Asked by: Chris Hinchliff (Labour - North East Hertfordshire)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether guidance on furniture provision will encourage social landlords to offer furnished tenancies to low-income tenants.
Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
People living without essential furniture can access support through their local authority, including via the Household Support Fund until 31 March, and from April, the Crisis and Resilience Fund, to provide discretionary help with essential items such as furniture.
In 2025, the government consulted on proposals to reform the Decent Homes Standard for both the social and private rented sectors. As part of this, we sought views on how furniture provision could be addressed within best practice guidance.
Our response to the consultation was published in January 2026, confirming our commitment to issue guidance relating to furniture provision. The consultation response can be found on gov.uk here.
As we progress work in this area, my Department will continue to engage with a range of stakeholders including tenant organisations, charities and landlords who already provide essential items to tenants in need.
Asked by: Chris Hinchliff (Labour - North East Hertfordshire)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of undertaking a pilot of furnished tenancies as part of the creation of best practice guidance on furniture provision; and whether his Department will meet social landlords with existing furnished tenancy schemes to discuss potential advantages it could bring to the sector.
Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
People living without essential furniture can access support through their local authority, including via the Household Support Fund until 31 March, and from April, the Crisis and Resilience Fund, to provide discretionary help with essential items such as furniture.
In 2025, the government consulted on proposals to reform the Decent Homes Standard for both the social and private rented sectors. As part of this, we sought views on how furniture provision could be addressed within best practice guidance.
Our response to the consultation was published in January 2026, confirming our commitment to issue guidance relating to furniture provision. The consultation response can be found on gov.uk here.
As we progress work in this area, my Department will continue to engage with a range of stakeholders including tenant organisations, charities and landlords who already provide essential items to tenants in need.