The United Kingdom’s Conservative Party led by Kemi Badenoch has proposed restricting access to social housing for most foreign nationals in England if it returns to power, a move that could affect non-EU residents, including many African migrants.
Under the proposed policy, foreign nationals would be prevented from receiving new social housing tenancies, while some existing tenants could be required to leave their homes within six months.
The party said eligibility for social housing would be prioritised for British and Irish citizens, as well as European Union citizens who have secured settled status in the UK.
The Conservatives estimate that the policy could make more than 228,000 homes available for British families amid a growing housing shortage and a social housing waiting list of about 1.34 million households in England.
The proposal forms part of Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s broader push for tighter immigration and settlement rules, as the party seeks to regain support from voters concerned about migration and pressure on public services.
Who Are Those Affected?
The proposed changes would affect many foreign nationals currently eligible for social housing under existing rules. Single tenants who are not British or Irish citizens, or EU nationals with settled status, could lose their homes. Couples could also lose eligibility if neither partner meets the proposed citizenship or residency requirements.
Current regulations allow some foreign nationals with settled status, refugee status, or humanitarian protection to qualify for social housing, while asylum seekers are generally excluded.
Defending the proposal, Conservative shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately said access to Britain’s welfare system should be linked to contribution and integration.
“Making Britain your home should be earned by working, paying tax and integrating,” Whately said.
“It should not come with a free ride on the benefits system. Britain cannot be a cash machine for the world.”
She accused the Labour government of losing control of immigration and welfare spending, arguing that British families were being forced to wait longer for housing.
Government statistics show that British citizens continue to receive the overwhelming majority of new social housing allocations. In 2024/25, about 89% of lead tenants receiving new social housing lettings were British nationals, representing approximately 233,000 households.
Around 20,000 new lettings were allocated to nationals from outside the European Economic Area, although official figures do not provide a combined breakdown specifically for African citizens.
