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<p>In England, the Regulator of Social Housing requires registered providers to maintain
their homes to the Decent Homes Standard, which says homes must have efficient heating
and effective insulation. Homes are also required to be free of serious hazards, such
as excess cold, identified using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).</p><p>In
August 2018, the Government’s Social Housing Green Paper asked whether there are any
changes to what constitutes a decent home that Government should consider. The consultation
closed in November 2018 and we are currently analysing responses.</p><p>In January
2019, Government also commissioned the first stage of a review to assess how well
the HHSRS works in practice. We have also supported the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation)
Act which will allow social tenants to seek redress in the courts if their home contains
a hazard.</p><p>In addition, the Government sets minimum standards for energy efficiency
and the safety of heating appliances through Building Regulations Part L (Conservation
of fuel and power) and Part J (Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems) respectively.
In the Government’s Clean Growth Strategy, we committed to reviewing the Part L standards
including consulting on improving energy efficiency requirements in new and existing
buildings where the evidence suggests there are cost effective, affordable and safe
opportunities to do so. We plan to consult on these matters in 2019.</p><p> </p>
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