Welcome Space Network Summer Newsletter - 2026

Renters’ Rights Act in England
 

The Renters' Rights Act came into force of 1st May 2026 in England. It reinforced compliance with many key safety frameworks including CO alarms and a landlord’s duty to ensure an annual gas safety certificate for all properties they rent out.

CO Alarms: By law, all landlords must install CO alarms in any room used as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance (gas boilers, log burners, and oil heaters).

Disappointingly, gas cookers remain exempt in the legislation.

Repair and Replacement: Tenants remain responsible for testing CO alarms on a monthly basis, but the law requires landlords to repair or replace any faulty CO (or smoke alarm) as soon as they are told that it isn’t working.

The Decent Homes Standard is reinforced which states a landlord’s duty to ensure heating appliances are safely maintained, regularly serviced, and free from safety hazards. This includes the annual gas safety check.

Local authorities have the powers to strictly enforce these standards. Landlords who fail to comply, can face civil penalties of up to £5,000 per breach.

(Because housing is a devolved matter, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland maintain their own separate rental laws.)

Green Doctor Service
 

Groundwork’s Green Doctors are here for you if you are seeking support related to energy. The friendly team can provide different kinds of support, whether that’s advice on paying off debt with energy or water companies, or spotting other concerns for a referral to other services. Some of the reasons people ask for help are:

they’re struggling to pay energy bills or finding it hard to manage fuel debt
they’re worrying about keeping warm or choosing between eating and heating
their home is cold, damp or draughty
they have respiratory problems such as asthma or a persistent cough
If you find yourself asking these questions, email us at Communities 1st for a referral to this valuable service:

welcomespaces@communities1st.org.uk

Priority Services Register (PSR)
 

The PSR is a completely free service designed to make it easier for those who need a little extra help. The PSR is available  to people who:

• Have a severe or chronic illness
• Are dependent on medical equipment, including oxygen
• Have poor mobility, sight, hearing or smell
• Are unable to communicate in English
• Need support in the event of an interruption in their energy supply.

To join the PSR, complete the registration form on Cadent's website.

Assistance for blind/visually impaired and deaf beneficiaries

From April to October, Cadent will accept referrals from our centres for beneficiaries to receive a free gas safety check. As for the carbon monoxide monitors, there are set criteria such as home ownership, vulnerability, Priority Service registered and low income. For more information email servicesbeyondthemeter@cadentgas.com

Please see below some information about different services and resources:

Shout UK - Know someone who could benefit from this service? Text WARMTH to 85258

Turn 2 Us Benefits Calculator - To get direct and practical financial support

RNIB energy saving tips - Tips to help you manage your energy bill and save energy around the house.

Did you know there is a Centres for Warmth Facebook group? Our network is growing fast, with 100+ members already in the group, sharing ideas, updates, photos and what’s happening in their centres. It’s the easiest way to stay connected and see the brilliant work happening across the network.

Come and join the conversation and keep the network buzzing. Use this link, or click the button below. 

We would like to thank you all for your regular and prompt data reporting. As you know, it is essential that Communities 1st receives this information to prepare and deliver the quarterly reports. If you have any comments about this process or need some advice, please contact the Welcome Space Network Team.

Save time! Why not save the data reporting link in your favourites bar in your browser?

As part of the reporting requirements, we are building a portfolio of feedback, quotes and case studies. To do this, we rely on your regular input. Please send us your outreach and engagement initiatives, photographs and conversations. This all contributes to a bigger picture of the positive impact the project is having within our local communities.

This information will also be shared in the newsletter for centres to stay connected with the network, share ideas and be inspired by each other’s service delivery.

Send your stories to welcomespaces@communities1st.org.uk

Communities 1st has fully trained and friendly staff who make regular visits to centres
across the network.

Your beneficiaries will be able to chat with our advisors about benefits advice, wellbeing
support and can help with a variety of
subjects, including digital access.
The team will liaise and coordinate with your centre ahead of visits to allow time to advertise the sessions using the promotional materials we will provide you with.

Contact:  welcomespaces@communities1st.org.uk