Local Decisions on Tenure Reform Local Tenancy Strategies and the New Role of Local Housing Authorities in Leading Tenure Policy
Policy: report Local decisions on tenure reform Local Tenancy Strategies and the new role of local housing authorities in leading tenure policy Foreword Shelter’s local advice and support projects know that the best starting point for people needing to rebuild their lives, or for those wanting to settle down and start a family, is a secure and stable home. The stability provided by a permanent tenancy means that people can make their accommodation a real home – decorate, get to know neighbours, and feel part of the local community. A stable home makes it much easier to address other things – finding a job, supporting children at school, mending relationships or addressing health issues. This is why Shelter and others campaigned alongside social tenants in the 1970s, to ensure they had secure homes. The resulting Housing Act 1980 meant that for a few years all tenants were entitled to a permanent home. Times have changed. Short-term contracts are now standard in the private rented sector and the Localism Act 2011 now allows social landlords to let on short-term contracts of five years and, in some cases, as little as two years. The Act also places a new duty on local authorities to publish a Tenancy Strategy, setting out whether and how the new fixed-term tenancies can be offered and brought to an end. Social landlords must also publish their Tenancy Policies on these issues. Shelter believes it is important for people who rent from a social landlord to have the opportunity of a permanent, secure home. However, we know a shortage of social housing means authorities have to consider whether fixed-term tenancies are necessary to create vacancies for the many thousands of households waiting in temporary accommodation, or unsuitable and insecure private lettings, for the offer of a social home.
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