Draft for Consultation
Better Quality & Greener Homes
further target set in 2002 that 70% of vulnerable households in
the private sector (owner occupied and private rented)
would also reside in decent homes by 2010.
Background
Decent homes can be broadly defined as homes which are
warm, weatherproof and have reasonably modern facilities.
The government definition of decent homes is outlined in “A
Decent Home, the definition and guidance for
implementation – update” (2006) as a home which;
Poor living conditions can greatly impact on the physical and
mental health, and wellbeing of residents. As such it is a key
government housing policy issue. Cold housing and damp
and mould in the home are associated with coughs,
wheezing and respiratory diseases. Poor housing can also
impact on mental well-being. Housing quality also has a
wider impact on communities; with good sustainable design
having many positive benefits. For example; design can
reduce fuel bills through improving the energy efficiency of
homes or by providing energy on site. Developing new
homes close to transport links, jobs and facilities can also cut
commuting times and fuel use. Design can also help to
reduce opportunities for crime and its perception. Good
design can also have positive impacts for children and young
people such as providing play areas through good layout.
a) Meets the current statutory minimum standard for
housing, this is the Housing Health and Safety Rating
System (HHSRS) with any property with category 1
hazards failing the decent homes standard;
b) It is in a decent state of repair;
c) It has reasonably modern facilities and services;
d) It provides a reasonable degree of thermal comfort.
Recent Communities and Local Government publications
(2006) state they expect 95% of social housing to meet the
2010 target (with some social landlords negotiating a longer
timeframe) whilst Local Authorities must develop a robust
policy response to work towards meeting the 70% target of
private sector vulnerable households residing in decent
homes.
National & Regional Policy Context
Housing Quality & ‘Decent Homes’
Since 2000 the Government has aimed to increase the
number of social rented homes that meet the decent homes
standard. The Decent Homes programme set a target that
all social rented housing be made decent by 2010 with a
Housing Health and Safety Rating System
The Housing Act 2004 came into force in 2006 and introduced
a Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) as a way
to assess housing conditions instead of the previous measure
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of ‘unfitness’. The HHSRS looks at whether premises have any
defects that may give rise to a hazard, which in turn could
cause harm to the occupiers or any visitors. The HHSRS
assesses 29 hazards and the effects that each may have on
the health and safety of the occupant. The most serious
hazards are classified as category 1 and less serious hazards
are category 2. House condition surveys now have to
consider whether HHSRS category 1 hazards exist, rather than
measure levels of unfitness. Whilst unfitness has been
superseded by the HHSRS it is still a useful measure in terms of
analysis. Some smaller organisations may still be using the old
‘unfitness’ standard in their monitoring information submitted
to the local authority. As such measures using unfitness may
be required until all organisations use the HHSRS.
that neighbourhoods incorporate good quality parks and
green spaces.
Building for Life
Building for Life is the national standard for well designed
homes and neighbourhoods. It is led by the Commission for
Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) and the Home
Builders Federation. It is backed by the Housing Corporation,
English Partnerships and Design for Homes. The Building for
Life standard is made up of 20 criteria around functionality,
sustainability and attractiveness, which have been
developed from CABE backed guidance and government
policy, such as Planning Policy Statement 3 (PPS3). Issues
such as access to open spaces and play space provision are
important elements of the building for life standard. The
Housing Corporation requires certain schemes to meet 10
whilst others 12 of the 20 criteria before providing funding.
