Social Rented Housing 2025-04-07
2025-04-07
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Residents in Jessica Toale's constituency have faced living conditions with leaking roofs, damp, mould, unfinished works. Interventions by the MP led to a multimillion-pound upgrade and better communication from the housing provider.
Jessica Toale raised concerns that her constituents were left waiting years for repairs and social housing providers not meeting their obligations despite recent upgrades in one building due to intervention.
Matthew Pennycook agreed with Jessica Toale that her intervention should not have been necessary. He mentioned the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Bill abolishing section 21 evictions by housing associations, and noted the Regulator of Social Housing's powers to work intensively with providers failing regulatory standards.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address how to ensure residents are not waiting years for repairs specifically.
Discussed Broader Reforms Instead
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister for Housing and Planning has been consulting on a new decent homes standard.
Sir Desmond Swayne asked in what precise ways the Minister intends to improve the decent homes standard, referencing the announced reforms.
Matthew Pennycook confirmed they will consult on a new decent homes standard applying to both social rented and private rented sectors, inviting Sir Desmond Swayne's engagement during the consultation.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specifics of improving the decent homes standard beyond consulting.
Invited Further Discussion
Promised Consultation Without Details
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Building Safety Regulator is causing delays in handling applications, particularly for high-rise building projects, affecting social homes including 100 in Kingston and Surbiton.
Gideon Amos questioned the Government about steps to reduce wait times from 16 weeks back down to eight weeks, citing advice from the Building Safety Regulator.
Matthew Pennycook acknowledged delays caused by the newly established Building Safety Regulator but noted they are working with the regulator to improve delivery, including increasing caseworker capacity and providing guidance. The performance of the regulator will be kept under review.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps to reduce wait times back down to eight weeks.
Discussed Ongoing Work
Promised Review
Response accuracy