The budget announcement delivered by Rachel Reeves yesterday echoed several key declarations from the past weeks, which could greatly impact the housing industry. With updated funding and policy revisions, the situation regarding housing supply and financial oversight looks set for transformation. However, the crucial question remains: will these adjustments be adequate to initiate the construction of the 1.5 million new homes promised in Labour’s manifesto?

The King's Speech was delivered at the opening of parliament, following Labour’s landslide victory at the polls.

There have been 3 recent county court decisions where tenants have been awarded the equivalent of 90 – 100% of their rent in compensation, where their properties were found unfit for human habitation.

A consultation has been launched regarding the implementation of the Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRs).

As of 1 May 2024, certain Civil Court fees have increased.

In the realm of property management, maintaining thorough repair and communication logs is not merely a best practice but a strategic necessity. With an increasing number of disrepair claims being filed against housing providers, meticulous record keeping serves as a powerful defence mechanism.

Complaint handling in the social housing sector has been the focus of significant attention in recent years, particularly in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire and the tragic death of Awaab Ishak.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has recently concluded its year-long housebuilding market study in England, Scotland, and Wales. The final report highlighted several significant areas of concern for the housebuilding sector, which are summarised in our latest insight.

Following the recent discussion on new social housing reforms, which was published on 30 January 2024, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities has declared an eight-week consultation period on a proposed standard for competence and conduct in social housing.

Today the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities announced a consultation on new social housing reforms. The proposed consultation has raised a number of concerns around the fact that a large majority of social housing already goes to UK nationals, the proposal would introduce even stricter rules, awarding social housing to those that can prove a close connection to the UK and local area as a priority.

A recent County Court decision held that increasing the rent may result in the creation of a new tenancy agreement, where it can be shown that this was the intention of both the landlord and the tenant. 

A change has been made to the application process for all applications to the Public Trustee made on and after 29 August 2023.