Housing and Neighbourhood Design
The Housing Green Paper “Homes for the Future: more
affordable, more sustainable” (2007) outlines the need for
housing and neighbourhood design to reflect the needs of
society; meeting the needs of an ageing population, creating
more family sized homes, ensuring adequate outdoor play
spaces and ensuring housing is accessible for wheelchair
users. Good design can also increase positive perceptions of
areas and contribute to reducing the risk of crime. Some of
these issues are addressed in the government’s “Planning
Policy Statement 3 : Housing” (PPS3) such as the need for
larger homes and play areas for children. “Homes for the
future” also highlights the fact that homes need to be
designed to be more resilient to climate change and ensure
The London Plan
The London Plan and its housing supplementary planning
guidance (2005) sets out principles for new developments
including;







2
Promoting world class architecture and design
Maximising the potential for each site
Enhancing the public realm
Mitigating and adapting to climate change
Respecting local context, history and character
Promoting accessibility, sustainability and adaptability
Securing safety.
Draft for Consultation
Inclusive Design
Evidence from the Greater London Authority (2007) highlights
the fact that disabled people in London are twice as likely to
be living in unsuitable housing. They may have difficulties
accessing new housing because of accessibility issues or the
needs for adaptations to the property. Current policy
promotes the concept of ‘inclusive design’ where the access
needs of disabled people are integrated into the initial design
of the property. This includes the concept of Lifetime Homes;
which involves incorporating a set of design features which
makes homes functional for everyone including older people,
disabled and families. Lifetime Homes also incorporates
greater leeway for future adaptations.
Designing Out Crime
One of the emerging themes of the new London Mayor’s
housing manifesto was the need to ‘design out’ crime
ensuring that new developments follow Association of Police
Chief Officers (APCO) ‘Secured by Design’ principles. These
are a set of design principles developed by the police to
encourage the building industry to adopt crime prevention
measures. PPS3 also highlights the need for local authorities
to promote design and layouts that take into consideration
crime and community safety, whilst all Local Authorities must
consider crime and disorder implications of their activities
under section 17 of the Crime & Disorder Act 1998.
Secure by Design principles are part of Richmond upon
Thames’ sustainable design checklist. It should be stressed
however that the key design message of the checklist is that
overall layout and architectural design of buildings promote
overlooking and self surveillance of open spaces. It should
not result in high fencing and gated developments that are
inward facing and housing which turns its back on the local
street/area.
In “Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods; A National
Strategy for Homes in an Ageing Society” (2008) the
government sets out targets that all affordable housing
development will meet Lifetime Homes standards by 2011 and
that all new private developments should aspire to meet this
standard by 2013. The London Plan (2004) actually precedes
this and seeks to ensure that all new homes in Greater London
meet Lifetime Homes Standards and that 10% of all new
homes developed should be Wheelchair Accessible.
Play Space
The Government has recognised the need to make better
provision for children’s play space as a theme that cuts across
a range of policy areas from planning, open spaces, transport
and education. The Department for Children, Schools and
Families published “Fair Play: a consultation on the play
strategy” (2008) which sets out plans for an extra 3,500 play
areas over the next three years and introduces a national
Key Implication – Our Local Development Framework will
ensure all new developments meet the Lifetime Homes
standard and that 10% of housing developments are built to
Wheelchair standards.
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play space indicator from 2009. The paper also stresses the
need for play spaces to be affordable, safe and engaging.
The requirements for new developments around play spaces
are set out in “Providing for Children and Young People’s Play
and Informal Recreation Supplementary Planning Guidance”
(2008).
energy efficiency certificates which provide home buyers
with detailed information on energy performance and
recommendations to improve energy efficiency. From
October 2008 private landlords will be required to provide
energy efficiency certificates to all new tenants letting their
properties.
Key Implication – we will ensure the issue of play space is
considered in all affordable housing developments.
b) New Build Regulations
The government has set a target that by 2016 all new
developments will be zero carbon. To achieve this targets
have been set so that by 2010 new housing developments will
be expected to reduce their carbon emissions by 25% and by
2013 by 44%. This is against the baseline of current
requirements set out in Building Regulations - Part L ( 2006).
Although new housing developments make up only 1% of the
housing stock it is estimated that by 2050 raising these
requirements on new build will ensure one third of the housing
stock is carbon neutral.
