Chartered Institute of Housing praises UK local government reforms and new housing‑benefit rules

The UK government announced a reorganisation of local authorities, cutting 134 councils to 38 unitary authorities across England. The changes will create single planning, finance and leadership teams in areas such as Kent and Medway, Hertfordshire, Nottinghamshire and others. Tom Arnold, policy manager for regional engagement and devolution at the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), welcomed the “clarity” the reform provides for housing professionals, while urging further guidance on service transitions and the merging of Housing Revenue Accounts.

Separately, the Housing Benefit (Earned Income Disregards) Regulations 2026 will take effect on 5 October. The regulations add five new earnings disregards and update the 2006 benefit rules, meaning families in temporary accommodation and residents of supported housing can stay in work without an abrupt loss of housing benefit. CIH policy lead Sam Lister said the measures remove an “employment trap” for more than 300,000 people and called on the government to continue building on the momentum.