The government has announced plans for a consultation on a new Decent Homes Standard.

The consultation, which will launch as soon as possible, will look to ensure safe, secure housing is the standard people can expect in both social housing and private rented properties, the government says.

Labour says it will also bring forward legislation for Awaab’s Law in the social rented sector this autumn, so hazards such as damp and mould must be investigated and remedied to set timescales.

Additionally, new access to information requirements for housing associations will be introduced, which the government says will enable tenants from 2.5 million households to hold their landlords to account and drive up the quality of the housing and services they provide.

Furthermore, a Competence and Conduct standard for the social rented sector will be introduced aimed at ensuring staff have the right skills, behaviours and experience to carry out the role they have in supporting often some of the most vulnerable in our society.

The new standard, which will include qualification requirements for senior managers and executives, will help to raise standards across the sector, ensuring tenants receive a professional service and are treated with respect and dignity, the government says.

Finally, the government will bring forward further plans for high-quality housebuilding through the revised National Planning Policy Framework this autumn, following the NPPF consultation which closes on 24 September.