Greener Homes
In “Building a Greener Future: Policy Statement” (2007) and
again in “Homes for the Future: more affordable, more
sustainable” (2007) the Department for Communities and
Local Government outline their policy objectives around
reducing carbon emissions and increasing energy efficiency.
“Building a Greener Future” highlights the fact that the
emission of greenhouse gasses and in particular carbon
dioxide are the main causes of climate change and that in
2005 the United Kingdom emitted 550 million tonnes of
emissions, ¼ of which were directly from heating, lighting and
the appliances required to run our homes. The government’s
housing policy therefore has a strong emphasis on securing
reduction in emissions via energy efficiency and new build
regulations.
Making Existing Homes ‘Greener’
The GLA report “Your Home in a Changing Climate:
Retrofitting Existing Homes for Climate Change Impacts”
(2008) highlights the need for existing homes to be adapted
to ensure long term sustainability and meet the challenges of
climate change. The Mayor’s Draft Housing Strategy (2008)
also outlines proposals that social housing landlords review
and develop plans on how they will tackle climate change
within their existing housing stock. The Green Homes Project
(2008) is a new one stop shop service, where people can
access information on sustainability and energy efficiency.
a) Energy Efficiency
The government and energy companies currently spend £1
billion per year on energy efficiency work. Another example
is the introduction of the requirement for all housing to have
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This will be delivered by the Energy Saving Trust and rolled out
from 1st April 2008. This is likely to increase knowledge and
information on what individual householders can do to make
their homes greener and more sustainable.
In order to receive Social Housing Grant from the Housing
Corporation or funding from English Partnerships to finance
new affordable housing, developments have to meet the
minimum of level three of the code. This is set to increase to
level four by 2010 and level 6 by 2013.
Sustainability
The Code for Sustainable Homes (2006) was introduced to
improve the overall sustainability of new homes by setting a
single national standard within which the home building
industry can design and construct homes to higher
environmental standards. The Code measures the
sustainability of a new home against categories of sustainable
design, rating the ‘whole home’ as a complete package.
The Code uses a 1 to 6 star rating system to communicate the
overall sustainability performance of a new home. The Code
sets minimum standards for energy and water use at each
level and, within England, replaces the EcoHomes scheme,
developed by the Building Research Institute (BRE). It also
incorporates Lifetime Homes, Building for Life and Secured by
Design features.
Housing Corporation’s Bidding Guidance for 2008/11
Investment Programme & Housing Quality Indicators (HQI’s)
All of the priorities for good quality and sustainable design
that have been identified by Government are incorporated in
the Housing Corporation’s Bidding Guidance for the 20082011 Investment Programme. Each new build home must
meet or exceed the core standards set out in the
Corporation’s current Design & Quality Standards. The
Housing Quality Indicators (HQI) system is a measurement and
assessment tool designed to allow potential or existing
housing schemes to be evaluated on the basis of quality
rather than simply, of cost. The HQI allows an assessment of
quality of key features of a housing project under 3 main
categories; location, design and external environment.
Refurbishment & HQI
In principal the Housing Corporation expects a similar high
standard for all refurbishment schemes. However as many
were built under different regulations they may be unable to
meet the higher levels of quality on certain indicators. This
does not imply that a different set of indicators is needed for
refurbished dwellings, but merely that typical quality scores
may be lower than for new housing.
London Borough of Richmond is currently funding two
exemplar schemes with Paragon Housing Association to
deliver the first Level 5 Homes in the borough.
The Code also gives new homebuyers better information
about the environmental impact of their new home and
potential running costs.
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HQI’s in Richmond upon Thames
In the initial bidding round and regular market engagement
rounds of the Housing Corporation programme, schemes in
the borough have achieved very high HQI scores for both
new build and rehabilitation schemes.
