Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Acknowledged
Provide clear roadmap and guidance for the remaining phases of Awaab's Law.
Recommendation
Even though social landlords have been anticipating the introduction of Awaab’s Law for some time, the way the Government managed the introduction of Phase 1 unnecessarily added to the uncertainty and complexity providers had to grapple with to ensure they were ready to comply. We are disappointed that the final guidance on Awaab’s Law was published so close to when the regulations came into effect. The Government must learn from this for future phases. Social landlords and tenants need a much clearer roadmap or timeline for when the remaining phases of Awaab’s Law will be introduced, and clarity on when official guidance will be provided. (Conclusion, Paragraph 33)
Government Response Summary
The government responded to its consultation on an updated Decent Homes Standard, designed to meet modern expectations of housing quality and provides certainty to plan and spread costs long-term with a deadline of 2035.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
23. On 28 January 2026 we responded to our consultation on an updated and modernised Decent Homes Standard. The new, modernised DHS is designed to meet modern expectations of housing quality. By setting out in plain terms a series of ambitious yet proportionate standards for landlords, we will continue to drive down rates of non-decency across the country. We will support landlords by publishing best practice guidance to supplement the DHS. This will cover topics that reflect the changing needs of social housing tenants such as climate adaptation, digital connectivity and water efficiency. 24. We recognise that expectations change so there will come a point where a review of the standard is necessary. It is vital, however, that we give providers the certainty they need to plan and spread costs long-term. That is why we have given landlords until 2035 to meet the modernised DHS. This means they can make plans to improve existing homes with confidence, whilst giving them the stability needed to invest in much needed new supply of social housing.