ARCH has responded to the MHCLG consultation on revisions to the Decent Homes Standard. We have given qualified support to most of the proposals included, but asked for further discussion on many of the details.  We do not support the proposal to require the provision of floor coverings for all new tenancies, because some tenants will prefer to choose and fit their own, while others will either need financial help or for the landlord to provide it.  We argue for development and piloting of a model scheme providing suitable help when it is needed, drawing on the experience of local authorities and other organisations already operating schemes of this type.  We also argue that the existing requirement that homes are free of severe damp and mould hazards does not need to be amended.  We have also pointed out that the consultation paper does not answer the question of how compliance with the new Standard will be paid for.

The full response can be found here: Consultation on the DHS