric vehicle charging point
(1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must, by regulations made by statutory instrument, make provision to enable tenants to request and install a domestic Electric Vehicle Charger.
(2) Regulations made under subsection (1) made under this subsection must include—
(a) the grounds on which a request can be declined including—
(i) electrical standards,
(ii) planning requirements, and
(iii) cost; and
(b) a requirement for social housing providers to respond to the request within one month.
(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.”

None NC63

To move the following Clause—
“Provision of electric vehicle charging points in new social housing developments
(1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must, by regulations made by statutory instrument, make provision to require new social housing developments to include electric vehicle charging points.
(2) 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.”

Opposition Amendment 80

Clause 20, page 16, line 10, leave out subsection (2)

This amendment removes the power to amend or repeal, by regulations, provision made by an Act of Parliament passed before or in the same session as this Act.

Opposition Amendment 81

Clause 20, page 16, line 15, 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 of both Houses of Parliament.”

This amendment would require an affirmative parliamentary procedure for regulations made under Clause 20.

Opposition Amendment 84

Clause 22, page 16, line 27, leave out paragraph (a)

This amendment would prevent section 1 of this Bill coming into effect on the day on which the Act is passed. Together with amendment 85, section 1 would come into force at the period of three years beginning on the day on which the Act is passed.

Opposition Amendment 85

Clause 22, page 17, 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 together with amendment 84 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.

Government Amendment 13

Clause 8, page 8, leave out lines 9 to 18 and insert—
“(c) a rural area designated by the relevant local authority for the purposes of this paragraph.
(1A)In this paragraph—
(a)“rural area” has the meaning given in, or determined in accordance with, regulations made by the Secretary of State;
(b)“relevant local authority”, in relation to a rural area, means the local authority within whose area the rural area is situated.
(1B)Regulations under sub-paragraph (1A)(a) may, in particular, provide for the question of what is a rural area to be determined by reference to—
(a)an area that is of a description specified in the regulations;
(b)the area’s—
(i)population (including its size or density), or
(ii)proximity to another rural area.
(1C)If a rural area is designated, the relevant local authority must publicise—
(a)the making of the designation, and
(b)the existence of the designation for as long as it continues.
(1D)A relevant local authority—
(a)may revoke a designation of a rural area; and
(b)if it does so, must publicise the revocation of the designation.
(1E)The Secretary of State may make regulations about how the duty to publicise a designation or revocation is to be carried out.
(1F)Regulations under this paragraph—
(a)are to be made by statutory instrument;
(b)may make supplementary, incidental, consequential, transitional or saving provision;
(c)are subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.”

This would give local authorities the power to designate rural areas within which the right to buy is not exercisable.

Government Amendment 14

Clause 8, page 9, line 31, leave out “order” and insert “by”

This would be consequential on amendment 13.

Government Amendment 15

Clause 8, page 9, line 32, leave out “regulations”

This would be consequential on amendment 13.

Government Amendment 16

Clause 9, page 10, line 6, leave out subsection (2) and insert—
“(1A) During the rural areas transitional period—
(a) paragraph 17(1) of Schedule 5 to the Housing Act 1985 (inserted by section 8(3) of this Act) has effect as if, after paragraph (b), there were inserted—
“(ba) an area designated by order of the Secretary of State under section 157(1)(c) as a rural area.”;
(b) an order under section 157(1)(c) of the Housing Act 1985 designating an area as a rural area that is in force immediately before the start of the rural areas transitional period is to continue in force (despite the repeal of section 157) for the purposes of the paragraph 17(1)(ba) of Schedule 5 to the Housing Act 1985 referred to above.
(1B) During the rural areas transitional period, an order under section 157(1)(c) of the Housing Act 1985 designating an area as a rural area that is in force immediately before the start of the rural areas transitional period is to continue in force (despite the repeal of section 157) for the purposes of section 37(1)(c) of the Housing Act 1985.
(1C) In this section “rural areas transitional period” means the period that—
(a) begins when this section comes into force, and
(b) ends—
(i) in relation to subsection (1A), immediately before 17(1)(c) of Schedule 5 to the Housing Act 1985 (inserted by section 8(3) of this Act) comes into force for the purpose of stopping the right to buy from arising in a rural area designated in accordance with paragraph 17(1)(c), and
(ii) in relation to subsection (1B), immediately before the amendment of section 37(1)(c) of the Housing Act 1986 (made by section 8(7)(a) of this Act) comes into force.”

This would ensure that the new prohibition on the right to buy in rural areas would operate effectively from commencement. Until the designations of rural areas are in place (see amendment 13), the existing order under section 157 would be saved so as to specify the rural areas.

Government Amendment 19

Clause 12, page 11, line 36, leave out “four” and insert “eight”

This would increase the period specified in new section 171A(3) from four weeks to eight weeks. During that period, a private registered provider that has served notice of sale of social housing on other providers of social housing may not sell the property.

Government Amendment 20

Clause 12, page 13, line 11, at end insert—
“(h) whether the private registered provider must comply with rules specified in a standard set under section 194(2A) about levels of rent for the dwelling, and
(i) the rent category of the dwelling for the purposes of those rules (if they apply to the dwelling and make different provision about levels of rent for different categories of dwelling).”

This would require private registered providers to have to provide information about whether the rent standard applies to the dwelling they intend to dispose of and, if so, how it applies.

Government Amendment 21

Page 14, line 10, leave out Clause 13

This would remove Clause 13 (which was added to the Bill in the House of Lords) from the Bill.

Government Amendment 22

Schedule 1, page 19, line 3, after “abuse)” insert “, section 85B (requirement to order transfer of tenancy in domestic abuse cases)”

This would clarify that the court’s power to order possession would be subject to new section 85B.

Government Amendment 23

Schedule 1, page 19, line 9, after “(3)” insert “and section 85B”

This would clarify that the court’s power to order possession would be subject to new section 85B.

Government Amendment 24

Schedule 1, page 21, leave out lines 6 and 7

This is consequential on amendment 25.

Government Amendment 25

Schedule 1, page 21, line 19, leave out “abusive behaviour of the tenant” and insert “behaviour by the tenant towards them that is domestic abuse within the meaning given by section 1 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021”

This would align the wording used here with the meaning of domestic abuse in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

Government Amendment 46

Schedule 1, page 21, line 41, after “ground” insert “or is subject to the relevant protective order referred to in that ground”

This is consequential on amendment 49.

Government Amendment 47

Schedule 1, page 22, line 11, after “ground” insert “or is subject to the relevant protective order referred to in that ground”

This is consequential on amendment 49.

Government Amendment 26

Schedule 1, page 23, line 20, leave out “, instead of making an order for possession,”

This amendment and amendment 29 would remove the wording that makes subsections (4) and (5) alternative courses of action. Instead, subsections (4) and (5) would both apply in every case where the new section 85B applies.

Government Amendment 29

Schedule 1, page 23, line 28, leave out “Subsection (4) does not apply” and insert “The court must also make an order for possession”

This amendment and amendment 26 would remove the wording that makes subsections (4) and (5) alternative courses of action. Instead, subsections (4) and (5) would both apply in every case where the new section 85B applies.

Government Amendment 27

Schedule 1, page 23, line 32, after “the” insert “domestic”

This would align the wording used here with the wording in other similar provisions in the Bill.

Government Amendment 28

Schedule 1, page 23, line 32, after “breach” insert “or the perpetrator tenant being subject to a relevant protective order”

This is consequential on Amendment 49.

Government Amendment 30

Schedule 1, page 23, leave out lines 37 and 38

This amendment is consequential on Amendment 29.

Government Amendment 31

Schedule 1, page 23, line 38, at end insert—
“(5A) Where this section applies, the court may only make an order for possession if required to do so by subsection (5).”

This amendment would make it clear that the court can only make a possession order where new section 85B applies if the conditions in subsection (5) are met.

Government Amendment 48

Schedule 1, page 24, line 14, after “abuse” insert “or who is subject to a relevant protective order”

This is consequential on amendment 49.

Government Amendment 49

Schedule 1, page 25, leave out lines 19 to 25 and insert—
“The following two conditions are met in relation to a dwelling-house—
(a) the protection condition, and
(b) the possession condition.
The protection condition is met in either of the following two cases involving a person who is a tenant of the dwelling-house (“T”) and a person (the “victim”) who—
(a) is personally connected to T, and
(b) is a current or former occupant of the dwelling-house.
Case A: there has been behaviour that is domestic abuse by T towards the victim.
Case B: T is subject to a relevant protective order at the time when—
(a) the landlord serves the notice on T under section 83(1)(a),
(b) the court grants leave for the landlord—
(i) to add this ground to the grounds specified in the notice, or
(ii) to alter the particulars of this ground to refer to this case,
(c) the proceedings for possession were begun, where the court considers it just and equitable to dispense with the requirement of a notice under section 83(1)(b).
For the purposes of case B, a relevant protective order is to be disregarded if at the time mentioned in that case or at any later time before the court determines whether to grant possession—
(a) there is an appeal against the order which has not been finally determined, abandoned or withdrawn, or
(b) the final determination of the appeal results in the relevant protective order being overturned.
The possession condition is met if the landlord wishes—”

This would amend Ground 2A in Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1985 to enable the court to grant possession where a tenant is subject to certain kinds of protective order.

Government Amendment 50

Schedule 1, page 25, line 26, leave out “A” and insert “T”

This is consequential on amendment 49.

Government Amendment 51

Schedule 1, page 25, line 26, leave out “the landlord wishes”

This is consequential on amendment 49.

Government Amendment 52

Schedule 1, page 25, line 27, leave out “A” and insert “T”

This is consequential on amendment 49.

Government Amendment 53

Schedule 1, page 25, line 28, leave out “A” and insert “T”

This is consequential on amendment 49.

Government Amendment 54

Schedule 1, page 25, line 31, leave out “the landlord wishes”

This is consequential on amendment 49.

Government Amendment 55

Schedule 1, page 25, line 32, leave out “A” and insert “T”

This is consequential on amendment 49.

Government Amendment 56

Schedule 1, page 25, line 35, leave out “A” and insert “T”

This is consequential on amendment 49.

Government Amendment 57

Schedule 1, page 25, line 36, leave out “the landlord wishes”

This is consequential on amendment 49.

Government Amendment 32

Schedule 1, page 25, leave out lines 39 and 40

This is consequential on amendment 49.

Government Amendment 58

Schedule 1, page 26, leave out lines 1 and 2 and insert—
“(i) behaviour by T towards them that is domestic abuse, or
(ii) T being subject to a relevant protective order;”

This is consequential on amendment 49.

Government Amendment 33

Schedule 1, page 26, line 2, at end insert—
““domestic abuse” has the meaning given by section 1 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021;”

This is consequential on amendment 49.

Government Amendment 59

Schedule 1, page 26, line 4, at end insert—
““relevant protective order” means—
(a) a non-molestation order under section 42 of the Family Law Act 1996 that prohibits T from molesting the victim, or
(b) a domestic abuse protection order under section 27 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 that prevents T from being abusive towards the victim.”

This would provide a definition of the protective orders that are relevant for Ground 2A as amended by amendment 49.

Government Amendment 34

Schedule 1, page 26, line 18, at end insert—
(za)in subsection (3), omit “section 10A” and insert “sections 10A and 10B”;
(zb)in subsection (4), after “(6)” insert “and section 10B”;”

This would clarify the scope of the court’s power to order possession where section 10B applies.

Government Amendment 60

Schedule 1, page 27, line 23, after “ground” insert “or is subject to the relevant protective order referred to in that ground”

This is consequential on amendment 66.

Government Amendment 35

Schedule 1, page 27, line 25, leave out “who is referred to” and insert “mentioned”

This would align the wording used here with the wording in other similar provisions in the Bill.

Government Amendment 61

Schedule 1, page 27, line 37, after “ground” insert “or is subject to the relevant protective order referred to in that ground”

This is consequential on amendment 66.

Government Amendment 36

Schedule 1, page 27, line 39, leave out “who is referred to” and insert “mentioned”

This would align the wording used here with the wording in other similar provisions in the Bill.

Government Amendment 37

Schedule 1, page 29, line 9, leave out “, instead of making an order for possession,”

This would ensure that the perpetrator tenant’s interest under the tenancy will be transferred in any case where new section 10B applies.

Government Amendment 38

Schedule 1, page 29, line 17, leave out “Subsection (4) does not apply” and insert “The court must also make a possession order”

This amendment and amendment 41 would remove the wording that makes subsections (4) and (5) alternative courses of action. Instead, subsections (4) and (5) would both apply in every case where the new section 10B applies.

Government Amendment 39

Schedule 1, page 29, line 21, after “the” insert “domestic”

This would align the wording used here with the wording in other similar provisions in the Bill.

Government Amendment 40

Schedule 1, page 29, line 21, after “breach” insert “or the perpetrator tenant being subject to a relevant protective order”

This is consequential on Amendment 66.

Government Amendment 41

Schedule 1, page 29, leave out lines 26 and 27

This would be consequential on amendment 38.

Government Amendment 42

Schedule 1, page 29, line 27, at end insert—
“(5A) Where this section applies, the court may only make an order for possession if required to do so by subsection (5).”

This amendment would make it clear that the court can only make a possession order where new section 10B applies if the conditions in subsection (5) are met.

Government Amendment 62

Schedule 1, page 29, line 40, at end insert “in Schedule 2”

This would make the reference to Ground 7AA in this provision consistent with other references to this Ground.

Government Amendment 63

Schedule 1, page 30, line 1, at end insert “in Schedule 2”

This would make the reference to Ground 7AA in this provision consistent with other references to this Ground.

Government Amendment 64

Schedule 1, page 30, line 4, after “14A” insert “in Schedule 2”

This would make the reference to Ground 14A in this provision consistent with other references to this Ground.

Government Amendment 65

Schedule 1, page 30, line 5, after “abuse” insert “or who is subject to a relevant protective order”

This is consequential on amendment 66.

Government Amendment 43

Schedule 1, page 32, leave out lines 29 and 30

This is consequential on amendment 44.

Government Amendment 44

Schedule 1, page 32, line 41, leave out “abusive behaviour towards them by the tenant” and insert “behaviour by the tenant towards them that is domestic abuse within the meaning given by section 1 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021”

This would align the wording used here with the meaning of domestic abuse in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

Government Amendment 66

Schedule 1, page 33, leave out lines 18 to 26 and insert—
“The following three conditions are met in relation to a dwelling-house—
(a) the social housing provider condition,
(b) the protection condition, and
(c) the possession condition.
The social housing provider condition is met if the landlord who is seeking possession is a social housing provider.
The protection condition is met in either of the following two cases involving a person who is a tenant of the dwelling-house (“T”) and a person (the “victim”) who—
(a) is personally connected to T, and
(b) is a current or former occupant of the dwelling-house.
Case A: there has been behaviour that is domestic abuse by T towards the victim.
Case B: T is subject to a relevant protective order at the time when—
(a) the landlord serves the notice on T under section 8(1)(a),
(b) the court grants leave for the landlord—
(i) to add this ground to the grounds specified in the notice, or
(ii) to alter the particulars of this ground to refer to this case,
(c) the proceedings for possession were begun, where the court considers it just and equitable to dispense with the requirement of a notice under section 8(1)(b).
For the purposes of case B, a relevant protective order is to be disregarded if at the time mentioned in that case or at any later time before the court determines whether to grant possession—
(a) there is an appeal against the order which has not been finally determined, abandoned or withdrawn, or
(b) the final determination of the appeal results in the relevant protective order being overturned.
The possession condition is met if the landlord wishes—”

This would amend Ground 14A in Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988 to enable the court to grant possession where a tenant is subject to certain kinds of protective order.

