Local authorities have a duty to bring all their own stock up to the Government's Decent Homes Standard by 2010.
Although the Decent Homes Standard does not apply to the private sector at present, the Government has given a commitment to reduce the number of non decent homes in the private sector occupied by vulnerable households. Therefore, the council will use it as a minimum standard for homes that are deemed to be unfit and are receiving a renovation grant for remedial works.
The latest definition of a decent home is one that meets the four following criteria:
a) It meets the current minimum standard for housing
Homes below this standard are those defined as unfit under section 604 of the Housing Act 1985 (as amended by the 1989 Local Government and Housing Act.)
b) It is in a reasonable state of repair
Homes which fail to meet this criterion are those where either:
- One or more of the key building components are old and, because of their condition, need replacing or major repair; or
- Two or more of the other building components are old and, because of their condition, need replacing or major repair.
c) It has reasonably modern facilities and services
Homes that fail to meet this criterion are those which lack three or more of the following:
- A reasonably modern kitchen (20 years old or less);
- A kitchen with adequate space and layout;
- A reasonably modern bathroom (30 years old or less);
- An appropriately located bathroom and WC;
- Adequate insulation against external noise (where external noise is a problem);
- Adequate size and layout of common areas for blocks of flats.
d) It provides a reasonable degree of thermal comfort
This requires homes to have both effective insulation and efficient heating.
For further information contact: Private Housing Renewal Unit, Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council, Council Offices, 4 Civic Way, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH65 0BE or
Visit the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) Website at: www.communities.gov.uk
