Statement from Eric Pickles as featured in todays Local Government news LocalGov.co.uk

14 October 2013 Only local people, and those in the armed forces, will be eligible for council housing under new guidance published today. Launched by communities secretary, Eric Pickles, the proposed new guidance confirms that only local residents or those with a local connection can go onto the waiting list for social housing. Members of the Armed Forces are the exception to this rule, as they tend not to build up a local connection as they travel base to base. Mr Pickles said: ‘This government is standing up for hard-working people. Local residents and the Armed Forces should be first in line for social housing. This is part of decisive package of government reforms to tackle unsustainable immigration.’ The Government highlighted that one in six social housing tenants are foreigners which could ‘undermine community’ cohesions. The guidance will require people to have lived in the area for at least two years before being accepted onto the social housing waiting list. Laura Sharman Great minds think alike methinks, this is what our new allocation says 'Christchurch homes for Christchurch people'