4
Rejected
We recommend that the Government set interim targets for the proportion of temporary accommodation that...
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government set interim targets for the proportion of temporary accommodation that is upgraded to comply with the new Decent Homes Standard before the final implementation date in 2035. These should align with interim targets set for the wider private rented sector. (Recommendation, Paragraph 23)
Government Response Summary
The government effectively rejects setting interim targets for upgrading temporary accommodation to the new Decent Homes Standard, instead reiterating existing standards and commitments to apply the reformed standard and publish guidance by the end of 2026.
Government Response
Rejected
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
18. When securing accommodation under homelessness legislation, housing authorities should already ensure that all accommodation is free of health and safety hazards at the most dangerous ‘category 1’ level, assessed using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). 19. The current Decent Homes Standard (DHS) already applies to temporary accommodation and supported housing with a social landlord. Through the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 the Decent Homes Standard will be applied to the private rented sector for the first time. In January, government published its response to its consultation on a reformed Decent Homes Standard for social housing, and its extension to privately rented homes. As we set out in our National Plan to End Homelessness, the government’s intention is to apply the reformed Decent Homes Standard to temporary accommodation wherever possible. 20. The reformed Decent Homes Standard will set out what tenants should be able to expect from their home and make clear the obligations for landlords to provide a home that is safe and warm. 21. It is our intention that the new Decent Homes Standard will drive a long-term improvement in housing quality and we expect landlords in each tenure (including temporary accommodation) to begin taking action now to ensure their properties meet the reformed Decent Homes Standard and other new requirements before the implementation date of 2035, in a similar fashion to the introduction of the original Decent Homes Standard in 2001. We will engage with the sector to ensure the Decent Homes Standard can be applied across different temporary accommodation settings. The Regulator of Social Housing is also developing its approach to seeking assurance from landlords that they are appropriately preparing for the reformed Decent Homes Standard. 22. A detailed evaluation plan will be developed over the coming years to help monitor and evaluate the adoption and implementation of the reformed Decent Homes Standard as it is introduced across different settings. We will publish guidance for landlords about implementing the Decent Homes Standard by the end of 2026. 23. For temporary accommodation in the social housing sector, we have also committed to work with the National Housing Federation, Local Government Association and other sector bodies to agree a compact that, once agreed will be overseen by a taskforce comprising representatives from a range of sector organisations and interests. At the heart of the compact will be ambitious social and affordable housebuilding commitments, evidencing how the grant funding support and regulatory certainty and stability that this government has provided has translated into ambitious delivery plans and bids into the Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP) from housing associations, councils and other Registered Providers. It will also be premised on strengthened joint governance and accountability mechanisms, with oversight provided by regular reporting back to the department.
Source
Inquiry
Housing Conditions in England
Report
5th Report - Housing Conditions in Temporary Accommodation
22 Apr 2026
HC 1831
Addressee Bodies
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.3 yrs
Report published
22 Apr 2026