Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
First Report - Prevention in health and social care: healthy places
Health and Social Care Committee
HC 484
Published 19 January 2024
Recommendations
4
Deferred
Para 17
Require Government to update and implement Decent Homes Standard for all rented sectors promptly.
Recommendation
We recommend the Government proceeds without delay in the consultation necessary to update the Decent Homes Standard for the social rented sector and in implementing a Decent Homes Standard for the private rented sector. It should set out a timetable …
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Government Response Summary
The government deflected the recommendation by discussing the role of the National Planning Policy Framework in creating healthy communities and stating they are not looking to extend the list of statutory planning consultees, rather than providing a timetable for updating and implementing the Decent Homes Standard.
Department of Health and Social Care
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5
Deferred
Expedite Awaab's Law implementation and extend safeguards against health hazards to private tenants.
Recommendation
It is welcome that the Government’s has proposed measures to protect social sector tenants from the worst impacts of unhealthy homes, via the implementation of “Awaab’s law”. We recommend that the Government act quickly on the outcome of its consultation …
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Government Response Summary
The government deflected the recommendation by discussing the growth and delivery of social prescribing initiatives and related targets, rather than providing an update on 'Awaab’s Law' consultation outcomes or considering extending housing hazard safeguards to the private rented sector.
Department of Health and Social Care
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6
Deferred
Para 26
Voluntary quality standards for housing development fail to adequately protect residents' health.
Recommendation
An absence of hazards is not enough on its own to ensure that housing protects residents’ health. Space, design and location matter, and these should not be the preserve of those who are able to afford more expensive housing. Several …
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Government Response Summary
The government deflected the recommendation by discussing the roles of local directors of public health and Integrated Care Boards, stating there are no plans to alter ICB membership requirements, rather than addressing housing quality standards, space, design, or developer requirements for health-protective housing.
Department of Health and Social Care
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