Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Accepted
Government social housing plans do not address systemic drivers of poor conditions.
Conclusion
We support the Government’s plans to raise the standard of social homes over the next decade, while boosting supply. These actions will go some way to improving the quality and safety of social homes. However, the Government’s plans do not address some of the long-term systemic drivers of poor conditions, especially the need to replace some of the country’s ageing stock of social homes, which, in some instances, are being used beyond their intended lifespan. The Long-term Housing Strategy represents an opportunity to address systemic drivers of poor conditions in the social housing sector. (Conclusion, Paragraph 24)
Government Response Summary
The government states that Phase 1 of Awaab's Law came into force on 27 October 2025, and they are working closely with stakeholders on next steps for phases 2 and 3.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
12. Phase 1 of Awaab’s Law came into force on 27 October 2025, specifying that social landlords must address damp and mould hazards within fixed timescales, and all emergency hazards within 24 hours. We are now undertaking our test and learn approach before extending the requirements to other hazards. We are working closely with stakeholders on next steps and will develop guidance and engagement activity to support them with implementation of phases 2 and 3 of Awaab’s Law. Social landlords must continue to meet existing regulations to remedy disrepair, to keep their homes fit for human habitation and free from the most dangerous health and safety hazards. 13. Guidance to help tenants in social housing understand their rights and the responsibilities of their landlord under Awaab’s Law has been published at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/awaabs-law-guidance-for-tenants- in-social-housing.