EU migrants: Eligibility to apply for social housing (England) – Commons Library Standard Note

The first part of this note (section 1) gives a broad overview of the law governing the rights of EU migrants to access social housing in England. The second part of the note (section 2) considers whether there is any evidence to suggest that EU migrants are able to “jump the queue” to access social housing more quickly than other applicants.

Information on the rights of persons from abroad (non-EEA) to access social housing can be found in a separate Library note SN/SP/5433 (link via the related url below). Other House of Commons Library Standard Notes that may be useful include SN/SP/5972 EEA nationals: the ‘right to reside’ requirement for benefits; SN/SP/416 The Habitual Residence Test; and SN/SP/6889 Measures to limit migrants’ access to benefits.

Information on housing eligibility in Scotland can be found on the Housing Rights website at Housing Rights in Scotland. There are some differences between eligibility in Wales and England – information on the regulations in Wales can also be found on the Housing Rights website. The Welsh Government recently consulted on amendments to the regulations (closing date 9 May 2014).

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: People from abroad: what benefits can they claim? - Commons Library Standard Note http://www.europeansources.info/record/people-from-abroad-what-benefits-can-they-claim-commons-library-standard-note/

ESO: Background information: Britain sets out new test to limit EU migrant benefits http://www.europeansources.info/record/britain-sets-out-new-test-to-limit-eu-migrant-benefits/

United Kingdom: House of Commons: Library: Standard Note: SN05433: Eligibility to apply for social housing: persons from abroad (non-EEA) http://www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/SN05433/eligibility-to-apply-for-social-housing-persons-from-abroad-noneea

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