The decentralisation minister has confirmed he will look after existing tenants in the UK, refuting claims that the Government will allow social housing landlords to change their tenants' rights, reports InsideHousing.

After a lively debate in Parliament last week, the minister, Greg Clark, was questioned by the Labour shadow housing minister on the social housing reform; "Can this minister [Clark] give the house a personal guarantee that the Government will not now or in the future permit changes to the rights of existing social tenants?" asked Alison Seabeck.

"Do you agree that we should require landlords to offer existing secure and assured tenants who move to another social rent property a lifetime tenancy in their new home?" she continued, adding "Do you agree that landlords should have the freedom to decide whether new secure and assured tenants should continue to receive a lifetime tenancy when they move?"

To all three questions, Mr Clark simply replied "Yes." Several Government officials, and industry professionals, including those in social housing jobs have contradictory views on the announcement. Clark has been supported by the housing minister, Grant Shapps, who has responded to claims that the Government are turning their back on tenants living in social housing; "There's so reason why a home in the future should always be the home for life - you don't get that in the private sector."

"The new system will ensure that people have their home for as long as they need it." he added of the pledge to give tenants fixed-term tenancies, starting at two-year contract. However Seabeck is not convinced by the coalition Government's promises, claiming "This is very weighted towards the landlord, in my view" reports The Tribune.