Legislation and policy
Much of what we do in the Housing Service is guided by legislation. This Housing Strategy and its delivery is intended to be compatible with, but not limited to, the following key legislation.
- Charter for Social Housing Residents (Social Housing White Paper) 2020 - Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, which exposed a range of issues with social housing, the Government set out what they believe landlords should be focusing on when delivering services. The publication of both the Green Paper in 2018 and the Charter for Social Housing Residents (Social Housing White Paper) in 2020 highlighted several themes around how landlords should act. This included being transparent in how they are performing, empowering residents to have their voices heard and ensuring all residents are safe in their home.
- Fire Safety Act 2021 - The Fire Safety Act which was introduced in 2021 amends the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and clarifies that the external walls, flat entrance doors and the structure of buildings are all covered by the Fire Safety Order and must be accounted for in fire risk assessments. The Fire Safety (England) Regulations which were introduced in 2022 seek to improve the safety of blocks of flats in ways which are practical, cost effective for individual leaseholders and proportionate to the risk of fire. The regulations implemented the majority of the recommendations made by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry in its Phase 1 report.
- Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 - This increased the regulation of social landlords and gives the Regulator of Social Housing enforcement powers such as the ability to impose unlimited fines and authorise emergency remedial action to remedy failures by a landlord. The Act also introduced new social housing consumer standards, which are set out in Section 9 of this Strategy.
- Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 - This allowed the Government to create new national standards for supported housing, make changes to how supported accommodation is regulated and gives local authorities the power to set up licensing schemes to tackle poor quality supported housing in their area.
The Government has also committed to introducing a Renters’ Rights Act which will aim to reform the private rented sector and strengthen renters’ rights. Proposals include repealing section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 which allows landlords to evict tenants quickly without having to give a reason. Several new measures will also be included, such as a new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman to resolve tenant complaints, the introduction of the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector, and the prohibition of landlords discriminating against tenants in receipt of benefits or with children when letting a property.
Policies
Housing policies are developed by our Housing Policy and Development team. Our housing policies set out the approach to how we deliver our services and what customers can expect, whilst adhering to regulatory and legislative requirements and best practice. They also promote transparency to both internal and external stakeholders.
Strategies
Our Housing Policy and Development team also develop housing strategies, which set out a medium or long term vision containing actions and targets which are required to achieve that vision.
All housing policies and strategies are available to view on the Council’s Housing Strategy and Policy webpage.