187
Tackling Fuel Poverty – people
receiving income based benefits
National Indicator Set (2008)
Following the Government’s white paper “Strong &
Prosperous Communities” the Government has published a
national indicator set of 185 Indicators with a further 13 to be
published in 2009/10. Of these the following indicators that
Local Authorities have to report back on are relevant to
“Better Quality & Greener Homes”.
188
Adaptation to Climate Change
199
Children & Young People’s
satisfaction with parks and play
areas
National Indicators relevant to “Better Quality & Greener
Homes”
NI
Definition
138
Satisfaction of People over 65
with both home &
neighbourhood
186
Per Capita Emissions in the Local
Authority Area
How Housing
Strategy
contributes to
Indicator
Disabled Facility
Grants & Home
Improvement
Agency work
New housing
development and
energy efficiency
on existing homes.
Residential
Services team
lead such as via
Cold Buster grants
for vulnerable
residents.
Work of
sustainability team
in tackling climate
change.
Planning/ housing
development
contribute with
regard to
incorporating
play areas in
design.
Key Implication – The Residential Services Team via their
energy efficiency work are directly responsible for delivering
against National Indicator 187 whilst the Sustainability Team
are directly responsible for National Indicators 186 and 187.
Local Policy Context
Community & Corporate Plans
One of seven key priorities of the Community Plan 2007 to
2017 is to ‘be the greenest borough in London’. Key actions
include improving the energy performance of existing
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buildings, tackling climate change and ensuring new housing
development is to a high environmental standard. The
Corporate Plan 2007 – 2010 has five priorities the first of which
is ‘Environment and Sustainability’. Key objectives include
cutting carbon emissions, sustainability and promoting energy
efficiency.
Supplementary Planning Document” (2006) which highlights
the importance of good quality design covering such issues
as local character, the public realm, sustainability and
inclusive design. The Sustainability Construction Checklist is
central to this and was adopted by the Corporate Plan as a
key principle of sustainable design. This is an 18 point
checklist which requires developments to meet ‘Ecohomes’
standard or the Building Research Institute (BRE) excellent
rating. It also incorporates other factors such as recycling,
cycle storage, use of public transport and Secured by Design
principles. All residential schemes are assessed against this
checklist. The borough also has an established Councillor as
‘design champion’.
Local Development Framework
The Local Development Framework (LDF) Core Strategy is
currently in development and has been submitted to the
Secretary of State. Key policy ‘preferred options’ include
Core Policy 2; Reducing Carbon Emissions (including reducing
carbon emissions from within existing and new buildings,
continuing the operation of the Sustainable Construction
Checklist & increasing renewable energy within buildings).
Core Policy 3 – Adapting to the effects of Climate Change
includes ensuring climate change and flooding issues are
incorporated into development decisions. Core Policy 7 –
Maintaining and Improving the Local Environment outlines
that all new housing development should recognise local
character and create places of high architectural and urban
design quality whilst Core Policy 14 – Housing Provision states
the need for all housing to be built to Lifetime Homes
Standard with 10% built to Wheelchair Accessible standards.
Climate Change Strategy (2008)
London Borough of Richmond upon Thames developed a
Climate Change strategy in 2008. Its vision is to make
Richmond upon Thames the greenest borough in London and
includes a range of measures aimed to reduce greenhouse
emissions and raise awareness of climate change. The
strategy outlines how the Council has a key role to play in
tackling climate change through reducing its own impact
and taking a leadership role to enable residents to take
action. It also discusses the business case for reducing
greenhouse emissions, such as reduced fuel bills and quality
of life arguments, such as better air quality. The strategy will
be updated in 2009 to cover issues around adapting to
climate change.
