Committee publication · Special Report · 28 April 2026 · HC 1853
7th Special Report - Housing Conditions in the Social Rented Sector: Government Response
From: Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Inquiry: Housing Conditions in England
Summary
This is the government's response to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee's February 2026 report on housing conditions in the social rented sector. The government outlines its five-step 'Decade of Renewal' plan, including a £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme, new Decent Homes Standards by 2035, Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards by 2030, and implementation of Awaab's Law for hazard remediation, while addressing the committee's nine recommendations on regulatory frameworks, funding clarity, and supply chain support.
Key findings
- Government commits £39 billion over 10 years for social and affordable housebuilding with ambition to deliver around 300,000 homes (at least 60% at Social Rent), plus over £1 billion building safety funding (2026/27–2029/30) and £1.29 billion for energy efficiency improvements.
- New Decent Homes Standard will apply from 2035 across social and private rented sectors, prioritising safety, decency and warmth; all social homes must meet EPC C by 1 April 2030 using approved metrics (Fabric Performance, Smart Readiness, or Heating System).
- Phase 1 of Awaab's Law came into force October 2025 requiring emergency hazards addressed within 24 hours and damp/mould within fixed timescales; further phases under 'test and learn' approach with timeline to be clarified.
- Government confirms 10-year rent settlement from 1 April 2026 (CPI+1% annually) with additional annual increases of up to £1 from April 2027 and £2 from April 2028 until formula rent reached, subject to consultation outcomes.
- Government rejects call for periodic Decent Homes Standard review every 10 years, citing need for regulatory stability; instead will publish best practice guidance on climate adaptation, digital connectivity and water efficiency.
Government position
The government accepts the broad thrust of the committee's inquiry and welcomes scrutiny. It accepts or partially accepts most recommendations: commits to Decent Homes Standard modernisation and interim targets via a sector compact; confirms regulatory clarity through the 5-step plan; rejects mandatory periodic reviews of DHS (citing stability needs) and defers final details on New Homes Ombudsman timeline. The government frames its response as delivering 'transformational and lasting change' while maintaining provider financial capacity through rent policy, grant funding, and low-interest loans.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Homes England, Greater London Authority, National Housing Federation, Local Government Association, Regulator of Social Housing, Private Registered Providers
Notable line
“… our plan to deliver a decade of renewal for social and affordable housing will mean the biggest increase in supply of social housing in a generation but also a transformational and lasting change in the safety and quality of homes.”
Key Quotes
“As the committee recognises in its report, our plan to deliver a decade of renewal for social and affordable housing will mean the biggest increase in supply of social housing in a generation but also a transformational and lasting change in the safety and quality of homes.”
“In July 2025 we confirmed the headline parameters of the new 10- year £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP), to kickstart social and affordable housebuilding at scale across the country.”
“Phase 1 of Awaab's Law came into force on 27 October 2025, specifying that social landlords must address damp and mould hazards within fixed timescales, and all emergency hazards within 24 hours.”
“The new DHS has been designed to reflect modern expectations of rented homes and improve health outcomes for tenants. It prioritises safety, decency and warmth and will act as a common standard for both private and social rented housing.”
“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.”
“This will allow providers to choose the measures that will be most suitable for their properties and deliver the biggest benefits to tenants in bill savings.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