Government Amendment 67

Schedule 1, page 33, line 27, leave out “A” and insert “T”

This is consequential on amendment 66.

Government Amendment 68

Schedule 1, page 33, line 28, leave out “A” and insert “T”

This is consequential on amendment 66.

Government Amendment 69

Schedule 1, page 33, line 29, leave out “A” and insert “T”

This is consequential on amendment 66.

Government Amendment 70

Schedule 1, page 33, line 33, leave out “A” and insert “T”

This is consequential on amendment 66.

Government Amendment 71

Schedule 1, page 33, line 36, leave out “A” and insert “T”

This is consequential on amendment 66.

Government Amendment 72

Schedule 1, page 34, line 2, leave out “the domestic abuse;” and insert ”—
(i)behaviour by T towards them which is domestic abuse, or
(j)T being subject to a relevant protective order;”

This is consequential on amendment 66.

Government Amendment 45

Schedule 1, page 34, line 3, leave out from “abuse”” to second “of” in line 4 and insert “has the meaning given by section 1”

This would align the meaning of “domestic abuse” here with the meaning in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

Government Amendment 73

Schedule 1, page 34, line 8, at end insert—
““relevant protective order” means—
(a) a non-molestation order under section 42 of the Family Law Act 1996 that prohibits T from molesting the victim, or
(b) a domestic abuse protection order under section 27 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 that prevents T from being abusive towards the victim.”

This would provide a definition of the protective orders that are relevant for Ground 14A as amended by amendment 66.

Opposition Amendment 12

Schedule 1, page 34, line 27, at end insert—
“3A 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 disregard housing-related debt or any other priority debt that was accrued, either 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.”
3B 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, in preparing or modifying their allocation scheme, disregard housing-related debt or any other priority debt that was accrued, either 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.””

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

Government Amendment 74

Schedule 2, page 37, line 22, at end insert—
“1A (1)Schedule 9A (land registration and related matters where right to buy preserved) is amended as follows.
(2)In paragraph 4 (entries on register protecting preserved right to buy), in sub-paragraph (2), omit paragraph (b) and the “and” preceding it.
(3)In paragraph 5 (change of qualifying dwelling-house), in sub-paragraph (2), omit paragraph (b) and the “and” preceding it.”

Section 171D(2) of the Housing Act 1985 is omitted by paragraph 1(3) of Schedule 2 to the Bill. This contains amendments that are consequential on that omission.

Government Amendment 75

Schedule 3, page 41, line 1, after “143H” insert “of the Housing Act 1996”

This would clarify that this sub-paragraph amends the Housing Act 1996.

Government Amendment 76

Schedule 3, page 42, line 5, after “143J” insert “of the Housing Act 1996”

This would clarify that this sub-paragraph amends the Housing Act 1996.

Government Amendment 77

Schedule 3, page 42, line 23, leave out “to (10)” and insert “, (9) and (10)(c) and (d)”

This would clarify that only sub-paragraph 10(c) and (d) are relevant to sub-paragraph (13). Sub-paragraph 10(a) and (b) concern introductory, rather than demoted, tenancies.

Government Amendment NC21

To move the following Clause—
“Management of local authority housing by TMOs
Schedule (Management of local authority housing by TMOs) makes provision about the management of local authority housing accommodation by tenant management organisations.”

This would introduce NS1 which provides for a revised and expanded legislative regime about the management of council housing by tenant management organisations.

Government Amendment NC22

To move the following Clause—
“Duty of private registered provider to offer accommodation after local authority request
(1) After section 193C of the Housing Act 1996 insert—
“193D Duty of private registered provider to offer accommodation after local authority request
(1) This section applies where—
(a) a local housing authority in England has a duty under section 193 to secure accommodation for an applicant, and
(b) the authority has made a written request to a private registered provider of social housing to provide low cost rental accommodation in the authority’s district for the applicant.
(2) The provider must make an offer of low cost rental accommodation in the authority’s district to the applicant within a reasonable period, unless the provider has a good reason not to.
(3) If the provider considers that there is a good reason not to make an offer of low cost rental accommodation in the authority’s district, the provider must, as soon as reasonably practicable, give written notice of the reason to the local housing authority.
(4) In deciding whether to make a request under subsection (1)(b), the local housing authority must have regard to—
(a) the type and amount of low cost rental accommodation that the provider in question owns or manages in the authority’s district, and
(b) the extent to which the provider is already providing accommodation in the authority’s district to persons who are homeless.
(5) The local housing authority may by written notice require the provider to provide the information described in subsection (4)(a) or (b), unless it is not reasonably practicable to do so.
(6) A notice under subsection (5) may require the information to be provided—
(a) within a specified period;
(b) in a specified manner or form.
(7) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision for the purposes of subsection (2) as to what constitutes—
(a) a reasonable period;
(b) a good reason.
(8) “Low cost rental accommodation” has the same meaning as in the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (see section 69)
(9) An offer made under this section is not an offer of accommodation under Part 6 (allocation of housing).””

Government Amendment NC23

To move the following Clause—
“Referral of homelessness cases to other local housing authorities
(1) Section 198 of the Housing Act 1996 (referral of case) is amended in accordance with subsections (2) and (3).
(2) After subsection (4) insert—
“(4ZA) The Secretary of State may by regulations specify circumstances in which—
(a) the conditions for referral mentioned in subsection (2),
(b) the conditions for referral mentioned in subsection (2ZA), or
(c) the conditions for referral mentioned in subsection (4),
are not met for the purposes of referral of a case by a local housing authority in England.”
(3) In subsection (7) after “order”, in the first two places it occurs, insert “or regulations”.”

This would allow the Secretary of State to make regulations specifying circumstances where a local housing authority in England cannot refer a person who is homeless to another local housing authority.

Government Amendment NC24

To move the following Clause—
“Duties of specified bodies to collaborate and act on homelessness
(1) This section amends the Housing Act 1996.
(2) After section 213AA insert—
“213AB Specified bodies must identify actual or possible homelessness
(1) A specified body must take reasonable steps to identify persons in England in relation to whom it exercises functions who it considers are or may be—
(a) homeless,
(b) threatened with homelessness, or
(c) otherwise at risk of becoming homeless.
(2) When a specified body becomes subject to that duty in relation to a particular person (taking into account any effect of regulations made under section 213AG(1)), the body must comply with the duty promptly.
213AC Specified bodies must act on actual or possible homelessness
(1) A specified body must comply with the duty to notify the local housing authority (see section 213AD) in relation to a person (H) if the body identifies H as a person who the body considers is or may be—
(a) homeless, or
(b) threatened with homelessness.
(2) But the specified body does not need to comply with the duty to notify if it is satisfied that—
(a) H has already made an application for assistance, and
(b) the application has not been disposed of.
(3) A specified body must comply with the general duty to act (see section 213AE) in relation to a person (H) if the body identifies H as a person who the body considers is or may be—
(a) homeless,
(b) threatened with homelessness, or
(c) otherwise at risk of becoming homeless.
(4) A “relevant step”, in relation to H, means a step to—
(a) prevent H becoming homeless,
(b) reduce the risk of H becoming homeless,
(c) relieve H’s homelessness, or
(d) alleviate the effects of H’s homelessness.
213AD The duty to notify the local housing authority
(1) The “duty to notify the local housing authority” in relation to H consists of the duties set out in this section.
(2) The specified body must ask H—
(a) whether H has made an application for assistance under this Part, and
(b) if so, to which local housing authority the application was made.
(3) If H has not made an application for assistance, the specified body must ask whether H agrees to the body notifying a local housing authority in England—
(a) that the body considers that H is or may be homeless or threatened with homelessness, and
(b) how H may be contacted by the local housing authority.
(4) If H agrees to the specified body making the notification, the body must ask H—
(a) whether H consents to the body sharing with the authority such information as is necessary to make the notification (including information provided by H and information already held by the body), and
(b) to identify a local housing authority in England to which H would like the notification to be made.
(5) If H agrees to the specified body making the notification and consents to the body sharing the information that is necessary to make the notification, the body must notify the local housing authority in England to which H would like the notification to be made.
213AE The general duty to act
(1) The “general duty to act” in relation to H consists of the duties set out in this section.
(2) The specified body must—
(a) consider the question of what relevant steps could be taken by it or other persons, and
(b) raise that question with such persons as the body considers appropriate, who must include any other persons that could take relevant steps.
(3) After complying with subsection (2) the specified body—
(a) must take any relevant steps which it concludes it can take, and
(b) must provide to the persons with which it has raised that question reasonable assistance to assist or enable them to take relevant steps.
(4) This section does not affect any right of the specified body, whether by virtue of a contract, enactment or other law, to seek to obtain vacant possession of any accommodation.
(5) If a specified body must also comply with the duty to notify in relation to H, making the notification under section 213AD(5) does not satisfy the general duty to act in relation to H.
(6) A reference in this section to a relevant step—
(a) includes a relevant step that can be taken with the assistance of another person;
(b) in relation to a specified body, only includes a relevant step that the body can reasonably take in the exercise of its functions;
(c) in relation to a person who is not a specified body, only includes a relevant step that the person can reasonably take in the exercise of their functions or in carrying out their activities.
213AF Duty to engage with local housing authorities
(1) This section applies where a local housing authority in England considers—
(a) that a person is or may be homeless, threatened with homelessness or otherwise at risk of becoming homeless, and
(b) that a specified body exercises functions in relation to that person.
(2) The local housing authority may ask the specified body to engage with them for the purpose of assisting the authority with the discharge of their functions under this Part in relation to that person.
(3) The specified body must engage with the local housing authority in such manner and to such extent as the body considers reasonable in the circumstances.
213AG Regulations and guidance
(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about how specified bodies can or must comply with—
(a) the duty to identify homelessness,
(b) the duty to notify the local housing authority,
(c) the general duty to act, or
(d) the duty to engage.
(2) Regulations made under subsection (1) may, in particular, make provision about the following matters—
(a) factors to be considered by a specified body when identifying whether a person is homeless, threatened by homelessness or otherwise at risk of becoming homeless;
(b) what information is necessary to make a notification to a local housing authority in England;
(c) what relevant steps by a specified body in the exercise of its functions are reasonable;
(d) the process to be followed by a specified body when identifying which persons it is appropriate to raise the question in section 213AE(2)(b) with.
(3) Regulations under subsection (1) may not be made unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing them (whether alone or with other provisions) has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.
(4) The Secretary of State may issue guidance to specified bodies in relation to any of the following duties—
(a) the duty to identify homelessness;
(b) the duty to notify the local housing authority;
(c) the general duty to act;
(d) the duty to engage.
(5) Specified bodies must have regard to guidance issued to them under subsection (4).
213AH “Specified bodies” and other interpretation
(1) In sections 213AB to 213AG and this section—
“duty to engage” means the duty imposed by section 213AF for specified bodies to engage with local housing authorities;
“duty to identify homelessness” means the duty imposed by section 213AB;
“duty to notify the local housing authority” has the meaning given in section 213AD;
“general duty to act” has the meaning given in section 213AE;
“H” has the meaning given in section 213AC;
“relevant step” has the meaning given in section 213AC;
“specified body” means a body or other person that is—
(a) specified in regulations, or
(b) of a description specified in regulations.
(2) Regulations made under this section may provide that a person is a specified body only in relation to a particular function exercised by that person.
(3) If a provision under subsection (2) specifies a particular function of a specified body, any reference in sections 213AB to 213AG to the functions of a specified body has effect in relation that body only as a reference to that particular function.
(4) In this section, “regulations” means regulations made by the Secretary of State.
(5) Regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the statutory instrument containing them (whether alone or with other provisions) has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.”
(3) Omit section 213B (duty of public authority to refer cases in England to local housing authority).
(4) In section 218 (index of defined expression Part 7) insert in the table at the appropriate places—

This would amend the Housing Act 1996 to introduce a duty for specified bodies to identify and act on homelessness.

None NC19

To move the following Clause—
“Furnished tenancies
(1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must by regulations make provision to require all registered providers of social housing to ensure that at least ten per cent of their dwellings are let as furnished tenancies.
(2) For the purposes of this section, “ten per cent” is calculated as the proportion of social housing dwellings let by a registered provider of social housing within a single local authority area.
(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 new clause would require registered providers of social housing to ensure that at least 10% of all their social housing dwellings are let as furnished tenancies.

None NC20

To move the following Clause—
“Disposal of social housing: code of responsible practice
(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, publish a report and consultation on the disposal of social housing.
(2) The report under subsection (1) must include—
(a) a draft code of practice on responsible disposal practice relating to social housing (“the code”); and
(b) a proposal that the receipt of any future grant funding through the Social and Affordable Homes Programme be contingent on private registered providers signing up to the code.
(3) The draft code under subsection (2)(a) must include a proposal that registered providers signed up to the code commit to—
(a) ringfencing income from the sale of social housing for expenditure on new social housing; and
(b) as far as practicable, using the ringfenced funding to build new social housing within the same local authority area or London borough as the housing sold.
(4) The draft code under subsection (2)(a) must be developed in consultation with—
(a) the Regulator of Social Housing, and
(b) other such stakeholders in the social housing sector as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
(5) The Secretary of State must, within twelve months of the publishing of the report under subsection (1), introduce by regulation made by statutory instrument—
(a) the code; and
(b) any required provision to enable the implementation of the proposals set out in subsections (3)(a) and (3)(b) above.
(6) For the purposes of this section, “social housing” has the meaning set out in section 69 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008.
(7) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (5) 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 new clause would seek to introduce a code of practice for the responsible disposal of social housing, and to require the funds received following the sale of social housing to be ringfenced for new social housing grants.

