Ellie Ames 21 July 2023

‘Landmark’ social housing Act becomes law

‘Landmark’ social housing Act becomes law image
Image: Ian Davidson Photography / Shutterstock.com.

The Government’s new Social Housing (Regulation) Act, which includes greater powers to tackle failing social landlords and more support for tenants living in unsafe homes, has become law.

The law enables the Regulator of Social Housing to carry out regular inspections of the largest social housing providers and issue unlimited fines to social landlords.

The Act also introduces Awaab’s Law, following the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak as a result of exposure to mould last year. The legislation means all landlords must fix reported health and safety hazards within a strict timeframe.

The Government said the Act responded to issues identified after the Grenfell Fire tragedy, including the safety and quality of social housing and how tenants are treated by their landlords.

Housing secretary Michael Gove said: ‘Today is an important step towards righting the wrongs of the past. Our landmark laws will drive up standards of social housing and give residents a proper voice.’

Matt Downie, chief executive of Crisis, called the Act a ‘huge win for social housing tenants’.

Mr Downie added: ‘But better regulation is only one part of the puzzle. The Westminster Government must build the social homes we need if we’re to tackle the housing crisis that is gripping this country. Only by doing this will we ensure that everyone can have somewhere safe, secure and decent to live.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Transformation and Change

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority
£69,210 - £77,728
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was established as a new organisation in early 2024. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

Head of Business Growth and Innovation

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority
£69,210 - £77,728
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was established as a new organisation in early 2024. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

Director of Transport

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority
£100,088 – £110,736
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was established as a new organisation in early 2024. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

Portable Antiquities Scheme Intern

Oxfordshire County Council
£24790 - £24790
About Us This is an exciting time to join the Oxfordshire Museum Service as we continue to develop service structure, and enhance access to our collections and services. Our collection totals 112,000 objects from the palaeolithic era to contemporary coll Witney
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Desktop Support Engineer

West Northamptonshire Council
£34203 - £37067
As a Desktop Support Engineer, you’ll be a key part of our frontline IT support team, ensuring that staff across the council have the tools and assistance they need to work efficiently and effectively. Your work will directly support vital public servic One Angel Square
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council
Linkedin Banner