When the target to make all social/sheltered housing decent by 2010 was first set, a definition of a decent home - the Decent Home Standard - was established in order that progress against the target could be monitored. Under the standard, a home is classed as decent if it:
- is above the current statutory minimum standard for housing (the fitness standard)
- is in a reasonable state of repair
- has reasonably modern facilities
- provides a reasonable degree of thermal comfort
Currently, a third of all housing falls below the decent home standard. Over 1.5 million households live in social homes that are not decent and over 1 million vulnerable households, especially those comprising older people, live in privately owned homes that are not decent, putting their health at risk.
The Decent Homes Standard is at the heart of the government's drive towards a business planning approach to ensure that the assets of the social/sheltered housing sector are used and maintained to maximum effect. The Decent Homes Standard forms an integral part of a housing associations development of their asset management strategies and their business plans. Key stakeholders, including funders, regulators, landlords and tenants require RSLs (Registered Social Landlords) to demonstrate that they are properly managing their stock and are viable organisations.
Housing Transfer Options
Local Authority Plans for the improvement of their housing stock will now fall into one of the below categories;
LSVT - Large Scale Voluntary Transfer: A council will appoint a Registered Social Landlord (often a Housing Association) and their housing stock will then be transferred to this landlord. This is done on a voluntary basis with the approval of the tenants and releases additional funds for the improvement and repairs that are necessary.
ALMO - Arms Length Management Organisation: Ownership of the housing stock does not change and the council will have strategic responsibilities for the overall housing policy. However the ALMO will take over the day-to-day management of the properties focusing on major improvements and repairs.
PFI - Private Finance Initiative: A council will only tend to categorise specific areas of their housing stock into PFI - for example specific housing estates.
TMO - Tenant Management Organisation: A tenant manages the council housing stock and related services. This tenant company is made up of tenants, leaseholders and registered occupiers.
Stock Retention: The council will continue to own, manage, maintain and repair their housing stock and must provide the funding themselves for this work.
Rada, and its sister company Mira Showers, can offer a wide range of products that meet the safety, durability and environmental needs of the sector.
Please contact your area
Commercial Specification Manager for further advice and the latest information, regarding product specification, installation and Building Regulations Guidelines.
