TLT's update on all issues affecting the social housing sector.
It includes the main legislative and case law developments and statutory guidance issued in connection with the Social Housing sector from the last month (month year) together with links to the relevant sources where you can obtain further information.
Quick links:
Legislation.gov.uk | 13 August 2020
The Charitable Incorporated Organisations (Insolvency and Dissolution) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2020 (SI 2020/856) came into force on 13 August 2020. They revoke and supersede previous 2020 regulations, which contained drafting errors and omissions, and ensure that the moratorium in Part 1A of the Insolvency Act 1986 applies to CIOs.
Legislation.gov.uk | 6 July 2020
The Charitable Incorporated Organisations (Insolvency and Dissolution) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (SI 2020/710) came into force on 7 July 2020. They make necessary amendments and modifications as a result of the application of the moratorium in Part A1 of the Insolvency Act 1986 to CIOs. A moratorium under Part A1 of the Insolvency Act 1986 is an insolvency process introduced by the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (CIGA 2020), effective from 26 June 2020. CIGA 2020 amended the CIO Insolvency and Dissolution Regulations to apply Part A1 moratoriums to CIOs, except for CIOs that are either private registered providers of social housing in England or registered as social landlords in Wales under Part 1 of the Housing Act 1996.
The Charity Commission | 26 June 2020
Updated information for charitable companies and CIOs on new laws affecting members’ meetings and insolvency. These provisions are set out in the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 and came into effect on 26 June.
BEIS | 4 August 2020
Builders, plumbers, and other tradespeople across England will need a government-backed seal of approval to provide their services as part of the new £2 billion Green Homes Grant going live at the end of September.
The new scheme will see the government fund up to two-thirds of the cost of home improvements of over 600,000 homes, supporting over 100,000 jobs in green construction.
Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy | 30 June 2020
Companies that applied to the government’s tariff guarantee scheme before June 29 will have an extra 14 months to get their low-carbon heat generators up and running.
Legislation.gov.uk | 14 August 2020
On 14 August 2020, the Employment Rights Act 1996 (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (Coronavirus, Calculation of a Week's Pay) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 (NISR 2020/178) came into force, requiring employers to calculate various statutory payments, including redundancy and notice pay, with reference to a furloughed employee's normal pay.
Gov.uk | 31 July 2020
On 31 July 2020, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) published a policy paper and further details on the Job Retention Bonus (JRB), originally announced by the Chancellor on 8 July 2020
Full guidance is expected in September.
TLT Legal Insight | July 2020
The government has introduced new legislation which requires that redundancy pay for employees on furlough leave is based on their normal rate of pay.
The government has said that it hoped employers would pay employees’ redundancy pay based on their normal wages (rather than any reduced rate during furlough leave). However, the government’s view is that many employers are not doing this and has, therefore, introduced legislation to remedy the situation.
All employees with at least two years’ continuous service are entitled to redundancy pay if dismissed because their role has been made redundant.
The new legislation also applies to the calculation of a ‘week’s pay’ for the purposes of other statutory payments, such as statutory notice pay and the calculation of compensation for unfair dismissal for furloughed employees. These payments will also be based on normal wages rather than furlough pay.
The new rules are not retrospective and apply from 31 July 2020.
TLT Employment Podcast | 15 July 2020
The Covid-19 pandemic will undoubtedly trigger an increase in the use of flexible and agile working. HR teams must quickly grapple with the risks and act accordingly.
In this episode, we look at:
TLT Legal Insight | July 2020
Businesses across the nation have seen a dramatic change in methods of working due to the impact of the coronavirus. To continue operating effectively, many companies have allowed the majority of their employees to work from home.
But remote working raises issues that now need to be considered more closely. This includes ensuring that this method of working does not discriminate against disabled employees.
TLT Legal Insight | 15 July 2020
As the Coronavirus continues to disrupt the international economy, employers are now seeking ways in which employees can safely return to work.
However, evidence suggests that the virus does not affect the population equally; there are pockets of society who suffer exacerbated ill effects due to belonging to specific ethnic and racial groups.
Gov.uk | 13 August 2020
Updated Homes England MSA policy statement 2020 to 2021.
