Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 19
19
Accepted
Establish a new, modern Decent Homes Programme to raise social housing standards
Recommendation
There is a strong case for the Government to establish a new, modern Decent Homes Programme that supports social landlords to raise the standard of social homes. This programme should consist of: a. a single housing quality framework or strategy that consolidates, and aligns, the regulatory requirements on social landlords. b. a pooled fund that brings together existing funding for improvements to social homes and gives providers greater flexibility. c. local partnerships between local government, social landlords and the private rented sector to address skills and supply chain constraints. (Recommendation, Paragraph 73) 48
Government Response Summary
The government states that the Regulator of Social Housing has introduced a new consumer regulation regime, details its commitment to grant funding, and highlights its work with the industry to provide high-quality training opportunities.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
30. In April 2024, the Regulator of Social Housing introduced its new consumer regulation regime. The Regulator proactively seeks evidence and assurances that registered providers of social housing are delivering the outcomes set out in strengthened consumer standards, including through inspections of large landlords. 31. We have set out above details of the commitment to deliver the biggest boost to grant funding in a generation. The 5-step plan to deliver a decade of renewal for social and affordable housing already provides long-term certainty on future regulatory requirements that social landlords need to meet. We are committed to developing detailed guidance on the revised Decent Homes Standard, which includes Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards and further phases of Awaab’s Law, to give landlords further clarity about regulatory requirements. 32. The government recognises the need for a skilled, competent and robust supply chain to deliver the improvements to buildings necessary to meet our net zero and fuel poverty targets. We are working closely with the industry to provide high-quality training opportunities and build a diverse workforce that is fit for the future.