Decent Homes Plus

The ODPM have expressed their desire to see a more ambitious Decent Homes Standard to supersede the current 2010 standard. The Select Committee has recommended that a more ‘aspirational Decent Homes Plus’ target be set for a later date and the scope of which should be broader and demand a higher standard. The initial target date suggested by the ODPM is in the 2015-2020 range and at the moment, Decent Homes Plus is still at the concept stage.

The Decent Homes Plus should be better aligned to the wishes and expectations of the occupants and should include:

• A much more ambitious thermal comfort criterion which is in line with Building Regulations in force at the time the new Standard is set

• Accessibility standards for elderly and disabled people

• Internal noise insulation within and between dwellings

• Standards for the external environment (i.e. communal areas)  that integrate Decent Homes Plus with Sustainable Communities policy.