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.
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. We welcome the extension of the DHS to the private rented sector and temporary accommodation. However, it is crucial that the reform and implementation of the new DHS does not have the unintended effect of increased risk of homelessness, instability or unaffordability for renters, as well as protecting social housing estates from increased demolitions. This will require sufficient funding for both implementation and enforcement, and further protections for renters, as set out in our response.
Published: 11 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. It is a vital new measure that will ensure warmer and more affordable homes, lift families out of fuel poverty, and decrease carbon emissions. 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
Back to the Future: The Next Generation of New Towns
The government’s plan to build a new generation of new towns offers a unique opportunity to help address England’s housing emergency, characterised by rising homelessness, unaffordable rents, and an under-supply of social homes. This report, learning from the success of post-war new towns, argues the government must reinvigorate the publicly-led Development Corporation model to place social housebuilding at the centre of its plans and achieve the social and economic objectives we believe should be at the heart of the new programme.
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 the government's How to implement Social Rent convergence consultation. We set out a route for the government to protect social renters from unaffordable rent rises and ensure social housing stays genuinely affordable to all, while crucially securing the long-term financial sustainability of the social housing sector.
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
Building Climate Justice
Report setting out a sustainable approach to the delivery of social rent homes in England.
Published: 26 June 2025
Briefings: Renters' Rights Bill Report Stage, House of Lords
Shelter's briefings for Report Stage in the House of Lords set out the key changes needed to strengthen the Renters’ Rights Bill. They focus on priority areas including affordability, discrimination, the private rented sector database, and relevant amendments. These improvements are essential to ensure the Bill delivers meaningful protections for renters.
Published: 26 June 2025