Policy Library
Policy, research and good practice work forms a major part of Shelter's efforts to address and find solutions for homelessness and housing issues.
Briefing: Frozen Out of A Home
A new briefing on why the government must unfreeze local housing allowance, to help a record number of families out of homelessness in damaging temporary accommodation.
Published: 19 September 2025
Shelter response to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards consultation
Shelter welcomes the government’s plan to implement minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) in social housing. We set out four key recommendations to government to help implement MEES effectively and protect social tenants, putting tenant choice at the heart of this new standard.
Published: 11 September 2025
Shelter response to Consultation on a reformed Decent Homes Standard (social and private rented sectors)
Shelter responds to the governments Consultation on reforming the current Decent Homes Standard (DHS) for social and privately rented homes.
Published: 11 September 2025
Briefing: Renters' Rights Bill, Consideration of Amendments
Shelter's briefing for the Renters' Rights Bill Consideration of Amendments. The briefing sets out the need to ensure the passage of a strong Bill and outline a clear implementation timeline. It details why Royal Assent and commencement date are needed urgently, alongside Shelter's position on outstanding amendments to the Bill.
Published: 8 September 2025
Back to the Future: The Next Generation of New Towns
A report on new towns calling on government to reinvigorate the publicly-led Development Corporation model to place social housebuilding at the centre of its plans.
Published: 2 September 2025
Briefing: Planning and Infrastructure Bill Committee Stage, House of Lords
Shelter's briefings for Committee Stage in the House of Lords set out the key changes needed to ensure that the Planning and Infrastructure Bill delivers the social homes that are desperately needed across the country. They focus on priority areas including ensuring the onsite delivery of social rent on new developments and re-defining 'affordable housing' to mean social rent. These improvements are essential to ensure the Bill delivers more social housing.
Published: 29 August 2025
Shelter response to How to implement Social Rent convergence consultation
Shelter responds to the government's How to implement Social Rent convergence consultation.
Published: 27 August 2025
A Fairer Housing System: Why race discrimination in access to social housing must be tackled via the new Competence and Conduct Standard for social housing
A Fairer Housing System: Why race discrimination in access to social housing must be tackled via the new Competence and Conduct Standard for social housing
Published: 22 July 2025
Briefing: Are there disparities in the length of time White and Black and Black Mixed heritage headed households are spending in temporary accommodation?
Briefing exploring whether there are disparities in the length of time White and Black and Black Mixed heritage headed households are spending in temporary accommodation?
Published: 15 July 2025
My colour speaks before me: How racism and discrimination affect Black and Black Mixed heritage people’s access to social homes in England
Peer research exploring racism and discrimination in housing for Black and Black Mixed heritage people.
Published: 15 July 2025