The Conservative Party has pledged to end social housing provision for foreign nationals in England if it wins the next general election, a policy the party estimates would free up nearly 230,000 homes for British families.
Under the proposal, single foreign nationals who are not UK, Irish or EU citizens would lose their homes regardless of whether they have children, with affected tenants given six months to relocate. For future tenancies, only UK nationals and those with EU settled status would qualify. Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately said the policy would ensure welfare serves those who contribute to Britain.
The announcement drew swift criticism. Labour dismissed the plan as unserious and unworkable, while Shelter chief executive Sarah Elliott warned it would brutally kick people out of their homes. Reform UK's Zia Yusuf argued the proposal did not go far enough by exempting those with EU settled status. Government data shows around 90% of social lettings already go to UK nationals.