09 Jun 2026
The Social Housing Bill [HL] has begun its passage through the House of Lords, with Peers debating the legislation at Second Reading last week. The Bill forms part of the Government’s wider plans to increase the supply of social housing, strengthen tenant protections and reform aspects of the Right to Buy scheme.
Key measures include extending the Right to Buy qualifying period from three to ten years, introducing a 35-year exemption for newly built social homes, strengthening protections for victims of domestic abuse, and streamlining housing management processes for councils and social landlords.
The debate highlighted broad agreement on the need to increase the supply of social housing, although peers expressed differing views on the future of Right to Buy and whether the Bill goes far enough to address housing need.
The debate also touched on the pressures facing rural housing markets, including the loss of social housing stock and the difficulties of delivering affordable homes in rural areas.
Last week the RSN wrote to Local Authority members to gather feedback about the disposal of housing stock in rural communities and the negative impact of that, particularly where homes may not be replaced within those communities, leaving a housing gap.
This snapshot of feedback is contributing to debates amongst stakeholders about possible Amendments to the Bill as it progresses through the House of Lords. If any local authorities haven’t yet responded, please do get in touch and we can incorporate your feedback.
Thank you to all who have responded with their feedback, showing how important the RSN network is, across rural communities to contribute to live debates on policy.
