Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 37
37
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 137
It appears that some local authorities might have misinterpreted the Housing Health and Safety Rating...
Conclusion
It appears that some local authorities might have misinterpreted the Housing Health and Safety Rating System enforcement guidance, and as such are not inspecting private providers. We welcome the Minister’s reiteration that a council can inspect a property owned by a private provider and issue an enforcement notice, although we note the significant pressures on local government finances at the moment. Perhaps more than anything else, these inspections could provide social housing tenants trapped in potentially unsafe homes with the reassurance that they can turn to someone independent of their housing provider who will advocate on their behalf.
Government Response Summary
The Government recognises the importance of safe and secure homes and local authorities' powers to enforce housing standards, working to raise awareness of these powers regarding hazards like damp and mould. The Social Housing (Regulation) Bill will strengthen tenant rights and regulator powers.
Paragraph Reference:
137
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government recognises the importance of all homes being safe and secure. Local authorities have powers under the Housing Act 2004 to take enforcement action where hazards are identified in residential premises, and we expect them to use these powers to ensure landlords address hazards brought to their attention. We are working to raise awareness of these powers, particularly in relation to hazards such as damp and mould, so that all tenants can live in safe and decent homes. The Social Housing (Regulation) Bill will further strengthen tenant rights and improve access to swift and fair redress, as well as ensuring the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has stronger powers to tackle rogue landlords.