Social housing refers to homes that are provided at below-market rates, specifically designed to be affordable for people on low incomes. When we talk about social rent homes, we mean those with rents that are directly linked to local income levels, rather than market rates, making them truly affordable. These rents are typically around 50% of the market rate and are regulated by government policy to ensure they remain accessible.

Social rent homes offer not just affordability, but also security and stability. Tenancies in social housing are generally more secure than in the private rental sector, providing tenants with a permanent home where they can settle and thrive within their community.

These homes are provided by housing associations, which are not-for-profit organizations, or by local councils. While “council housing” specifically refers to homes owned or built by local councils, it is often used interchangeably with social housing. However, council housing may not always be available at social rent levels.

In essence, social housing, especially social rent homes, is about providing genuinely affordable, secure, and stable housing options for those who need them most, with rents tied to local incomes to ensure long-term affordability.

The purpose of social housing

The purpose of social housing is to provide individuals and families with access to stable, safe, and genuinely affordable homes. Originally, social housing was intended to ensure that everyone, regardless of their income or background, had the opportunity to live in a decent, secure, and permanent home. In the 1960s, a significant portion of the population lived in social housing, reflecting its importance as a foundation for social stability and well-being.

However, today there is a growing concern over the availability of social housing, particularly social rent homes, which are the only truly affordable option for many people. These homes have rents tied to local incomes, making them significantly more affordable than private rental options. Despite their importance, there has been insufficient investment in building new social rent homes, with funding and policy increasingly focused on less affordable housing options. As a result, the number of social rent homes is declining, with more homes being lost each year due to sales, demolitions, and conversions, exacerbating the housing crisis and making it harder for people to access the affordable, secure housing they need.

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