Decent Homes Standard
In July 2000, following its Spending Review, the Government announced a significant increase in resources for housing, especially social housing. This was on top of substantial increases announced in 1998. As part of its desire to link increased spending to better outcomes, the Government established a target to:
“ensure that all social housing meets set standards of decency by 2010, by reducing the number of households living in social housing that does not meet these standards by a third between 2001 and 2004, with most of the improvement taking place in the most deprived local authority areas”
The target relates to social housing i.e. that owned by Local Authorities and Registered Social Landlords (generally known as Housing Associations – referred to as HAs here).
A decent home is one which is wind and weather tight, warm and has modern facilities.
We are committed to ensuring all of our homes reach the Decent Homes Standard. We currently have an allocation of £116 million to achieve this by 2007. The Main and Local Boards annually agree the work to be carried out in your area.
A decent home meets the following criteria:
It meets the current statutory minimum standard for housing. Dwellings below this standard are those defined as unfit under section 604 of the Housing Act 1985 (as amended by the 1989 Local Government and Housing Act).
It is in a reasonable state of repair. Dwellings which fail to meet this criterion are those where either:
- One or more of the key building components are old and, because of their condition, need replacing or major repair; or
- Two or more of the other building components are old and, because of their condition, need replacing or major repair.
It has reasonably modern facilities and services. Dwellings which fail to meet this criterion are those which lack three or more of the following:
- A reasonably modern kitchen (20 years old or less)
- A kitchen with adequate space and layout
- A reasonably modern bathroom (30 years old or less)
- An appropriately located bathroom and WC
- Adequate insulation against external noise (where external noise is a problem)
- Adequate size and layout of common areas for blocks of flats
It provides a reasonable degree of thermal comfort. This criterion requires dwellings to have both effective insulation and efficient heating.
Contact Details
For more information please contact your local housing office.
Or email: fcho.home.improvements@oldham.gov.uk