Government to consult on new decent homes standard

The government has announced it will consult on a new Decent Homes Standard for the rented sectors.

The consultation will launch as soon as possible and aims to ensure safe, secure housing is the standard people can expect in both social housing and private rented properties.

The government is also planning to bring forward legislation for Awaab’s Law in the social rented sector this autumn.

Alongside Awaab's Law, the government will introduce new access to information requirements for housing associations, to enable tenants from the 2.5 million households managed by housing associations to hold their landlords to account and drive up the quality of the housing and services they provide.  

There will also be a new Competence and Conduct standard for the social rented sector that will ensure staff have the right skills, behaviours and experience to carry out the role they have in supporting often some of the most vulnerable in our society. The standard will include qualification requirements for senior managers and executives and is intended to help raise standards across the sector, ensuring tenants receive a professional service and are treated with respect and dignity.

Cllr Adam Hug, Local Government Association housing spokesperson, said: “It is good the Government is setting out measures to protect renters and improve housing standards.

“Councils are committed to addressing the challenges of unfit housing and want their residents to have the security of a safe and well-maintained home with any issues quickly and satisfactorily addressed.

“While we look forward to seeing the detail behind this announcement, councils need further funding and support to raise standards in the private rented sector. 

“Councils could also do much more if they were given the right tools, such as removing the requirement for Secretary of State approval for larger selective licensing schemes.”