One year on from Grenfell, millions still stuck on housing waiting lists

Notes to editors 

For more case studies including photos, or to arrange an interview with a Shelter spokesperson, please contact Shelter’s press office: email press_office@shelter.org.uk or call 02075052162 or 07850901142 (out of hours). 

Other data tables available: (1) a ranking of England regions by fewest available social homes for each household in need, (2) 10 English local authorities with the fewest available social homes for each household in need excluding London, (3) 10 London local authorities with fewest available social homes for each household in need, and (4) 10 English local authorities with most available social homes for each household in need. 

Changes to waiting lists: The Localism Act 2011 gave local authorities much greater freedom to decide who should qualify to go on the waiting list for social housing in their area. Under this act, a number of local authorities – especially in London – changed their criteria and shortened their lists, disqualifying some who had been waiting.