Labour launches fight against fixed-term tenancies

Shadow housing minister Alison Seabeck has tabled an amendment to the Bill, which reaches report stage in the House of Commons today, removing the clause which will introduce tenancies as short as two years.

Ms Seabeck claims the decision to ditch tenancy for life and introduce fixed-term tenancies will act as a disincentive for tenants to improve their circumstances, as councils could move their tenants on if their circumstances improve.

She said: ‘Sixty years ago Labour rejected the Victorian idea that social housing should be limited to the poorest members of society – we hold true to that today – we stand on the side of people who want to get into work, to get a better job and earn more.

‘The Tories’ destabilising policies would form a road-block to the aspirations of millions of people in social housing across the country.’

The Localism Bill will enable councils to offer short-term tenancies in their properties. The Tenant Services Authority has already amended its standards for housing associations which means they can now offer fixed-term tenancies.

Other amendments tabled for report stage include a demand from Liberal Democrat MPs for Communities Secretary Eric Pickles to define ‘sustainable development’ within six months of the Bill passing into law.

The amendment from Annette Brooke, Stephen Gilbert, David Ward and Simon Hughes says a definition must incorporate five principles of sustainability: living within environmental limits; ensuring a strong, healthy and just society; achieving a sustainable economy; promoting good governance; and using sound science responsibly.

MPs will vote on whether to include the amendments in the Bill or not.