Delivering Decent Homes
The government has set a challenge to all social landlords to bring all council properties up to 21st Century standards by 2010- 11 to meet the government’s Decent Homes Standard.
Given current resources, Lambeth Housing will not meet the government timescales and has submitted a bid to the government to set up an Arms Length Management Organisation: if the bid is successful Lambeth Housing will meet the Decent Homes Standard by 2012-13.
Since April 2003 Lambeth Housing has brought over 5800 homes up to this standard with an additional 886 to be made decent by April 2007.
Go to Delivering Decent Homes on the Communities and Local Government website.
What is a 'Decent Home'?
For a home to meet the Decent Homes Standard it should be warm, weatherproof and have reasonably modern facilities. This means the home should:
- meet the current statutory minimum standard for housing
- be in a reasonable state of repair
- have reasonably modern facilities and services
- provide a reasonable degree of thermal comfort.
Read more about the Decent Homes criteria.
What improvements are taking place in my area?
The council plans to carry out work to the outside of homes in the first instance, primarily roofs and windows. This will be followed by internal work bringing bathrooms and kitchens to the Decent Homes Standard.
A 'Decent Homes Investment Plan' (formally known as the 'Road Map') has been developed which sets out what planned maintenance and major works are programmed by area and by year to meet the Decent Homes standard.
The intention is that a copy of the latest version of this document will be made available for interested parties to view. This document will provide tenants with details on what works are planned for their area.
To request any information about planned works in your area, please email us at: housingdecenthomesdelivery@lambeth.gov.uk or call the Lambeth Service Centre on 020 7926 6000.
Increasing investment - proposal to set up an ALMO
Lambeth Council has submitted a bid to the government to set up a new Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) which could bring in up to £200 million to invest in Lambeth’s council housing. This additional funding is required if we are to meet the decent homes standard by 2012/ 13. Find out more about these proposals and how they affect your housing management service on our ALMO page.
Decent Homes in Private Housing
The Government expects all social housing to reach this standard by 2012/ 13, but has also set an expectation for properties within the private sector. Find out more about decent homes in private housing.
Decent Homes and leasehold properties
The Decent Homes programme will, in certain cases, affect leasehold properties. Find out more about Decent Homes and leasehold properties.
Decent Homes Plus
In discussion with our tenants and members, the need to deliver security, environmental and play scheme improvements, was also raised as an issue. As a result Lambeth have developed their 'Decent Homes Plus' standard, which seeks to accommodate these concerns.
We are committed to making sure that all our homes meet a decent standard. This means your home will be warm, weatherproof and have reasonably modern kitchens and/ or bathrooms.