Last week, East Suffolk Council revealed the details from a survey it commissioned which identified that some of its socially rented homes fall below expected standards. The survey highlighted the improvements required to ensure all homes meet the Decent Homes Standard. These are a set of minimum standards for the condition of socially rented homes. It ensures that homes are fit for habitation, are in a reasonable state of repair, have modern facilities, and provide a reasonable degree of thermal comfort.
As it stands, a significant number of homes are classed as ‘non-decent’. 51 out of its 4,345 properties have been reported with category 1 hazards. Meaning the homes have elements that could cause a serious and immediate risk to a resident’s health. These cases are being addressed as a priority. Meanwhile 211 properties are placed in category 2, the risks are less serious and immediate.
As a result of the findings, the Council is currently working with the Regulator of Social Housing, to resolve the issues and in addition, are engaging with its tenants to make the improvements needed.
Commenting on the issues, Councillor David Beavan, Cabinet Member for Housing at East Suffolk Council, said: "I am disappointed that some of our houses fall below "decent standard".
One of the first things we did as a GLI administration was to restart surveys of our council houses after they had stopped eight years ago. This has uncovered these problems, and we are now moving heaven and earth to get this sorted.”
The East Suffolk Conservative Group were disappointed and frustrated to see the comments from Cllr Beavan. During the Council’s Conservative administration, £410m was earmarked for major projects, including an additional £83m on housing schemes in the 5 years up to and including 2026/27.
The Conservative Cabinet Member for Housing at the time, along with the Council’s Housing team were conscientious and celebrated for successfully delivering on several fronts for residents.
The current Cabinet Member for the Housing portfolio, Cllr Beavan has been in post since May 2023. Which begs the question, how much longer will he need to be in position before he takes full responsibility for his portfolio? Housing Stock, Tenant Services, Building Services and Housing Development are all within his remit. He should take full responsibility for missing the decent homes standard.
In response to Cllr Beavan’s comments, Cllr Mark Jepson, leader of the East Suffolk Conservative Group said: ‘I am very disappointed with the comments made by Councillor Beavan, it is a cheap and unnecessary swipe at the previous administration who had worked hard to improve the Council’s housing stock. Decisions made at the time were in consultation with officers, and we have the utmost respect for those who we worked with.
‘Cllr Beavan has led the Housing portfolio for two years, surely the neglect sits with him for not picking this issue up during his tenure’
Prior to the current GLI administration, the Conservative Group, invested heavily in the maintenance of the social housing stock. They remain proud of their accomplishments and grateful for the dedicated officers who continue to work hard to make rented homes safe and enjoyable to live in.
