New plans have been announced an additional 300,000 more social and affordable homes alongside an overhaul of standards in the sector.
The Government will invest £39bn in the Social and Affordable Homes Programme and it has confirmed moves to raise standards across existing social housing stock through a new Decent Homes Standard.
These reforms promise tougher action on damp and mould, stronger enforcement of repairs, and warmer, more energy-efficient homes. From 2030, social landlords will also be required to meet higher energy efficiency standards, reducing energy bills for tenants.
A spokesperson for the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, commented:
“These measures are a welcome step towards better homes and lower bills, especially if the new standards finally get a grip on damp, mould and poor insulation in social housing.
“People have suffered for far too long in substandard housing and with high energy bills. Those households suffering in fuel poverty need new social housing or home upgrades to reach them as a priority and as soon as possible.
“When it comes to upgrades funded through the landmark Warm Homes Plan, this work must link up with a Warm Homes Guarantee, so every household gets trusted advice during the process, strong consumer protections and a clear promise that energy bills will fall after work is done.”