CIH responds to calls for foreign nationals to be banned from social housing

CIH has responded to proposals to ban foreign nationals from accessing social housing, urging policymakers to focus on the real cause of housing pressures: a long-term shortage of genuinely affordable homes. 

While recent proposals have called for tighter restrictions based on nationality, access to social housing is already subject to strict legal restrictions. Those under immigration control are generally ineligible for social housing (asylum seekers — who comprise just 3% of new arrivals — cannot access social housing while their claims are being considered) and evidence shows that non-UK nationals account for only a small proportion of new social housing lettings.  

CIH believes the priority should be increasing the supply of social and affordable housing and addressing the underlying shortage of homes, rather than pursuing measures that are unlikely to tackle the root causes of housing need.

CIH response 

Rachael Williamson, director of policy, communications and external affairs at CIH, said: “People understandably want a housing system that is fair. But fairness starts with an honest discussion about the causes of the housing crisis. The law already prevents most foreign nationals from accessing social housing, with people subject to immigration control generally ineligible. Access to social housing is tightly regulated, and evidence shows that only a minority of new social housing lettings go to non-UK nationals, with most applicants facing long waits regardless of nationality.  

"Proposals to ban foreign nationals from social housing raise significant practical, legal and operational questions. At a time of acute housing need, the real challenge is a chronic shortage of genuinely affordable homes, not the nationality of those seeking housing.  

"The priority should be increasing the supply of social and affordable housing while ensuring allocations remain fair, transparent and compliant with the law. Building more homes, rather than restricting access based on nationality, is the most effective way to reduce waiting lists and meet housing need.” 

What does the evidence show? 

Recent commentary has increasingly linked migration to housing pressures. However, evidence reviewed by CIH and independent fact-checkers shows a more complex picture. While population growth can increase demand for housing, the UK's housing challenges stem primarily from a sustained failure to build enough homes, particularly social and affordable housing, over many years. 

CIH's Dispelling myths about migrants and housing briefing highlights that migrants are often blamed for housing shortages despite facing significant barriers to accessing social housing themselves. It notes that even if migration were to fall substantially, housing delivery would still need to increase significantly to meet existing demand.  

The briefing also points out that asylum seekers account for only a small proportion of migration to the UK and are not eligible for social housing while awaiting decisions on their claims. Most (80%+) migrants arrive on work or study visas and are similarly excluded from housing assistance because they have no recourse to public funds.  

Data on migration trends shows that net migration has already fallen significantly from its peak in recent years and is expected to continue falling (see FullFact).  

Existing rules already govern access 

Social housing is allocated through a well-established legal framework. Local authorities and housing associations must comply with housing legislation and are required to operate allocation systems that are fair, transparent and lawful.

Policy proposals that seek to exclude people on the basis of nationality would need to be considered in the context of existing equality and human rights legislation. There are legal and practical challenges associated with proposals that differentiate access to housing based on nationality or immigration status beyond existing eligibility rules.  

The real challenge is housing supply 

The shortage of affordable homes is the primary driver of housing pressures across the UK. Claims linking housing shortages primarily to migration overlook the wider structural causes of the crisis, including decades of underinvestment in social and affordable housing.  

Focusing on the real solution 

CIH continues to call for long-term action to address housing need through investment in new social and affordable homes, support for local authorities and housing associations, and evidence-based policy making. 

Tackling the housing crisis requires a sustained focus on increasing supply, reducing waiting times and ensuring homes are allocated fairly and transparently to those who are eligible and in need, rather than measures that risk creating division while doing little to increase the number of homes available.