Housing Conditions in England

Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee Open Inquiry
Opened: 3 Jul 2025 Parliament page
The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee is holding an inquiry into the condition of homes in England. The Government has set out plans to deliver a decade of renewal in the provision of social and affordable homes , including a “transformational” and “lasting change in the safety and quality … Read more
52 Recommendations
40 Conclusions
3 Reports
7 Oral sessions
16 Letters
7 Events
Activity timeline 28 events
15 Jul
2026
Correspondence
8 Jul
2026
Correspondence
7 Jul
2026
Oral evidence
3 Jul
2026
Report published
24 Jun
2026
Report published
17 Jun
2026
Correspondence
17 Jun
2026
Correspondence
22 May
2026
Correspondence
19 May
2026
Correspondence
28 Apr
2026
Report published
22 Apr
2026
Report published
14 Apr
2026
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 7 sessions
7 Jul 2026
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Oral Evidence
Emma Payne · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Joanna Key · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Matthew Pennycook MP · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
14 Apr 2026
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Oral Evidence
Chloe Fletcher · Chartered Institute of Housing Jennie Daly · Taylor Wimpey Nigel Cates · The New Homes Ombudsman Service Richard Smith · National House Building Council Stephen Teagle · Vistry Group Steve Turner · Home Builders Federation
27 Jan 2026
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Oral Evidence
Christa Maciver · Justlife Foundation Councillor Grace Williams · London Councils Dr Laura Neilson · Shared Health Foundation Joe Lane · Office of the Children's Commissioner Joseph Donohue · Greater Manchester Combined Authority Matt Downie · Crisis Paul Kitson · Newham Council Stephen Philpott · Birmingham City Council
25 Nov 2025
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Oral Evidence
Ashlea Birch · Manchester City Council Fiona MacGregor · Regulator of Social Housing Ian Sanders · Hull City Council James Wilson · Great Yarmouth Borough Council Joe Roberts · Cornwall Council Jonathan Walters · Regulator of Social Housing
4 Nov 2025
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Oral Evidence
Anny Cullum · ACORN Ben Beadle · National Residential Landlords Association Deborah Garvie · Shelter Dr Jennifer Harris · TDS Charitable Foundation Kate Markey · Nationwide Foundation Nye Jones · Generation Rent Timothy Douglas · Propertymark
14 Oct 2025
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Oral Evidence
Alistair Smyth · National Housing Federation Councillor Sarah King · Southwark Council Craig Moule · Sanctuary Ian McDermott · G15 Kwajo Tweneboa Nic Bliss · Stop Social Housing Stigma Richard Blakeway · Housing Ombudsman Service
9 Sep 2025
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Oral Evidence
Dr Henry Dawson · Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Helen Garrett · Building Research Establishment Michael Erhardt · Disability Rights UK Millie Brown · Centre for Better Ageing Professor Sir Michael Marmot · Institute for Health Equity
Recommendations & Conclusions
21 results
Clear
2 Conclusion Accepted
4th Report – Housing Conditions in…
Government social housing plans do not address systemic drivers of poor conditions.
We support the Government’s plans to raise the standard of social homes over the next decade, while boosting supply. These actions will go some way to improving the quality and safety of social homes. However, the Government’s plans do not … Read more
Government Response
The government states that Phase 1 of Awaab's Law came into force on 27 October 2025, and they are working closely with stakeholders on next steps for phases 2 and 3.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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3 Recommendation Accepted
4th Report – Housing Conditions in…
Publish Long-term Housing Strategy for improving social homes and regenerating existing stock.
