National context
Our last strategy was published in 2018. Since then, there have been changes to national policy and legal context, that need to be considered for managing our stock well. These include:
Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018: enacted March 2019, this legislation aims to make sure that landlords must rent out properties that are safe, secure, warm, and dry. If properties do not meet these criteria and may not be safe to live in, then a tenant can take their landlord to court. The court can enforce the landlord to carry out remedial work, rectify health and safety issues, and pay the tenant compensation.
The Charter for Social Housing Residents: Social Housing White Paper 2020: sets out the actions that government will look to introduce to ensure that social housing is safe to live in, residents are listened to, the provision of good quality homes, and the opportunity for change when things go wrong.
The Energy White Paper 2020: powering our net zero future: sets out a strategy for the UK’s energy transition so that by 2050 all buildings will be energy efficient with low carbon heating.
Building Safety Act 2022: provides homeowners and residents more rights, powers, and protection so homes are safer.
Fire Safety Regulations 2022: introduces new duties under the Fire Safety Order for building owners or managers (responsible persons).