A new Housing Quality Standard has been introduced by the Welsh government, which will see the biggest changes to social housing standards in more than 20 years.
The new Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS 2023) will replace the existing standard to “better reflect changes in the way people live, work and feel about their homes”.
The original Standard was introduced in 2002 and a formal public consultation for WHQS 2023 was undertaken in 2022. The WHQS 2023 Standard will address decarbonisation in the social housing stock, ensure that homes are of a higher quality, affordable to heat, and fit for the 21st century and beyond.
The new standard will require social landlords to aim to achieve Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band A for each property, but this will be done in steps, with an aim for EPC C by 2029.
Landlords will then need to produce a Target Energy Pathway (TEP) for each home, which will outline what work they will need to carry out on a property to achieve the required targets. The TEP will also include information on the expected costs and timings of the improvements.
The WHQS 2023 will also look at levels of noise, biodiversity, and water poverty.
For further information or to discuss how we may be able to assist you with your future works programmes to achieve EPC Band A, please contact us via any of our social media platforms or our website at www.mdyson.co.uk.
Published on 14th February 2024