UKCMB participated in the Place-Based Projects Team Forum, organised by the Ministry of
Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). UKCMB Academic Director Dr Hector Altamirano-Medina presented to approximately 47 local authorities taking part in the Pathfinders project and the Healthy Homes Project.
Pathfinders Project:
Under the previous administration to nine areas with high numbers of poor quality privately rented homes to deliver a set of pathfinder projects (pilots) to improve enforcement of existing standards in the PRS. The councils leading the projects are Cornwall, Derbyshire Dales, Greater Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, North Yorkshire, Suffolk and Westmorland and Furness, and Birmingham
These projects are due to conclude on 31st March 2025. Insights from the Pathfinders will inform the delivery of the Renters’ Rights Bill, and the government will be working with local authorities to share learning and best practice to support effective implementation of the reforms.
Healthy Homes Project:
Under the previous administration, approximately 80 local authorities, participated to test different approaches for improving enforcement of damp and mould in PRS housing. The Healthy Homes project is a collaborative effort between Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). The project is expected to conclude in April 2025.
This fund is being used to test the effectiveness of a number of enforcement approaches and how they impact the prevalence of damp and mould, as well as the subsequent effect on tenant health and wellbeing.