The Long-term Housing Strategy must put in place a long-term approach for improving and maintaining social homes and addressing the systemic drivers of poor housing quality, especially a long-term approach to the regeneration of existing social homes. We reiterate our … Read more
Government Response
The government published a five-step plan including a new 10-year £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme, £2.5 billion in low-interest loans, and an extension of the 'preferential' borrowing rate.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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11 Conclusion Accepted
4th Report – Housing Conditions in…
Decent Homes Standard previously outdated and in urgent need of reform
We welcome the Government’s changes to the Decent Homes Standard. The current standard has been out-of-date for some time and is in urgent need of reform, given that it was last updated in 2006. (Conclusion, Paragraph 48)
Government Response
The government responded to its consultation on an updated and modernised Decent Homes Standard and aims to drive down rates of non-decency across the country and support landlords.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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15 Conclusion Accepted
4th Report – Housing Conditions in…
New regulatory compliance costs risk limiting investment in new social homes
While we welcome the steps the Government has taken to rebuild the sector’s financial capacity, a lot of the extra rental income social landlords receive could be absorbed by the new compliance costs placed on them, thereby limiting their ability … Read more
Government Response
The government highlights existing programmes and investments aimed at improving the safety, quality, and supply of social housing, including rent policy, building safety funding, low-interest loans, and the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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16 Conclusion Accepted
4th Report – Housing Conditions in…
Establish a long-term approach for social home regeneration within the Housing Strategy
There is a real risk that the costs of new regulatory requirements may lead to an increase in social landlords choosing to sell homes that have reached, or are approaching, the end of their intended lifespan, at a time when … Read more
Government Response
The government highlights existing programmes and investments aimed at improving the safety, quality, and supply of social housing, including rent policy, building safety funding, low-interest loans, and the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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17 Recommendation Accepted
4th Report – Housing Conditions in…
Publish an assessment of new regulatory requirements' cumulative impact on social home supply
The Government must publish an assessment of the cumulative impact the new regulatory requirements are likely to have on the supply of social homes over the next decade. This assessment should consider how the cumulative costs of the new regulatory … Read more
Government Response
The government claims the Decent Homes Standard Final Impact Assessment and social housing MEES Impact Assessment already set out potential impacts on the supply of new social housing.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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19 Recommendation Accepted
4th Report – Housing Conditions in…
Establish a new, modern Decent Homes Programme to raise social housing standards
There is a strong case for the Government to establish a new, modern Decent Homes Programme that supports social landlords to raise the standard of social homes. This programme should consist of: a. a single housing quality framework or strategy … Read more
Government Response
The government states that the Regulator of Social Housing has introduced a new consumer regulation regime, details its commitment to grant funding, and highlights its work with the industry to provide high-quality training opportunities.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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20 Conclusion Accepted
4th Report – Housing Conditions in…
Robust measures of redress are vital for newly built social homes disputes
It is vital that there are robust measures of redress in place to resolve disputes about the quality of newly built social homes. (Conclusion, Paragraph 76)
Government Response
The government states it remains committed to implementing a statutory New Homes Ombudsman scheme and that social housing tenants can already access support from the Housing Ombudsman.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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1 Conclusion Accepted
5th Report - Housing Conditions in…
Much of the evidence we received supports the conclusion that temporary accommodation is often so...
Much of the evidence we received supports the conclusion that temporary accommodation is often so poor as to be unfit for human habitation. However, the absence of official statistics on the physical condition and quality of temporary accommodation means it … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees on the need to understand temporary accommodation quality and commits to investigating options to improve data collection, building on existing surveys, with an update to the Committee in autumn.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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5 Recommendation Accepted
5th Report - Housing Conditions in…
The government’s plans to extend Awaab’s Law and the Decent Homes Standard to temporary accommodation...
The government’s plans to extend Awaab’s Law and the Decent Homes Standard to temporary accommodation will provide households with stronger protections against hazards and disrepair. However, while we wait for these reforms, the government should focus on ensuring that the … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees local authorities must deliver their statutory duty regarding suitability of temporary accommodation, stating that current legislation and the Homelessness Code of Guidance already outline requirements for authorities to review housing conditions and ensure accommodation is free of Category 1 hazards.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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9 Conclusion Accepted
5th Report - Housing Conditions in…
We are deeply concerned about the lack of space provided to some families living in...