Government Amendment NS1

To move the following Schedule—
“Schedule
MANAGEMENT OF LOCAL AUTHORITY HOUSING BY TMOS
PART 1
New legislation about tenant management
1 After section 27AB of the Housing Act 1985 insert—
“England: management agreements with tenant management organisations
27AC The right to manage in England
(1) This section and sections 27AD to 27AU (“the RTM legislation for England”) deal with tenants’ right to manage housing accommodation provided by local housing authorities in England.
(2) The RTM legislation for England applies only in relation to—
(a) local housing authorities in England, and
(b) management agreements between—
(i) local housing authorities in England, and
(ii) tenant management organisations.
(3) Accordingly, in following sections of the RTM legislation for England—
(a) any reference to a local housing authority is a reference to such an authority in England;
(b) any reference to a management agreement is a reference to such an agreement between—
(i) a local housing authority in England, and
(ii) a tenant management organisation.
(4) In the RTM legislation for England, “tenant management organisation” (or “TMO”) means a body—
(a) which is seeking to enter into, or has entered into, a management agreement with a local housing authority in England, and
(b) whose membership consists predominantly or wholly of tenants of that authority.
(5) A tenant management organisation may not enter into a management agreement unless it is a registered society or company (but this does not limit the power of a tenant management organisation that is not a registered society or company to seek to enter into a management agreement).
27AD Entering into or varying management agreements with TMOs
(1) The Secretary of State may make regulations for imposing requirements on a local housing authority in—
(a) any case where a tenant management organisation serves written notice on the authority proposing that the authority should enter into a management agreement with that organisation, or
(b) any case where it is proposed to vary a management agreement between a tenant management organisation and a local housing authority.
(2) The regulations may, in particular, make provision requiring the authority—
(a) to provide or finance the provision of such office accommodation and facilities, and such training, as the organisation reasonably requires for the purpose of pursuing the proposal;
(b) to arrange for such feasibility studies with respect to the proposal as may be determined by or under the regulations to be conducted by such persons as may be so determined;
(c) to provide to the organisation such information or descriptions of information, in connection with the proposal, as may be prescribed in the regulations;
(d) to take, in circumstances prescribed in the regulations, such other steps as may be so prescribed to co-operate with the organisation in connection with the proposal;
(e) to arrange for such ballots or polls with respect to the proposal as may be determined by or under the regulations to be conducted of such persons as may be so determined; and
(f) in such circumstances as may be prescribed by the regulations—
(i) to enter into a management agreement with the organisation, or
(ii) to vary the management agreement with the organisation.
(3) The regulations may, in particular, make provision—
(a) requiring a management agreement to take effect immediately after the expiry or other determination of any previous agreement; and
(b) where any previous agreement contains provisions for its determination by the authority, requiring the authority to determine it as soon as may be after the agreement is entered into.
(4) Except as otherwise provided by regulations under this section—
(a) a local housing authority must not enter into a management agreement with a tenant management organisation otherwise than in pursuance of the regulations; and
(b) the provisions of the regulations apply in relation to the entering into of such an agreement with such an organisation in place of—
(i) the provisions of regulations under section 27BA (consultation with respect to management),
(ii) in the case of secure tenants, the provisions of section 105 (consultation on matters of housing management), and
(iii) in the case of introductory tenants, the provisions of section 137 of the Housing Act 1996 (consultation on matters of housing management).
(5) In this section “proposal” means—
(a) a proposal by a tenant management organisation that a local authority should enter into a management agreement with it, or
(b) a proposal to vary a management agreement between a tenant management organisation and a local housing authority.
27AE Regulation of management agreements
(1) The Secretary of State may make regulations which regulate the form of management agreements or parts of management agreements.
(2) The regulations may, in particular, require management agreements, or parts of management agreements, to be in a form approved by the Secretary of State.
(3) The Secretary of State may make regulations which regulate—
(a) the terms, or
(b) the operation,
of management agreements.
(4) Regulations under subsection (3) may, in particular, make provision for determining—
(a) the housing accommodation and land to which a management agreement should relate;
(b) the amounts which should be paid under a management agreement to the tenant management organisation.
(5) Regulations under subsection (3) may, in particular—
(a) prescribe terms (“prescribed terms”) and make either or both of the following kinds of provision—
(i) provision requiring management agreements to contain the prescribed terms;
(ii) provision for the prescribed terms to have effect in relation to management agreements even if those terms are not contained in the agreements;
(b) prescribe other requirements (“prescribed requirements”) which management agreements must comply with or be consistent with;
(c) prescribe circumstances in which terms of management agreements—
(i) are to have effect subject to modifications, or
(ii) are to have no effect,
(which may include circumstances in which there is a failure to comply with regulations under paragraph (a)(i) or (b) or in which regulations under paragraph (a)(ii) apply).
(6) Prescribed terms or prescribed requirements may, in particular, deal with the following matters—
(a) the conduct of the relationship between the local housing authority and the tenant management organisation as parties to the management agreement, including the appointment of an officer of the authority with the function of liaising with the organisation;
(b) the calculation and payment of allowances by the local housing authority to the tenant management organisation in respect of its activities under the management agreement;
(c) assisting or enabling the local housing authority to comply with legal, regulatory or other requirements, including through—
(i) co-operation (including sharing of information) between the local housing authority and the tenant management organisation, or
(ii) the way in which the tenant management organisation carries out its activities under the management agreement.
27AF Regulation of TMOs and local housing authorities
(1) The Secretary of State may make regulations which regulate—
(a) tenant management organisations, or
(b) local housing authorities as parties to management agreements.
(2) Regulations under this section may, in particular, prescribe requirements which—
(a) tenant management organisations, or
(b) local housing authorities as parties to management agreements,
must comply with.
(3) Regulations under this section may, in particular, make provision about the constitutions of tenant management organisations.
(4) That includes provision which—
(a) prescribes terms and makes either or both of the following kinds of provision—
(i) provision requiring those terms to be included in the constitutions of tenant management organisations;
(ii) provision for those terms to have effect in relation to the constitutions of tenant management organisations even if those terms are not contained in the constitutions;
(b) prescribes circumstances in which the terms of constitutions of tenant management organisations—
(i) are to have effect subject to modifications, or
(ii) are to have no effect,
(which may include circumstances in which there is a failure to comply with regulations under paragraph (a)(i) or in which regulations under paragraph (a)(ii) apply).
27AG Continuation ballots
(1) A tenant management organisation that is a party to a management agreement must hold a continuation ballot during—
(a) the initial ballot period, and
(b) each standard ballot period.
(2) A “continuation ballot” is a secret ballot of the tenants of the managed housing accommodation on the question of whether the tenant management organisation should continue to be the manager of that housing.
(3) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about the conduct of continuation ballots.
(4) The “initial ballot period” is—
(a) in a case where—
(i) the tenant management organisation is already exercising functions under the management agreement at commencement, and
(ii) no relevant assessment of tenant support has been concluded at any time during the four-year pre-commencement period and no such assessment is ongoing at commencement,
the period of one year beginning with commencement;
(b) in a case where—
(i) the tenant management organisation is already exercising functions under the management agreement at commencement, and
(ii) a relevant assessment of tenant support has been concluded during the four-year pre-commencement period or is ongoing at commencement,
the period of five years beginning with day on which that assessment — or, if there have been two or more such assessments, the last of them — was or is concluded;
(c) in a case where the tenant management organisation begins to exercise functions under the management agreement on or after commencement, the period of five years beginning with the day on which it begins to exercise those functions.
(5) But in a case where—
(a) the initial ballot period is the five-year period specified in subsection (4)(b) because a relevant assessment of tenant support is ongoing at commencement, but
(b) the assessment is not concluded within the period of six months beginning with commencement,
the initial ballot period is to become the period of one year beginning with commencement (instead of the five-year period).
(6) A “standard ballot period” is the period of five years beginning with the day on which a continuation ballot held by the tenant management organisation is concluded.
(7) But if, in accordance with regulations made under section 27AR—
(a) a continuation ballot is declared invalid, and
(b) a new ballot is held in place of the invalid ballot (whether by the tenant management organisation or another person),
the next standard ballot period must be determined by reference to the day when the new ballot is concluded.
(8) For the purposes of this section—
(a) a ballot is concluded on the day, or last of the days, on which a vote can be given in the ballot;
(b) a consultation is concluded on the last day for returning the questionnaire by which the consultation is carried out;
(c) a relevant assessment of tenant support is ongoing at commencement if—
(i) organisation of the assessment has begun before commencement, and
(ii) the assessment has not been concluded by commencement.
(9) In this section—
“four-year pre-commencement period” means the period of four years ending with the day immediately before commencement;
“relevant assessment of tenant support” means—
(a) a secret ballot of the tenants of the managed housing accommodation, or
(b) a consultation with those tenants carried out by anonymous questionnaire,
on the question of whether the tenant management organisation should continue to be the manager of that housing.
27AH Policy changes affecting TMO functions
(1) This section applies to a local housing authority where—
(a) it is considering changing a policy, and
(b) that policy relates to a function carried out by a tenant management organisation under a management agreement with the authority.
(2) The local housing authority must consult the tenant management organisation before changing the policy.
(3) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about the conduct of a consultation under this section.
(4) A reference in this section to changing a policy includes—
(a) introducing a new policy, and
(b) withdrawing or ceasing to have a policy.
27AI Regular reviews of management agreements
(1) The local housing authority and the tenant management organisation that are parties to a management agreement must jointly carry out a review of the agreement (a “regular review”) during—
(a) the initial review period, and
(b) each standard review period.
(2) A regular review must consider the following matters—
(a) whether the management agreement is consistent with the applicable requirements;
(b) if it is not consistent, how the terms of the management agreement should be varied so as to become consistent with the applicable requirements.
(3) A regular review may also consider any other matters agreed between the local housing authority and the tenant management organisation.
(4) If a regular review concludes that the terms of the management agreement should be varied, the local housing authority and tenant management organisation must vary the agreement accordingly.
(5) This section is supplemented by, and subject to, section 27AK.
27AJ Special reviews of management agreements
(1) The local housing authority and the tenant management organisation that are parties to a management agreement must jointly carry out a review of the agreement (a “special review”) on every occasion when—
(a) they are planning to vary the functions exercisable by the tenant management organisation under the agreement, and
(b) that variation is likely to result in a change in the prescribed terms or prescribed requirements applicable to the agreement.
(2) But subsection (1) does not apply where the only reason for varying the functions exercisable by the tenant management organisation under the agreement is the court making a transfer order or interim order.
(3) A special review must either—
(a) be limited to the prescribed terms and prescribed requirements, or
(b) be equivalent to a regular review.
(4) A special review is “limited to the prescribed terms and prescribed requirements” if it considers the following matters—
(a) whether, if the functions exercisable under the management agreement were varied as planned, the agreement would be consistent with the prescribed terms and prescribed requirements;
(b) if it would not be consistent, how the terms of the agreement would need to be varied so as to be consistent with the prescribed terms and prescribed requirements.
(5) A special review is “equivalent to a regular review” if it considers the following matters—
(a) whether, if the functions exercisable under the management agreement were varied as planned, the agreement would be consistent with the applicable requirements;
(b) if it would not be consistent, how the terms of the agreement would need to be varied so as to be consistent with the applicable requirements.
(6) A special review may also consider any other matters agreed between the local housing authority and the tenant management organisation.
(7) If the local housing authority and tenant management organisation decide to vary the functions exercisable under the agreement as planned, they must make the necessary variations of the terms of the agreement.
(8) The “necessary” variations of the terms of the agreement are—
(a) the variations that are needed to give effect to the planned variation of functions, and
(b) any variations that the special review concludes—
(i) in accordance with subsection (4)(b), are needed for consistency with the prescribed terms and prescribed requirements, or
(ii) in accordance with subsection (5)(b), are needed for consistency with the applicable requirements.
(9) This section is supplemented by, and subject to, section 27AK.
27AK Reviews of management agreements: supplementary provision
(1) This section applies in relation to regular reviews and special reviews.
(2) The “initial review period” is—
(a) in a case where the tenant management organisation is already exercising functions under the management agreement at commencement, the period of five years beginning with commencement, or
(b) in a case where the tenant management organisation begins to exercise functions under the management agreement on or after commencement, the period of five years beginning with the day on which the organisation begins to exercise functions under the agreement.
(3) A “standard review period” is the period of five years beginning with the day on which either of the following is concluded—
(a) a regular review relating to the management agreement;
(b) a special review relating to the management agreement that is equivalent to a regular review.
(4) A requirement under section 27AI(1) to carry out a regular review during a particular period ceases to apply if a special review that is equivalent to a regular review is carried out during that period.
(5) The local housing authority and the tenant management organisation may—
(a) refer a consistency question for decision by an approved arbitrator if they cannot decide it themselves;
(b) refer a variation question to an approved mediator if they cannot decide it themselves.
(6) An approved arbitrator or approved mediator is to be agreed to by the parties or, in default of agreement, appointed by the Secretary of State.
(7) If the local housing authority and tenant management organisation do not comply with section 27AI(4) or 27AJ(7) in relation to a review—
(a) they are to be regarded as not having complied with the duty to carry out the review; but
(b) this does not affect the calculation of any new standard review period in a case where that period begins with the day on which the review is concluded.
(8) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about the conduct of regular and special reviews.
(9) In this section—
(a) a “consistency question” means a question described in section 27AI(2)(a), 27AJ(4)(a) or 27AJ(5)(a);
(b) a “variation question” means a question described in section 27AI(2)(b), 27AJ(4)(b) or 27AJ(5)(b).
27AL Provision of information
(1) Local housing authorities must provide specified information to tenant management organisations.
(2) Tenant management organisations must provide specified information to local housing authorities.
(3) In this section “specified” means—
(a) specified in, or
(b) of a description specified in,
regulations made by the Secretary of State.
(4) Regulations under this section may make provision about the times at which, or circumstances in which, specified information must be provided.
27AM Transfer and termination orders
(1) A local housing authority that is a party to a management agreement may apply to the court to make—
(a) a transfer order, or
(b) a termination order,
in relation to the agreement.
(2) A “transfer order” is an order that—
(a) transfers one or more functions exercisable by the tenant management organisation under the management agreement to the local housing authority, and
(b) varies the management agreement in consequence of that transfer of functions.
(3) A “termination order” is an order that—
(a) terminates the management agreement, and
(b) transfers the functions exercisable by the tenant management organisation under the management agreement to the local housing authority.
(4) The court may make a transfer order or termination order only if conditions A and B are met.
(5) Condition A is that there is a relevant failure by the tenant management organisation (whether before or after commencement).
(6) Condition B is met if it is necessary and proportionate to make the transfer order or termination order for the purpose of—
(a) securing the proper management of the managed housing accommodation,
(b) protecting the safety of residents of the managed housing accommodation, or
(c) protecting the property of the local housing authority.
(7) When considering whether condition B is met, the court must take into account the desirability of the tenants of the managed housing accommodation continuing to be involved in its management.
(8) A transfer order or termination order takes effect from the date specified in the order or otherwise in accordance with provision made by the order.
(9) Where an application for a transfer order or termination order is granted, the court may make such ancillary orders as it considers necessary for the orderly transfer of the functions, including orders transferring property, rights and liabilities from the tenant management organisation to the local housing authority.
27AN Interim orders
(1) This section applies in a case where a local housing authority makes an application for a transfer order or termination order.
(2) The local housing authority may apply to the court to make an interim order before it determines the application for the transfer order or termination order (the “final order”).
(3) An application for an interim order may be made at the same time as, or after, the application for the final order.
(4) An “interim order” is an order that transfers one or more functions exercisable by the tenant management organisation under the management agreement to the local housing authority until the application for the final order is determined.
(5) The court may make the interim order only if conditions C and D are met.
(6) Condition C is met if the court considers that, when it comes to determine the application for the final order, it is likely to find that conditions A and B in section 27AM are met.
(7) Condition D is met if it is necessary and proportionate to make the interim order for the purpose of—
(a) securing the proper management of the managed housing accommodation,
(b) protecting the safety of residents of the managed housing accommodation, or
(c) protecting the property of the local housing authority.
(8) An interim order takes effect from the date specified in the order or otherwise in accordance with provision made by the order.
(9) Where an application under this section is granted, the court may make such ancillary orders as it considers necessary for the orderly transfer of the functions, including orders transferring property, rights and liabilities from the tenant management organisation to the local housing authority.
(10) If the interim order is made—
(a) the determination of the application for the final order does not affect the validity of—
(i) the interim order, or
(ii) any order made under subsection (9) (an “existing ancillary order”);
(b) on the determination of the application for the final order, the court may—
(i) rescind or vary the interim order;
(ii) rescind or vary an existing ancillary order;
(iii) make such ancillary orders as it considers necessary for the orderly transfer of functions, including orders transferring property, rights and liabilities from the local housing authority to the tenant management organisation.
(11) Subsection (10) does not affect the powers of the court under section 27AM.
27AP Applications for orders: duty to keep tenants informed
(1) This section applies where a local housing authority has made an application for a transfer order, a termination order or an interim order.
(2) The local housing authority must—
(a) inform the tenants of the managed housing accommodation that it has made an application for the order, and
(b) provide information about the progress and outcome of the application.
27AQ Board members: removal orders
(1) A local housing authority that is a party to a management agreement may apply to the court to make a removal order.
(2) A “removal order” is an order removing a board member of the tenant management organisation from office.
(3) The court may make a removal order if conditions A and B are met.
(4) Condition A is met if (whether before or after commencement)—
(a) there is a relevant failure by the board member, or
(b) the board member—
(i) is responsible for a relevant failure by the tenant management organisation,
(ii) has contributed to or facilitated a relevant failure by the tenant management organisation, or
(iii) knew of a relevant failure by the tenant management organisation and failed to take any reasonable step to oppose it.
(5) Condition B is met if it is necessary or desirable to grant a removal order for the purpose of—
(a) securing the proper management of the tenant management organisation,
(b) protecting the safety of residents of the managed housing accommodation, or
(c) protecting the property of the local housing authority or tenant management organisation.
(6) The court must make a removal order if condition C is met.
(7) Condition C is met if—
(a) the board member is a body corporate and in liquidation,
(b) the board member is incapable of acting because of a mental disorder within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 1983,
(c) the board member has not acted and will not make a declaration of willingness or unwillingness to act, or
(d) the board member—
(i) is outside England and Wales,
(ii) cannot be found, or
(iii) does not act,
and the board member’s absence or failure to act impedes the proper functioning of the tenant management organisation.
(8) Where an application for a removal order is granted, the court may also make a TMO disqualification order.
(9) A “TMO disqualification order” is an order that prohibits the board member from being reappointed as a board member of the tenant management organisation for a period specified in the order.
(10) For the period of one year beginning with the day on which a board member is removed by a removal order, the local housing authority must provide the tenant management organisation with reasonable support in dealing with the effects of—
(a) the conduct of the board member before removal, and
(b) the removal of the board member,
on the ability of the tenant management organisation to carry out its functions.
27AR Ballots: independent audit
(1) The Secretary of State may make regulations which provide for independent persons to audit ballots held by tenant management organisations (whether or not held in accordance with the RTM legislation for England or RTM regulations).
(2) The regulations may, in particular, provide for the circumstances in which there is to be an audit of a ballot.
(3) The regulations may, in particular, specify requirements that an independent person must satisfy in order to be eligible to carry out an audit.
(4) The regulations may, in particular, provide for the consequences of an audit, which may include provision—
(a) for the ballot to be declared valid or invalid by the local housing authority,
(b) for a new ballot to be held in place of an invalid ballot, and
(c) for who is to hold the new ballot.
(5) A person carrying out an audit must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.
(6) Regulations under this section may make provision about what it means for a person to be independent.
27AS Guidance
(1) The Secretary of State may issue guidance—
(a) to local housing authorities in relation to their functions under the RTM legislation for England or RTM regulations,
(b) to tenant management organisations, and
(c) to approved arbitrators and approved mediators.
(2) Local housing authorities, tenant management organisations, approved arbitrators and approved mediators must have regard to any guidance issued to them under this section.
27AT Regulations
(1) RTM regulations may have effect in relation to a management agreement irrespective of the date of the agreement.
(2) RTM regulations may make such procedural, incidental, supplementary and transitional provisions as may appear to the Secretary of State necessary or expedient.
(3) Those regulations may, in particular, make provision—
(a) for functions to be conferred on the Secretary of State, local housing authorities or tenant management organisations, including provision for particular questions arising under the regulations to be determined by the local housing authority or the Secretary of State;
(b) for other questions so arising to be determined by an arbitrator agreed to by the parties or, in default of agreement, appointed by the Secretary of State; and
(c) prescribing periods within which requirements under the regulations are to be carried out, including a period that is not of a specific duration (for example a reasonable or appropriate period or a period decided by the local housing authority or another person).
(4) RTM regulations—
(a) may make different provision with respect to different cases or descriptions of case, including different provision for different areas;
(b) are to be made by statutory instrument.
(5) A statutory instrument containing—
(a) regulations under section 27AE(3) which make provision of the kind described in section 27AE(5),
(b) regulations under section 27AF(1)(a) which make provision of the kind described in section 27AF(4), or
(c) regulations under section 27AR which make provision of the kind described in section 27AR(2) or (4),
(whether alone or with other RTM regulations) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.
(6) Any other statutory instrument containing RTM regulations is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
27AU Interpretation
(1) The expression “the RTM legislation for England” has the meaning given in 27AC(2).
(2) In the RTM legislation for England—
“applicable requirements” , in relation to a management agreement, means—
(a) the prescribed terms and prescribed requirements applicable to the agreement;
(b) any other legal, regulatory or contractual requirements applicable to—
(i) the tenant management organisation as a party to the management agreement or manager of the managed housing accommodation, or
(ii) the local housing authority as a party to the management agreement or landlord of the managed housing accommodation;
“approved arbitrator” means a member of a panel of arbitrators approved by the Secretary of State for the purposes of the RTM legislation for England;
“approved mediator” means a member of a panel of mediators approved by the Secretary of State for the purposes of the RTM legislation for England;
“board member” , in relation to a tenant management organisation, means—
(a) a member of the committee (within the meaning given by section 149 of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014) in the case of a tenant management organisation that is a registered society;
(b) a director (within the meaning given by section 250 of the Companies Act 2006) in the case of a tenant management organisation that is a company;
“commencement” , in relation to a provision of the RTM legislation for England, means the coming into force of Schedule (Management of local authority housing by TMOs) of the Social Housing Act 2026 in relation to that provision;
“company” means a company registered under the Companies Act 2006;
“court” means the High Court;
“interim order” has the meaning given in section 27AN(4);
“local housing authority” is to be read in accordance with section 27AC(3);
“managed housing accommodation” means the housing accommodation to which a management agreement relates;
“management agreement” is to be read in accordance with section 27(2) as modified by section 27AC(3);
“management failure” includes—
(a) a breach by the tenant management organisation of—
(i) the management agreement,
(ii) a prescribed term or prescribed requirement, or
(iii) any other requirement imposed by the RTM legislation for England;
(b) the tenant management organisation failing to comply with other legal, regulatory or contractual requirements,
(c) a criminal offence by the tenant management organisation or a board member acting in the exercise of the organisation’s functions or otherwise acting in connection with their role, and
(d) the tenant management organisation failing to co-operate with the local housing authority to assist or enable the authority to comply with its legal, regulatory or contractual requirements.
“prescribed requirements” has the meaning given in section 27AE(5)(b);
“prescribed terms” has the meaning given in section 27AE(5)(a);
“previous agreement” , in relation to an agreement entered into in pursuance of regulations under section 27AD, means a management agreement, or a section 247 or 249 arrangement, previously entered into in relation to the same housing accommodation and land;
“registered society” has the same meaning as in the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 (see section 1 of that Act);
“regular review” means a review carried out in accordance with section 27AI;
“relevant failure” means—
(a) a management failure, or
(b) an act or omission that otherwise poses a material risk to the safety of residents of the managed housing accommodation;
“RTM regulations” means regulations made under any provision of the RTM legislation for England;
“section 247 or 249 arrangement” has the meaning given by section 250A(6) of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008;
“special review” a review carried out in accordance with section 27AJ;
“tenant management organisation” has the meaning given in section 27AC(4);
“termination order” has the meaning given in section 27AM(3);
“TMO” has the meaning given in section 27AC(4);
“transfer order” has the meaning given in section 27AM(2).
(3) In the RTM legislation for England, a reference to variation of a management agreement includes the replacement of a management agreement by a new management agreement which includes different terms.
(4) Section 27(2) gives the meaning of “manager”.
Management agreements with housing co-operatives”.
PART 2
Consequential and transitional and saving provision
Section 27AB of the Housing Act 1985 to apply only to Wales
2 (1)The Housing Act 1985 is amended in accordance with this paragraph.
(2)Before section 27AB (management agreements with tenant management organisations) insert—
“Wales: management agreements with tenant management organisations”.
(3)Section 27AB is amended in accordance with the following provisions of this section.
(4)For
the heading, substitute
“Entering into, and form and terms of, management agreements with TMOs”
.
(5)In subsection (1)—
(a)for
“Secretary of State”
substitute
“Welsh Ministers”
;
(b)after
“local housing authority”
insert
“in Wales”
.
(6)In subsection (3)—
(a)in paragraph (a), for “houses” substitute “housing accommodation”;
(b)in paragraph (b), for
“Secretary of State”
substitute
“Welsh Ministers”
.
(7)In subsection (4), in the words before paragraph (a), and in paragraphs (b) and (c), for
“Secretary of State”
substitute
“Welsh Ministers”
.
(8)In subsection (6)(b), for
“annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament”
substitute
“the Senedd confirmation procedure”
.
(9)In subsection (7)—
(a)in paragraph (a), after “authority” insert “in Wales”;
(b)in paragraph (b)—
(i)in sub-paragraph (i), after
“management),”
insert
“and”
;
(ii)in sub-paragraph (ii), omit
“secure tenants or”
;
(iii)omit sub-paragraph (iv) and the
“and”
preceding it.
(10)In subsection (8)—
(a)in the definition of
“arbitrator”
, for
“Secretary of State”
substitute
“Welsh Ministers”
;
(b)in the definition of
“previous agreement”
—
(i)omit “, or a section 247 or 249 arrangement,”;
(ii)for “houses” substitute “housing accommodation”;
(c)omit the definition of
“section 247 or 249 arrangement”
.
Minor and consequential amendments
3 (1)Section 27 of the Housing Act 1985 (management agreements) is amended as follows—
(a)in subsection (1)(a), for “houses as are” substitute “housing accommodation as is”;
(b)in subsection (16)—
(i)in the words before paragraph (a), for “houses” substitute “housing accommodation”;
(ii)in paragraph (b), for “houses” substitute “housing accommodation”.
(2)After section 42 of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 insert—
42ARemoval of member of committee: tenant management organisations
(1)This section applies if a removal order under section 27AQ(3) of the Housing Act 1985 (removal of members of committees of registered societies that are tenant management organisations) is made in respect of a member of the committee of a registered society.
(2)The person ceases to be a member of the committee.
(3)If a TMO disqualification order under section 27AQ(8) of the Housing Act 1985 is also made in respect of the committee member, the person may not be appointed as a member of the committee in contravention of section 27AQ(9) of that Act.”
(3)In section 159A of the Companies Act 2006 (disqualified person not to be appointed as director), after subsection (2) insert—
(2A)If a TMO disqualification order under section 27AQ(8) of the Housing Act 1985 is made in respect of a director of a company, the person may not be appointed as a director of the company in contravention of section 27AQ(9) of that Act.”
(4)Section 169A of the Companies Act 2006 (removal from office of disqualified directors) is amended as follows—
(a)in the heading, after “directors” insert “etc”;
(b)in subsection (1)—
(i)for “if the” substitute “if—
(a)the”;
(ii)after “section 159A(2))” insert “, or
(b)the person is removed from that directorship by an order of the High Court under section 27AQ of the Housing Act 1985 (removal of directors of companies that are tenant management organisations)”
Transitional and saving provision
4 (1)For the purposes of this paragraph, regulations are “pre-commencement English section 27AB regulations” if they—
(a)are made under a power conferred by section 27AB of the Housing Act 1985 (the “relevant section 27AB power”),
(b)apply in relation to England, and
(c)are in force immediately before the day on which this Act is passed (when, by virtue of section 22(1)(f), the corresponding new power comes into force).
(2)The pre-commencement English section 27AB regulations have effect on and after the day on which this Act is passed as if made under the corresponding new power; and accordingly—
(a)anything done or having effect under the regulations before that day continues to have effect on and after that day;
(b)the validity of the regulations is not affected by the section 27AB power ceasing to apply in relation to England.
(3)For the purposes of sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) “corresponding new power” means the power conferred by the RTM legislation for England that corresponds to the relevant section 27AB power.
(4)A reference in any Act of Parliament or instrument made under an Act of Parliament to a management agreement entered into in pursuance of regulations under section 27AD of the Housing Act 1985 includes a reference to a management agreement entered into by a local housing authority in England in pursuance of regulations under section 27AB of that Act.”

