Decent Homes Standard
Councils are currently focusing on implementing the Decent Homes standard, assessing compliance, and approving significant investment plans for housing improvements.
Councils are currently addressing the implementation of the Decent Homes standard, which came into effect in January 2026. Redbridge Council's Housing Committee reviewed its preparedness for inspections in June 2026, noting the standard as a key legislative change. In the same month, Islington Council's Executive approved enhancing stock condition surveys to improve housing data. A report to Barking and Dagenham Council in March 2026 indicated that 9.2% of its housing stock failed the standard as of January 2026.
Significant investment plans are being approved to meet the standard. Tower Hamlets Council approved a £609 million, 10-year plan in March 2026 to ensure all council homes meet the Decent Homes standard by 2030. Policy discussions are also ongoing, with Camden Council's Housing Fire and Building Safety Panel scheduled to discuss proposed changes to the standard in April 2026.
The Decent Homes standard is a government benchmark for social housing quality, ensuring homes are free from hazards, in good repair, and have modern facilities. In July 2025, a report showed Tower Hamlets Council had a 20.1% non-decency rate for social housing. Haringey Council also increased its Noel Park Project budget by £10.7 million in July 2025 for essential Decent Homes works.
Key facts
- Islington Council's Executive approved a contract variation in June 2026 to enhance stock condition surveys. Source
- The Decent Homes standard came into effect in January 2026. Source 1 Source 2
- Tower Hamlets Council approved a £609 million, 10-year plan in March 2026 to meet the standard by 2030. Source
- As of January 2026, 9.2% of Barking and Dagenham Council's housing stock failed the Decent Homes Standard. Source
- In July 2025, Tower Hamlets Council had a 20.1% non-decency rate for social housing. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.