NHF response to announcements on rent convergence, Decent Homes Standard, Minmum Energy Efficiency Standard, Section 106

In response to today's announcements on rent convergence, Decent Homes Standard, Minmum Energy Efficiency Standard and Section 106, Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, said:

“Today’s announcements provide vital certainty for the social housing sector, delivering a serious, long-term plan for social housing.

“The reintroduction of rent convergence after more than 10 years is both fair for tenants and will enable the social housing sector to build vital new affordable homes while increasing investment in existing ones. Alongside this, the commitment to strengthen Section 106 will ensure that affordable housing remains at the heart of mixed communities across the country.

“We welcome clarity on the new Decent Homes Standard and energy efficiency targets, which will give housing associations the confidence to continue planned work to improve the quality of their homes and bring down energy bills.

“We’re also delighted that today marks the launch of a new social housing taskforce, through which we will agree a compact to strengthen our long-term partnership with the government, local councils, and social housing residents."

“These announcements give our sector the confidence to deliver on our shared ambition of a generational boost to social housing.”

Gary Orr, CEO of Abri, and Clare Miller, CEO of Clarion - on behalf of the National Delivery Group, England's 22 largest developing housing associations, said:

“Today's announcements provide much‑needed certainty for housing associations, setting out a long‑term plan they can rely on. This clarity will give the sector the confidence to invest in existing homes and build new affordable ones.

"We are ready to play our part in building a new generation of homes so more families can have the security and stability of a place of their own."

Full list of England's 22 largest developing housing associations:

• A2Dominion Housing Group Ltd - Ian Wardle CEO
• Anchor - Rachael Shimmin CEO
• Abri - Gary Orr (Co-Chair) CEO
• Aster Group - Bjorn Howard CEO
• Bromford Flagship LiveWest - Rob Nettleton CEO
• Clarion Housing Group Limited - Clare Miller (Co-Chair) CEO
• Home Group Ltd - Mark Henderson (stepping down 2026) CEO
• Hyde Housing Association Ltd - Andy Hulme CEO
• LiveWest Homes Limited - Paul Crawford (due to step-down end of April) CEO
• London & Quadrant Housing Trust - Fiona Fletcher-Smith CEO
• Metropolitan Thames Valley - Mel Barrett CEO
• Notting Hill Genesis - Patrick Franco CEO
• Orbit Group Ltd - Phil Andrews CEO
• Peabody - Ian McDermott CEO
• Places For People Group Limited - Greg Reed CEO
• Platform Housing Limited - Kevin Bolt (interim) CEO
• Sanctuary Housing Association - Craig Moule CEO
• Southern Housing - Paul Hackett CEO
• Sovereign Network Group - Mark Washer CEO
• Stonewater Ltd - Jonathan Layzell CEO
• The Guinness Partnership - Catriona Simons CEO
• The Riverside Group Ltd - Paul Dolan CEO
• Torus - Steve Coffey CEO
• VIVID Housing Limited - Mark Perry CEO