Housing

Removal of requirement for council tax bills to include details of cash amounts and percentage increases relating to the Adult Social Care precept

New statutory instrument

Government tables amendments to Renters’ Rights Bill to introduce restrictions on more than a month’s rent being required in advance

Secretary of State also puts forward amendments to limit a guarantor’s liability for rent following the death of the tenant, and to limit the obligation on a landlord to pay removal expenses

Round-up of recent housing-related Ombudsman decisions and reports

Government announces ‘largest ever’ investment in homelessness prevention services in England

Secretary of State says that historic 'boost' will give local authorities the tools they need to tackle, reduce and prevent homelessness

Local government finance settlement provides extra funding for social care in England, and confirms no change to council tax referendum principles

Government also says that it will consult in 2025 on options to improve the transparency of council tax billing, and to introduce a default option to pay over 12 months as with most other household bills

More than 350,000 people in England are currently homeless, up almost 15 per cent compared to the same time last year

Shelter's analysis of government statistics and Freedom of Information responses highlights that rapidly increasing private rents, rising evictions and a lack of genuine affordable social housing are all to blame for the increase

Housing Committee in Wales launches inquiry into housing for vulnerable people

Stakeholders invited to submit evidence to targeted consultation that will have an initial focus on housing support services

Newly-recognised refugees to be given 56 days to find new housing as ‘move on’ period doubled

Temporary measure to be introduced by the Home Office next week and is expected to run to June 2025

Jurisdiction to decide disputes relating to energy efficiency obligations of private rented sector landlords in England and Wales moves to Property Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal

New statutory instrument

Almost 40 per cent of private landlords in England say they’re unwilling to let to those in receipt of housing support

Government-commissioned survey highlights that landlords perceive that benefits will not cover all the rent, and that there is a greater risk of delays in payment or unpaid rent if letting to benefit claimants

Homelessness assistance and allocation of housing in Wales for victims of transnational marriage abandonment and those who have had an NRPF restriction lifted

New statutory instrument

Consultation launched on proposals to increase transparency of buildings insurance fees charged to leaseholders

Joint exercise from the UK and Welsh governments is designed to help leaseholders to better scrutinise and challenge unfair costs

Northern Ireland Communities Minister announces additional £6.7 million funding for homelessness

Speaking in an Assembly debate during Homelessness Awareness week, Minister also confirms his commitment to provide ongoing specific funding for homelessness prevention

Round-up of recent housing-related Ombudsman decisions and reports

Government to consult on increasing legal aid fees for housing and debt work as part of first increase in funding for more than 30 years

Additional £20 million a year investment will also include extra funding for immigration and asylum work, as government takes 'important step to rebuild our justice system'

Annual net cost to landlords of measures set out in the Renters’ Rights Bill are likely to average £12 per property

Impact assessment also highlights that the 'very small' additional cost will be likely to substantially mitigate the risk of landlords leaving the sector

Exempting former armed forces personnel from local connection test for allocation of social housing regardless of when they last served

New statutory instrument