Regulator of Social Housing | 4 August 2020
This accessibility statement applies to the pages of the gov.uk website that are ‘owned and managed’ by the Regulator of Social Housing.
They want as many people as possible to be able to use this website.
International Standards Consultations | 20 July 2020
In December 2019 the RoPA Code Steering Group was set up for the purpose of developing an overarching code of conduct for Property Agents, following on from the recommendations made by Lord Best in the ‘Regulation of Property Agents Working Group, Final Report, July 2019’. The Steering Group have produced a new overarching draft code to the standards envisaged by the RoPA Working Group. Comment is invited on this draft overarching code. The consultation is open until 4 September 2020.
Gov.uk | 20 July 2020
The government published its draft Building Safety Bill on 20 July – the second of two pieces of legislation on building safety expected this year, following the Fire Safety Bill in March.
The draft bill sets out how the government will bring forward its proposals to reform the building safety regulatory system. This follows the government’s response to the Building a Safer Future consultation on 6 June, in which it set out these proposals in detail.
Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government | 15 July 2020
This circular letter draws attention to the publication of revised Building Regulations and Fire Safety Procedural Guidance. The purpose of this circular letter is to draw attention to revised procedural guidance published by Local Authority Building Control (LABC) with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the Association of Consultant Approved Inspectors (ACAI) and in conjunction with the Joint Regulators’ Group of the Building Safety Programme. This guidance sets out how building control bodies should consult with fire and rescue services on plans for building work.
Civil Procedure (Amendment No. 3) Rules 2020
These rules amend the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 (CPR). Of particular note to housing professionals are rule 6 which amends Part 30 of the CPR to make provision in relation to the transfer of proceedings for the enforcement of a judgment or order for possession of land by the county court to the High Court; and rule 16 which amends Part 83 to make provision about writs and warrants of possession, including provision requiring a notice of eviction to be delivered before a writ or warrant of possession can be executed. The amendments come into force on 23 August 2020. For the Amendment No. 3 Rules, click here. For the CPR, click here.
Civil Procedure (Amendment No. 4) (Coronavirus) Rules 2020
These rules, which come into force on 23 August 2020, amend the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 (CPR) to insert a new, temporary rule which provides for how possession proceedings and enforcement proceedings by way of writ and warrant for possession, which were stayed until 23 August 2020, are to proceed after that stay expires. The new rule provides (in exercise of the power given in paragraph 6 of Schedule 1 to the Civil Procedure Act 1997) that proceedings are to proceed as provided for by a new, temporary practice direction, Practice Direction 55C, which is added to the practice directions supporting the CPR. For the Amendment No. 4 Rules, click here. For the CPR, click here. For PD 55C, click here.
London.gov.uk | 4 August 2020
Intermediate housing is one of the main forms of affordable homes built in London. The Mayor of London is consulting on a broad range of proposals in relation to intermediate homes, including how to address concerns with the affordability of shared ownership homes, what more can be done to support delivery of these homes and how allocations for intermediate homes can be made more transparent and consistent. The consultation also provides an opportunity to think about whether more can be done to help key workers access and benefit from these homes in London. This is particularly important in the context of the current health crisis which has highlighted the key role many occupations play in supporting the capital’s resilience during times of crisis. The consultation closes on 11 October 2020.
Regulator of Social Housing | July 2020
The Regulator of Social Housing's first set of Equality objectives
The Law Commission | 21 July 2020
The Law Commission of England and Wales has published recommendations to transform home ownership for millions of people in England and Wales. It has been estimated there are at least 4.3 million leasehold homes in England alone. If enacted our reforms would help those owners and pave the way for a system where flats are sold with freehold title (as part of a commonhold).
These reforms – laid out in three reports – work in tandem with planned changes from the Government to create fit-for-purpose home ownership across England and Wales. The Commission’s reforms will lay the foundations for future home ownership to be freehold and tackle some key issues that existing leaseholders currently face.
