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<p>In England, the Regulator of Social Housing requires registered providers to maintain
their homes to the Decent Homes Standard. That includes a requirement to provide reasonably
modern facilities and services. The Standard does not require social landlords to
provide essential household items such as households goods or furnishings.</p><p>Where
people need it, the Government provides a strong safety net through the welfare system
for those who need extra support, including a system of hardship payments and benefit
advances. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may also be able to offer support
for those that need help with the costs of intermittent expenses that are considered
difficult to budget for, including furniture. For those on Universal Credit, budgeting
advances provide access to interest free payments for one-off items. For those on
other DWP means-tested benefits interest free budgeting loans are available.</p><p>
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