Design Quality – Supplementary Planning Document & the
Sustainability Construction Checklist
There are several Planning documents which all promote
“Better Quality and Greener Homes”. The key document for
Richmond upon Thames is the “Design Quality –
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Housing Health & Safety Rating System
In 2006, the Building Research Establishment estimated that
23% (16,064) properties in the borough had category 1
hazards. They also reported that 26% (17,974) of properties
failed in respect of thermal comfort, so it is assumed that a
substantial number of the category 1 failures were due to
‘excess cold’. For comparison in 2006 the sub regional
percentage of homes failing the decent homes standard due
to ‘thermal comfort’ reasons was estimated at 28% (SW London
Private Sector Housing Strategy 2006) whilst the UK average estimate is
26% (English House Condition Survey 2005).
Key Implication - Sustainability and a Greener Richmond are
key priorities of the Council – we will continue to prioritise
working towards sustainability and greener housing for both
new build and existing homes.
The Council’s approach to sustainability is also embedded
within “Greener Richmond”, a thematic subgroup of the
Local Strategic Partnership.
Key Findings from the Housing Strategy Evidence
Base
Key Implication – The local authority is responsible for
enforcing the HHSRS in the borough – we will continue to
develop our expertise around private sector house conditions.
House Conditions
With a large owner occupied and private rented sector poor
house conditions are a key housing issue affecting the
borough. The age of the housing stock and the number of
older residents (some of whom are on Rent Act Protected
Tenancies with low rents so there is no incentive for landlords
to improve properties) are all key issues. Properties that
previously failed the ‘unfitness standard’ are scattered
throughout the borough rather than concentrated in
particular wards or areas.
Implementation of the HHSRS
The HHSRS system has bedded down well in the borough with
few statutory notices (as landlords are signing undertakings to
attend to works) although many landlords are not aware of
the detail of enforcement policy. Following on from the BRE
findings there is no pattern as to where hazardous properties
are in the borough. A number of properties have both
Category 1 and Category 2 hazards.
Key Implication – With an ageing housing stock, large owner
occupied and private rented sectors and a high number of
older residents we will address private sector house conditions
through the work of the Residential Services & Sustainability
Teams.
Key Implication – We will continue to support landlords in the
private sector to improve quality whilst targeting intervention
in the worst circumstances of the private sector.
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Decent Homes in the Housing Association Sector
The number of housing association properties in the borough
that do not meet the decent homes standard has declined
for the last three years from 1562 in March 2005 to 662
properties in March 2007.
Decent Homes in the Private Sector
A survey carried out by the Building Research Establishment
(BRE) on behalf of the borough in 2003 found 38% properties
did not reach the decent homes standard. It should be
noted however that since this date unfit properties have
declined from an estimated 4,500 in 2003 to 3,543 in 2007.
Since the introduction of the HHSRS Category 1 system (as a
replacement for unfitness) as part of the decent homes
standard there is likely to be an increase in the number of non
decent homes in the private sector. This is because more
homes have category 1 hazards than were unfit under the old
standard. Therefore levels of non decent homes may
actually increase under the new survey which will take place
later in 2008.
Non Decent Homes in the Housing Association Sector
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Number of Non
Decent Homes
2005 RSR Return
2006 RSR Return
2007 RSR Return
1562
1121
662
As part of the work of the Residential Services Team and
Home Improvement Agency a number of non decent homes
occupied by vulnerable households are made decent each
year. Sometimes properties are only made partially decent,
this occurs where a landlord or owner refuses additional work
to the property. The table below highlights the numbers of
properties in the private sector made decent by household
type.
Source; RSR 2005, 2006 & 2007 Return
The borough has lower than the English average number of
non decent housing association properties. The two largest
housing associations in the borough have significantly
decreased the percentage of non decent housing
association properties in the borough. Housing associations
with medium or small stock portfolios in the borough are in
general meeting the decent homes standard.
The Residential services team helped 108 vulnerable
households in 2006/07 to improve their homes to a decent
condition
Key Implication – Housing associations in the borough have
delivered well on the decent homes agenda. We will
continue to support their work in delivering decent homes.
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Homes made Decent for vulnerable households in the private
sector
Energy Efficiency and SAP Ratings
SAP rating stands for ‘Standard Assessment Procedure’ rating.
