Social tenants to get stronger protections

Social housing residents are to be given stronger powers to challenge landlords and demand safe, high-quality accommodation.

New measures will be put in place to make it easier for social tenants to report safety concerns and get action from their landlord.

The government says these legal rights will be “stronger, clearer, and enforceable”.

This is one of several reforms on the way after the government confirmed it will act on all 58 recommendations in the Grenfell Tower inquiry’s final report.

Other measures on the way include:

• a new construction regulator to improve standards and stamp out bad practice
• tougher rules on building and fire safety
• new rules on construction product safety

Residents ‘should be at the heart of decision-making’

Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, said the government is taking “tough action” to “drive change” and “ensure no community will ever have to face a tragedy like Grenfell ever again”.

“That means greater accountability, stronger regulation and putting residents at the heart of decision-making,” she commented.

“We must deliver the fundamental change required. 

“We owe that to the Grenfell community, to the country, and to the memory of those who lost their lives.”

Alex Norris, the building safety minister, added that the failings exposed by the Grenfell Tower fire “demanded fundamental change”.

“We will continue working closely with industry, local authorities and the Grenfell community to make sure these reforms deliver real, lasting change and rebuild trust,” he said.