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Welsh government to introduce new quality standard for all social landlord homes
The Welsh government is set to launch a consultation on proposals for a new quality standard aimed at driving up the conditions of social housing across the country.
In an announcement yesterday, climate change minister Julie James said that the government would be looking to review and replace the existing quality standard that has been in place for the past two decades, with a consultation on new proposals opening today.
According to the government, more than 900 tenants, as well as social housing professionals, have been involved in drawing up the proposals, and they have been assessed against similar standards in other countries in the UK, as well as globally.
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The Welsh Housing Quality Standard was introduced in 2002 in a bid to drive up standards in social housing.
Under the current standard, all social homes in Wales must meet a number of requirements, including being in a good state of repair, safe and secure, adequately heated and well managed.
The new standard is set to come in in 2023. The proposals will be published today and the consultation will remain open for responses for 12 weeks.
Speaking in the Senedd, Ms James said: “Reflecting on the levels of achievement of the current standard, I am sure members will agree that, after 20 years, the standard is due to be reviewed, especially to acknowledge the considerable changes to how people live, work and feel about their homes.
“The world has moved on apace in the last 20 years and our expectation of our homes has moved on too.
“The proposed standard aims to be bold but ultimately achievable. We aim with our consultation to ensure that the voice of the sector is taken into account in finalising these standards and getting them right.”
The replacing of existing standards comes as the past 18 months has seen an increased focus on social housing standards with a number of high-profile investigations, highlighting poor-quality housing and widespread disrepair issues.
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