This would provide for a revised and expanded legislative regime about the management of council housing by tenant management organisations.

Government Amendment 78

Clause 21, page 16, line 23, at end insert—
“(2) But that is subject to subsections (3) and (4).
(3) The following provisions extend to England and Wales and Scotland—
(a) paragraph 3(2) of Schedule (Management agreements with tenant management organisations);
(b) section 20 so far as it relates to paragraph 3(2).
(4) The following provisions extend to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland—
(a) paragraphs 3(4) and 3(4) of Schedule (Management of local authority housing by TMOs) and section (Management of local authority housing by TMOs);
(b) section 20 so far as it relates to paragraph 3(4) and 3(4);
(c) this section;
(d) section 22(1)(f) and (g) and (5) to (8);
(e) section 23.”

This would change the extent provision of the Bill in consequence of the amendments of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 and Companies Act 2006 made by NS1.

Government Amendment 17

Clause 22, page 16, line 30, after “(4)” insert “, subsection (5) so far as it relates to paragraph 17(1)(c) and (1A) to (1F) of Schedule 5 to the Housing Act 1985, and subsection (7)”

This would remove clause 8(5) - so far as it relates to paragraph 17(1)(c) and (1A) to (1F) of Schedule 5 to the Housing Act 1985 - and clause 8(7) from the provisions that come into force at royal assent. As a result of this amendment and amendment 18, they would come into force in accordance with commencement regulations (under clause 22(4)).

Government Amendment 79

Clause 22, page 16, line 34, after “regulations” insert “or to issue guidance”

This would bring powers to issue guidance in NS1 into force at Royal Assent.

Government Amendment 18

Clause 22, page 17, line 12, after “buy)” insert “except for subsection (5) so far as it relates to paragraph 17(1)(c) and (1A) to (1F) of Schedule 5 to the Housing Act 1985, and subsection (7)”

This would remove clause 8(5) - so far as it relates to paragraph 17(1)(c) and (1A) to (1F) of Schedule 5 to the Housing Act 1985 - and clause 8(7) from the provisions that come into force two months after royal assent. As a result of this amendment and amendment 17 , they would come into force in accordance with commencement regulations (under clause 22(4)).

None 9

Clause 8, page 9, line 10, at end insert—
“Community-led housing
20 Irrespective of the provisions of paragraph 18, the right to buy does not arise in relation to a dwelling where—
(a) the dwelling is owned, managed, controlled or on land owned by—
(i) a Community Land Trust;
(ii) a Community Benefit Society;
(iii) a housing co-operative; or
(iv) another community-led housing body prescribed by regulations; and
(b) the dwelling is subject to arrangements intended to secure affordability in perpetuity.”

This amendment seeks to provide a permanent exemption from Right to Buy for community-led housing, instead of the 35-year exemption otherwise provided by the Bill.

None 10

Clause 12, page 12, line 5, at end insert—
“171AA Right of first refusal: local affordable housing providers
(1) This section applies where—
(a) a sale notice has been given under section 171A in relation to a dwelling, and
(b) the dwelling—
(i) is let at social rent, or
(ii) was previously transferred from a local housing authority.
(2) During the period specified in section 171A(3), where a qualifying local affordable housing provider makes an offer to acquire the dwelling, a private registered provider must dispose of the dwelling to the qualifying local affordable housing provider at existing use value for social housing.
(3) A dwelling acquired under this section must be retained as social housing.
(4) In this section, a 'qualifying local affordable housing provider' means—
(a) a community land trust;
(b) a housing co-operative;
(c) a community benefit society;
(d) a charity whose purposes include the provision of affordable housing; or
(e) such other locally based not-for-profit housing body as may be prescribed by regulations,
which operates, or intends to operate, affordable housing within the local housing authority area in which the dwelling is situated.
(5) Any dispute as to existing use value for social housing shall be determined by an independent valuer appointed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
(6) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about the operation of this section.”

