The government announced proposed changes to the Social Housing Bill on 28 September 2026 aimed at preventing homelessness and retaining social homes. The package would strengthen councils’ relationships with housing associations and other public services.
Referrals and protecting existing homes
Under the proposals, councils would gain powers to refer homeless households to private registered providers of social housing. The government said closer partnership working was intended to improve access to housing and reduce dependence on temporary accommodation.
A proposed disposals notification requirement would give councils and other social housing providers more opportunity to purchase homes before they were sold outside the sector. The official announcement described an intended notification period of eight weeks.
Earlier intervention
A new Duty to Collaborate would require public services to identify people at risk of homelessness and consider preventive action within their existing responsibilities. The aim is to encourage support before a household reaches crisis.
These measures were announced as amendments to a bill. The announcement should not be read as confirmation that every proposed power was already available or every new duty had commenced. Implementation depends on the legislation and its commencement arrangements.
Editorial review: 17 October 2026. The original archive publication date and URL are retained; the review incorporates the dated primary evidence identified above.