Issue - meetings

To consider the decision of the Cabinet for the implications of and the Council’s approach to meeting new legal and regulatory requirements in respect of housing health and safety hazards.

Notice of Decisions to follow in separate document.

To consider the implications of and the Council’s approach to meeting new legal and regulatory requirements in respect of housing health and safety hazards.

Cabinet received a report outlining the Council’s response to new legal and regulatory requirements addressing housing health and safety hazards, introduced under Awaab’s Law. These requirements would be implemented in phases starting October 2025, with the initial focus on Damp and mould, and all types of emergency hazards.  The Portfolio Holder advised that there would be more phases coming forward in 2026/27 and that it was essential to ensure the Council’s Housing Stock was as up to date and warm as possible for tenants.

It was noted that a full briefing would be shared with Members detailing to a number of further Government announcements in relation to social housing, such as more funding for Council homes, possible changes to Right to Buy as well as access to funding. 

Members thanked the officers involved in the organisation of the recent Decent Homes Open Day which had been held at the Cromwell Hotel.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That the new legal and regulatory requirements in relation to housing health and safety hazards as set out in the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 which are due to be implemented by way of secondary legislation with the initial phase to come into effect from 25 October 2025 be noted.

2.    That the planned introduction of new electrical safety standards for the social housing sector in November 2025 be noted.

3.    That the work being carried out to ensure compliance with the new requirements in relation to damp, mould and condensation and all types of emergency hazards be endorsed.

4.    That it be noted that the Executive Housing Working Group (EHWG) will receive regular updates on compliance with the new housing health and safety legal requirements both prior to and following their introduction in October 2025. These updates will include implications of the planned widening of the scope of the new legal requirements during 2026 and 2027 and actions required to ensure compliance once known.

5.    That the amended Repairs and Maintenance Policy as attached at Appendix 1 be approved.

6.    That the Strategic Director (Richard Protheroe) be delegated authority to agree any further minor changes to the Repairs and Maintenance Policy and/or Damp and Mould Policy after consultation with the Housing Portfolio Holder.

7.    That the potential resourcing implications for the proposed extension of the new legal and regulatory requirements to other Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) hazards in 2026 and 2027 be noted.

Cabinet received a report outlining the Council’s response to new legal and regulatory requirements addressing housing health and safety hazards, introduced under Awaab’s Law. These requirements would be implemented in phases starting October 2025, with the initial focus on damp and mould, and all types of emergency hazards.  The Portfolio Holder advised that there would be more phases coming forward in 2026/27 and that it was essential to ensure the Council’s Housing Stock was as up to date and safe and warm as possible for tenants.

The portfolio Holder was pleased to report that the Council as a Landlord was in a strong position to manage the phases coming forward through the established Damp and Mould Team but that policies and procedures would be regularly reviewed.

It was noted that a full briefing would be shared with Members detailing to a number of further Government announcements in relation to social housing, such as more funding for Council homes, possible changes to Right to Buy as well as access to funding. 

Members welcomed the recent Government announcements regarding more funding for Council homes alongside potential changes to the Right to Buy legislation.

Members thanked the officers involved in the organisation of the recent Decent Homes Programme Open Day which had been held at the Cromwell Hotel at which Members were given the opportunity to meet with contractors and companies involved in the Programme.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That the new legal and regulatory requirements in relation to housing health and safety hazards as set out in the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 which are due to be implemented by way of secondary legislation with the initial phase to come into effect from 25 October 2025 be noted.

2.    That the planned introduction of new electrical safety standards for the social housing sector in November 2025 be noted.

3.    That the work being carried out to ensure compliance with the new requirements in relation to damp, mould and condensation and all types of emergency hazards be endorsed.

4.    That it be noted that the Executive Housing Working Group (EHWG) will receive regular updates on compliance with the new housing health and safety legal requirements both prior to and following their introduction in October 2025. These updates will include implications of the planned widening of the scope of the new legal requirements during 2026 and 2027 and actions required to ensure compliance once known.

5.    That the amended Repairs and Maintenance Policy as attached at Appendix 1 be approved.

6.    That the Strategic Director (Richard Protheroe) be delegated authority to agree any further minor changes to the Repairs and Maintenance Policy and/or Damp and Mould Policy after consultation with the Housing Portfolio Holder.

7.    That the potential resourcing implications for the proposed extension of the new legal and regulatory requirements to other Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) hazards in 2026 and 2027 be noted.