This amendment seeks to extend the right of first refusal to not-for-profit community-led housing organisations and other non-registered providers capable of retaining homes as affordable housing within the local area, and provides that the disposal must be at existing use value.

None 11

Clause 12, page 13, line 23, at end insert—
“171CA Impact on rural communities
(1) Before making a relevant sale in relation to a dwelling located in a rural area, a private registered provider must undertake an assessment of the likely impact of the proposed disposal on the local community.
(2) An assessment under this section must consider—
(a) the availability of affordable housing within the settlement;
(b) local housing needs;
(c) the total loss of social housing within the parish, town or settlement over the preceding ten years, if any;
(d) the contribution of the dwelling to maintaining a balanced and sustainable community; and
(e) the availability of replacement social housing within the same settlement.
(3) A copy of the assessment must be provided to—
(a) the local housing authority;
(b) the parish or town council, where one exists; and
(c) the Regulator of Social Housing.
171CB Regulator of Social Housing and rural communities
(1) In exercising its functions under this Part, the Regulator of Social Housing must have regard to—
(a) the impact of social housing disposals on the sustainability of rural communities; and
(b) the maintenance, availability of, and need for affordable housing provision within rural settlements.”

This amendment requires registered providers and the Regulator of Social Housing to consider the impact of disposals on rural communities.

None NC16

To move the following Clause—
“Rent to Discounted Sale Agreements
(1) A registered provider of social housing may dispose of an equity interest in a dwelling to a qualifying tenant through a “Rent to Discounted Sale Agreement”.
(2) The purchase price of an equity interested dwelling disposed of under subsection (1) must not exceed 50 per cent of the open market value of the dwelling (the “discounted price”).
(3) A Rent to Discounted Sale Agreement must include a Resale Price Covenant.
(4) A Resale Price Covenant under subsection (4) must provide that, upon any subsequent disposal—
(a) the property may only be sold to—
(i) the original registered provider;
(ii) another registered provider of social housing;
(iii) a not-for-profit community-led housing organisation; or
(iv) a purchaser allocated by the original registered provider who meets the designated owner requirements set out in subsection (7);
(b) the sale price of the property is no more than 50 per cent of the open market value of the dwelling at the time of the sale (the “discounted price”); and
(c) the dwelling must remain available as—
(i) social housing,
(ii) affordable housing secured for community benefit in perpetuity, or
(iii) housing owned or managed by a not-for-profit community-led housing organisation.
(5) A person acquiring the property under this section must not sell the property other than as designated in subsection (5).
(6) A designated owner must be—
(a) registered as in housing need by the local authority responsible for the local area;
(b) a resident in the community for at least three years prior to the purchase; and
(c) a first-time buyer.
(7) For the purposes of calculating the discounted price under this section, the open market price must be determined by a survey undertaken by a chartered surveyor.
(8) The Secretary of State may by regulations make further provision under this section.”

This new clause seeks to enable tenants to acquire a social housing property for no more than 50 per cent of open market value, while ensuring that the property remains within the social and affordable housing sector and is available for future generations.

None NC17

To move the following Clause—
“Rural exception sites
(1) A social housing dwelling developed on a rural exception site may not be disposed of on the open market.
(2) Any disposal of a social housing dwelling developed on a rural exception site must preserve affordability restrictions in perpetuity.
(3) No social housing dwelling developed on a rural exception site shall be eligible for—
(a) Right to Buy;
(b) Right to Acquire; or
(c) any successor scheme.
(4) A planning obligation securing social or affordable housing on a rural exception site may not be modified or discharged if the effect would be to reduce the number of social or affordable dwellings or weaken any affordability restrictions.
(5) In determining any—
(a) application,
(b) appeal,
(c) permission in principle,
(d) technical details consent application,
(e) local development order, or
(f) development consent,
relating to social or housing affordable housing on land which is, or has previously been, a rural exception site, the absence of a five-year supply of deliverable housing sites does not constitute a reason for granting permission for a development that would reduce the number of social or affordable dwellings secured on that site.
(6) The presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply where its application would result in—
(a) the loss of social or affordable dwellings secured on a rural exception site;
(b) the reduction of affordability restrictions applying to such dwellings; or
(c) the substitution of market housing for social or affordable housing secured for local housing need.”

This new clause seeks to preserve social housing and affordable homes provided under rural exception site policies for future generations of local residents.

None NC18

To move the following Clause—
“Duty to report: social housing levy scheme
(1) The Secretary of State must, within twelve months of the passing of this Act, publish and lay before Parliament a report on the merits of establishing a local levy on holiday accommodation for the purposes of generating revenue to fund local social housing projects (the ‘social housing levy scheme’).
(2) A report under this section must assess the merits of a social housing levy scheme that would—
(a) enable local authorities either to disapply small business rates relief or apply a local levy with respect to properties that are—
(i) used wholly or mainly as self-catering holiday accommodation, and
(ii) suitable for occupation as a permanent dwelling; and
(b) enable local authorities to use any additional income generated by these actions for funding—
(i) the provision of social rented housing;
(ii) the provision of affordable housing secured for community benefit in perpetuity;
(iii) social housing projects delivered by not-for-profit community-led housing organisations;
(iv) investments in social housing to ensure it meets decent home and energy efficiency standards; and
(v) bringing long-term empty homes back into social housing residential use.
(3) A report under this section must also set out the factors to which a local authority might have regard to when determining whether local properties should be subject to a social housing levy scheme.
(4) For the purposes of this section, a "not-for-profit community-led housing organisation" means—
(a) a Community Land Trust;
(b) a Community Benefit Society established for the purpose of providing housing;
(c) a housing co-operative;
(d) a charitable housing trust; or
(e) any other body prescribed by regulations which—
(i) operates on a not-for-profit basis;
(ii) is controlled wholly or substantially by members of the community it serves; and
(iii) retains housing assets for community benefit in perpetuity.”

This new clause would require the Government to report on a social housing levy scheme that would spend additional income from local holiday lets (either via a levy or disapplying small business rates relief) on local social housing projects and related purposes.

Opposition Amendment 8

Clause 12, page 12, line 31, at end insert—
“171BA Extension to the notification period
(1) Where condition B under section 171A is met but condition D is also met, the period of four weeks beginning with the relevant day is extended by a further four weeks beginning with the day after the end of the four weeks.
(2) Condition D is that a local housing authority or registered provider has—
(a) notified the disposing provider that steps are being taken to offer to acquire the dwelling; and
(b) provided evidence of substantive steps taken towards making an offer, including but not limited to—
(i) obtaining a valuation of the dwelling,
(ii) securing funding for the offer, or
(iii) seeking necessary approvals for the offer.”

This amendment seeks to extend the four week notification period for the disposal of social housing where a local authority or another registered provider can provide evidence that it is preparing to offer to purchase the property.

Opposition Amendment NC15

To move the following Clause—
“Duty to report: social housing acquisition fund
(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, publish and lay before Parliament a report on the potential merits of establishing a fund to support the acquisition, by local housing authorities and registered providers, of social homes that would otherwise be disposed of on the open market.
(2) The report published under this section must include an assessment of whether such a fund could—
(a) enable local authorities or registered providers to acquire social housing at a price reflective of their value when retained at social rent rather than their value on the open market;
(b) the acquired homes to remain as social housing; and
(c) contribute towards any works required to bring social housing due to be disposed of to the Decent Homes Standard.”

None NC13

To move the following Clause—
“Community-led social housing organisations: funding, guidance and proposals for training
(1) Within twelve months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must publish—
(a) guidance for local authorities on how to work effectively with community-led social housing organisations on the provision of social housing; and
(b) a report containing proposals for—
(i) financial support for community-led social housing organisations, and
(ii) training to be made available to local authority housing departments on how to work effectively with community-led social housing organisations.
(2) Guidance published under subsection (1)(a) must include recommendations for local authorities to identify, within their housing departments, dedicated officers or champions for the consideration of community-led social housing organisations in relation to the disposal of public land.
(3) For the purposes of this section—
“community-led social housing organisation” means a social housing provider that meets the definition of “community organisation” within the meaning of paragraph 3 of Schedule 4C to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990; and
“social housing” has the meaning given by section 68 (basic principle) of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008.”

This new clause would require the Government to publish guidance for local authorities on how to work effectively with community-led social housing organisations on the provision of social housing, along with a plan for providing training on the same topic and for providing financial support to those organisations.

None NC14

To move the following Clause—
“Community-led social housing partnerships and projects: report on costs, financial risks and contractual arrangements
(1) The Secretary of State must, within twelve months of the passing of this Act, publish and lay before Parliament a report on the costs, financial risks and contractual arrangements affecting social housing related partnerships between community-led social housing organisations and other bodies, including larger housing associations and public bodies.
(2) The report under this section must include an assessment of—
(a) any challenges experienced by community-led social housing organisations when partnering with larger organisations to deliver social housing projects;
(b) the factors affecting costs over the lifetime of the project, including planning delays and developer interest charges; and
(c) how best to ensure robust contractual arrangements between community-led social housing organisations and larger organisations in order to ensure the sustainable viability of relevant social housing projects.
(3) For the purposes of this section—
“community-led social housing organisation” means a social housing provider that meets the definition of
“community organisation” within the meaning of paragraph 3 of Schedule 4C to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990; and
“social housing” has the meaning given by section 68 (basic principle) of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008.”

Opposition Amendment 5

Clause 12, page 11, line 35, at end insert— "(d) the Regulator of Social Housing."

Opposition Amendment 6

Clause 12, page 11, line 36, leave out “four weeks” and insert “eight weeks, or twelve weeks if the property is in an area designated as a rural area under paragraph 17(1)(c) of Schedule 5 to the Housing Act 1985,"

Opposition Amendment 1

Clause 12, page 12, line 2, at end insert— "(4A) A sale notice given under subsection (2) must be given to the Regulator of Social Housing at the same time as it is given to the persons specified in that subsection.”

Opposition Amendment 2

Clause 12, page 12, line 5, at end insert— "171AA Right of first refusal: local housing authorities (1) This section applies where— (a) a sale notice has been given under section 171A in relation to a dwelling, and (b) the dwelling— (i) is let at social rent, or (ii) was previously transferred from a local housing authority. (2) During the period specified in section 171A(3), the local housing authority for the area in which the dwelling is situated may make an offer to acquire the dwelling. (3) Where an offer is made under subsection (2), the private registered provider must dispose of the dwelling to the local housing authority at existing use value for social housing. (4) A dwelling acquired under this section must be retained as social housing within the meaning of Part 2 of this Act. (5) Any dispute as to the existing use value for social housing shall be determined by an independent valuer appointed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. (6) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about the operation of this section."

Opposition Amendment 3

Clause 12, page 12, line 5, at end insert— "171AA Right of first refusal: registered providers (1) This section applies where— (a) a sale notice has been given under section 171A in relation to a dwelling, and (b) the dwelling— (i) is let at social rent, or (ii) was previously transferred from a local housing authority. (2) During the period specified in section 171A(3), any registered provider which received a sale notice under section 171A(2) may make an offer to acquire the dwelling. (3) Where an offer is made under subsection (2), the private registered provider must dispose of the dwelling to the registered provider at existing use value for social housing. (4) A dwelling acquired under this section must be retained as social housing within the meaning of Part 2 of this Act. (5) Any dispute as to the existing use value for social housing shall be determined by an independent valuer appointed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. (6) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about the operation of this section."

Opposition Amendment 7

Clause 12, page 13, line 11, at end insert— "(h) whether the dwelling is let at social rent, (i) the dwelling's energy performance certificate rating, (j) whether the dwelling meets the Decent Homes Standard, (k) whether the interest to be disposed of is freehold or leasehold, (l) details of any accessibility adaptations made to the dwelling, (m) details of any public grant received in relation to the dwelling, including any disabled facilities grant, and (n) whether the dwelling was previously transferred from a local housing authority and, if so, the consideration paid on that transfer.”

Opposition Amendment 4

Clause 12, page 13, line 23, at end insert— "171CA Requirement to consult with a relevant local authority before a planned disposal in a designated rural area (1) A private registered provider must provide the relevant local authority in a designated rural area with a report on social housing stock condition information on an annual basis. (2) A private registered provider must consult with the relevant local authority on options to regenerate social housing in the designated rural area before any decision to dispose of a property in the area has taken place. (3) For the purposes of this section, a designated rural area is defined as any area with a population density of no more than two persons per hectare and a population of 3,000 or fewer.”

Opposition Amendment NC1

To move the following Clause— "Strategy for the provision of 150,000 new social housing dwellings a year in England The Secretary of State must, within twelve months of the passing of this Act, publish and lay before both Houses of Parliament a report which sets out a strategy for the provision of at least 150,000 new social housing dwellings in England in each financial year for the following twenty years."

Opposition Amendment NC2

To move the following Clause— "Power of local housing authorities to suspend or abolish right to buy Before section 121(A) of the Housing Act 1985 insert— "Power of local housing authorities to suspend or abolish right to buy (1) A local housing authority in England may make a determination that the right to buy does not arise in relation to dwelling-houses in its area. (2) A determination under subsection (1) may apply to— (a) all dwelling-houses within the authority's area, or (b) dwelling-houses of a description specified in the determination. (3) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about the procedure to be followed by a local housing authority in making a determination under this section.""

Opposition Amendment NC3

To move the following Clause— "Ability of tenants to trigger a regulatory inspection (1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must, by regulation, make provision to enable tenants to trigger an inspection of their dwelling by the Regulator of Social Housing. (2) Regulations made under this section must include— (a) provision for a tenants' notice to trigger a regulatory inspection if certain regulatory standards have not been met; and (b) a definition of “certain regulatory standards” under this section. (3) A tenants' notice under subsection (2)(a) may trigger an inspection only if signed by a minimum of ten per cent of tenants of either— (a) an estate, or (b) a registered provider of social housing. (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."

Opposition Amendment NC4

To move the following Clause— "Local authorities: borrowing restrictions (1) The Secretary of State must by regulations remove relevant restrictions on local authorities to enable borrowing for the purpose of building or acquiring social housing. (2) When determining the definition of "relevant restrictions" under this section, the Secretary of State must pay due regard to the need to— (a) retain restrictions essential to the management of the economy and local authority finances; and (b) remove restrictions that place undue limitations on the ability of local authorities to provide sufficient social housing to meet local need.”

Opposition Amendment NC5

To move the following Clause— "Review of access to social housing for former service personnel (1) The Secretary of State must undertake a review of the provision of social housing for former members of the armed forces. (2) A review under this section must assess— (a) whether current allocation schemes give sufficient priority to former members of the armed forces, (b) the adequacy of provision for former members of the armed forces with disabilities or other needs arising from their service, and (c) the effectiveness of existing support in assisting former members of the armed forces to access and sustain social housing tenancies. (3) The Secretary of State must lay a report of the review under this section before Parliament within twelve months of the day on which this Act is passed.”

Opposition Amendment NC6

To move the following Clause— "Requirement for wheelchair accessible social housing (1) The Secretary of State must by regulations ensure that at least ten per cent of all new social housing dwellings constructed in England in each financial year are designed and built to Category M4(3)(2)(b) (wheelchair accessible dwellings) standard of the Building Regulations 2010. (2) Regulations under this section must be made by statutory instrument. (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."