It is an index of the annual cost of heating a dwelling to
achieve a standard heating regime. The index runs from 1
(highly inefficient) to 120 (highly efficient). It is dependent on
both the heat loss from the dwelling and the performance of
the heating system.
120
100
80
SAP ratings in the private sector have improved over the last
five years from an average of 47 in 2003 to an average of 54
in 2007. It is estimated however that 9% of private sector
dwellings have a SAP rating of below 35 (HSSA 2007). SAP ratings
have improved in both the social and private sectors.
60
40
20
0
2004/05
2005/06
2006/07
Total Number
98
113
108
Pensioners
78
77
62
Families with
Children
20
35
18
Other
0
1
28
SAP ratings are higher in the Housing Association sector
compared to the private sector. Within the private sector
SAP ratings within the borough are slightly higher than that
found in most of the sub region
Energy Efficiency and C02 Emissions
There has been a 16.11% improvement in energy efficiency
across all tenures between 1st April 1996 to 31st March 2007. In
the year April 2006 to March 2007 there was an annual
improvement in energy efficiency of 2.7%. There has also
been a reduction in Co2 emissions from dwellings between
April 2006 and March 2007 of 9306 tonnes.
Source; HSSA Returns 2005, 2006, 2007
It should be noted that the 2003 survey found no area
‘pockets’ or wards where non decent homes were
concentrated, rather they were ‘pepper potted’ around the
borough.
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central heating (Census 2001). For Pensioners the figure is 13% of
households who lack central heating (Census 2001). The majority
of these are single person households (75%) followed by
pensioner couples (22%). Highest levels of pensioner
households lacking central heating can be found in West
Twickenham (20%), Kew (19%), Fulwell and Hampton Hill
(17%), Mortlake and Barnes (17%) and St Margarets and North
Twickenham (17%).
Key Implication – There has been an estimated 16%
improvement in energy efficiency across all tenures in the
borough between 1996 and 2007. We will continue to
prioritise energy efficiency work to create greener and more
sustainable homes.
Fuel Poverty
Fuel Poverty is defined as where households have to spend
10% or more of their income on household fuel to achieve a
comfortable temperature. National reports highlight that
those in the private rented sector have the highest levels of
fuel poverty, at 9% compared to 6% for all tenures (The Poverty
Pensioners living in the private rented sector have significantly
higher levels of households lacking central heating (40%).
Whilst numbers are small (and caution needs to be used in
interpreting data due to very small sample size) wards such as
East Sheen, Kew, St Margarets, Teddington and South
Twickenham show significantly higher rates of pensioner
households living in private rented accommodation without
central heating.
Site, 2004 statistic).
The 2006 BRE report estimated that households living in 4,489
or 6% of the boroughs properties suffer from fuel poverty.
Lack of Central Heating
Lack of central heating can be used as an indicator of a
properties condition. They are more likely in need of
modernisation, may not meet the decent homes standard
criteria on thermal comfort and there is also a greater
likelihood of damp and condensation (The Poverty Site 2007).
Nationally households living in the private rented sector are
twice as likely to be living in a property with no central
heating with 1 in 4 pensioner private renters residing in
properties without central heating (Rhodes 2006).
Key Implication – Vulnerable households in the private sector,
such as some older people, are often living without central
heating or in poor conditions. With limited resources we will
continue to prioritise improving the quality of homes, focusing
on the most vulnerable.
In Richmond upon Thames the majority of households have
central heating (92.5%) with the remainder (7.5%) lacking
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Actions
Key Objectives
1. Improve the quality of existing homes, especially amongst
the most vulnerable.
1. Improve the quality of existing homes, especially amongst
the most vulnerable.
1
2. Support landlords to improve quality.
2
Increase the number of homes that are adapted
to meet the needs of disabled or vulnerable
people by 120 Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG’s)
during 2008/09.
