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Cabinet received a report outlining the
Council’s response to new legal and regulatory requirements
addressing housing health and safety hazards, introduced
under Awaab’s Law. These requirements would be
implemented in phases starting October 2025, with the initial
focus on Damp and mould, and all types of emergency
hazards.  The Portfolio Holder advised
that there would be more phases coming forward in 2026/27 and that
it was essential to ensure the Council’s Housing Stock was as
up to date and warm as possible for tenants.
 
It was noted that a full briefing would be
shared with Members detailing to a number of further Government
announcements in relation to social housing, such as more funding
for Council homes, possible changes to Right to Buy as well as
access to funding. 
 
Members thanked the officers involved in the
organisation of the recent Decent Homes Open Day which had been
held at the Cromwell Hotel.
 
It was RESOLVED:
 
1.   
That the new legal and regulatory requirements in relation to
housing health and safety hazards as set out in the Social Housing
Regulation Act 2023 which are due to be implemented by way of
secondary legislation with the initial phase to come into effect
from 25 October 2025 be noted.

2.   
That the planned introduction of new electrical safety standards
for the social housing sector in November 2025 be noted.

3.   
That the work being carried out to ensure compliance with the new
requirements in relation to damp, mould and condensation and all
types of emergency hazards be endorsed.
4.   
That it be noted that the Executive Housing Working Group (EHWG)
will receive regular updates on compliance with the new housing
health and safety legal requirements both prior to and following
their introduction in October 2025. These updates will include
implications of the planned widening of the scope of the new legal
requirements during 2026 and 2027 and actions required to ensure
compliance once known.

5.   
That the amended Repairs and Maintenance Policy as attached at
Appendix 1 be approved.

6.   
That the Strategic Director (Richard Protheroe) be delegated
authority to agree any further minor changes to the Repairs and
Maintenance Policy and/or Damp and Mould Policy after consultation
with the Housing Portfolio Holder.

7.   
That the potential resourcing implications for the proposed
extension of the new legal and regulatory requirements to other
Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) hazards in 2026 and
2027 be noted.