TLC magazine Autumn 2025 – text version - Decent homes, decent lives: keeping our housing up to standard

Decent homes, decent lives: keeping our housing up to standard 

Everyone in Norwich deserves a home that’s safe, warm and in good repair. For more than 20 years, the Decent Homes Standard has helped us make that happen.

Introduced in 2001, the standard set a clear benchmark for social housing – freedom from serious health and safety hazards, modern and well-maintained facilities, and good energy efficiency.

We’ve taken this seriously from day one. Our rolling programme of stock condition surveys helps us identify where upgrades are needed – from new kitchens and bathrooms to heating systems, electrics, roofs, windows and doors.

Today, 99.6% of our homes meet the standard, excluding a small number where tenants have chosen not to go ahead with works. This work isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It helps protect tenants’ health, reduce bills and ensure homes are safe and comfortable for years to come.

The government is now reviewing the standard, with updates expected on energy efficiency, safety and damp and mould. We’ll continue adapting our investment plans to keep homes in Norwich up to standard.