Government provide Decent Homes Standard, MEES and funding announcement

The Housing Secretary, Steve Reed, has announced a series of measures to give new funding and financial flexibility to social and affordable housing providers to increase supply, upgrade standards and energy efficiency in homes. 

The announcement includes the new Decent Homes Standards (DHS), the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), greater financial support to increase the construction and delivery of new homes alongside changes to resolve Section 106 challenges. The update arrives ahead of bidding opening next month for the £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP).

Commenting on the announcement Gavin Smart, chief executive at the Chartered Institute of Housing said: “CIH welcomes today’s announcement of new funding and regulatory certainty for social and affordable housing, building on the 2025 Spending Review and supporting the delivery of more high-quality, affordable homes.

“We particularly welcome the new Decent Homes Standard, updating minimum standards for the first time in 20 years and strengthening action on damp, mould and energy efficiency - crucial to improving quality of life and reducing living costs for tenants.

“Measures to accelerate council housebuilding, increase financial flexibilities and reform the Section 106 market, alongside social rent convergence, should strengthen the sector’s capacity to invest in both new and existing homes.

“We recognise that delivery at scale will require strong leadership, careful planning, and collaboration across the sector. CIH will continue to support members to navigate these changes and deliver the government’s ambition for safe, decent and affordable homes for all.”

CIH’s policy team are looking at the details and will be producing a What You Need to Know member briefing shortly.