Under the proposal, new social housing tenancies would no longer be available to foreign nationals, while some existing tenants could be required to leave their homes within six months.

The Conservatives said the policy could free up an estimated 228,144 homes for British families, amid a housing shortage and long waiting lists across England.

The party said Labour had “lost control of immigration” and claimed British families were being left waiting for social housing as a result.

However, Labour criticised the proposal as an “unserious, unworkable proposal, copied from Reform” that would not solve England’s housing crisis.

The plan comes after Reform UK leader Nigel Farage proposed in June that foreign national tenants should be required to find private accommodation within three months or face possible deportation if his party comes to power.

Under the Conservative proposal, some foreign nationals currently living in social housing would be expected to leave their homes within six months.

Single people who are not UK, Irish or EU citizens would lose their entitlement, including those with children.

Couples would also be affected where neither partner is a UK or Irish citizen, or an EU citizen with settled status.

However, people with EU settled status would not be evicted under the proposals.

For future social housing tenancies, UK and Irish nationals and EU citizens with settled status would remain eligible. New EU citizens without settled status would not qualify.

Current rules allow some foreign nationals with settled status, refugee status or specific humanitarian protections to qualify for social housing.

Asylum seekers are generally not eligible, except in exceptional circumstances, including some cases involving domestic abuse.

Social housing is typically provided by local councils or housing associations and is generally cheaper and more secure than privately rented accommodation.

The Conservatives had considered similar restrictions while in government in 2024, including a proposal that foreign nationals would need to have lived in the UK for 10 years before becoming eligible for social housing. (Vanguard)