The Department for Communities (Northern Ireland) has launched a public consultation on the Decent Homes Standard (Northern Ireland), which sets out the minimum requirements that social housing providers must meet. The 14-week consultation runs from 26 November 2025 to 4 March 2026 and follows extensive engagement with key stakeholders, including Registered Housing Associations, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing, and tenant representatives.

The proposed changes aim to ensure that tenants are able to live in homes that are safe, warm and comfortable, while also improving standards around health, safety and energy efficiency.

To support this process and ensure that the views of the fire safety sector are clearly represented, the Fire Industry Association will be holding a Special Interest Group (SIG) meeting on Monday 16 February. The session will provide an opportunity for FIA members to review the proposals, share insights, and discuss whether the updated standard is both practical and effective in delivering meaningful improvements to housing quality and fire safety.

Feedback gathered through the SIG will be used to inform an FIA response to the consultation, submitted on behalf of our members.

Get involved
Members who wish to take part in the SIG are invited to register their interest by emailing [email protected] by Friday 6 February. Those who register will be added to the distribution list and provided with further details.