Lords Tighten Right to Buy, Eye NATO Plan

High-Level Summary

The House of Lords took oral questions on the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, incentives for rare cancer innovation, restoring UK access to Eurodac and SIS II, and actions for World Ocean Day. Peers questioned the Government’s support for reopening the Strait of Hormuz after a US–Iran framework and heard that a Defence Investment Plan will be published before the NATO summit. Numerous statutory instruments and committee appointments were approved, two Bills received first readings, and most of the sitting was spent in Committee on the Social Housing Bill [HL], covering Right to Buy reforms, rural and new‑build protections, receipts, disposals, transparency/technology, and supply. A short debate explored trends in mental health diagnoses and plans for a new cross‑government strategy.

Detailed Summary

Oaths and affirmations

The sitting opened with new undertakings: “Several noble Lords took the oath or made the solemn affirmation, and signed an undertaking to abide by the Code of Conduct.”

Teachers’ Pension Scheme: Automatic Enrolment – Question

Baroness Warwick of Undercliffe asked about a value‑for‑money assessment of automatic enrolment in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS). Minister Baroness Smith of Malvern said TPS participation exceeds 90% and no separate value‑for‑money assessment of automatic enrolment has been carried out: “participation rates have remained high and continue to exceed 90%.” Peers highlighted cost pressures in post‑1992 universities from higher employer contributions. The Minister noted Government Actuary advice that average employer rates in unfunded public service schemes are likely to fall with the higher SCAPE discount rate, with contributions “over £12 billion lower in 2027-28 than in 2026-27.” She said engagement with the sector would continue and described the TPS as “a very high-quality defined benefit pension” supporting recruitment and retention. On a bespoke higher education insolvency regime, she said the Government did “not feel it necessary to develop a specific insolvency regime for higher education.” Outcome/next steps: no new review was commissioned; further steps not stated in the transcript.

Rare cancers: diagnosis and treatment – Question

Baroness Finlay of Llandaff asked about incentives for innovation. Minister Baroness Merron said improving outcomes for rare cancer patients is a priority under the national cancer plan. She cited procurement levers, an MHRA consultation, and future regulation: “The department is exploring procurement mechanisms… The MHRA launched a public consultation… The Government will implement the Rare Cancers Act 2026.” She highlighted faster clinical trial set‑up (average 122 days, down from 169), expansion of genomics, and planned access to clinical trials via the NHS App with alternatives for those digitally excluded: “we will offer those with rare and less common cancers… the opportunity to take part in clinical trials through the NHS app, and I will be pleased to keep the noble Baroness informed of the timetable.” She pointed to AI‑driven GP decision tools and better surveillance to reduce emergency diagnoses, and referenced the Cancer Drugs Fund and a new MHRA framework when asked about VAT effects on compassionate schemes. Bottlenecks in testing were acknowledged and linked to actions in the plan. Outcome/next steps: implement cancer plan actions; consider responses to the MHRA consultation.

Immigration: Eurodac and SIS II – Question

Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate asked about restoring access to Eurodac and SIS II. Minister Lord Hanson of Flint said the Government is enhancing reciprocal data exchange with the EU on border security and public safety, including “real-time alert sharing and asylum data.” He acknowledged loss of access after Brexit and said the Government will seek to restore it, while noting Eurodac legal barriers because “EU legislation currently prohibits the sharing of Eurodac data with third countries.” On SIS II he pointed to scale and benefits: “In 2025, there were 17.8 billion searches on SIS by EU member states.” He confirmed the UK will not leave the ECHR. Outcome/next steps: commitment to seek access through the EU reset and summits; no timeline stated.

World Ocean Day – Question

Baroness Anelay of St Johns asked what action the Government took to mark World Ocean Day. Minister Baroness Hayman of Ullock cited UK leadership, including legislation to implement the biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement and expansion of the Blue Belt: “we highlighted action at home and abroad… legislation to implement the BBNJ agreement. At the Blue Belt programme’s 10th anniversary event, it was announced that Montserrat will join the initiative”. She said secondary legislation to ratify BBNJ is “currently under way.” On Blue Belt enforcement and science, she referred to compliance/surveillance and the Global Ocean Wildlife Analysis Network, with “more than £60 million of UK government support.” On bottom trawling in MPAs, by‑laws are expected “by the end of 2026.” She undertook to keep the House informed on marine noise impacts. Outcome/next steps: preparatory secondary legislation and programme delivery continue.

