Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Social Homes: Furnished Tenancies

Monday 13 April 2026 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government recognise fewer social rented homes are let as furnished compared to the private sector.
  • The Department intends to publish comprehensive best practice guidance on furnished tenancies.
  • The Minister recognises the importance of access to essential furniture for tenants.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Luke Akehurst Lab North Durham
Housing
Context

There is a concern regarding the limited availability of furnished tenancies for social homes, especially compared to the private rented sector. The question arises from the need to ensure vulnerable tenants have access to essential furniture and utilities.

Question

What assessment has been made of the adequacy of the availability of furnished tenancies for social homes? Tenants in North Durham face challenges accessing floor coverings and other essential furniture, which could be addressed through local authority support or by exploring additional measures.

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

The Government recognise that fewer social rented homes are let as furnished compared to the private sector. In response to last year's decent homes standard consultation, we explored measures to support vulnerable tenants in accessing essential furniture and utilities. Current guidance encourages local authorities to provide such support through existing funds.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide a specific assessment of the adequacy of furnished tenancies or commit to any new actions beyond acknowledging the issue.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Luke Akehurst Lab North Durham
Housing
Context

Karbon Homes in North Durham provides furnished tenancies for vulnerable low-income tenants, ensuring access to essential furniture and white goods. The question aims to encourage wider adoption of this model by other social landlords.

Question

What steps will the Minister's Department take to ensure that other social landlords across the UK adopt the approach used by Karbon Homes in North Durham? This would greatly improve the quality of life for vulnerable tenants moving into social housing.

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

We intend to publish comprehensive best practice guidance on furnished tenancies alongside the updated decent homes standard. We will engage with providers and stakeholders during its development, aiming to encourage wider adoption of this model.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not commit to specific steps or deadlines for implementing new guidelines.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Manuela Perteghella Lib Dem Stratford-on-Avon
Housing
Context

In Stratford-on-Avon, families moving into social housing lack basic furnishings such as beds and white goods. The question calls for recognition of this issue and a commitment to address it through collaboration with social housing providers.

Question

Will the Minister recognise the importance of ensuring that tenants moving into social housing have access to basic furniture? Will he commit to working with social housing providers to ensure no one is left without these essentials?

Answer from Matthew Pennycook

I recognise the importance of access to essential furniture for tenants. While furnished tenancies are not mandatory, we aim to encourage good practice through best practice guidance and engagement with providers and stakeholders.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not commit to any specific actions or deadlines beyond acknowledging the issue's importance.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)