Get in touch…

Given the increase in funding for the housing sector, although it is spread over a 5 year period, if you would like to discuss your strategy, proposals and pipeline with us on a value-added basis do get in touch. We know funding is not the only consideration for RPs – COVID, Grenfell and the Social Housing White Paper and leasehold and planning reform all play a part in developing your strategies, processes and pipeline (amongst everything else) and so if you need any input / assistance from us on this do let us know.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Jennifer Hankinson 
Head of Housing & Regeneration (Property)
e: jennifer.hankinson@forbessolicitors.co.uk
t: 01254 222417

Catherine Kennedy
Partner, Housing & Regeneration (Property)
e: catherine.kennedy@forbessolicitors.co.uk
t: 01772220162

Lauren Fisher
Paralegal, Housing & Regeneration (Property)
e: lauren.fisher@forbessolicitors.co.uk
t: 01254222345

Supreme Court Uber decision - what does this mean for social housing?

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court handed down its long-anticipated judgment in relation to the action brought against Uber by drivers claiming to be workers as opposed to self-employed contractors. The judgment provides the answer to whether 'gig economy' workers can be classed as 'workers' for the purposes of the Employment Rights Act 1996 ('the Act'). The case has been a longstanding focus of debate and captured the attention of many due to its potential impact on employers relying operationally on the 'gig economy' model to ensure profitability.

The Launch of the New Homes Quality Board

New build properties often get bad press with stories of poor quality making the headlines, highlighted in the recently published story of the Developer who was forced to rebuild all four external walls of a property. The New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) has launched this week, led by Natalie Elphicke MP, a new organisation charged with ensuring that developers deliver good-quality homes and that homeowners have greater consumer protections.

Choosing and Implementing Building Warranties / Insurance

Building insurance / warranties are an essential consideration for any development. There are a variety of providers available, all with their own products and add-ons which should be considered to ensure you choose a policy which suits your development's needs. It is important to have discussions with your Developer / Contractor at the early stages of the development to consider these needs and agree the process and responsibilities going forward. Most importantly, we would suggest that you discuss what products you need in place with your legal and insurance teams from the outset of the matter, and make practical, legal arrangements which will ensure the products are established in the most streamline and efficient manner.

Eviction Ban extended to 31 March 2021

The Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, has announced the ban on evictions, save for exceptional cases, will be extended to 31 March 2021. It had been due to end on 21 February so we expect to see updated Regulations released shortly.

There were some changes to the exceptions when the ban was extended in January (Update on the Extended Eviction Ban), so we will await to see whether any further changes will be made.

Merseyside County Lines & Social Housing Conference

Forbes' Merseyside County Lines & Social Housing Conference took place over two days on 9th and 10th February 2021 in conjunction with Merseyside Police.

With over 400 attendees across the two day conference, it was clear to see the importance of tackling cuckooing and county lines across the Social Housing sector. Whilst this event had a specific regional focus, we were also able to explore the national impact of these increasingly prominent issues. As a result of this, organisations from Cumbria down to Dorset and Hampshire were represented in variety of specialist roles including Housing Practitioners, Police Forces, Social Care, Legal Teams, Support Agencies, Charities and Universities.

Spotlight on...

Rosalind Leahy

Solicitor in the Public Sector Employment Team

Qualifications 

Undergraduate law degree and just waiting to graduate in my Masters in International Human Rights Law

Three words that describe me

Energetic, talkative and approachable

Hobbies and Interests

I love reading, especially about Irish politics, and working out, although most of my free time is spent with my kids. 

Funny fact about yourself

I managed to blag my way onto a British Rowing Olympic training camp even though I can’t row very well, at all.

Upcoming Event

Contracting under the new IR35 rules: Making it work

Wednesday 10th March 2.30pm

The new IR35 rules come into effect soon for organisations outside the public sector.

Will it be the end of outsourcing?
No.

Will it shut down the market in self-employed contractors?
Probably not.

Will it require organisations to balance their contractual risk management with contractors’ tax planning?
Definitely, and all the more so for Registered Providers and Charities with their enhanced requirements for good governance.

The answer to IR35 is to understand the potential application of the new rules to your organisation, decide on a plan and then apply it.

The Governance and Employment teams from Forbes are combining to provide analysis and advice on what the new rules mean, how to manage the process and how to make the critical Status Determination Statement. The webinar is aimed at Governance, Finance, HR and Procurement teams needing to get to grips with IR35.

Click here to book your place and send in your questions for our team when you make your reservation.