This Month In Social Housing: March 2025
The clocks have sprung forward, the evenings are getting lighter, and the first hints of spring are finally here. But while the season may bring a sense of renewal, the social housing sector hasn’t paused for a moment – policies are shifting and fresh challenges are keeping everyone on their toes.
With so much happening, now’s the perfect time to catch up on the biggest developments of the past month. So, grab a cup of tea (or perhaps something stronger to get through the latest policy updates), settle in, and let’s dive into the stories shaping the sector right now…
Scottish Government to Adopt Awaab’s Law in New Housing Reforms
The Scottish government has announced plans to introduce Awaab’s Law as part of amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Bill to strengthen protections for social housing tenants. The law will empower ministers to enforce strict timeframes for investigating and addressing disrepair in social housing. Named after Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old who died from prolonged mould exposure in an English housing association flat, Awaab’s Law was introduced in England under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. Scottish Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville stated the measures will ensure no family faces similar dangers. The bill also includes a rent cap for private landlords, expected to take effect in 2027. Meanwhile, secondary legislation is still required for Awaab’s Law in England.
Housemark: Energy Efficiency Improvements Could Cut Social Landlords’ Costs by £880m
Social housing providers could unlock £880m in savings by improving efficiency, according to new research from Housemark. The data firm found significant cost variations across the sector, with some landlords achieving high tenant satisfaction at lower costs. If all social landlords matched the most efficient performers, the savings could fund 4.4 million repairs, 20,000 customer service roles, or 4,500 new homes. The report highlights operational efficiency, workforce engagement, and leadership in voids management as key factors in financial performance. It urges landlords to adopt smarter service models, better technology use, and transparency in reporting. Despite financial pressures, social housing remains attractive to investors, with £2.6bn in new finance arranged in late 2024.
CIH Urges Lawmakers to Introduce Annual Housing Policy Reviews
The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has called on all political parties to engage with its latest UK Housing Review, published as the government develops a new housing strategy. The review, often referred to as the “UK housing bible,” provides in-depth analysis of key issues, including climate resilience, housing inequality, and the Bank of England’s (BoE) role in the market. CIH chief executive Gavin Smart emphasized the review’s value in shaping housing policy, particularly as the government aims to deliver 1.5 million new homes. The report suggests a “future-proofing homes fund” to help retrofit properties for climate resilience. It also calls for a reassessment of the BoE’s influence on rent levels, arguing that its decisions have long-term impacts on affordability.
Spring Statement: Welfare Budget Cuts of £3.4bn Set to Affect Three Million Households
The government’s Spring Statement confirmed £3.4bn in welfare cuts, affecting over three million people, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). The reforms include stricter eligibility for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), impacting 800,000 claimants, and a 50% reduction in the health element of Universal Credit, affecting 2.7 million people. While the government expects to save £4.8bn by 2029-30, it will offset this with a £1.9bn uplift in general Universal Credit allowances. Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended the changes, stating, “The Labour Party is the party of work. But if you can’t work, you should be properly supported.” She argued that the current system is failing, with 1,000 new PIP claimants daily and one in eight young people not in work, education, or training. However, housing associations and charities have condemned the cuts, warning they could increase homelessness and poverty for disabled people. Duncan Shrubsole, CEO of St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity, said the cuts will “further cut the real incomes of people already struggling.”
Charity Boss Warns Housing Crisis Could Deepen Due to Disability Benefit Reductions
Charities and housing groups have warned that the government’s planned disability benefit cuts could increase homelessness and put vulnerable people at risk. Duncan Shrubsole, CEO of St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity, said reducing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) eligibility would create “massive issues” for housing and could make accommodation unaffordable for many. PIP acts as a gateway benefit, exempting claimants from the benefit cap and allowing under-35s to claim Local Housing Allowance (LHA) at the one-bed rate. Losing PIP could force young people into shared housing, which can be “incredibly challenging.” Shrubsole also warned the cuts would “raise youth homelessness” as some under-22s may lose access to PIP entirely. Housing leaders are urging the government to engage with disabled people before implementing reforms. Last week, the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Ending Homelessness agreed to write to ministers about the concerns.
And that’s a wrap for this month’s round-up! We’re off to stock up on Easter eggs under the guise of “buying them for the kids” and attempt a bit of spring cleaning (only to no doubt get distracted halfway through by finding and subsequently reading an old magazine from 2017). As ever, we’ll be back next month with more news, insights, and sector updates. Until then, ¡hasta luego!
- This Month In Social Housing: March 2025 - April 1, 2025
- This Month In Social Housing: February 2025 - February 28, 2025
- This Month In Social Housing: January 2025 - January 31, 2025