Middle East: Iran conflict – Private Notice Question

Lord Ahmad asked about UK plans following a US–Iran framework. Minister Baroness Chapman said the UK welcomes the agreement, supports reopening the Strait of Hormuz “without conditions or restrictions,” and is ready to lead a multinational mission with France “when conditions allow.” She said detailed negotiations and a lasting ceasefire are needed before minesweeping and safe‑passage work begins, and that any ceasefire should extend to Lebanon. She called it a starting “framework”: “It is the deal that we have today. It is a framework and it is a start.” She prioritised humanitarian passage and denied any tolls policy. She noted supply chain effects, including fertiliser, and echoed thanks to Pakistan’s role. Outcome/next steps: UK readiness signalled; further detail awaits final agreement; related sanctions SI trailed for debate later.

First Readings and House business

Two Bills received first readings and were ordered to be printed: the Mental Health Support (Sentence of Detention and Imprisonment for Public Protection) Bill [HL] and the Health and Disability Benefits Reform Bill [HL]. Committee membership motions were agreed. Several statutory instruments were approved without division: “Motion agreed.” See also,,.

Defence Investment Plan – Commons Urgent Question (reported to the Lords)

The House heard the Government’s position that the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) will be published ahead of the NATO summit: “we will publish the defence investment plan ahead of the NATO summit in just a few weeks’ time.” The Minister also noted 1,400 major contracts since July 2024, with 94% of spend going to UK‑based firms. Lord Coaker said defence will be the “number one priority” in the 2027 Spending Review and that the DIP will include additional money. He confirmed the NATO 3.5% of GDP target for 2035 remains the policy objective. He added that a national preparedness conversation “will commence within the next few months.” Outcome/next steps: DIP due before the summit; future funding signalled via the 2027 Spending Review.

Social Housing Bill [HL] – Committee (Day 1): Proposal to abolish Right to Buy (not agreed)

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle proposed abolishing Right to Buy, citing Scotland and Wales and arguing that “40% of right-to-buy homes are now privately rented.” Opponents cited home ownership gains and argued that Clause 9 would recycle receipts: “100% of capital receipts from the right to buy will be ploughed back into social housing.” The Minister rejected abolition, saying reforms will make the scheme fairer and sustainable; she noted that between 2012 and 2025 there were around 133,000 sales but only around 51,000 replacements. Outcome: Amendment withdrawn.

Social Housing Bill [HL] – Committee: Eligibility period and excluding existing property owners

Clause 1 increases the qualifying period for Right to Buy from three to 10 years. The Minister cited consultation support: “81% of all respondents… supported increasing the minimum period of tenancy required to at least 10 years.” A new Government clause (Amendment 4) prevents exercising Right to Buy where the tenant, spouse/civil partner or cohabitee already owns residential property, with an exception for victims of domestic abuse: “The right to buy may not be exercised if any of the following persons owns other residential property…” Clause 2 prevents repeat purchases, with exceptions for domestic abuse and irretrievable relationship breakdown. Proposals for digital audit/fraud tracking were not taken forward. Outcome: Clause 1 agreed; Amendment 4 and consequential Amendment 6 agreed. Next steps: guidance to be provided on evidencing exceptions.

Social Housing Bill [HL] – Committee: Discounts and repayment period

Ministers proposed aligning percentage discounts with reduced cash caps so discounts start at 5% after 10 years of tenancy, rising to a maximum of 15%, and extending the discount repayment period to 10 years: “reducing the percentage discounts so that they start at 5%… up to a maximum of 15%,” and “extend the discount repayment period to 10 years.” Amendments to set higher discounts (20–30%) were withdrawn following debate. Outcome: Clause 5 agreed without change.

Social Housing Bill [HL] – Committee: Right of first refusal and rural/new‑build exceptions

Clause 6 extends councils’ right of first refusal on buybacks of former Right to Buy homes to apply in perpetuity for future sales; it applies to new RTB applications after commencement and councils retain discretion: “the period will be increased to in perpetuity… It is for local authorities to decide whether to exercise the right of first refusal.” Clause 7 adds exceptions: (1) a 35‑year exemption for newly built social homes (“a 35-year exemption strikes the right balance”). (2) exemption for homes in national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty and designated rural areas; and (3) exemption for council‑owned market rent homes. Proposals to redefine “rural” or shorten the 35‑year period were not accepted. Outcome: Clauses 6 and 7 agreed. Next steps: rural designations to be updated via regulations using established criteria (≤2 persons/hectare; settlements ≤3,000).