Opposition Amendment NC7

To move the following Clause— "Mitigation of overheating and cooling standards: the Cool Rule (1) The Secretary of State must by regulations make provision requiring new social housing dwellings constructed in England to be fitted with active cooling in all cases where, without active cooling, it would not be possible to achieve an indoor temperature of 21°C during periods of high external temperature. (2) Active cooling under subsection (1) may include— (a) reversible heat pumps, (b) active air conditioning systems, or (c) any other mechanical cooling system capable of meeting the requirement in subsection (1). (3) Regulations under this section must 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."

Opposition Amendment NC8

To move the following Clause— "Monitoring and reporting on private registered provider disposals (1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act and annually thereafter, publish a report on notifications and disposals of social housing by private registered providers. (2) A report under subsection (1) must include— (a) the number of sale notices given under section 171A of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 in the period to which the report relates or otherwise notified to Homes England; (b) the number and tenure of the dwellings to which those notices related; (c) the number of those dwellings that were subsequently disposed of; (d) the number of disposed dwellings that remained within social housing; and (e) the number of disposed dwellings that ceased to be social housing."

Opposition Amendment NC9

To move the following Clause— "Zero-carbon standards for new social housing (1) The Secretary of State must by regulations require that all new social housing dwellings constructed in England are constructed to a zero-carbon standard. (2) The Secretary of State must make regulations under subsection (1) within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed. (3) Regulations under this section must 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."

Opposition Amendment NC10

To move the following Clause— "No reduction in social housing secured through planning permissions or obligations (1) A local planning authority must not agree to any modification or discharge of— (a) a planning obligation entered into under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, or (b) a condition attached to a planning permission, where the effect of the modification or discharge would be to reduce the number or proportion of dwellings secured as social housing under that obligation or permission. (2) Subsection (1) applies to any planning obligation or planning permission entered into or granted before, on, or after the day on which this Act is passed."

Opposition Amendment NC11

To move the following Clause— "Local authority registers of social housing stock change (1) Each local housing authority must maintain a register recording— (a) the number of dwellings sold by the authority under the right to buy in each financial year, (b) the number of new social housing dwellings provided by or on behalf of the authority in each financial year, and (c) the net change in the authority's social housing stock resulting from the figures in paragraphs (a) and (b). (2) A local housing authority must publish its register under this section annually and make it available to the public in such manner as the authority considers appropriate. (3) The Secretary of State must publish an annual summary of the information contained in registers under this section across all local housing authorities in England. (4) The summary under subsection (3) must identify authorities where the number of dwellings sold under the right to buy exceeds the number of new social housing dwellings provided in the same period."

Opposition Amendment NC12

To move the following Clause— "Review of access to social housing for rehabilitated offenders (1) The Secretary of State must undertake a review of the level of access to social housing for rehabilitated offenders. (2) The review must assess— (a) whether current allocation schemes give sufficient priority to rehabilitated offenders seeking to resettle in the community, (b) the adequacy of provision for rehabilitated offenders with vulnerabilities or other needs arising from their offending history or period of custody, and (c) the effectiveness of existing support in assisting rehabilitated offenders to access and sustain social housing tenancies. (3) The Secretary of State must lay a report of the review before Parliament within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed."

None 25

After Clause 12, insert the following new Clause—
“Review of shared ownership and staircasing
(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, conduct and publish a review of the operation and effectiveness of the shared ownership scheme in England.
(2) The review must consider in particular—
(a) the affordability of shared ownership for leaseholders;
(b) the extent to which shared ownership provides a viable route to full home ownership;
(c) the operation of staircasing arrangements, including the costs, fees and valuation requirements associated with the purchase of additional shares;
(d) barriers faced by shared ownership leaseholders in staircasing to higher levels of ownership or to full ownership;
(e) the impact of service charges, repairs obligations and other housing costs on shared ownership leaseholders;
(f) whether legislative or regulatory changes are required to improve transparency, affordability and access to full ownership.
(3) The Secretary of State must lay the review before Parliament together with a statement setting out any proposed actions in response to its findings.”

None 7

Clause 8, page 8, line 9, leave out from beginning to end of line 18 and insert—
“(c) any area with a population density of no more than two persons per hectare and a population of 3,000 or fewer.”

None 20

Clause 12, page 13, line 25, leave out “171C” and insert “171CA”

None 81

After Clause 18, insert the following new Clause—
“Board composition of private registered providers with social housing stock
(1) The Secretary of State must by regulations to be made by statutory instrument require that private registered providers which own social housing stock have a minimum of two elected local councillors on their board.
(2) The regulations under subsection (1) must specify—
(a) how the elected local councillors are to be appointed to the boards,
(b) how many elected local councillors are to be appointed to the boards, and
(c) which local authorities the councillors must represent where the private registered provider operates across more than one local authority.
(3) Regulations under subsection (2)(b) must ensure that no private registered provider’s board is comprised of a majority of elected local councillors.
(4) The Secretary of State must make regulations under this section within six months of the day on which this Act is passed.
(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.”

None 82

After Clause 18, insert the following new Clause—
“Provision of information and collaboration on housing for prison leavers
(1) The Secretary of State has a duty to—
(a) ensure local housing authorities receive the necessary information, and
(b) facilitate effective collaboration between local housing authorities, HM Prison and Probation Service and other relevant organisations,
to prevent prison leavers at risk of homelessness from being unable to access housing.
(2) The Secretary of State must, by regulations made by statutory instrument, publish—
(a) requirements for the nature of the information that must be shared with local housing authorities,
(b) the timescales on which the information must be provided to local housing authorities,
(c) the timescales within which local housing authorities must respond, including when they need to confirm whether or not housing will be available,
(d) requirements for local housing authorities to respond to the person or body which made the social housing referral for a prison leaver, and
(e) guidance for local housing authorities on their responsibility to provide further information as required.
(3) Within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State must publish a report setting out the number of prison leavers provided with social housing by local housing authorities on release from prison.
(4) The Secretary of State must lay the report under subsection (3) before Parliament.
(5) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.”

This amendment seeks to place a duty on the Secretary of State to ensure that local housing authorities receive information and effectively collaborate with other organisations as necessary to provide housing to prison leavers at risk of homelessness. It also to require the Secretary of State to publish an annual report on social housing provision to prison leavers.

Opposition Amendment 1

Clause 1, page 1, line 6, after second “years” insert “subject to subsection (A2)”

This amendment, and another in the name of Baroness O’Neill of Bexley, seeks to extend the transition period for the commencement of provisions in clause 1 in relation to secure tenancies.

Opposition Amendment 2

Clause 1, page 1, line 6, at end insert—
“(b) after subsection (A1) insert—
“(A2) In relation to a secure tenancy entered into before the coming into force of section 1 of the Social Housing Act 2026, 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, and another in the name of Baroness O’Neill of Bexley, seeks to extend the transition period for the commencement of provisions in clause 1 in relation to secure tenancies.

Opposition Amendment 3

Leave out Clause 1

This amendment would retain the current qualifying period of three years before a secure tenant becomes eligible to exercise the Right to Buy.

Opposition Amendment 4

Leave out Clause 4

This amendment retains the existing statutory timescales for processing Right to Buy applications.

Opposition Amendment 5

Leave out Clause 6

This amendment would retain the existing Right to Buy discount arrangements, including the existing provisions governing the accumulation and maximum level of discount.

Opposition Amendment 6

Leave out Clause 7

This amendment would remove the extension of the Right of First Refusal in perpetuity.

Opposition Amendment 8

Clause 8, page 8, line 25, leave out “35” and insert “10”

This amendment seeks to reduce the period during which newly built social housing is exempt from the Right to Buy from 35 years to 10 years.

None 13

Clause 12, page 11, line 24, leave out “C” and insert “D”

None 15

Clause 12, page 12, line 2, at end insert—
“(4A) Condition D is that before making a relevant sale to a purchaser that is not a registered provider, a private registered provider must have—
(a) offered the dwelling to each registered provider that provides social housing in the same local housing authority area as the dwelling,
(b) allowed a period of not less than the period specified in subsection (3) for any such provider to indicate whether it wishes to purchase the dwelling, and
(c) where any such provider indicated a wish to purchase the dwelling, not proceeded with a relevant sale to any other purchaser unless negotiations with that provider have ceased without agreement or did not result in agreement within such period as the Secretary of State may by regulations prescribe.
(4B) Where Condition D was not met because more than one registered provider indicated a wish to purchase the dwelling, the disposing registered provider may determine the order in which negotiations are conducted.”

None 17

Clause 12, page 13, line 11, at end insert—
“(h) the tenure of the dwelling, distinguishing between social rent and affordable rent,
(i) the current energy performance certificate rating of the dwelling,
(j) whether the dwelling complies with the Decent Homes Standard,
(k) the findings of the most recent stock condition survey of the dwelling, where one has been completed,
(l) whether the dwelling contains adaptations to meet accessibility needs and, if so, a description of those adaptations and details of any public financial assistance received in relation to those adaptations, including any disabled facilities grant,
(m) details of any financial assistance received in relation to the dwelling under section 19 of this Act (financial assistance),
(n) the rent payable immediately before the relevant sale, and
(o) details of any material building safety or compliance information held in relation to the dwelling, including, where applicable, gas safety, electrical safety and asbestos information.
(2A) For the purposes of subsection (1)(h), “social rent” and “affordable rent” have the meanings given in the Rent Standard issued by the Regulator of Social Housing under section 194(2A) of this Act (standards relating to economic matters).”

None 19

Clause 12, page 13, line 24, leave out “171C” and insert “171CA”

None 21

Clause 12, page 14, line 5, at end insert—
“171E National register of disposal notifications
(1) The Regulator of Social Housing must establish and maintain a national register through which notifications under section 171A (requirement to give notice of proposed sale) are submitted and which records the information provided in accordance with section 171C (sale notices).
(2) The register must be accessible to—
(a) local housing authorities, and
(b) registered providers that provide social housing in the local authority area in which the dwelling is situated.
(3) The Regulator must update the register as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving each notification, having regard to the need to enable local housing authorities and registered providers to exercise rights under section 171A.
171F Post-disposal reporting
(1) The Regulator of Social Housing must require registered providers, in any return made following completion of a disposal notified under section 171A (requirement to give notice of proposed sale), to include information identifying the tenure of the dwelling disposed of, distinguishing between social rent and affordable rent.
(2) The Regulator must publish annually information relating to disposals notified under section 171A in a format that enables analysis and comparison over time, broken down by—
(a) registered provider name;
(b) local authority area;
(c) tenure of the dwelling disposed of, distinguishing between social rent and affordable rent;
(d) purchaser category;
(e) whether the disposal was made at open market value or below market value;
(f) the number of dwellings disposed of in each combination of the categories specified in paragraphs (a) to (e).
(3) For the purposes of this section, “social rent” and “affordable rent” have the meanings given in the Rent Standard issued by the Regulator of Social Housing under section 194(2A) of this Act (standards relating to economic matters).”

None 22

Clause 12, page 14, line 5, at end insert—
“171E Post-disposal reporting
(1) The Regulator of Social Housing must require registered providers, in any return made following completion of a disposal notified under section 171A (requirement to give notice of proposed sale), to include information identifying the tenure of the dwelling disposed of, distinguishing between social rent and affordable rent.
(2) The regulator must publish annually information relating to disposals notified under section 171A in a format that enables analysis and comparison over time, broken down by—
(a) registered provider name,
(b) local authority area,
(c) tenure of the dwelling disposed of, distinguishing between social rent and affordable rent,
(d) purchaser category,
(e) whether the disposal was made at open market value or below market value, and
(f) the number of dwellings disposed of in each combination of the categories specified in paragraphs (a) to (e).
(3) For the purposes of this section, “social rent” and “affordable rent” have the meanings given in the Rent Standard issued by the Regulator of Social Housing under section 194(2A) of this Act (standards relating to economic matters).”

The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that post-disposal reporting includes social and affordable rent.

None 26

After Clause 12, insert the following new Clause—
“Responsible disposal practice
After section 10 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (restrictions on disposal of land), insert—
“10A Responsible disposal practice
(1) Homes England must, in consultation with the Regulator of Social Housing and bodies representative of registered providers, prepare and publish a code of responsible disposal practice within the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this section comes into force.
(2) The code must set out the principles and standards expected of registered providers when disposing of social housing, having regard to—
(a) the need to protect the supply of social housing in local communities,
(b) the interests of households on local authority housing waiting lists,
(c) the importance of transparency in the disposal process, and
(d) the desirability of retaining social housing within the social housing sector wherever reasonably practicable.
(3) Homes England must include compliance with the code among the criteria applied in determining eligibility for financial assistance under section 19 of this Act.
(4) The Secretary of State may by direction require Homes England to review and, where appropriate, amend the code.””

None 27

After Clause 12, insert the following new Clause—
“Geographic and tenure requirements for recycled capital grant
After section 33 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (section 32: interest and successors in title) insert—
“33A Geographic and tenure requirements for recycled capital grant
(1) In exercising its powers under section 33(1), Homes England must include in any direction relating to the recycling of capital grant requirements that—
(a) where a relevant event, as defined in a determination under section 32 of this Act (recovery etc. of social housing assistance), occurs in relation to a dwelling let at social rent, any capital grant recovered or recycled must be applied towards the provision of a replacement dwelling let at social rent within the same local authority area as the disposed dwelling;
(b) where such a relevant event occurs in relation to a dwelling let at affordable rent, any capital grant recovered or recycled must be applied towards the provision of a replacement dwelling let at social rent or affordable rent within the same local authority area as the disposed dwelling.
(2) Homes England may grant an exemption from the requirement to provide a replacement dwelling within the same local authority area where a registered provider demonstrates that this is not reasonably practicable and in such a case, the recovered or recycled capital grant must be applied towards the provision of a replacement dwelling meeting the tenure requirements set out in subsection (1) in another local authority area agreed by Homes England, where Homes England is satisfied that there is demonstrable housing need.
(3) For the purposes of this section, a disposal made with the consent of Homes England under which the grant liability passes to the receiving registered provider pursuant to a determination under section 32 of this Act does not constitute a relevant event.
(4) For the purposes of this section, “social rent” and “affordable rent” have the meanings given in the Rent Standard issued by the Regulator of Social Housing under section 194(2A) of this Act (standards relating to economic matters).””

Opposition Amendment 78

Leave out Clause 17

This amendment opposes provisions in the Bill which amend existing uncommenced legislation regarding rents for high-income tenants.

Opposition Amendment 83

After Clause 18, 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 (Regulation of Social Housing), 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.

Opposition Amendment 84

After Clause 18, insert the following new Clause—
“Local connection requirements
(1) The Secretary of State must use powers under sections 166A(7) and 167(3) of the Housing Act 1996 (allocation schemes), to require that local housing authorities publish whether they have a policy that ensures reasonable preference in allocations policies takes account of local connection.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), local connection includes—
(a) residence;
(b) employment;
(c) family association;
(d) service in His Majesty’s Armed Forces.”

This amendment strengthens local connection considerations in social housing allocations.

Opposition Amendment 85

After Clause 18, insert the following new Clause—
“High income social tenants
(1) The Secretary of State must, within the period of six months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed, publish proposals for ensuring that social housing is targeted towards those with the greatest housing need.
(2) The proposals required under subsection (1), must include consideration of—
(a) income thresholds for higher-income tenants;
(b) rent levels payable by higher-income tenants;
(c) incentives to support higher-income tenants into home ownership or the private rented sector;
(d) the impact on the availability of social housing for households on waiting lists.”

