Labour quietly axes plans to ban anti-social thugs from council house waiting lists

The reforms were to include new UK and local connection tests to determine social housing eligibility, with applicants required to demonstrate a connection to the UK for at least 10 years and their local area for at least two years.

Prospective tenants on higher incomes could also no longer qualify for social housing, although existing tenants will not be affected.

People who have unspent convictions for certain criminal anti-social behaviour or have been subject to certain civil sanctions could be disqualified from social housing for up to five years, under the plans.

However, ministers confirmed late last week that they had axed the crackdown in a Parliamentary answer slipped out to MPs in the House of Commons.

Housing minister Matthew Pennycook said: "The Government does not intend to enact the policy proposals set out in the consultation in question.

"A formal response will be issued in due course."

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The news was condemned by shadow Housing Secretary Kemi Badenoch last night.

Badenoch said: “Those who break the law, make neighbours’ lives a misery, or treat the UK as a hotel they’re just passing through, should not be given subsidised housing.”