The UK Conservative Party has announced plans to restrict access to new social housing for certain foreign nationals in England if it returns to power at the next general election, a proposal that could affect thousands of immigrants, including Nigerians living in the country.
Under the proposed policy, some foreign nationals would no longer qualify for new social housing tenancies, while certain existing tenants could be required to vacate their homes within six months.
The party, led by Kemi Badenoch, accused the Labour government of failing to bring immigration under control, arguing that British families were being placed at a disadvantage when seeking affordable housing.
Labour, however, dismissed the proposal, describing it as an “unserious, unworkable proposal” that would do little to resolve the country’s housing crisis.
However, UK and Irish citizens, as well as EU citizens with settled status, would remain eligible for future social housing. People who already hold EU settled status would also not be affected by the proposed changes.
At present, eligibility rules allow some foreign nationals with settled status, refugee status or certain forms of humanitarian protection to apply for social housing.
Social housing in England is provided mainly by local councils and housing associations, offering lower-cost and more secure accommodation than most private rental properties.
