Decent Homes Standard
[February 2008]
The minimum heating and insulation standards required for compliance with the Thermal Comfort Criteria are set so low that it is possible for a property to meet this energy efficiency standard but still be a threat to the health and well-being of the occupants. DCLG has suggested that where a property has an energy efficiency rating of SAP 35 or below this can serve as a proxy for a Category 1 Health Hazard. NEA’s analysis of the English House Condition Survey in 2003 suggested that around 1 million homes passed on the Thermal Comfort Criteria whilst being rated below SAP 35. The Government stresses landlords should exceed this standard but provides no extra incentive or financial assistance for them to do so. BRE research suggests that many local authorities have voluntarily exceeded the inadequate DHS but there are significant concerns that this is not always the case. The standard should be made much more rigorous and universal. Immediate action must be taken to improve the standard for those dwellings being upgraded between now and 2010.
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