English House Condition Survey Released

The English House Condition Survey (EHCS) is a long standing survey (run since 1967) that monitors the changing condition and energy efficiency of housing in England. The 2006 English House Condition Survey Headline Report was published today.

The report includes the following highlights;

• The number of non-decent homes across England was reduced by 3 million from 1996 to April 2006.
• Progress for improving non-decent homes has been fastest in the social sector with a reduction of 1.2 million non-decent social homes over this period.  The housing conditions of vulnerable households (those in receipt of means tested or disability related benefits) in the private sector also improved considerably with 400,000 fewer living in non-decent homes than in 1996.
• From April 2006 the Housing Health and Safety Rating System came into force and replaced the fitness standard as the statutory element of the decent homes standard.  Under this new definition there are 1.3 million social sector non-decent homes and 1.4 million private sector vulnerable households living in non-decent homes.
• Some 4.8 million homes (22%) have category 1 hazards as assessed under the new HHSRS.  In the private sector 4.2 million homes (24%) have category 1 hazards present compared to 500,000 (13%) in the social sector.
• The energy efficiency of homes has improved from an average SAP rating of 42 in 1996 to 49 in 2006.  Social sector homes are on average much more energy efficient than those in the private sector (57.4 compared to 46.8 respectively) and are improving at a faster rate.
• The survey also found that over two thirds (70%) of the current housing stock has an energy efficiency rating of 'D' or 'E' based on Energy Performance Certificate banding.  Less than 10% achieve a rating of 'C' or higher while a fifth of homes are in the most energy inefficient bands of 'F' or 'G'.
• Some 3.4 million (16% of) households live in poor quality environments.  Around 1.2 million of these households also live in non-decent homes.

The 2006 Headline Report is available at: www.communities.gov.uk/ehcs