Forbes Solicitors
Housing & Regeneration eNews
October 2020

Coronavirus Job Support Scheme: What benefit will it add to Social Housing providers?

 

The role of housing when tackling County Lines

 

Permitted Development Rights – are we a step closer to delivering more homes?


Coronavirus Job Support Scheme: What benefit will it add to Social Housing providers?

On 24 September 2020, the Chancellor announced the new Coronavirus Job Support Scheme (JSS), the successor to Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). The new scheme is intended to support business who wish to retain their employees and avoid compulsory redundancies. As of 9 October 2020, the Chancellor has announced further expansion to the scheme and the intention to support businesses and organisations forced to close by Government health regulations.

 

Relief Against Forfeiture - reasonable delay?

Keshwala & Anor v Bhalsod & Anor (2020) EWHC 2372 (QB)

This is an interesting case on relief against forfeiture and contains some useful pointers on the nuances of forfeiture by physical re-entry.

The lessee had taken a 20 year lease of the property in 2008. It was a commercial lease but with living accommodation above. In June 2018, the rent account fell into arrears of £500 due to a mistake in payment.

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Housing Diversity Network

Housing Diversity Network is a social enterprise that aims to inspire and empower people, promoting equality, diversity and opportunity for all. It works collaboratively to support organisations to improve how they address inequality, get the most from their staff and meet the needs of the communities they work with.

Darren Burton, Head of Housing Consultancy Services, has been involved with the Housing Diversity Network for the past six years and has found it to be a useful link for learning more about diversity issues which impact upon the everyday working of the Social Housing Sector and beyond.

 

Home ownership weathering the storm

Last week members of the Housing Property Team had the pleasure of attending the National Housing Federation's first virtual Affordable Home Ownership Conference. A different format but non the less informative with valuable insight into the upcoming changes in the industry and the impact Covid-19 has had and continues to have on the housing market.

 

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The role of housing when tackling County Lines

Earlier this week Darren Burton, Head of Housing Consultancy at Forbes and D.I Kirsten Dent, NPCC County Lines Lead for Movement and Transport, National County Lines Coordination Centre, presented a webinar on the topical issue of County Lines.

100 delegates joined the webinar where D.I Dent gave an overview of what County Lines is, who is vulnerable, signs/indicators, cuckooing, trap houses and the targeted approach currently being taken. This was followed by Darren who covered the role of housing when tackling County Lines.

D.I Dent gave a regional overview of the Yorkshire area where 60% of cuckooed addresses are recorded as being social housing properties.

Both Darren and D.I Dent emphasised the importance of Registered Housing Providers playing their part in tackling County Lines by working together with other organisations such as Police, Charities and Local Authorities to provide a multi agency response.

The Housing Team at Forbes have seen an increase in the number of cuckooing cases referred to them from Housing Association clients and  believe this is because social housing is often provided to the most vulnerable in society, making tenants a target for criminal gangs. Darren Burton has worked with a number of Registered Housing Providers throughout the UK to develop links with partner agencies and Third Sector organisations resulting in the closure of cuckooed properties. In each of these cases, the Housing Provider played a key role in the investigatory process including information sharing, evidence gathering and facilitating support.

Forbes Solicitors are actively involved in discussions with the Police and the Offices of the Police & Crime Commissioners at both a regional and national level to develop a consistent approach for tackling these increasing prominent issues within our communities. Further online events and training are in the currently being planned so we will keep everyone updated.

If you require any support with the County Lines case management process please contact Darren Burton

Darren Burton, Head of Housing Consultancy Services

T: 07976 265 555 

E: darren.burton@forbessolicitors.co.uk

 


€35 Million Fine for Illegal Employee Data Collection

It has been reported earlier this month that the Swedish clothing retailer, H&M has been fined more than €35 million by the German data protection authority, after it was found to have unlawfully collected employee data of some of its employees in Germany. This is the highest level of fine issued by the German data protection authority for a breach of the GDPR.

 

Permitted Development Rights - are we a step closer to delivering more homes?

The Government has recently implemented two new Statutory Instruments which introduce additional permitted development rights. Both of these rights came into effect on 31 August 2020.

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Events

The Forbes' Housing Litigation Team are holding two webinars via zoom in November. Our dedicated housing specialists will be hosting these free sessions to keep you up to date and answer any questions you may have. 

The upcoming webinars and booking details are below. 

3rd November - Leaseholder consultation – the role of the Tribunal

17th November - ASB and the new normal


Spotlight on...

Sarah Rogers

Senior Associate- Housing and Regeneration (litigation)

I am a senior associate solicitor and higher rights advocate and I head up the Housing Management Team within the Housing and Regeneration Department. I have over 10 years post qualification experience in housing law.

I represent social landlords, pursuing possession and / or injunction proceedings for breaches of tenancy including rent, garden, property condition, hoarding, failure to grant access and cyclical maintenance.

I also deal with accelerated and trespass possession, succession and possession following death, assignment, notices to quit, allocation, mental capacity, Equality Act disputes, illegal subletting, tenancy fraud and housing ombudsman complaints.

I deal with court hearings, including trial advocacy and regularly attend client offices for legal surgeries and to deliver training throughout the country.

What is it like working in lockdown?

I miss seeing my client’s and colleagues face to face and I even miss travelling around the country on the train, despite the sometimes very early starts. I have made up for it with virtual meetings and training sessions and also writing regular e-briefs about the vast changes to possession law since the lockdown hit.

Three words that describe me?

Feisty, talkative and highly organised.  

Hobbies and interests

Walking my gorgeous cocker spaniel, Spencer,  jigsaws and, pre lock down, going out dancing with my friends.    

Favourite Food and Drink

Steak, medium rare, with mushrooms and rum with ginger beer and lime… delicious!  


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The content of this e-alert is merely informative and should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal advice