Housing Ombudsman | 20 July 2020
The Housing Ombudsman welcomes the Draft Building Safety Bill proposing the removal of the democratic filter to allow direct access to its service and support faster redress
Housing Ombudsman | 14 July 2020
Guidance sets out best practice on engaging with the Ombudsman along with guidance on dealing with complaints raised by residents during this time
House of Commons Briefing Paper | 13 July 2020
A key focus of housing policy in recent years has been on the overall supply of housing. There is broad consensus on the need to address the long-term under-supply of housing and various measures have been introduced to stimulate housebuilding. While supporting increases in supply, commentators highlight the need to deliver housing that is genuinely affordable to improve living standards and “loosen the grip of poverty.” This paper considers the case for social rented housing; barriers to its development; and prospects for a step-change in supply. It also provides a statistical picture of trends in social housing supply over time and geographically (including total stock, new supply, and sales and demolitions).
Regulator of Social Housing | 9 July 2020
RSH publishes results from its latest Coronavirus Operational Responses Survey.
HM Treasury | 8 July 2020
The Chancellor of the Exchequer delivered a summer financial statement – titled ‘A Plan for Jobs’ – to Parliament. Of particular interest to housing professionals were the announcement of:
Home Office | 7 July 2020
These documents form the anti-social behaviour section of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act. Guidance updated with link to new guidance on the Community Trigger. The bodies involved may include registered providers of social housing, if co-opted.
Regulator of Social Housing | 1 July 2020
RSH has written to all providers with more than 1,000 units with a regulatory update and information about the submission of regulatory returns. The letter is the latest information on changes to regulation due to the impact of the coronovirus pandemic.
Legislation.gov.uk | 26 June 2020
The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 has obtained Royal Assent. It commenced on Friday 26 June 2020. The overarching objective of this Act is to provide businesses with the flexibility and breathing space they need to continue trading during this difficult time. The measures are designed to help UK companies and other similar entities by easing the burden on businesses and helping them avoid insolvency during this period of economic uncertainty
Legislation.gov.uk | 29 June 2020
These Regulations amend the Insolvency Act 1986 (c. 45) in order to ensure that Part A1 (Moratorium) of that Act does not apply in relation to companies which are private registered providers of social housing. They also make a consequential amendment to the Charitable Incorporated Organisations (Insolvency and Dissolution) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/3013).
The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (c. 12) inserted a new Part A1 and Schedule ZA1 into the Insolvency Act 1986. Part A1 provides for a freestanding moratorium for eligible companies to facilitate their rescue from financial difficulty. Schedule ZA1 specifies which companies are eligible for the moratorium under Part A1. These regulations mean that private registered providers are excluded from being eligible for the moratorium but private registered providers of social housing may be subject to a separate moratorium under Chapter 4 of Part 2 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17).
TLT Legal Insight | July 2020
The Deregulation Act 2015 (the DA) and its Regulations significantly extended the obligations of landlords in the residential rental sector. The Act was of equal significance to fixed charge receivers who automatically assume the landlord's legal duties to the tenant upon appointment.
Housing Ombudsman Service | 30 July 2020
Our latest Insight report published today looks at complaints data and case studies from April to June 2020, together with some key lessons to share with landlords. It shows the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown on the volume and nature of complaints we received over this period.
House of Commons Library | 14 July 2020
This briefing paper considers evidence of private landlords' reluctance to let to prospective tenants in receipt of Housing Benefit/Universal Credit. The paper looks at the reasons behind this reluctance and action being taken to challenge landlords/agents who operate a "no DSS" policy. The paper includes reference to the recent judgment of District Judge Mark sitting in York County Court, in which she considered the case of a disabled single parent who had an application for private rented housing refused by a letting agent based on her receipt of Housing Benefit.
MHCLG | 6 Aug 2020
Planning for the future: landmark reforms to speed up and modernise the planning system and get the country building.
TLT Legal Insight | 6 August 2020
Today the Government published its long-awaited white paper on planning reform, which seeks views on 24 proposals. In this legal insight we look at the key areas that have been targeted for reform.
TLT Legal Insight | August 2020
There have been several changes to the planning system in recent months, reflecting the response to Covid-19 and most recently in support of the Prime Minister’s evocation to ‘build, build, build’.
These changes take the form of new acts of parliament, new statutory instruments and changes to planning guidance.
Natural England | 3 August 2020
Natural England (NE) published its Action Plan for 2020-21, on 3 August 2020. It indicates that NE will reform how Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are managed as well as its licensing and planning work.
