HC Deb 10 March 1998 vol 308 cc95-6W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance he has given to(a) local authorities and (b) other housing organisations concerning minimum standards for the (i) construction and (ii) renovation and (iii) size of rooms of dwellings.[33133]

Mr. Raynsford

The Building Regulations apply to the construction of new buildings, including dwellings, and require that they provide reasonable standards of health and safety for the occupants, and also include reasonable provision for the conservation of fuel and power. Guidance on ways of meeting the requirements of the Regulations is given in the Approved Documents which support the Regulations.

Guidance on the current Housing Fitness Standard and home renovation grants is given in Circular 17/96, although major renovation work could also be subject to the Building Regulations. We are currently reviewing the Housing Fitness Standard and, on 10 February 1998, a consultation document was issued which invited comments on proposals and options for change. Copies of this consultation are in the Libraries of each House.

The Government do not issue guidance on room sizes. However in Housing Associations' dwellings, the Housing Corporation requires that rooms are large enough to accommodate appropriate furniture and normal activities.