We are deeply concerned about the lack of space provided to some families living in temporary accommodation and the potentially harmful effects this can have on children’s safety, wellbeing and development. The standards used to determine if homes are statutorily … Read more
Government Response
The government states that existing requirements address overcrowding but commits to working with the sector to better understand the issue, ensure enforcement guidance highlights overcrowding, and investigate options to improve data collection on overcrowding and hazards. They will also use the Emergency Accommodation Reduction Programme to address poor practice.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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11 Conclusion Accepted
5th Report - Housing Conditions in…
We agree with the government’s decision to prioritise eliminating the unlawful use of B&B accommodation...
We agree with the government’s decision to prioritise eliminating the unlawful use of B&B accommodation by the end of the Parliament. The government and councils have made good progress at reducing the number of families living in B&B accommodation longer … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged the risk of councils moving families from B&Bs into other unsuitable accommodation or out-of-area placements. They committed to using the £30m Emergency Accommodation Reduction Programme, clarifying suitability guidance, setting expectations for councils on placements, and working with stakeholders to identify and tackle other high-risk temporary accommodation forms.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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13 Recommendation Accepted
5th Report - Housing Conditions in…
We remain concerned that the definition of B&B in the Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (England)...
We remain concerned that the definition of B&B in the Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (England) Order 2003 does not prevent families being placed in similar accommodation, without any restrictions on the time local authorities can house them there. We recognise … Read more
Government Response
The government states its commitment to eliminating unlawful B&B use and will review the use of socially managed hostel accommodation, considering further action to reduce or regulate its use and improve practice.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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21 Conclusion Accepted
5th Report - Housing Conditions in…
We are alarmed to hear of people with physical disabilities, medical conditions and other complex...
We are alarmed to hear of people with physical disabilities, medical conditions and other complex needs being placed in accommodation that is unsuitable for them. Part of the solution to this problem is improving the quality of supply available locally. … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the importance of suitable accommodation for those with complex needs, stating it will review and update the Care Act 2014 statutory guidance and publish new support guidance to improve clarity and joined-up practice across services by 2026.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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24 Recommendation Accepted
5th Report - Housing Conditions in…
In response to this report, we request an update on the options the Government is...
In response to this report, we request an update on the options the Government is considering to increase the supply of good-quality supported housing, as part of the Chief Secretary of the Treasury’s review. (Recommendation, Paragraph 75) Managing and improving … Read more
Government Response
The government accepted the request for an update, stating they are considering supported housing as part of the Thematic Value for Money Review. They highlighted ongoing actions, including £159 million in funding and published guidance for local authorities, and committed to providing continued updates to the committee.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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30 Recommendation Accepted
5th Report - Housing Conditions in…
The government must require local authorities in their action plans to set out how they...
The government must require local authorities in their action plans to set out how they plan to reduce their reliance on nightly-paid accommodation and provide updates on their progress. The government should also work with local authorities to understand the … Read more
Government Response
The government stated that local authorities are already required through grant conditions and an accountability toolkit to produce policies and action plans detailing how they will reduce reliance on expensive temporary accommodation. They are also considering incentives for longer-term arrangements as part of the Thematic Value for Money Review.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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32 Recommendation Accepted
5th Report - Housing Conditions in…
We recommend that the Government restore the Local Housing Allowance rates to 30th percentile.
We recommend that the Government restore the Local Housing Allowance rates to 30th percentile. (Recommendation, Paragraph 94)
Government Response
The government states that Local Housing Allowance rates were already set to the 30th percentile of local market rents from April 2024, fulfilling the recommendation.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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33 Conclusion Accepted
5th Report - Housing Conditions in…
We agree with the government that some degree of temporary accommodation will always be needed...
We agree with the government that some degree of temporary accommodation will always be needed as a safety net and that this accommodation must provide households who need it with a decent, safe and stable place to live while they … Read more
Government Response
The government states that existing guidance (Local Government and Accountability Toolkit) already requires local authorities to have long-term plans for temporary accommodation, and they are continuing to explore options to support councils and share effective demand forecasting approaches.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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34 Recommendation Accepted
5th Report - Housing Conditions in…
The ministry should require local authorities in their action plans to forecast future demand for...
