Welsh Housing Quality Standards

In October 2023, the Welsh Government introduced a new set of standards for social housing in Wales. These standards focus on providing tenants with good quality affordable housing, which is suitable for the needs of existing and future residents. 

What are the main things included in the new standards? 

For Bron Afon to meet the new standards we must make sure our tenants have the opportunity to live in a home that:   

  • Is in good condition. 
  • Is safe and secure. 
  • Is energy efficient and environmentally friendly. 
  • Has an up-to-date kitchen bathroom. 
  • Is comfortable and suitable for the occupants. 
  • Ideally, has a garden. 
  • Ideally, has pleasant outdoor spaces. 

How are these different from the older WHQS standards? 

The new standards 

  • Are tenant focused 
  • Aim to promote positive health, education and wellbeing 
  • Encourage social landlords to engage with their tenants so their feedback helps shape their programme of works. 

How can I get involved? 

An important part of these new standards is your involvement. We will be sharing information soon on how you can have your say. 

Where can I to find out more information? 

For more information, please visit
https://www.gov.wales/welsh-housing-quality-standard-2023-0 

For an easy read version please visit
The Welsh Housing Quality Standard (gov.wales) 

What is the timeline?  

Here are the main deadlines that we will be working towards:  

By 31 March 2025: 

  • Assess the condition of your homes to see what needs updating.  
  • Review existing information and possibly visit some homes to conduct surveys. We’ll let you know if a visit is needed. 
  • Create a detailed plan and budget for upgrading homes to meet the required standards. 
  • Share our plans with you, get your feedback, and inform you about the updated standards. 
  • Update our business plan to include the necessary improvements to meet WHQS 2023 standards. 
  • By 31 March 2027: 
  • Develop a Targeted Energy Pathway (TEP) for each home based on our assessments. This plan will outline the steps, work, and timeline needed to improve your home’s energy efficiency and keep it warm affordably. 
  • By 31 March 2030: 
  • Ensure all properties have at least an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘C’. 
  • To achieve this rating, homes generally need to be well-insulated. 
  • By 31 March 2034: 
  • Fully comply with the WHQS 2023 standards.