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

This briefing summarises the findings of Shelter’s peer research project: My colour speaks before me: How racism and discrimination affect Black and Black Mixed heritage people's access to social homes in England (July 2025), which reveals that Black and Black Mixed heritage people continue to face discrimination when trying to secure a social home in England. Our analysis shows Black-led households are more likely to be stuck homeless in damaging temporary accommodation for a very long time compared with households as a whole, and much more likely to be there for a very long time compared to White-led households.

Our research found Black and Black Mixed heritage applicants faced poorer treatment by housing officers, with many reporting feeling overlooked and deprioritised. Participants frequently reported rude, condescending and unempathetic communication from housing officers and felt an overall lack of representation and understanding of anti-racism among housing officers perpetuates discriminatory and poor practice.

Consequently, we're supporting people with lived experience in calling on the government to make anti-racism a key feature of the new Competence and Conduct Standard, when it issues a Direction to the Regulator of Social Housing this autumn. This standard will apply to all registered providers of social housing, including councils and housing associations. It will be set and enforced by the Regulator of Social Housing. This is a vital first step in making sure everyone is treated professionally, equitably and in a trauma-informed way when trying to access a social home.