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
Posted 31st January 2008
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