There is no evidence that social housing harms social mobility, according to a taskforce of MPs and peers. Nonetheless, there are risks in stigmatising social housing and the people who live in social houses.

The cross-party taskforce looked at how housing policy can be used to promote social mobility. It found that:

• It is easier to get on in society, educationally and in the job market, if people have a secure, decent home. Social housing, therefore, can clearly contribute positively to people’s opportunity for social mobility.
• Creating more balanced communities through a mix of tenure, and sensitive allocation policies, can protect against the danger of stigmatisation.
• Many social housing organisations see their role as ‘community investors’. But cuts in grant aid, and in housing benefit, may well affect their capacity to enhance opportunities and support social mobility.

Source: Richard Best and Laura Shimili, Social Mobility and Social Housing: Parliamentary Taskforce Report, Chartered Institute of Housing

Link: Report