This amendment seeks to require the Government to consider how social housing can remain focused on those in greatest housing need while supporting higher-income tenants into home ownership where appropriate.

Opposition Amendment 86

After Clause 18, insert the following new Clause—
“Illegal subletting enforcement review
(1) The Secretary of State must, within the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed, publish a review of the effectiveness of enforcement activity relating to unlawful subletting of social housing.
(2) The review must include—
(a) rates of prosecution;
(b) recovery of properties;
(c) barriers to enforcement.
(3) The review must be laid before Parliament.”

This amendment would require review of enforcement activities relating to unlawful subletting of social housing.

Opposition Amendment 87

After Clause 18, insert the following new Clause—
“National strategy for management of social housing stock
(1) Within the period of 12 months beginning on the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must publish a strategy for improving the management and utilisation of existing social housing stock.
(2) The strategy must include proposals for—
(a) reducing vacancy periods;
(b) improving re-letting performance;
(c) tackling unlawful subletting and tenancy fraud;
(d) improving waiting list management;
(e) addressing under-occupation;
(f) tackling barriers to downsizing, where appropriate;
(g) improving transparency and data collection in stock management.
(3) Every local housing authority and registered provider of social housing must publish annually, in such form as the Secretary of State may direct, information relating to—
(a) the number of void properties;
(b) average re-let times;
(c) unlawful subletting investigations and prosecutions;
(d) recovered properties;
(e) the date on which the housing waiting list was most recently reviewed.
(4) The Secretary of State must publish and lay before Parliament an annual report summarising and analysing the information published under this section.”

This amendment seeks to require a national strategy to improve the management of existing social housing stock and requires social landlords to publish key stock-management data, with the Secretary of State reporting annually on performance.

Opposition Amendment 88

After Clause 18, insert the following new Clause—
“Governance standards
The Secretary of State must publish guidance establishing minimum governance standards for registered providers of social housing, including—
(a) financial transparency,
(b) democratic accountability,
(c) executive remuneration,
(d) tenant representation, and
(e) publication of performance criteria.”

This amendment seeks to strengthen governance and transparency among registered providers.

None 89

After Clause 18, insert the following new Clause—
“Empty dwelling management orders: prescribed period of time
In the Housing (Empty Dwelling Management Orders) (Prescribed Period of Time and Additional Prescribed Requirements) (England) (Amendment) Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/2625), omit Article 2 (prescribed period of time).”

This amendment seeks to reinstate the period of time that a dwelling has to be unoccupied for before local councils can apply for empty dwelling management orders to six months.

None 90

After Clause 18, insert the following new Clause—
“Long-term empty homes use: strategy and funding
(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed—
(a) publish a national strategy for increasing the acquisition and renovation of long-term empty homes for use as low-cost rental accommodation, and
(b) establish a ring-fenced recyclable loan scheme for bringing empty homes back into use as low-cost rental accommodation.
(2) In this section, “low-cost rental accommodation” has the meaning given in section 69 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (low cost rental).
(3) The strategy under subsection (1)(a) must include—
(a) the steps the Government will take to facilitate social impact investment into the acquisition and renovation of empty homes;
(b) an assessment of the impact of the strategy on local authority and central government finances, with particular regard to reductions in expenditure on temporary accommodation for homelessness support.
(4) Within one year, and every year thereafter, of the publication of the strategy under subsection (1)(a), the Secretary of State must publish—
(a) the number of empty homes renovated as a result of the strategy, and
(b) the number of acquired empty homes allocated to people previously in temporary accommodation or rough sleeping.
(5) Funding provided by the ring-fenced loan scheme established under subsection (1)(b)—
(a) must be made available to local authorities for direct use or for on-lending to charities or social enterprises;
(b) is restricted to the acquisition and refurbishment of long-term empty homes for use as low-cost rental accommodation.
(6) All money from loans that are repaid under the scheme must be recycled back into the scheme for further loans.”

This amendment would create a national strategy and loan scheme to bring long-term empty homes into use as low-cost rental accommodation. The creation of the loan scheme seeks to remove the financial barriers that currently prevent many local authorities from investing in empty homes.

Opposition Amendment 91

After Clause 18, insert the following new Clause—
“Development of brownfield land for social housing
(1) The Government must include provisions in the National Planning Policy Framework requiring that, in exercising any function relating to the determination of an application for planning permission for development on previously developed land, a local planning authority must apply a strong material presumption in favour of granting planning permission where the development satisfies one or more of the conditions in subsection (2).
(2) The conditions are that—
(a) the development will provide social housing comprising not less than 25% of the total residential units,
(b) the development consists of the redevelopment or regeneration of an existing social housing estate and will result in a net increase in the number of social housing units, or
(c) the development will provide supported housing comprising not less than 15% of the total residential units.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (1), the strong material presumption in favour of granting planning permission may be displaced only where material considerations indicate that the adverse impacts of the development would very substantially outweigh its benefits.
(4) In this section—
“previously developed land” has the meaning given by the National Planning Policy Framework;
“social housing” has the same meaning as in section 68 (basic principle) of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008;
“supported housing” means housing provided together with support, supervision or care for persons who require such assistance to live independently.”

This amendment seeks to require the National Planning Policy Framework to provide a strong presumption in favour of granting planning permission for development on brownfield land where proposals deliver significant levels of social housing or supported housing, or where they regenerate existing social housing estates with a net increase in social housing provision.

None 92

After Clause 18, insert the following new Clause—
“Homes England: provision of land to local authorities for social housing
Homes England must provide any land that it owns free of charge to the local authority in which the land is located if the local authority requests the land for the purposes of building new social housing.”

This amendment is intended to accelerate and facilitate the building of social housing.

None 10

In subsection (1) after “Buy” insert “and Right to Acquire”

None 11

In subsection (2)(a) after “Buy” insert “and Right to Acquire”

None 12

In subsection (2)(c) after “Buy” insert “and Right to Acquire”

None 18

Clause 12, page 13, line 23, at end insert—
“171CA Disposal of dwellings through auction
Where a private registered provider makes a relevant sale of a dwelling through auction, the disposal must be made available through the modern method of auction, not solely on a cash basis.”

This allows the acquisition of social housing via auction sale to be undertaken using a mortgage, not solely on a cash basis.

None 77

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Review of lifetime secure tenancies
(1) A local housing authority must review each lifetime secure tenancy at intervals of no more than five years.
(2) A review under subsection (1) must consider—
(a) whether the tenant continues to require the accommodation having regard to their housing needs,
(b) whether the accommodation remains suitable having regard to the size and composition of the tenant’s household,
(c) whether the tenant has developed a local connection with another local housing authority area,
(d) whether the tenant requires support to move to more suitable accommodation, and
(e) such other matters as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.
(3) Following a review under this section, the local housing authority may—
(a) confirm the continuation of the tenancy,
(b) offer alternative suitable accommodation, or
(c) take such other action as may be provided for by regulations.
(4) The Secretary of State must issue guidance to local housing authorities on the conduct of reviews under this section.
(5) Local housing authorities must have regard to guidance issued under subsection (4).
(6) 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 requires local housing authorities to review lifetime secure tenancies every five years to ensure that social housing continues to meet tenants’ needs and that existing stock is being used effectively.

Clause 8, page 8, line 9, leave out from beginning to end of line 18 and insert— “(c) any area with a population density of no more than two persons per hectare and a population of 3,000 or fewer.”

Clause 12, page 13, line 25, leave out “171C” and insert “171CA”

After Clause 18, insert the following new Clause— “Board composition of private registered providers with social housing stock (1) The Secretary of State must by regulations to be made by statutory instrument require that private registered providers which own social housing stock have a minimum of two elected local councillors on their board. (2) The regulations under subsection (1) must specify— (a) how the elected local councillors are to be appointed to the boards, (b) how many elected local councillors are to be appointed to the boards, and (c) which local authorities the councillors must represent where the private registered provider operates across more than one local authority. (3) Regulations under subsection (2)(b) must ensure that no private registered provider’s board is comprised of a majority of elected local councillors. (4) The Secretary of State must make regulations under this section within six months of the day on which this Act is passed. (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.”

After Clause 18, insert the following new Clause— “Provision of information and collaboration on housing for prison leavers (1) The Secretary of State has a duty to— (a) ensure local housing authorities receive the necessary information, and (b) facilitate effective collaboration between local housing authorities, HM Prison and Probation Service and other relevant organisations, to prevent prison leavers at risk of homelessness from being unable to access housing. (2) The Secretary of State must, by regulations made by statutory instrument, publish— (a) requirements for the nature of the information that must be shared with local housing authorities, (b) the timescales on which the information must be provided to local housing authorities, (c) the timescales within which local housing authorities must respond, including when they need to confirm whether or not housing will be available, (d) requirements for local housing authorities to respond to the person or body which made the social housing referral for a prison leaver, and (e) guidance for local housing authorities on their responsibility to provide further information as required. (3) Within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State must publish a report setting out the number of prison leavers provided with social housing by local housing authorities on release from prison. (4) The Secretary of State must lay the report under subsection (3) before Parliament. (5) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.”

Government Amendment 30

Schedule 1, page 18, line 26, leave out “resident partner” and insert “victim”

This is consequential on other amendments in my name which expand the grounds for possession of social housing where there is domestic abuse.

Government Amendment 31

Schedule 1, page 18, line 30, leave out “before “partner who” insert “resident”” and insert “for “partner” in both places substitute “victim””

This is consequential on other amendments in my name which expand the grounds for possession of social housing where there is domestic abuse.

Government Amendment 32

Schedule 1, page 18, line 33, leave out “resident partner” and insert “victim”

This is consequential on other amendments in my name which expand the grounds for possession of social housing where there is domestic abuse.

Government Amendment 33

Schedule 1, page 18, line 37, leave out “before “partner who” insert “resident”” and insert “for “partner” in both places substitute “victim””

This is consequential on other amendments in my name which expand the grounds for possession of social housing where there is domestic abuse.

Government Amendment 34

Schedule 1, page 18, line 38, leave out “before “partner” insert “resident”” and insert “for “partner” substitute “victim”

This is consequential on other amendments in my name which expand the grounds for possession of social housing where there is domestic abuse.

Government Amendment 35

Schedule 1, page 19, leave out lines 20 to 23 and insert—
“(c) the victim, or a victim, of the offence—
(i) is personally connected to the tenant, and
(ii) is a current or former occupant of the dwelling-house.”

This expands the scope of the absolute ground for possession in new section 84B. The ground will be available where anyone who is in occupation and “personally connected to” the abusive tenant is a victim of the abuse. At present, it is available only if the victim is a resident partner of the abusive tenant or a family member of the resident partner.

Government Amendment 36

Schedule 1, page 19, leave out lines 32 to 35 and insert—
“(b) the victim, or a victim, of the breach—
(i) is personally connected to the tenant, and
(ii) is a current or former occupant of the dwelling-house.”

This expands the scope of the ground for possession in new section 84B. The ground will be available where anyone who is in occupation and “personally connected to” the abusive tenant is a victim of the abuse. At present, it is available only if the victim is a resident partner of the abusive tenant or a family member of the resident partner.

Government Amendment 37

Schedule 1, page 21, leave out lines 13 to 28 and insert—
““current or former occupant of the dwelling-house” means a person who—
(a) occupies the dwelling-house, or
(b) was occupying the dwelling-house but left for reasons relating to—
(i) the offence or breach in question, or
(ii) other abusive behaviour of the tenant;
“personally connected” has the same meaning as in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (see section 2 of that Act);”

This defines terms used in other amendments of new section 84B in my name.

Government Amendment 38

Schedule 1, page 22, line 6, leave out from “and” to “are” in line 7 and insert “—
(i) the victim mentioned in the relevant ground, or
(ii) a member of that victim’s family,”

This is consequential on other amendments in my name which expand the protections for victims against notices to quit served by the abusive tenant. It also expands the protections for victims against orders for possession, so that they are also available where a member of the family of a victim of abuse is a joint tenant with the abusive tenant.

Government Amendment 39

Schedule 1, page 22, line 17, leave out from “and” to “are” in line 18 and insert “—
(i) the victim mentioned in the relevant ground, or
(ii) a member of that victim’s family,”

This is consequential on other amendments in my name which expand the grounds for possession of social housing where there is domestic abuse. It also expands the protections for victims against notices to quit served by the abusive tenant, so that they are also available where a member of the family of a victim of abuse is a joint tenant with the abusive tenant.

Government Amendment 40

Schedule 1, page 22, line 39, leave out from first “the” to “about” in line 40 and insert “victim mentioned in that ground”

This is consequential on other amendments in my name which expand the grounds for possession of social housing where there is domestic abuse.

Government Amendment 41

Schedule 1, page 23, line 10, leave out from “and” to “are” in line 11 and insert “—
(i) the victim mentioned in that ground, or
(ii) a member of that victim’s family,”

This is consequential on other amendments in my name which expand the grounds for possession of social housing where there is domestic abuse. It also expands the protections for victims against orders for possession, so that they are also available where a member of the family of a victim of abuse is a joint tenant with the abusive tenant.

Government Amendment 42

Schedule 1, page 23, line 18, leave out from “and” to “are” in line 19 and insert “—
(i) the victim mentioned in that section, or
(ii) a member of that victim’s family,”

This is consequential on other amendments in my name which expand the grounds for possession of social housing where there is domestic abuse. It also expands the protections for victims against orders for possession, so that they are also available where a member of the family of a victim of abuse is a joint tenant with the abusive tenant.

Government Amendment 43

Schedule 1, page 23, line 24, leave out “resident partner” and insert “victim, or member of the victim’s family,”

This is consequential on the other amendments of new section 85B in my name.

Government Amendment 44

Schedule 1, page 23, line 31, leave out “resident partner” and insert “recipient tenant or any of the recipient tenants”

This is consequential on the other amendments of new section 85B in my name.

Government Amendment 45

Schedule 1, page 23, line 35, leave out “resident partner in question” and insert “recipient tenant or recipient tenants”

This is consequential on the other amendments of new section 85B in my name.

Government Amendment 46

Schedule 1, page 24, line 3, leave out “resident partner” and insert “recipient tenant or recipient tenants”

This is consequential on the other amendments of new section 85B in my name.

Government Amendment 47

Schedule 1, page 25, leave out lines 19 to 22 and insert—
“The following conditions are met in relation to a dwelling-house.
Condition 1 is that there has been abusive behaviour by a person who is a tenant of the dwelling-house (“A”) towards a person (the “victim”) who—.
(a) is personally connected to A, and
(b) is a current or former occupant of the dwelling-house.
Condition 2 is that—”

This expands the scope of this new ground for possession (Ground 2A). The ground will be available where anyone who is in occupation and “personally connected to” the abusive tenant is a victim of the abuse. At present, it is available only if the victim is a resident partner of the abusive tenant or a family member of the resident partner.

Government Amendment 48

Schedule 1, page 25, line 25, leave out “the resident partner” and insert “—
(i) the victim, or
(ii) a member of the victim’s family,”

This is consequential on the other amendments of new Ground 2A in my name.

Government Amendment 49

Schedule 1, page 25, line 27, leave out “resident partner” and insert “victim, or member of the victim’s family,”

This is consequential on the other amendments of new Ground 2A in my name.

Government Amendment 50

Schedule 1, page 25, line 29, leave out “the resident partner is not” and insert “neither the victim, nor any member of the victim’s family, is”

This is consequential on the other amendments of new Ground 2A in my name.