Social Housing Bill [HL] – Committee: Receipts and local recycling

Amendments sought to require regulations and consultation on Right to Buy receipts rules and to restrict differential treatment by determination, citing the need for certainty in council building programmes. The Government said Clause 9 replaces burdensome retention agreements with determinations and reaffirmed that councils will retain all receipts indefinitely: “We have committed to allow councils to retain all their right-to-buy receipts indefinitely,” and the power “cannot be used to increase the amount that local authorities are required to return.” On recycling locally, ministers noted that Homes England already aims to redistribute receipts in the same area and the spending period will be extended to 10 years for receipts from 2027‑28. Outcome: Amendments withdrawn; Clause 9 agreed.

Social Housing Bill [HL] – Committee: Reporting, equalities and ESG proposals

Amendments called for post‑Act reviews (home ownership impacts, fiscal effects), equalities impact reporting and ESG requirements. The Minister announced publication of the economic impact assessment, estimating a net gain of 18,000 social homes over 10 years instead of a projected loss of 26,000: “we now expect a net gain of around 18,000 homes over the same period, instead of a loss.” She argued further statutory reporting is unnecessary given existing published data and Equality Act duties. Outcome: Amendments withdrawn.

Social Housing Bill [HL] – Committee: Disposals of social housing by private registered providers

Peers argued for stronger safeguards on disposals by private providers, including longer notice (8–12 weeks), regulator notification, rights of first refusal, rural bans and accessibility information. Lord Best asked that adapted homes be identified in notices. The Minister said the new notification duty is a light‑touch balance, improving transparency without restricting sales or sale methods (e.g., auction). She will reflect on the notice period and consider adding accessibility data, but rejected bans on rural sales or cash‑only/auction restrictions. A technical Government amendment clarifying parliamentary procedure for health and safety lead regulations was agreed. Outcome: Clause 11 agreed as amended; further guidance/adjustments may be explored.

Social Housing Bill [HL] – Committee: Data/AI and Freedom of Information

Amendments proposed blockchain disposal audit trails, AI procurement/oversight frameworks, zero‑knowledge proofs, complaints data duties, and extending the Freedom of Information Act to private registered providers. The Government cited existing data protection law and the forthcoming Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRs) as the targeted route to transparency, with proactive publication from October 2026 and tenant request rights from April 2027. On AI/cyber proposals, ministers preferred sector‑specific guidance within current law rather than prescriptive statutory frameworks. Outcome: Amendments withdrawn.

Social Housing Bill [HL] – Committee: Increasing supply, stock transfers and mayoral accountability

Lord Lansley proposed that regulator guidance could help enable large‑scale stock transfers partnering institutional investors to unlock capacity; ministers said the regulator already has code‑making powers and the Government are “open to innovative ideas,” with a discussion document, More and Better Social Homes, published. Baroness Eaton sought reviews of mayoral accountability and incentives and a remuneration link; the Government pointed to performance monitoring under integrated settlements, broad devolved powers, and a revised accountability framework due by end‑2026. Baroness Thornhill urged clear guidance distinguishing “affordable” and “social” housing; ministers said the Bill uses the 2008 Act definition and the Government will respond to the Select Committee’s report. Outcome: Amendments withdrawn; policy development to continue with the regulator and devolved authorities.

Mental health conditions: diagnoses – Short Debate

Baroness Maclean argued that the rise in common mental health diagnoses reflects shifting boundaries rather than biology and urged welfare reform, noting “more than one in five adults in England now live with a common mental health condition.” She warned against over‑medicalising normal emotion: “We seem to have come to confuse workplaces, schools and universities with therapeutic services.” Peers offered differing perspectives. Baroness Nargund highlighted worsening mental health among girls and women and the role of social media. Baroness Tyler cited evidence of genuine increases in need and called for better access. Baroness Murphy cautioned against labelling. Minister Baroness Merron said an independent review (Fonagy) is assessing prevalence trends and systems; interim findings show increased distress, especially among young people—“around one in five children and young people have probable mental health conditions.” She outlined workforce expansion, mental health support teams and community centres, and a forthcoming cross‑government strategy with a call for evidence open until 10 July. Outcome: Debate noted; Government to consider review findings and bring forward the strategy.

Adjournment and later oath

At the close of business a further oath was taken: “Lord Grantchester took the oath, and signed an undertaking to abide by the Code of Conduct.” The House adjourned at 10.21 pm.