Introduction
Homeless Link supports our members to comply with regulations that will improve the quality of care, support and housing given to people who are experiencing, or about to experience homelessness. There have recently been a large number of new regulations (and there are more in the pipeline). These web pages help homelessness services to identify which regulations are relevant and how to comply with them. Homeless Link can also offer support to services with their compliance - see below. We have an advisory group made up of our members. Homeless Link also works to influence these regulations and their implementation, you can read more about this on specific pages and also in our general policy area.
Regulations in force
Click on one of each regulation to find out more. Note that the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 is split out into 5 separate areas being implemented over different timescales.
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Ofsted Supported Accommodation Regulation
All services that accommodate looked after children and care leavers aged 16 and 17 must be registered with Ofsted
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Social Housing Regulation Act: Consumer Standards
applies to all Registered Providers of Social Housing. And enshrines the consumer standards for tenants.
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Care Quality Commission
Sets the standards and inspection regimes for care
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Awaab's Law
Forthcoming legislation on standards for dealing with mould and damp that will be introduced in the next few years.
Regulations in the pipeline
These proposed regulations are likely to be coming soon
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Social Housing Competence and Conduct Standard
Draft legislation that will set the expected competence framework for staff working in social housing and beyond.
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Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRs)
Regulation of data management about tenants and clients
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Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act
The Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 introduces powers to create a licensing regime for supported housing, set National Supported Housing Standards for England and link the payment of Enhanced Housing Benefit to holding a supported housing licence.
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An updated Decent Homes Standard
The Decent Homes Standard currently sets minimum conditions for social homes, including defining a reasonable state of repair, how often kitchens and bathrooms should be replaced and standards of warmth and insulation.