Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Deferred
Long implementation timeline for Decent Homes Standard delays improvements for tenants
Conclusion
The Government’s long implementation date for the revised Decent Homes Standard eases the burden on providers, but fails to deliver improvements with the urgency that social tenants deserve. Too many tenants will remain in poor quality, unsafe homes for too long under the implementation date that the Government has set. There is also a risk that many homes may fail to meet the revised Decent Homes Standard by the final implementation date. (Conclusion, Paragraph 54)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government will work with sector bodies to agree a compact overseen by a taskforce, which will focus on social and affordable housebuilding commitments and strengthened governance.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
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. 25. In the coming weeks, we will work with the National Housing Federation, Local Government Association and other sector bodies to agree a compact. Once agreed, that compact will be overseen by a taskforce comprising representatives from a range of sector organisations and interests. More detail about the terms of reference and membership of this group will be set out in the coming weeks. 26. At the heart of the compact will be ambitious social and affordable housebuilding commitments, evidencing how the grant funding support and regulatory certainty and stability that this government has provided has translated into ambitious delivery plans and bids into the SAHP from housing associations, councils and other Registered Providers. It will also be premised on strengthened joint governance and accountability mechanisms, with oversight provided by regular reporting back to the Secretary of State. The Regulator of Social Housing is developing its approach to seeking assurance from landlords that they are appropriately preparing for DHS2.
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