The professional body for people working in housing is calling for a re-examination of the way social housing is allocated in England.

With increasing levels of demand and less than half the homes needed being built change is needed, the Chartered Institute of Housing said.

In a new report, CIH sets out the problems associated with the way social housing is currently allocated and considers the potential opportunities, challenges and aspirations for reform.

Allocating social housing: opportunities and challenges looks at views on reform from across the housing sector and explores approaches from different countries. It considers how to take pressure off social housing as well as ways to use what is available more effectively.

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The report examines the pros and cons of different approaches to funding the development of new social housing, promoting mobility for existing tenants, improving access to the private rented sector, letting social housing on new terms, and allowing local authorities to manage their allocations according to the local housing, social and economic needs of their area.

Abigail Davies, CIH Head of Policy, said: "Re-thinking social housing allocations is not straightforward. The options available are wide ranging and have potential to fundamentally change landlords' use of social housing as well as tenants' experience of accessing and living in it. Because of this, if reform of allocations is to be pursued, then detailed and open discussion of options and consequences is essential. This debate is overdue. With our current housing crisis we need to be prepared tackle this difficult issue. We hope this report prompts government and the sector to act."

(CD/KMcA)