Increase the number of homes that are adapted
to meet the needs of disabled or vulnerable
people by 120 Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG’s)
in 2009/10.
Ensure 130 homes are made decent or partially
decent as a result of Local Authority activity
2008/09
Ensure the average time to complete Disabled
Facility Grants is 27 weeks (from initial enquiry to
actual approval).
Deal with 50 Category 1 and 2 Hazards under the
HHSRS
2008/09
2009/10
3. Target intervention in the worst circumstances of the private
sector.
3
4. Improve energy efficiency & sustainability within existing
homes.
4
5. Increase our research understanding around private sector
housing issues.
5
6. Promote good quality sustainable design which is inclusive,
helps lower crime and promotes greener homes.
6
Work with BME community groups to highlight the
work of the Home Improvement Agency (HIA).
2009/10
7
Ensure HIA clients are supported throughout the
process of home improvement.
2008/09
8
Ensure HIA clients are signposted to relevant
advice & housing options services.
2008/09
9
Bid for funding for decent homes in the private
sector under the 2008-2011 GLA Regional Housing
2008/09
7. Continuing to develop our work expertise on private sector
housing.
8. Maintain strong partnership working on public and private
sector housing issues.
12
2008/09
2008/09
Draft for Consultation
10
pot targeted funding stream.
Carry out benchmarking activity to demonstrate
value for money in the delivery of Disabled
Facility Grants.
with relatively high percentages of non decent
homes.
2010/11
3. Target intervention to tackle the worst circumstances in the
private sector.
2. Support landlords to improve quality.
1
Continue to work with landlords taking
enforcement action only when necessary to
improve private rented homes.
Offer grants to landlords that meet required
criteria and undertake to carry out works in given
timescales.
Continue to support the London Landlord
Accreditation scheme.
2008/09
Offer Landlord Accreditation Training two times
per year (15 landlords each) ensuring the
prioritisation of landlords of vulnerable tenants.
Promote and resource the Landlords Forum
including producing two newsletters.
2008/09
6
Ensure 100% of Richmond Housing Partnership’s
housing stock meets the decent homes standard.
2009/10
7
Ensure 100% of Richmond Churches stock meets
the decent homes standard.
2009/10
8
As part of quarterly liaison meetings with Housing
Associations ensure agenda item of decent
homes – focusing on the small number of RSL’s
2008/09
&
Ongoing
2
3
4
5
1
Ensure all known HMO’s are inspected for
compliance with licensing requirements (two
year programme).
Carry out HHSRS inspections responding to tenant
complaints.
2008/09
3
Revise and Publish Enforcement Policy.
2008/09
4
Publish detailed guidelines for landlords regarding
hazards and the HHSRS.
2009/10
2
2008/09
2008/09
2008/09
2008/09
4. Improve energy efficiency & sustainability within existing
homes.
1
2
3
13
Hold 20 energy efficiency training sessions a year,
10 with organisations working with the fuel poor
and 10 with groups working with the fuel rich
Carry out 250 energy efficiency (Cold Busters and
Warm Front) grants in 2008/09.
2008/09
&
Ongoing
2008/09
Carry out 250 Energy Efficiency (Cold Busters and
Warm Front) Grants in 2009/10.
2009/10
Draft for Consultation
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Provide 3,000 advice packs to households
suffering fuel poverty (from HECA sample).
2008/09
Fund home visitor officer for 2009/10 focusing on
private sector properties in Mortlake & East Sheen
to carry out energy checks, check heating
systems, advise on grant availability, fuel poverty
and insulation.
Co-Ordinate & resource the Fuel Poverty Strategy
Group.
2009/10
Develop a comprehensive home energy
database using completed home energy surveys
and home energy reports.
Carry out analysis using GIS to inform our strategic
knowledge around home energy and the
borough.
Promote the Green Home Concierge Service to
1000 home owners in the borough.
