The Welsh Government has introduced the Welsh Housing Quality Standard 2023 (WHQS 2023) to make sure social housing in Wales is safe, comfortable, and affordable to live in. These new standards also aim to help communities thrive by creating jobs, training, and opportunities in the local area.
What does this mean for you?
1. What is WHQS 2023? In October 2023, the Welsh Government set out new standards for social housing. The goal is simple: to make sure every tenant has a home that’s safe, affordable, and meets their needs – now and for the future.
2. What does WHQS 2023 include? To meet the new standards, we’ll be working to make sure your home:
- Is in good condition
- Is safe and secure
- Is energy-efficient and kind to the environment
- Has a modern kitchen and bathroom
- Is comfortable and suits your lifestyle
- Ideally, has a garden or a nice outdoor space
3. How is WHQS 2023 different? The new standards focus even more on what matters to you. They:
- Put your health, wellbeing, and comfort first
- Help us reduce energy costs and support the environment
- Encourage us to listen to you and involve you more in decisions
4. How can I get involved? We want to hear from you! Your ideas and feedback are so important to making sure these improvements work for you. We’ll be sharing more details soon about how you can have your say.
5. Want to know more? For all the details about WHQS 2023, check out the Welsh Government website.
Why is this important?
At Hafod, we do more than just provide homes – we make sure they’re safe, warm, and affordable for you and your family. The original WHQS was introduced back in 2002 to tackle problems like disrepair and rising energy costs. Since then, things have improved a lot, but there’s still work to do!
The new WHQS 2023 reflects today’s challenges, like climate change and rising energy bills. It focuses on eight key areas to make sure your home is the best it can be:
- Homes must be in a good state of repair.
- Homes must be safe and secure.
- Homes must be affordable to heat and environmentally friendly.
- Homes must have modern kitchens and bathrooms.
- Homes must be comfortable and promote your wellbeing.
- Homes should have suitable gardens.
- Homes should have nice outdoor spaces that are practical and attractive.
- Homes must meet the needs of you, your family, and your community.
Working together
One of the most important parts of WHQS 2023 is you. We know that your experiences and feedback are key to getting this right. That’s why we’re committed to listening to you every step of the way.
We’ll be sharing updates and opportunities to get involved soon – so keep an eye on our website for the latest news.
At Hafod, we’re here to make sure your home works for you. By working together, we can make the WHQS 2023 a success and ensure your home is somewhere you’re proud to live.
You can read our Welsh Housing Quality Standard Compliance Policy here.