Evidence Shows That Fixed-Term Tenancies 'Won't Work'

Government plans to bring in fixed-term tenancies to free up social housing have taken a knock after a report claims that where they have been introduced they aren't working. The news comes as the Localism Bill - which contains the reform - reaches the House of Lords this week.

If legislated, Councils could soon offer social housing on fixed-length terms (minimum of two years), with tenants' eligibility assessed at the end of the term to see if the home is still required. However, campaigners say it will stop tenants bettering themselves for fear of losing their home.

The report which looked closely at the Australian model used in New South Wales (NSW) - which heavily influenced the Government’s policy - showed that less than 1% of fixed-term social tenancies have so far been terminated. There is now mounting pressure in NSW for the policy to be reviewed.

Homelessness charity, Shelter, like the authors of the report Heriot-Watt University, fear that tenants won't improve their circumstances because they won't want to lose their home.

As the Localism Bill travels through the Lords this week, growing pressure urges the Government to rethink these plans, rather than create yet more insecurity for people in these difficult times.