If I were to set my house on fire..

[Lovebirdslovetea]

This is theoretical after dropping some burning incense which almost resulted in a fire and it made me think. If I were to accidentally set a social housing house on fire, do I need housing insurance to cover that myself or would it be the council who has the insurance? would I be charged for the house price

The council has buildings insurance, which would cover damage to the building. Your belongings would need to be covered by contents insurance.

You would be looking for "tenants liability" insurance, which comes as part of many contents insurance policies and covers accidental damage to your landlord's (the housing association) property.

The landlord's insurance would typically pay out for the damage and then pursue a negligent party and/or their insurer.