FUTURE social housing tenants could be evicted from their homes if their life circumstances improve, under plans being considered by the council.

New tenants would be given fixed-term tenancies of at least two years, after which time they could be forced out if their household income has risen above a £32,500.

The council said the plans will ensure properties go to those who need them most. “We’d like to move towards a model of social housing based on need, rather than desire,” said Tom Davey, cabinet member for housing.

“Social housing should, I believe, be part of somebody’s housing journey in the way that the first home you buy is not necessarily your home for life.”

But homeless charity Shelter has criticised the strategy, arguing it discourages people from improving their circumstances.

“Fixed-term tenancies will act as an enormous disincentive to people to increase their income when it could mean losing their home,” said the charity’s chief executive, Campbell Robb.

The reforms, which reflect new powers granted to the council by the Government through its Localism Bill, could be in place by April next year. An eight-week consultation process begins this month.
The new system will see tenants under 21 given a minumum two-year tenancy, while those older will get at least five.

Retirees, those medically discharged from the Armed Forces and disabled people are excluded from the scheme and will be given a life tenancy. The 15,000 people already in social housing will be allowed to keep their life-time tenancy.

The council could also evict young tenants who have not worked or been in education or training for more than six months. Tenants could also be moved out of properties that are too big for them.

Ross Houston, Labour spokesman for housing, said that fixed-term tenancies created feelings of insecurity among council tenants.

“These people often have a very unstable accomodation history,” said the West Finchley councillor. “We should be giving them a reasonable degree of security

Barnet Press