The plans come after the Localism Act 2011 gave councils the power to use flexible fixed term tenancies.

BBC: Hammersmith and Fulham to fix social housing tenancy term

But the government rejects the notion that fixed-term tenancies will break up stable communities and lead to estates being run down.

BBC: What future for social housing?

Councils will be able to offer new social housing tenants shorter, fixed-term tenancies - ending the right to a council house for life.

BBC: At-a-glance: Localism Bill