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. In this section you can browse through the reports, factsheets, briefings and policy consultation responses that we produce.
All policy documents
Housing benefit changes – timetable for implementation
The changes to housing benefit will undermine the housing safety net for people who lose their jobs and need temporary financial help to keep their homes, as well as affecting those who are in work but on very low incomes, or who are unable to work due to old age or disability. Read summary and download 
Briefing: Welfare Reform Bill - Commons Report Stage and Third Reading
Shelter supports the principles of the new Universal Credit, the major piece of reform contained in the
Welfare Reform Bill. However, the Bill will also introduce a second wave of cuts to housing benefit,
undermining the housing safety net for people who lose their jobs and need temporary financial
help to keep their homes, as well as affecting those who are in work but on very low incomes, or who
are unable to work due to old age or disability. Read summary and download
Briefing: Localism Bill - Lords Second Reading
The Localism Bill will result in wide ranging changes to housing and planning, which represent a fundamental shift in policy to a more localised system. A number of these proposals are welcome, yet Shelter has key concerns regarding some proposed measures.
At a time when the housing safety net is needed more than ever, these reforms critically damage it by:
• Undermining the legal duty towards homeless people
• Removing security in social housing (reducing incentives to work) Read summary and download
Repossessions Hotspots
Shelter has conducted this research to create a national picture of England’s repossession hotspots. These hotspots are identified as areas with the highest proportion of homeowners who have been issued with a possession order for their home, and are therefore at serious risk of repossession. Read summary and download
Response - DCLG Draft Statistics Plan for 2011/12
Statistics produced by DCLG form a vital part of the evidence base supporting Shelter's work concerning homelessness and bad housing. Read summary and download
