Social Homes Furnished Tenancies
2026-04-13
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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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.
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.
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.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide a specific assessment of the adequacy of furnished tenancies or commit to any new actions beyond acknowledging the issue.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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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.
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.
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.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not commit to specific steps or deadlines for implementing new guidelines.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not commit to any specific actions or deadlines beyond acknowledging the issue's importance.
Response accuracy