Couples Earning £40k to Lose Council Homes

14 May 2012, 11:40 | Updated: 14 May 2012, 11:45

Hammersmith and Fulham Council has announced plans to stop couples earning more than £40,000 from having a council house.

They are also planning to give priority to foster parents, former army staff and special constables.

The council claims its plans aim to reward "hard working residents with a local connection to the borough, who make a positive contribution to the community."

Hammersmith and Fulham has one of the highest proportions of social housing in London, with around 33 per cent social rented.

That compares to a London average of 25 per cent and a West London average of 21.5 per cent.

The plans also include giving fixed term tenancies for new council house letting - although the council has reassured that secure tenancies will continue for "the most vulnerable residents."