The ministry should require local authorities in their action plans to forecast future demand for temporary accommodation locally and set out a 10- year plan for delivering a sustainable supply of good-quality temporary accommodation that is decent, safe and stable. … Read more
Government Response
The government states that local authorities are already required to have policies for procuring temporary accommodation, including assessing anticipated demand and having a long-term plan, as detailed in the Local Government and Accountability Toolkit. It will continue to explore options and share effective demand forecasting approaches.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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35 Conclusion Accepted
5th Report - Housing Conditions in…
We welcome the extra funding the Government has provided through the Local Authority Housing Fund...
We welcome the extra funding the Government has provided through the Local Authority Housing Fund to help councils increase the supply of temporary accommodation. However, boosting the supply of affordable homes, especially social housing, is critical to alleviating the crisis … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the criticality of boosting affordable and social housing supply, confirming a £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme (2026-2036) with an ambition to deliver 300,000 homes, at least 60% for social rent, to tackle homelessness.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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36 Recommendation Accepted
5th Report - Housing Conditions in…
We recommend that the government set out how they plan to prioritise bids for grant...
We recommend that the government set out how they plan to prioritise bids for grant funding through the Social and Affordable Homes Programme, including how they will take into account value for money. (Recommendation, Paragraph 102)
Government Response
The government states that Homes England and the Greater London Authority have already published full guidance and assessment criteria for the Social and Affordable Homes Programme, detailing how bids are assessed and how value for money is considered.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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Government Response AI assessment · 59 of 52 classified
Accepted 21
Accepted in Part 7
Acknowledged 13
Deferred 11
Not Addressed 4
Rejected 3
Total 52 recs + 40 conclusions
Correspondence 16 letters
15 Jul 2026 To committee Letter from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy to the Chair dated 13 July 2026 concerning the quality of new-build homes
Parliament page
8 Jul 2026 To committee Letter from Age UK to the Chair dated 16 June 2026 concerning accessibility standards in new homes
Parliament page
17 Jun 2026 To committee Letter from the National Residential Landlords Association to the Chair dated 19 November 2025 concerning further points on Housing Conditions in England
Parliament page
17 Jun 2026 To committee Letter from the Nationwide Foundation to the Chair dated 11 November 2025 concerning standards in the Private Rented Sector
Parliament page
22 May 2026 To committee Letter from the Chair to the Minister of State for Housing and Planning dated 20 May 2026 concerning new build homes
Parliament page
19 May 2026 To committee Letter from the Home Builders Federation to the Chair dated 1 May 2026 concerning development costs and accessibility
Parliament page
26 Feb 2026 To committee Letter from the Regulator of Social Housing to the Chair dated 23 February 2026 following up oral evidence on Housing Conditions in England
Parliament page
14 Jan 2026 To committee Letter from the Minister of State for Housing and Planning to the Chair dated 7 January 2026 concerning housing conditions in England
Parliament page
14 Jan 2026 To committee Letter from the Minister of State for Housing and Planning to the Chair dated 9 January 2026 concerning accessibility standards in new homes
Parliament page
3 Dec 2025 To committee Letter from TDS Charitable Foundation to the Chair dated 24 November 2025 concerning housing conditions and renters rights
Parliament page
27 Nov 2025 To committee Letter from the Chair to the Minister of State for Housing and Planning dated 26 November 2025 following up correspondence on accessibility standards in new homes
Parliament page
20 Nov 2025 To committee Letter from the Chair to the Minister of State for Housing and Planning dated 20 November 2025 concerning Housing Conditions in England
Parliament page
12 Nov 2025 To committee Letter from the National Housing Federation to the Chair dated 4 November 2025 following up oral evidence given before the Committee on 14 October
Parliament page
12 Nov 2025 To committee Letter from the Minister of State for Housing and Planning to the Chair dated 7 November concerning accessibility standards in new homes
Parliament page
12 Nov 2025 To committee Letter from Sanctuary Housing to the Chair dated 4 November following up oral evidence given before the Committee on 14 October
Parliament page
15 Oct 2025 To committee Letter from the Chair to the Minister of State for Housing and Planning dated 15 October 2025 concerning accessibility standards in new homes
Parliament page