Construction union UCATT have labelled proposals by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), to end secure tenancies and introduce means testing for council housing, as dangerous and ill thought out.

The CIH proposes that council tenants should only receive fixed term tenancies and be subjected to regular reviews. If a tenant's earnings increased they would be encouraged to move to the private sector, purchase equity in their property or face higher rents.

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Alan Ritchie, General Secretary of UCATT, said: "If enacted these plans would destroy the fundamental principles of council housing, that tenants are provided with secure affordable high quality homes."

UCATT are campaigning for councils to be able to build new properties, a policy opposed by successive Governments. By building large number of new properties councils will be able to tackle the problem of growing housing waiting lists. Given the recent downturn in the economy there is a great deal of economic inactivity among construction workers experienced in building houses. By investing in social housing the Government will also help restore confidence to the construction sector.

(CD/JM)