2008/09
Work with Warmzone to offer 1000 private sector
residents discounted loft and cavity wall
insulation (free to residents aged 70+ or on
certain benefits).
Work with retailers, installers, energy utilities and
the GLA to make available and promote
discounted energy efficiency & micro generation
schemes to householders.
Provide information for private landlords about
energy efficiency.
2008/09
Carry out a mail-shot to promote private sector
grant schemes focusing on vulnerable residents.
2008/09
14
Hold a conference with Housing Association
partners on adapting social housing stock to
climate change.
2009/10
5. Increasing our research understanding around private
sector house conditions.
2008/09
1
Carry out BRE Survey of Private Sector Stock
Conditions.
2008/09
2
Research the likely future demand for Disabled
Facility Grants.
2009/10
2009/10
6. Promote good quality sustainable design which is inclusive,
helps lower crime and promotes greener homes.
2008/09
1
2
2008/09
3
2008/09
4
14
Ensure ‘Secure by Design’ Principles are
incorporated into all affordable housing
developments.
All borough funded affordable housing
developments should broadly follow the
development standards set out by the Housing
Corporation in terms of space standards and
design.
Work with Housing Associations to ensure they are
all aware of the Sustainability Construction
Checklist.
Ensure all developers follow the Sustainable
Construction Checklist.
2008/09
2008/09
2008/09
2008/09
Draft for Consultation
5
Ensure all new dwellings meet Lifetime Homes
Standards.
2008/09
2
Environmental Health Officers to attend
advanced training on HHSRS.
2008/09
6
Require 10% of all new dwellings be built to
Wheelchair Standards.
2008/09
3
Continue to develop an assessment panel to
ensure a standardised approach to HHSRS and
HMO licensing.
2008/09
7
Ensure all affordable housing developments
consider the need for children’s play space.
2009/10
8
Promote sustainable house extensions and
renewable energy to private sector housing
through new planning and guidance.
Encourage developers to liaise with Housing
Associations at Pre Planning Application stage.
2008/09
Invite a variety of speakers to the Housing
Association Forum to promote and inform RSL’s
on the most recent research and policy on
sustainable development.
Work with RSL’s to ensure all residents living in new
developments are given adequate information
about waste recycling facilities on site.
Explore using the Housing Capital Programme to
fund schemes that meet higher levels of the
Code For Sustainable Homes.
2009/10
9
10
11
12
8. Maintain strong partnership working on private & public
sector housing issues.
1
2008/09
2
3
2009/10
2009/10
7. Continuing to develop our work expertise on private sector
housing.
1
Ensure all new Environmental Health Officers are
trained and certified as competent to carry out
HHSRS assessments.
2008/09
15
To maintain strong partnership working with other
boroughs in the sub-region on private sector
housing issues.
To work with HouseProud and CEN.
2008/09
To ensure sustainability and design issues are key
to all development discussions at the Housing
Association Forum and at quarterly meetings with
all housing associations in the borough.
2008/09
2008/09
Draft for Consultation
Better Quality & Greener Homes
2. Do you agree with the key actions on pages 12-15?
1. Do you agree with the key objectives on page 12? please
please tick a box
tick a box
Yes
Yes
No
if no please tell
us why in the
box below
16
No
if no please tell
us why in the
box below
Draft for Consultation
3. The council only has limited resources and may not be
able to deliver all of the actions. Which actions do you
think should be a priority? please use the box below
5. Please use the box below to give us any other views or
comments you have about this chapter.
4. Is there anything else you think we should make a
priority? please tick a box
No
Yes
if yes please tell
us more in the
box below
Thank you for your feedback. It will help us to ensure
that the strategy reflects the views of our partners in
the borough.
Please email your response to :
tracy.stanley@richmond.gov.uk
17
Tracy Stanley, Policy Research & Statistics Officer, LBRUT
Tel : 0208 891 7762