CIH welcomes HCLG report on social housing conditions

CIH is pleased to see the publication of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee report on housing conditions in the social rented sector. 

While most social homes provide warm, safe spaces for tenants, the report finds that too many are living in poor conditions, with standards “barely improving” since the pandemic. 

Commenting, CIH chief executive Gavin Smart said: “We welcome the publication of the committee’s report, which clearly sets out both the current state of social housing and the action needed to ensure all homes meet modern standards and are free from hazards such as damp and mould. 

“We strongly support the committee’s call for a long-term housing strategy and a new, modern Decent Homes Programme to drive sustained improvements in the quality and safety of social homes over the next decade.” 

He added: “The report reflects CIH’s evidence on the need to take a more joined-up approach to housing quality, including energy efficiency, climate resilience and accessibility. 

“As new requirements on decency, energy efficiency and rent convergence are introduced, it is essential these reforms are implemented in a joined-up and deliverable way, so improvements can be made at pace and at scale.” 

Funding

We have reiterated the need for additional funding, as our engagement with members and partners suggests that the cost estimates set out in the impact assessments are unrealistic. 

We call on the government to provide long-term funding programmes and support, underpinned by social rent convergence at an appropriate level and an expanded Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, so that landlords can deliver improvements without undermining investment in new homes. 

Decent Homes

We welcome the committee’s call for government to establish a new, modern Decent Homes programme that supports social landlords to raise the standard of social homes. We support the committee’s recommendation that, as a baseline, this 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.