Government consultations about social housing
The government has launched three consultations to improve social housing for tenants.
If you would like to find out more about these consultations and have your say, join us for an information and discussion session at one of our independent living schemes in South Ribble, Lancashire, on Tuesday 19 August, from 10.30am until 3pm. We will confirm the scheme nearer the time. We will reimburse any travel costs and lunch will be provided.
If you would like to find out more or would like to express an interest, please contact the Customer Voice Team at community@progressgroup.org.uk, call Diane on 07870 900991.
The three government consultations are:
1. Social Rent convergence
The government is seeking views on how to implement Social Rent convergence, as part of the government’s 10-year rent settlement for social housing. This means making rents fairer, for example, maintaining consistency with similar rents for similar properties.
This consultation is about how to apply social rent convergence, which is part of the government's 10-year plan for social housing rents. It follows a previous consultation on future rent policy last year.
In more detail, it means allowing rents for properties below the 'formula rent' (i.e. lower than the usual maximum that may be charged when a property is let to a new tenant) to increase by an additional amount over and above the CPI+1% limit up to formula rent level.
The government confirmed in its recent Spending Review that it will include this process in the new rent plan. An announcement will be made in the Autumn Budget.
Following this, the Secretary of State will direct the Regulator of Social Housing to set rent standards for registered providers of social housing.
This consultation closes at 11.45pm on 27 August 2025
How to have your say
Complete the survey online: Consultation on how to implement Social Rent convergence - Page 1 of 4 - Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government - Citizen Space
Email to:
socialhousingrents@communities.gov.uk
Write to:
Social Housing Rents
Affordable Housing Regulation and Investment Division
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Fry Building
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
For more information, visit How to implement Social Rent convergence - GOV.UK
2. Consultation on a reformed Decent Homes Standard for social and privately rented homes
The government is looking at decency standards for social and private rented sector housing. This follows Awaab’s Law and is to be implemented by 2035.
All tenants in rented accommodation should expect their home to be safe, secure and good quality. The Decent Homes Standard was first implemented in 2001, and last updated in 2006, specifying minimum criteria that social landlords must meet to ensure their properties are decent.
The government is consulting on proposed changes in:
• homes meeting a reasonable state of repair
• homes having reasonably modern facilities and services
• homes providing a reasonable degree of thermal comfort
• homes being free of damp and mould (new criterion)
For more information, visit Consultation on a reformed Decent Homes Standard for social and privately rented homes - GOV.UK
For any enquiries about the consultation email: DecentHomesReview@communities.gov.uk
This consultation closes at 11.45pm on Wednesday 10 September 2025.
How to have your say
Complete the survey online: A Reformed Decent Homes Standard for Social and Privately Rented Homes Consultation - Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government - Citizen Space
Email: DecentHomesReview@communities.gov.uk
Write to:
Decent Homes Standard Review Consultation
Social Housing Quality and Residents Division
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
3rd Floor, Fry Building (Mail point B11)
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
3. Improving the Energy Efficiency of Socially Rented Homes in England
This consultation seeks views on the government’s proposal to set a minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES) for socially rented homes.
This consultation is an important step in making sure that every tenant has a decent, warm and comfortable home. The government is considering options to raise energy efficiency standards to make homes easier to heat, tackling fuel poverty and lowering carbon emissions.
These proposals should be considered in tandem with the consultation on a reformed Decent Homes Standard.
For any enquiries about the consultation, email SRS.MEES@communities.gov.uk
For more information, visit Improving the Energy Efficiency of Socially Rented Homes in England - GOV.UK
How to have your say
Take the survey online: Improving the Energy Efficiency of Socially Rented Homes in England - Ministerial Foreword - Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government - Citizen Space
Email your responses to: SRS.MEES@communities.gov.uk
Post your responses to:
RS MEES Consultation
Social Housing Quality and Residents Division
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
3rd Floor, Fry Building
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
This consultation closes at 11.45pm on 10 September 2025