DASH took park in the HHSRS consultation exercise early this year (February 2019)

This consultation showed that, while there was considerable support for the strong link between health and housing that the HHSRS provides, simplification of the assessment process would be welcomed by all stakeholders.

The recommendations of the scoping review set out 3 options for the second stage of the HHSRS review.

Government have stated they will proceed with Option 2 which includes the following:

• Review and update the current HHSRS Operating Guidance.
• Develop a comprehensive set of Worked Examples which encompass the range of hazards, illustrate the utilisation of standards and provide a spectrum of risks.
• Review the current HHSRS assessor training, the training needs of assessors and other stakeholders and establish a HHSRS competency framework.
• Identify a simpler means of banding the results of HHSRS assessments so that they are clearer to understand and better engage landlords and tenants.
• Extend current and develop new standards that could be incorporated into the HHSRS assessment process.
• Amalgamation and/or remove of some of the existing hazard profiles.
• Investigate the use of digital technology to support HHSRS assessments and improve understanding and consistency for all stakeholders.
• Review existing guidance for landlords and property-related professionals and consider the introduction of a separate guide for tenants.
• Review and update the current HHSRS Enforcement Guidance: Housing Conditions and Part 1 of the Housing Act 2004.

The assumption is that this will make the system easier to understand for landlords and tenants, correct the disconnect between the HHSRS and other legislative standards, and facilitate the effective enforcement of housing standards by local authorities whilst remaining the most cost-effective option.

DASH hopes to also be involved in the next stage of review and will keep you posted on any developments.