Housing

DfC in Northern Ireland consults on equality impact assessment in relation to anti-social behaviour housing proposals

Having previously consulted on the wider proposals, Department seeks views on the EQIA by 3 February 2025

Inter-Ministerial Group on Homelessness and Rough Sleeping meets for first time to drive progress on development of strategy to get ‘back on track’ in ending homelessness

Rough Sleeping Winter Pressures Funding has also been launched today, providing £10 million to local authorities across England this winter

Government updates Parliament on progress in developing proposals for forthcoming consultation on licensing of supported housing

Written statement confirms that a consultation will be announced in the New Year that will include measures that give local authorities increased oversight of the sector and stronger enforcement powers

Government commits to reviewing the upper limit of the Disabled Facilities Grant in response to judicial review challenge

Court order requires review to be commenced by 7 November 2024 and take no longer than 3 months

MHCLG issues guidance on implementing strengthened council tax premiums on long-term empty homes and second homes in England

Guidance includes advice on the April 2025 changes that will enable councils to use new powers to charge a premium of up to 100 per cent on second homes in their area

MPs to question senior housing officials on failures to reduce homelessness

Public Accounts Committee inquiry will explore the government’s understanding of the extent, causes and costs of homelessness, and the response of and support for local authorities

Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee launches inquiry into children in temporary accommodation

Short inquiry will consider the use of B&Bs and other unsuitable accommodation and the impact on children's development, health and wellbeing

Housing (Scotland) Bill amendment introduced to limit rent increases in ‘rent control areas’ to the lower of CPI plus 1 per cent or 6 per cent

Scottish Government also confirms a consultation in Spring 2025 will seek views on exemptions from and modifications to rent controls

Round-up of recent Ombudsman decisions and reports

Round-up of recent Upper Tribunal housing case law

High Court rules that a council’s use of a database for homeless applicants seeking transfers did not constitute indirect discrimination against women

Begum, R (On the Application Of) v London Borough of Tower Hamlets [2024] EWHC 2279 (Admin)

Limits on discounts under the Right to Buy Scheme in England

New statutory instrument returns the maximum discount levels to pre-2012 regional levels

Budget 2024: Government launches consultation on a new long-term social housing rent settlement and announces changes to the Right to Buy scheme

Government also outlines that it is providing £233 million of additional spending in 2025/2026 on homelessness, at least £600 million of new grant funding to support social care, and an £86 million increase to the Disabled Facilities Grant

Scottish homelessness and housing organisations warn of risk to the lives and human rights of rough sleepers this winter

Letter to Human Rights Commission asks for urgent investigation into potential breach of obligations to protect fundamental right to life caused by a severe lack of safe accommodation

Court of Appeal considers procedure landlord must follow to recover possession on grounds of anti-social behaviour resulting in conviction for serious offense

Hajan v Mayor & Burgesses of the London Borough of Brent [2024] EWCA Civ 1260

Welsh Government publishes White Paper setting out plans to improve affordability, habitability and accessibility in the private rented sector

Cabinet Secretary says that proposals set out further building blocks in the government's progressive path towards achieving housing adequacy for the people of Wales

Scottish Law Commission seeks views on proposal to suspend occupancy rights for individuals convicted of domestic abuse offences

Commission also outlines proposal for introduction of a new civil court order to immediately exclude perpetrators of abuse from the home without notice of the application