Social Housing Development: Takeaways from the Risk Sector Profile

For Regulated Providers of Social Housing (RPs), development will always carry it a degree of risk. This is, however, usually mitigated by careful management and effective governance. The Regulator of Social Housing (the Regulator) recently published a Sector Risk Profile 2021 (the Report) outlining the increased number of risks currently affecting the development process, many of which go beyond those previously acknowledged by the sector.

The Report identified how the construction sector is currently facing significant disruption due to both the pandemic and the UK leaving the Single Market. Additionally, the Report outlines how RPs are required to consider the additional requirements for new build homes brought about by the Fire Safety Act 2021 and Building Safety Bill, and how the newly established New Homes Ombudsman has increased the level of scrutiny and accountability applied to RPs in respect of new build properties.

SAVE THE DATE

Join us on Tuesday 22nd & Wednesday 23rd February 2021 (9:00am – 1:00pm) for our online Greater Manchester Cuckooing Conference via zoom.

Forbes Solicitors, along with Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the Greater Manchester Housing Providers Network and other partner agencies will focus on the role of Registered Housing Providers in tackling cuckooing and keeping vulnerable people safe.

This event will be an opportunity for delegates to increase their awareness of cuckooing, exploring the use of housing and criminal legislation available and identifing support options.

Throughout the conference, we will hear from housing practitioners, police, local authority representatives and a range of different organisations from across the Greater Manchester region. This will include highlighting the challenges that they currently face and promoting successful outcomes via effective information sharing and multi-agency working.

Strike out powers of Tribunal

Is a tribunal entitled to strike out a response when, due to the Respondent's non-compliance, it is no longer possible to conduct a fair trial in the trial window? Yes, held the EAT in Emuemukoro v Croma Vigilant (Scotland) Ltd.

The case confirmed the importance of following case management orders and directions set by the Tribunal. There are times when complying with an Employment Tribunal order may not be possible, and in this situation, it is imperative that agreement is sought from the other side, as well as the Tribunal if required, to vary the an order and suggest an alternative date. This is particularly commonplace when disclosing documents, as difficulties are encountered in accessing documents. In this situation, an agreement to vary the exchange date can usually be agreed without issue and without prejudicing the case and hearing.

Housing Best Practice Partnership Network for West Yorkshire.

The next meeting of the Housing Best Practice Partnership Network will take place via zoom on Wednesday 26th January 2022 1pm - 3pm.

This will be an opportunity to identify key partnership priorities between Police and Housing for 2022. In order for these priorities to be reflective of the current Housing, Anti-Social Social Behaviour and Safeguarding landscape throughout West Yorkshire, we would like to hear from as many different agencies as possible. Your input is therefore really important to this process.

We are pleased to be able to welcome the following guest speakers - 

• Detective Inspector Michael Cox, Detective Sergeant Michael Parrish & Jess Clayton (Force Drugs Co-ordinator) from West Yorkshire Police who will discussing “Operation Cuckoo”
• Detective Chief Inspector Andy Farrell who will be providing an update from West Yorkshire Police

Click here to register your place - please note that you will not receive the zoom link to join the session without registering via eventbrite. 

Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Bill and the Code of Practice for Commercial Property Relationships following the COVID-19 Pandemic 

Britain’s pubs, shops, cafes, restaurants, small businesses are the beating heart of our economy, and it remains as a priority to protect and support businesses during these unprecedented times. In most cases, businesses have not been able to open and function as usual due to COVID-19 and therefore, have been unable to pay their rent. This Bill aims to bring the cases where landlords and tenants have been unable to resolve disputes over rent arrears to a swift resolution.  

The Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Bill proposes new legislation and a new Code of Practice with the purpose of resolving remaining commercial rent arrears accrued during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government have published a new Code with the desire to settle any remaining disputes between landlords and tenants which will work in unity with the Bill. It is issued in response to the impact of COVID-19 on landlords and tenants in the commercial property sector and replaces the ‘Code of Practice’ for commercial property relationships issued on 19 June 2020 and updated on 6 April 2021.

Spotlight on....

 Laura Ryan

 Role: Paralegal in the Housing & Regeneration Team  

Qualifications : Laura has over 14 years' experience of working in a Legal environment. She has worked for a Housing Association for 10 years in Legal Team and also in the Anti-Social Behaviour team. Laura then joined the Legal Land Team in Homes England for 4 years as a Paralegal.I am a part qualified Legal Executive (Associate level).   

Three words that describe me: Organised, bubbly & caring

Hobbies and Interests: Dancing, Holidays, Socialising, Pubs, Walks, Games and anything but the gym!

Favourite Food: Favourite food is Salt & Pepper chicken wings, and drink is Spiced rum.