The Implementation Of The Localism Act - Essay Example

In the United Kingdom, there is a remarkably high demand for social housing. Local authorities have had long waiting lists for individuals who intend to have access to social housing.2 Many individuals considered for social housing are those with a high vulnerability to becoming homeless. Therefore, the local authorities conduct reviews of all applicants and identify the situations of applicants that qualify them for accommodation.3 For many years, social housing has served to prevent homelessness in the United Kingdom.

The introduction of the Localism Act allows local authority property owners to define new terms of fixed tenancies. Fixed tenancies offer the flexibility that defines the private rented sector.4 Opponents of the Localism Act have argued that the law will bring about positive changes, motivating individuals to take in for social housing to work hard and become homeowners. On the other hand, there are increasing critics who do not support the Localism Act, highlighting that it may present more cases of homelessness as well as anxieties and uncertainties of expiring fixed tenancies.

5 This paper will critically analyse parliaments move to diminish the security of tenure of local authority tenants to the level provided by the privately rented sector.The emergence of social housing in the United Kingdom was a venture towards helping workers to upgrade from poor quality private rented homes to the remarkable housing at cheaper rates. Social housing began in the early 1970s, and it has exhibited remarkable growth to play a critical role in low-income families.6 The shift from providing accommodation to workers to a needs-based approach seeks to reduce homelessness.

In 2014, social housing accounted for about 17% and 24% of the residential areas in England and Scotland respectively.