Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has unveiled a controversial proposal that could see thousands of foreign nationals currently residing in social housing compelled to find private rented accommodation within a three-month timeframe. The policy, part of Reform UK's broader immigration and housing reform agenda, aims to reserve social housing exclusively for British citizens.
Under the proposed plans, the mandate would apply retrospectively, meaning individuals, regardless of how long they have legally resided in the UK, would be affected. This includes EU citizens, with Reform UK indicating a desire to renegotiate aspects of post-Brexit agreements concerning citizens’ rights where arrangements are not deemed reciprocal. The party also pledges to abolish Indefinite Leave to Remain as part of its wider immigration strategy.
Such a large-scale displacement of tenants could exert considerable pressure on the UK's private rented sector, which is already grappling with high demand and rising rents across many regions. For instance, Rightmove data from May indicated average asking rents outside London were up 8.3% annually, reaching a new record of £1,280 per calendar month. Zoopla also reported that average UK rents increased by 8.3% in the year to April, with typical private rents now at £1,223 per month. The potential influx of new tenants could exacerbate these pressures, making it even harder for prospective renters to find affordable homes.
Housing charity Shelter has voiced strong concerns, with chief executive Sarah Elliott suggesting the proposal would lead to an increase in homelessness and place immense strain on local authorities. Elliott described the plan as 'racist and morally wrong,' arguing it distracts from the core issue of insufficient genuinely affordable social housing. Social housing providers are already facing significant demand, with approximately 1.34 million households currently on waiting lists for a home across the UK.
A government spokesperson, responding to the proposals, clarified that illegal migrants, asylum seekers, and individuals on student or work visas are not eligible for social housing. They added that nearly nine in ten social homes are allocated to UK nationals, and most councils enforce stringent local connection rules to ensure housing is provided to those most in need within their communities, such as local social care workers or nurses.