Government Amendment 51

Schedule 1, page 25, leave out lines 33 to 43 and insert—
““abusive” has the meaning given in section 1(3) of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021;
“current or former occupant of the dwelling-house” means a person who—
(a) occupies the dwelling-house, or
(b) was occupying the dwelling-house but left for reasons relating to—
(i) the offence or breach in question, or
(ii) other abusive behaviour of the tenant;
“personally connected” has the same meaning as in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (see section 2 of that Act).”

This defines terms used in other amendments of new Ground 2A in my name.

Government Amendment 52

Schedule 1, page 26, line 40, leave out “resident partner” and insert “victim”

This is consequential on other amendments in my name which expand the grounds for possession of social housing where there is domestic abuse.

Government Amendment 53

Schedule 1, page 26, line 42, leave out “before “partner who” insert “resident”” and insert “for “partner” in both places substitute “victim””

This is consequential on other amendments in my name which expand the grounds for possession of social housing where there is domestic abuse.

Government Amendment 54

Schedule 1, page 27, line 3, leave out “resident partner” and insert “victim”

This is consequential on other amendments in my name which expand the grounds for possession of social housing where there is domestic abuse.

Government Amendment 55

Schedule 1, page 27, line 5, leave out ““the partner” substitute “the resident partner”” and insert ““partner” in both places substitute “victim””

This is consequential on other amendments in my name which expand the grounds for possession of social housing where there is domestic abuse.

Government Amendment 56

Schedule 1, page 27, line 19, leave out from “and” to “are” in line 20 and insert “—
(i) the victim who is referred to in the relevant ground, or
(ii) a member of that victim’s family (within the meaning of Part 1 of the Housing Act 1996),”

This is consequential on other amendments in my name which expand the grounds for possession of social housing where there is domestic abuse. It also expands the protections for victims against notices to quit served by the abusive tenant, so that they are also available where a member of the family of a victim of abuse is a joint tenant with the abusive tenant.

Government Amendment 57

Schedule 1, page 27, line 29, leave out from “and” to “are” in line 30 and insert “—
(i) the victim who is referred to in the relevant ground, or
(ii) a member of that victim’s family (within the meaning of Part 1 of the Housing Act 1996),”

This is consequential on other amendments in my name which expand the grounds for possession of social housing where there is domestic abuse. It also expands the protections for victims against notices to quit served by the abusive tenant, so that they are also available where a member of the family of a victim of abuse is a joint tenant with the abusive tenant.

Government Amendment 58

Schedule 1, page 28, line 7, leave out from first “the” to “about” in line 8 and insert “victim mentioned in that ground”

This is consequential on other amendments in my name which expand the grounds for possession of social housing where there is domestic abuse.

Government Amendment 59

Schedule 1, page 28, line 22, leave out from “and” to “are” in line 23 and insert “—
(i) the victim mentioned in that ground, or
(ii) a member of that victim’s family (within the meaning of Part 1 of the Housing Act 1996),”

This is consequential on other amendments in my name which expand the grounds for possession of social housing where there is domestic abuse. It also expands the protections for victims against orders for possession, so that they are also available where a member of the family of a victim of abuse is a joint tenant with the abusive tenant.

Government Amendment 60

Schedule 1, page 28, line 30, leave out from “and” to “are” in line 31 and insert “—
(i) the victim mentioned in that ground, or
(ii) a member of that victim’s family (within the meaning of Part 1 of the Housing Act 1996),”

This is consequential on other amendments in my name which expand the grounds for possession of social housing where there is domestic abuse. It also expands the protections for victims against orders for possession, so that they are also available where a member of the family of a victim of abuse is a joint tenant with the abusive tenant.

Government Amendment 61

Schedule 1, page 28, line 36, leave out “resident partner” and insert “victim, or member of the victim’s family,”

This is consequential on the other amendments of new section 10B in my name.

Government Amendment 62

Schedule 1, page 28, line 43, leave out “resident partner” and insert “recipient tenant or any of the recipient tenants”

This is consequential on the other amendments of new section 10B in my name.

Government Amendment 63

Schedule 1, page 29, line 4, leave out “resident partner” and insert “recipient tenant or recipient tenants”

This is consequential on the other amendments of new section 10B in my name.

Government Amendment 64

Schedule 1, page 29, line 17, leave out “resident partner” and insert “recipient tenant or recipient tenants”

This is consequential on the other amendments of new section 10B in my name.

Government Amendment 65

Schedule 1, page 30, leave out lines 22 to 25 and insert—
“(d) the victim, or a victim, of the offence—
(i) is personally connected to the tenant, and
(ii) is a current or former occupant of the dwelling-house.”

This expands the scope of this new ground for possession (Ground 7AA). The ground will be available where anyone who is in occupation and “personally connected to” the abusive tenant is a victim of the abuse. At present, it is available only if the victim is a resident partner of the abusive tenant or a family member of the resident partner.

Government Amendment 66

Schedule 1, page 30, leave out lines 36 to 39 and insert—
“(c) the victim, or a victim, of the breach—
(i) is personally connected to the tenant, and
(ii) is a current or former occupant of the dwelling-house.”

This expands the scope of this new ground for possession (Ground 7AA). The ground will be available where anyone who is in occupation and “personally connected to” the abusive tenant is a victim of the abuse. At present, it is available only if the victim is a resident partner of the abusive tenant or a family member of the resident partner.

Government Amendment 67

Schedule 1, page 32, line 14, at end insert—
““current or former occupant of the dwelling-house” means a person who—
(a) occupies the dwelling-house, or
(b) was occupying the dwelling-house but left for reasons relating to—
(i) the offence or breach in question, or
(ii) other abusive behaviour towards them by the tenant;
“personally connected” has the same meaning as in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (see section 2 of that Act);”

This defines terms used in other amendments of new Ground 7AA in my name.

Government Amendment 68

Schedule 1, page 32, leave out lines 17 to 31

This is consequential on other amendments of Ground 7AA in my name.

Government Amendment 69

Schedule 1, page 33, line 8, leave out from “towards” to end of line 10 and insert “a person (the “victim”) who—
(a) is personally connected to the tenant, and
(b) is a current or former occupant of the dwelling-house.”

This expands the scope of this new ground for possession (Ground 14A). The ground will be available where anyone who is in occupation and “personally connected to” the abusive tenant is a victim of the abuse. At present, it is available only if the victim is a resident partner of the abusive tenant or a family member of the resident partner.

Government Amendment 70

Schedule 1, page 33, line 14, leave out “the resident partner” and insert “—
(i) the victim, or
(ii) a member of the victim’s family (within the meaning of Part 1 of the Housing Act 1996),”

This is consequential on another amendment of new Ground 14A in my name.

Government Amendment 71

Schedule 1, page 33, line 16, leave out “resident partner” and insert “victim, or member of the victim’s family,”

This is consequential on another amendment of new Ground 14A in my name.

Government Amendment 72

Schedule 1, page 33, line 18, leave out “the resident partner is not” and insert “neither the victim, nor any member of the victim’s family, is”

This is consequential on another amendment of new Ground 14A in my name.

Government Amendment 73

Schedule 1, page 33, line 22, at end insert—
““current or former occupant of the dwelling-house” means a person who—
(a) occupies the dwelling-house, or
(b) was occupying the dwelling-house but left for reasons relating to the domestic abuse;”

This defines a term used in another amendment of new Ground 14A in my name.

Government Amendment 74

Schedule 1, page 33, line 24, at end insert—
““personally connected” has the same meaning as in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (see section 2 of that Act);”

This defines a term used in another amendment of new Ground 14A in my name.

Government Amendment 75

Schedule 1, page 33, leave out lines 27 to 37

This is consequential on other amendments of Ground 14A in my name.

As an amendment to the amendment in the name of Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb to after Clause 10 In subsection (1) after “Buy” insert “and Right to Acquire”

As an amendment to the amendment in the name of Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb to after Clause 10 In subsection (2)(a) after “Buy” insert “and Right to Acquire”

As an amendment to the amendment in the name of Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb to after Clause 10 In subsection (2)(c) after “Buy” insert “and Right to Acquire”

Clause 12, page 13, line 23, at end insert— “171CA Disposal of dwellings through auction Where a private registered provider makes a relevant sale of a dwelling through auction, the disposal must be made available through the modern method of auction, not solely on a cash basis.”

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause— “Review of lifetime secure tenancies (1) A local housing authority must review each lifetime secure tenancy at intervals of no more than five years. (2) A review under subsection (1) must consider— (a) whether the tenant continues to require the accommodation having regard to their housing needs, (b) whether the accommodation remains suitable having regard to the size and composition of the tenant’s household, (c) whether the tenant has developed a local connection with another local housing authority area, (d) whether the tenant requires support to move to more suitable accommodation, and (e) such other matters as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State. (3) Following a review under this section, the local housing authority may— (a) confirm the continuation of the tenancy, (b) offer alternative suitable accommodation, or (c) take such other action as may be provided for by regulations. (4) The Secretary of State must issue guidance to local housing authorities on the conduct of reviews under this section. (5) Local housing authorities must have regard to guidance issued under subsection (4). (6) 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.”

None 9

After Clause 10, insert the following new Clause—
“Annual report on the operation of Right to Buy
(1) The Secretary of State must, for each financial year after this section comes into force, prepare and lay before Parliament an annual report on the operation and impact of Right to Buy.
(2) The report must include—
(a) the number of homes sold under the Right to Buy in each local authority;
(b) the total receipts received by local authorities from such sales and how those receipts have been used;
(c) an assessment of the impact of the changes made by this Act to the Right to Buy on the availability of social housing in each local authority.
(3) This report must be laid before Parliament within three months of the end of the financial year.”

This amendment would require the Secretary of State to report annually to Parliament on the impact of the Right to Buy and the changes made by this Act on the availability of social housing.

None 14

Clause 12, page 11, line 36, leave out “four weeks” and insert “eight weeks, or 12 weeks if the property is in an area designated as a rural area under paragraph 17(1)(c) of Schedule 5 to the Housing Act 1985 (inserted by section 8 of this Act),”

This amendment seeks to extend the timescale for notice to be given of a sale.

None 16

Clause 12, page 13, line 11, at end insert—
“(h) whether the dwelling has been adapted to make it accessible for wheelchair users or people with mobility problems.”

This amendment seeks to make information regarding the accessibility of the dwelling to wheelchair users and people with mobility problems relevant when a sale notice is made.

None 28

After Clause 13, insert the following new Clause—
“Duty to ensure continuity of secure tenancy in cases of threat to safety
After section 86 of the Housing Act 1985 (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 registered provider must grant 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 registered provider concerned must co-operate with other registered providers to ensure an appropriate new secure tenancy is provided in a timely manner.””

The amendment would ensure social housing providers offer a return to a secure tenancy to a tenant forced out of their social housing by threats of violence, in accordance with police advice.

None 29

After Clause 13, insert the following new Clause—
“Access to dwellings for registered providers of social housing to comply with relevant statutory safety duties
(1) This section applies where—
(a) a registered provider of social housing makes a request of an occupier to enter relevant premises;
(b) the purpose of the request is to comply with a relevant statutory safety duty.
(2) In this section “relevant statutory safety duty” means a duty imposed on a landlord by or under any of the following—
(a) regulations 36(2) and (3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (S.I. 1998/2451),
(b) regulation 3 of the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector and Social Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/312), and
(c) regulation 4(1)(c) of the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1693) as amended by regulation 5 of the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/707).
(3) Upon an application by a registered provider of social housing under this section, the court may make an order as it considers appropriate for the purpose of enabling the registered provider of social housing to comply with the relevant statutory safety duty, including—
(a) authorising entry to the relevant premises,
(b) authorising the use of reasonable force to gain entry, if necessary, and
(c) authorising the carrying out of specified inspections, testing or works.
(4) The court shall not make any order unless the registered provider of social housing has, in the three month period prior to the date of the application, served on the occupier the relevant requests for access complying with subsections (5) to (7), which must comprise an initial request, final request, and breach notice.
(5) The “initial request” must—
(a) outline the relevant statutory safety duty or duties to be complied with,
(b) outline the inspection, testing or works to be carried out,
(c) provide the date and time, or period, during which the registered provider of social housing requests entry to the relevant premises for the purpose of complying with the relevant statutory safety duty,
(d) provide a period of at least 14 days prior to the date and time, or period, provided in accordance with paragraph (c) above during which the occupier may contact the registered provider of social housing in order to make an appointment for access to the relevant premises, and
(e) provide the contact details of the registered provider of social housing so that such an appointment for access can be made by the occupier of the relevant premises.
(6) The “final request” must—
(a) be served at least seven days after the ending of the period specified in subsection (5)(d),
(b) outline the relevant statutory safety duty or duties to be complied with,
(c) outline the inspection, testing or works to be carried out,
(d) provide a date, time and duration when entry to the relevant premises is required, which must be at least seven days after service, and
(e) provide the contact details of the registered provider of social housing where an alternative appointment for access can be made by the occupier of the relevant premises.
(7) The “breach notice” must—
(a) be served not less than three days after the date provided under subsection (6)(d),
(b) provide the details of the occupier’s failure to comply with the initial request and final request,
(c) specify a date, which must be at least seven days from service, after which the application for an order under subsection (3) will be made, and
(d) provide the contact details of the registered provider of social housing where an appointment for access can be made.
(8) An order under this section must—
(a) specify the purpose for which entry is authorised,
(b) limit entry to what is reasonably required to achieve that purpose, and
(c) specify the period during which entry may take place, which may not be longer than three months.
(9) Subsection (4) does not apply where the registered provider of social housing reasonably considers that there is an imminent risk to the health or safety of any person arising from—
(a) a gas installation or appliance,
(b) an electrical installation, or
(c) the absence or failure of a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm,
and in such a case the court may make such order as it considers just.
(10) In this section—
“registered provider of social housing” has the meaning given by section 80 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008;
“occupier” means a person in possession or with a right to possession of the relevant premises, including a tenant or licensee;
“relevant premises” means a building or part of a building occupied or intended to be occupied as a separate dwelling.
(11) Nothing in this section limits any right of entry which a registered provider of social housing may have apart from this section.”

Schedule 1, page 18, line 26, leave out “resident partner” and insert “victim”

Schedule 1, page 18, line 30, leave out “before “partner who” insert “resident”” and insert “for “partner” in both places substitute “victim””

Schedule 1, page 18, line 33, leave out “resident partner” and insert “victim”

Schedule 1, page 18, line 37, leave out “before “partner who” insert “resident”” and insert “for “partner” in both places substitute “victim””

Schedule 1, page 18, line 38, leave out “before “partner” insert “resident”” and insert “for “partner” substitute “victim”

Schedule 1, page 19, leave out lines 20 to 23 and insert— “(c) the victim, or a victim, of the offence— (i) is personally connected to the tenant, and (ii) is a current or former occupant of the dwelling-house.”

Schedule 1, page 19, leave out lines 32 to 35 and insert— “(b) the victim, or a victim, of the breach— (i) is personally connected to the tenant, and (ii) is a current or former occupant of the dwelling-house.”

Schedule 1, page 21, leave out lines 13 to 28 and insert— ““current or former occupant of the dwelling-house” means a person who— (a) occupies the dwelling-house, or (b) was occupying the dwelling-house but left for reasons relating to— (i) the offence or breach in question, or (ii) other abusive behaviour of the tenant; “personally connected” has the same meaning as in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (see section 2 of that Act);”

Schedule 1, page 22, line 6, leave out from “and” to “are” in line 7 and insert “— (i) the victim mentioned in the relevant ground, or (ii) a member of that victim’s family,”