The UK Conservative Party has unveiled plans to stop foreign nationals from accessing new social housing in England if it wins the next general election, a move that could affect thousands of immigrants, including Nigerians living in the country.
Under the proposed policy, new social housing tenancies would no longer be available to certain foreign nationals, while some existing tenants could be required to leave their homes within six months.
The Conservatives said the measure would help free up about 228,144 homes for British families amid growing concerns over housing shortages and long waiting lists across England.
The party, led by Kemi Badenoch, accused the Labour government of losing control of immigration, claiming that British families were being disadvantaged in accessing affordable housing.
However, Labour rejected the proposal, describing it as an “unserious, unworkable proposal” that would not address the country’s housing challenges.
The policy comes after growing political debate in the UK over immigration and access to public services, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage previously proposing tougher restrictions on foreign nationals living in social housing.
Under the Conservative plan, some foreign nationals currently occupying social housing could be required to move out within six months.
The proposal would affect single people who are not UK, Irish or eligible EU citizens, including those with children. Couples could also lose eligibility where neither partner holds qualifying citizenship or settled status.
However, people with EU settled status would not be affected, while UK and Irish citizens and EU citizens with settled status would remain eligible for future social housing.
Current rules allow some foreign nationals with settled status, refugee status and certain humanitarian protections to qualify for social housing.
Social housing in England is usually provided by local councils or housing associations and offers cheaper and more secure accommodation compared with the private rental market.
The Conservatives had previously considered similar restrictions while in government, including a proposal that foreign nationals would need to live in the UK for 10 years before qualifying for social housing.
