Government to tackle restrictions after affordability checks lead to social housing rejection

The government claim they have taken action to remove barriers for those on the lowest incomes to access social housing. Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook says they will review and update statutory guidance on social housing allocations.

The news comes after research reveals housing associations in England are increasingly rejecting applicants following affordability checks carried out before a tenancy begins.

Expect social housing landlords to show consideration for individual circumstances

In answer to a written question from Conservative MP Bob Blackman on “how many households have been denied applications for social homes due to affordability checks; and what alternative options are available for those households in order to avoid homelessness.”

Mr Pennycook says the government does not hold data on the number of households being denied social homes due to affordability checks but the government is working to reduce barriers for the most vulnerable.

He said: “The government has already taken action to remove barriers for those most in need to access social housing including exempting care leavers under 25 years old and victims of domestic abuse from local connection tests.

“Local housing authorities and social housing landlords may carry out pre-tenancy and affordability checks when considering a person’s application for social housing and these can play an important role in ensuring that a tenancy is sustainable. We do, however, expect local authorities and social housing landlords to show consideration for individual circumstances when considering these.”

He adds: “The government has made clear that it intends to review and update statutory guidance on social housing allocations to ensure that allocations reflect local need and effectively support vulnerable households. As part of that process, we will also consider ways that local authorities and landlords can work more cooperatively on these issues, including those at risk of homelessness.”

Housing associations in England are rejecting applicants following affordability checks

As previously reported on Property118, a survey by Crisis revealed housing associations in England are increasingly rejecting applicants following affordability checks carried out before a tenancy begins.

Around a third of English housing associations taking part said those checks frequently uncovered information that led them to conclude an offer was unsuitable.

Almost a quarter said households earning below certain thresholds were at times excluded entirely from housing registers.