We previously advised
our members that the government intend to introduce proposals to
end the granting of lifetime tenancies in the Housing and Planning
Bill.
The Chancellor announced in the summer Budget that the
government will conduct a review of lifetime tenancies. The Budget
set out a commitment that "The government will review the use of
lifetime tenancies in social housing to limit their use and ensure
households are offered tenancies that match their needs and ensure
the best use is made of social housing" (Summer Budget para
1.155)
We can now advise that the intention is to require councils to
issue fixed-term tenancies of between two and five years to all new
tenants.
It is understood that this will apply to all types of
accommodation and there are no general exceptions envisaged.
However, for existing tenants with secure lifetime tenancies who
choose to move, councils would have a limited discretion to
continue to give lifetime tenancies, for example where tenants are
transferring because of under-occupation, moving for work or
freeing up particularly sought after accommodation (e.g. adapted
accommodation).
The government is also likely to propose changes around
succession of tenancy - no change for succession of tenancy to
spouses or partners, but restricting additional succession rights
to a fixed-term tenancy.
We understand these proposals have yet to be approved by
Ministers. If they are approved we understand these changes will be
introduced by amendment into the Housing and Planning Bill.
We'll keep our members informed.