Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ first Government Spending Review, delivered yesterday, marked a defining moment for the UK’s social housing sector. Among the key announcements was a £1 billion remediation fund, aimed at levelling the playing field between private and public housing providers by giving Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) equal access to critical funding for repairs and upgrades.
This commitment addresses long-standing concerns that social landlords have historically been excluded from major funding schemes, leaving tenants in substandard conditions without sufficient investment to remedy known hazards. The new fund is a pivotal move towards restoring equity and decency across the housing spectrum.
Awaab’s Law is Coming
The timing of the Chancellor’s announcement is particularly significant as it comes just months ahead of the enforcement of Awaab’s Law in October 2025. Named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died following prolonged exposure to damp and mould in his social housing flat, the law imposes stringent legal obligations on landlords to address these hazards within prescribed timeframes.
With the English Housing Survey recently revealing a sharp rise in damp and mould in social homes, from 4% in 2019 to 7% in 2023-24, sector leaders have been calling for structural reform and funding to match their new responsibilities. The Government’s latest intervention responds to that call, recognising that RSLs must be financially equipped to comply with the forthcoming legislation.
Levelling the Remediation Field
Previously, large-scale building safety and remediation funds were primarily available to private landlords and developers, leaving social housing providers to fund essential upgrades from already stretched budgets. By allowing RSLs to apply for the same grants, the new £1 billion scheme acknowledges the unique pressures these landlords face, especially as they prepare for the implementation of Awaab’s Law.
The Government has confirmed that the new scheme will prioritise remediation of damp, mould, and structural safety issues. Details on application processes and funding timelines are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
A Step Towards Safe and Decent Homes
Housing campaigners, tenant organisations, and industry professionals have broadly welcomed the announcement, describing it as a long-overdue shift in policy. However, many stress that funding alone is not enough, it must be accompanied by robust oversight, fast deployment, and clear guidance on the law’s enforcement.
Sonia Murton, Director at Westbury FM, welcomed the move:
“This cannot come soon enough and needs to start with the elimination of damp and mould from social housing association property portfolios. Awaab’s Law will only succeed if housing providers are properly resourced to act decisively. This fund is a step in the right direction, but now the focus must shift to delivery, compliance, and long-term prevention.”
Thanks for reading,
Sonia Murton – Westbury FM – sonia.murton@westburyfm.co.uk
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References: Inside Housing
