House of Commons · Westminster Hall
08 May 2025 · 7 other contributors · 9,635 words
Opened by Alex Sobel Labour (Co-op) Leeds Central and Headingley
Responding minister: Matthew Pennycook
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Alex Sobel raised concerns about cold and damp homes in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Government’s warm homes plan should address all barriers to securing warm homes for everyone, including extending Awaab’s law to the private rented sector through the Renters’ Rights Bill and updating minimum energy efficiency standards.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
9.6 million households in the UK are at risk of living in cold, damp and energy-inefficient homes; one in three private renters cannot heat their homes to a comfortable temperature over winter with millions living in damp conditions; indoor air quality is less recognised than outdoor air quality but is crucial for health; students and older people particularly vulnerable to cold-related health issues.
Thanked all Members who contributed, highlighted that older people just above pension credit threshold struggle with fuel bills, and called for further action in the private rented sector.
Welsh Liberal Democrats propose £1.75 billion over five years for home retrofits to prioritise those in or near fuel poverty. Suggested using Welsh wool for insulation to improve energy efficiency and support rural economy.
Paid tribute to the opening speech, highlighting issues faced by young people in substandard homes. Emphasised the need for proper funding for repairs and investment in insulation. She emphasized the taboo around social housing and supported the push for Awaab’s law, while questioning the previous government's handling of no-fault evictions. Asked about the need for regulation in social housing, highlighting issues with temporary accommodation.
Discussed housing problems related to cold and damp conditions affecting 60% of housing cases involving transfers, with 40% concerning damp and mould. Highlighted the health issues associated with poor living conditions.
Concluded the debate, addressing concerns about cold and damp homes, emphasizing the need for updated housing standards. We speak regularly with our counterparts in the devolved authorities and will pass on comments to relevant Ministers within those authorities.
He agreed with the concerns raised about social housing conditions and highlighted the need for better support for not-for-profit companies to meet building targets without compromising on quality.
One in four private renters live in fuel poverty; 1.6 million children are living in privately rented homes that are damp or mouldy, leading to serious health risks and respiratory illnesses. There is a need for tougher inspections and higher standards, along with a review of the rent and capital subsidy regime to ensure well-maintained social housing.
Government Response
Matthew PennycookThe Minister for Housing and Planning
Acknowledged the need to improve housing standards, announced plans to consult on an updated decent homes standard applicable to both social and private rented sectors. Highlighted current statistics: 5% of English homes had damp in 2023; 9% of privately rented homes and 7% of social homes experiencing damp; fuel poverty rates for owner-occupiers, social tenants, and PRS tenants at 7.5%, 13.1%, and 21.5% respectively. Discussed measures including Awaab's law, Renters’ Rights Bill, extension of decent homes standard to temporary accommodation, abolishing section 21 no-fault evictions in private rented sector, consultation on raising minimum energy efficiency standards in private and social rented sectors, £3.4 billion commitment to the warm homes plan over three years, future standards for new buildings to move away from fossil fuels, VAT zero rate until March 2027 on energy-saving measures, consideration of options for improving owner-occupied homes, Government’s plan to build 1.5 million safe and decent homes in England by end of Parliament.