Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 40
We agree with our witnesses that housing disrepair, particularly damp and mould, is often aggravated...
Conclusion
We agree with our witnesses that housing disrepair, particularly damp and mould, is often aggravated by the inability of tenants to heat or ventilate their homes properly or by overcrowding, or by a mixture of both. We also agree that tenants cannot, and must not, be held responsible for either of these things. It would be unacceptable if anyone was suffering from fuel poverty or experiencing overcrowded living conditions, and also being blamed for their home falling into disrepair as a consequence. This is of particular concern at a time when fuel poverty is likely to increase significantly as a result of rising energy bills.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees that the sector needs to prioritize the quality of housing and states that their messaging to registered providers has been unequivocally strong and clear on maintaining a constant focus on delivering safe, good quality homes and treating tenants with respect.
Paragraph Reference:
40
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
We agree with the Committee that the sector needs to ensure it prioritises the quality of housing being provided to tenants. Every tenant deserves to live in a safe, decent, and good quality home. It’s clear from the Committee’s report, and from some of our own casework, that at times some landlords have failed to provide that consistently. Our messaging to the sector has been and remains unequivocally strong and clear on this issue; that registered providers should maintain a constant focus on delivering safe, good quality homes and treating tenants with respect, and where things are going wrong, act promptly to put them right. (Paragraph 18)