Housing

DLUHC launches consultation on proposals to exempt further categories of dwellings from the council tax premiums for empty properties and second homes in England

Following proposed strengthening of the empty homes premium and introduction of a second homes premium in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, Department seeks views on possible additional exemptions

Around 8,000 Afghan individuals and families could become homeless at the end of next month as Home Office serves notice for people to leave temporary bridging hotels

LGA voices fears about the risk of homelessness, and calls on the government to work with councils on a jointly managed, locally driven process to asylum and resettlement

Housing Ombudsman uncovers ‘culture of apathy’ at London council

Special investigation report finds a 'distinct lack of ownership, accountability and intrinsic motivation' when handling complaints

Regulatory Policy Committee finds original impact assessment for Renters (Reform) Bill was ‘not fit for purpose’

Independent watchdog accepts that further material from the DLUHC has now provided clarity on the impacts of the Bill, but says there is still room for further improvement

Round-up of recent decisions from the Housing Ombudsman

Bill to enhance the regulation and oversight of supported housing receives Royal Assent

New Act includes provision for a new supported housing licensing regime to give local authorities increased oversight of, and enforcement powers relating to, its provision

Introducing greater flexibility in relation to the composition of the Upper Tribunal for Scotland when exercising valuation rating appeal functions

New statutory instrument

More than 6,000 people estimated to be sleeping rough in England in March 2023

New DLUHC statistics highlight that this represents a 37 per cent increase on the same period the previous year

Ombudsman launches special investigation into social landlord following sharp increase in maladministration

Following completion of investigation into Southern Housing, Ombudsman says that a learning report will be published making recommendations for service improvement

Regulator of Social Housing receives 50 referrals relating to potential breaches by social landlords of its housing quality and repair standard arising out of damp and mould

Analysis of landlords' evidence on the extent of damp and mould in their properties highlights poor data management and limited oversight of housing conditions from boards or councillors as key issues to improve

Number of Ukrainian households found to be owed statutory homelessness duty in England increased by more than 1,000 between March and June 2023

More than 6,000 households now owed a duty, two thirds of which include dependent children

First Minister of Wales confirms government’s legislative priorities for next Senedd term will include a Bill to reform the council tax system

Other housing measures outlined in statement to the Senedd include commitment to legislate to improve homelessness services and to introduce a statutory licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation including short-term lets

Rough sleeping in London increased by more than 20 per cent in the last year

Crisis highlights that numbers have almost reached the record seen pre-pandemic, undoing the good work that the ‘Everyone In’ initiative achieved after launching in 2020

Just 5 per cent of privately rented properties are affordable, representing the lowest level on record

Institute for Fiscal Studies reports that private rented homes are also more likely to be unsafe, in disrepair, difficult to adequately heat or to lack modern facilities

Increase in registered rents in Northern Ireland

New statutory rule makes provision for a 7 per cent increase

Government issues revised Directions to Regulator of Social Housing on tenant involvement and mutual exchange

New Directions introduce strengthened requirements for social landlords to consider tenants' views and to assist those using mutual exchange service

New ONS data shows highest ever recorded private sector rent levels in England

Based on a sample of almost half a million rents, ONS reports that median monthly rent was £825 between April 2022 and March 2023