Both the 2004 English House Condition Survey and 2003 Regional Report were published, showing housing conditions and energy efficiency standards have substantially improved since 1996, especially in social housing.
The Regional Report indicates that the North East has the highest proportion of decent homes, while the North West and London have below average levels of homes meeting the standard. Homes in the North East also have on average a better energy efficiency rating than in other regions, with the West Midlands and South West being below the national average.
The Survey shows a substantial improvement in heating and insulation standards over this period, with a halving of the overall incidence of social housing failing the decent home's 'thermal comfort' criterion (from 45% to 22%).
The Survey monitors the Government's key housing targets, to bring all social housing into a decent condition and to progressively increase the proportion of vulnerable households living in decent homes in the private housing sector. It also considers the quality of the environment around people's homes, to assist in setting targets that help create greener, safer and cleaner communities. This involves assessing whether homes are affected by problems related to the upkeep and utilisation of the area and to noise and other forms of pollution associated with travel.
In 2004, 3.2 million (15%) households lived in poor quality environments, of which 1.3 million (39%) also lived in non-decent homes. People living in London were more likely to suffer environmental problems, while those living in the East of England, the South East and South West were least likely.
Other key findings from the 2004 Survey include:
Since 1996 the number of non-decent homes has reduced by almost a third from 9.1 million (45%) to 6.3 million (29%) in 2004 - 1.25 million of which are social sector homes.
The condition of social sector homes has improved at a faster rate than private sector homes and consequently the gap between the two sectors has narrowed since 1996. In 2004 - 31% of social sector homes are non-decent compared to 29% of private sector homes. Much of the improvement in the social sector has taken place in the most deprived areas.
The substantial improvement in the heating and insulation standards of social housing is reflected in the overall energy efficiency rating of the sector. This now averages 58.5 - some 8 points higher and therefore more efficient than the private sector (under the Standard Assessment Procedure or SAP for rating the energy efficiency of homes). However, there have also been substantial improvements for those households in the private sector, which are targeted by Government policies to improve the condition and energy efficiency of their homes.
September publications in the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's Findings series included:
No. 1925 Public Spaces and Social Relations in East London
This study, part of a series on public spaces, examines the role of public spaces as social arenas and their potential for enabling social contact between different groups and enhancing individual well-being.
No. 1931: Addressing Housing Affordability, Clearance and Relocation Issues in the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinders
This examines how effectively the support and financial needs of residents relocated during demolition and clearance programmes are being met.
No. 1933: Monitoring Housing and Neighbourhood Trends 2006
This study draws on extensive data to analyse the current state of housing and neighbourhoods in the United Kingdom.
No. 1947: Struggling to Pay Council Tax: New Perspectives on the Local Taxation Debate
This study explores how many low-income households are struggling to pay the council tax and why.
No. 1939: Overcoming Obstacles to Equity Release
This identifies the obstacles to older homeowners with relatively low incomes releasing housing equity and suggests ways of overcoming them.
Young, Working and Still Homeless: Housing Market Affordability in Wales in 2005
Chartered Institute of Housing in Wales: www.cih.org/cymru.
The South West's Housing Time Bomb: Affordability and Supply 2006-2011
National Housing Federation: www.housing.org.uk.
Local Authority Revenue Expenditure and Financing England: 2005/06 Provisional Out Turn
DCLG: www.local.communities.gov.uk.
