VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Housing: Standards

Asked by Terry JermyLabourMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 10 March 2025UIN 34185

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 25th February to Question 31290 on Housing: Standards, whether levels of lead standardisation will be be included in the Decent Homes Standard for the social and private rented sectors.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook

The government will consult this year on a reformed Decent Homes Standard for the social and private rented sectors.

The existing Decent Homes Standard, which applies to social housing, makes clear that a home is not decent if it contains category 1 (serious) hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).

Tenants who believe their rented home is in a seriously dangerous condition can inform their local authority. Local authorities must take enforcement action under the Housing Act 2004 if they find category 1 hazards assessed using the HHSRS. These include those relating to the presence of lead.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim