Housing Minister Keith Hill said the proposed rating system will help to ensure homes in poor condition are improved and made safe:
"The current Fitness Standard has two main failings. It does not cover all the major problems found in a home and does not give any indication of how serious the problem is.
"The new Housing Health and Safety Rating System will highlight concerns not covered by the Fitness Standard, such as risks from falling down unsafe stairs."
The consultation asks for comments on the guidance for councils to enforce the new regimes under Part 1 of the Housing Bill. It can be accessed on the web site at www.odpm.gov.uk/housing/consult. The deadline for replies is 26 March 2004.
