This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/8350477.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Tories in social home 'swap' plan Tories in social home 'swap' plan
(about 5 hours later)
The Conservatives have outlined plans to help social housing tenants who want to move find properties elsewhere in the country.The Conservatives have outlined plans to help social housing tenants who want to move find properties elsewhere in the country.
Its new "affordable house swap programme" will use a new database of properties to match tenants with suitable homes.Its new "affordable house swap programme" will use a new database of properties to match tenants with suitable homes.
The Tories say every family will be able to take part wherever they live.The Tories say every family will be able to take part wherever they live.
Ministers gave the go-ahead for 2,000 new council homes in September amid concerns about a growing shortage. Ministers said people had been able to apply for social housing anywhere in the UK since 2003, based on need.
The Tories say that social tenants who need to relocate, either for work or family reasons, are often prevented from doing so. According to government research, the majority of social tenants end up moving less than 15 miles from their previous homes, putting an emphasis on councils and landlords being flexible.
But the Tories say that social tenants who need to relocate, either for work or family reasons, are often prevented from doing so.
"If you are a social tenant, you do not have the same opportunities as other renters or homeowners," said shadow housing minister Grant Shapps."If you are a social tenant, you do not have the same opportunities as other renters or homeowners," said shadow housing minister Grant Shapps.
"The system means that your aspirations are squeezed, your expectations lowered, and your horizons are limited.""The system means that your aspirations are squeezed, your expectations lowered, and your horizons are limited."
The Conservatives also plan to set up a body to look at ways of improving mobility for social housing tenants, on which housing associations, council and tenants' organisations will be represented.The Conservatives also plan to set up a body to look at ways of improving mobility for social housing tenants, on which housing associations, council and tenants' organisations will be represented.