23 July 2020
The European Commission published a notice to stakeholders on guarantees of origin of electricity from renewable energy sources after the post-Brexit transition period, on 23 July 2020.
Royal Assent | 22 July 2020
The Business and Planning Act received Royal Assent on 22 July 2020. See related TLT legal insight.
Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government | 21 July 2020
Full planning applications will not be required to demolish and rebuild unused buildings as homes. The new rules, which will come into effect by September, will mean full planning applications will not be required to demolish and rebuild unused buildings as homes and commercial and retail properties can be quickly repurposed to help revive our high streets and town centres.
HM Courts & Tribunals Service and Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber) | 9 July 2020
The Upper Tribunal has held in Information Commissioner v Poplar Housing Association and another [2020] UKUT 182 (AAC) that a housing association was not a public authority under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (SI 2004/3391) (EIR).
TLT Legal Insight | 30 June 2020
On 1 August changes to the current permitted development regime will be introduced. These will assist in meeting housing demand, whilst ensuring that conversions to residential use provide adequate natural light.
The Permitted Development Rights (England) Order 2015 describes what permitted rights are available in England, how a person may avail themselves of those rights, and what planning conditions are imposed when they do. As such they offer a great deal of flexibility, avoiding the cost, delay and uncertainty of submitting planning applications for approval by the local planning authority.
TLT Legal Insight | 6 July 2020
Boris Johnson announced his ‘new deal’, the central point of which is to build back better, greener and faster. The focus of his announcement was on future construction. What will happen to those planning permissions that have already been secured but which are due to expire in coming months? Do you need to take action to extend the life of your planning permission?
Prime Minister's Office | 30 June 2020
PM Boris Johnson has announced the most radical reforms to our planning system since the Second World War, making it easier to build better homes where people want to live. Under the new rules, existing commercial properties, including newly vacant shops, can be converted into residential housing more easily, in a move to kick start the construction industry and speed up rebuilding
Homes England | 29 July 2020
Homes England has put communities at the heart of its work to improve diversity and inclusion in the housing sector as it launches its first annual Equality, Diversity and Inclusion report.
Homes England | 29 July 2020
Information for developers and house builders wishing to register to participate in the Help to Buy scheme, including guidance video on how to apply. (Guidance updated 29 July 2020 with information on closing date for new registrations)
The Law Society | 27 July 2020
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Property Ombudsman (TPO) are consulting on a new Draft Code of Practice for Residential Property Agents.
TLT Publications | 21 July 2020
As part of our How will the office of the future work? series, this report looks at some of the immediate issues businesses are facing as they return to the office, from social distancing to letting arrangements and employee testing.
Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government |19 July 2020
Changes to building rules in England to help add larger accessible toilets to more than 150 buildings a year.
The proposed approach is to introduce a mandatory requirement for Changing Places toilets in Building Regulations.
HM Revenue & Customs | 29 July 2020
On 29 July 2020, HMRC published Revenue & Customs Brief 11 (2020): VAT and Stamp Duty Land Tax when existing leases between landlords and tenants are varied, setting out the VAT and SDLT implications of lease variations brought about due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parliament.uk | 21 July 2020
On 21 July 2020, HM Treasury and HMRC published draft legislation for the Finance Bill 2021, together with explanatory notes, tax information and impact notes and consultation responses.
The Stamp Duty Land Tax (Temporary Relief) Bill 2019-21 received Royal Assent on 22 July 2020 and became the Stamp Duty Land Tax (Temporary Relief) Act 2020.
Parliament UK | 13 July 2020
The Stamp Duty Land Tax (Temporary Relief) Bill 2019-21 was introduced to, and passed all of its stages in, the House of Commons. The Bill implements the temporary increase in the SDLT threshold for residential property announced, on 8 July 2020, in the Summer 2020 Economic Update.
HM Revenue & Customs | 8 July 2020
Reduced rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) will apply for residential properties purchased from 8 July 2020 until 31 March 2021 inclusive.
This publication is intended for general guidance and represents our understanding of the relevant law and practice as at June 2020. Specific advice should be sought for specific cases. For more information see our terms & conditions.
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