The proposed design of a new tax on the largest residential property developers set to raise at least £2 billion to help contribute to the cost of cladding remediation work was announced by the government. Ministers announced the new tax in February as part of a £5 billion package of remediation of unsafe cladding on high-rise residential buildings, alongside wider support.

For many homebuyers, the idea of building your own home may seem an unrealistic prospect. Difficulties obtaining mortgage finance and a lack of funds for upfront costs mean that perhaps in the past this has been an option limited to wealthier buyers.

Mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (‘ADR’) where an independent person, the mediator, helps both sides of a dispute come to an agreement. 

With Homes England opening bidding for new strategic partnerships as part of the Government’s Affordable Homes Programme (2021-2026), it is a pivotal time for affordable housing providers planning their development programmes for the next 5 years. Bidders have until noon on 18 May 2021 to submit their proposal online.

Yesterday, the government released the following update: The ban on bailiffs enforcing possession orders by warrants and writs is extended to 31 May 2021.

Stephen Burtchaell, head of our Affordable Housing team, gives an update on the latest Housing laws.

The biggest challenge over the next 12 months is the economic fall out from covid. We anticipate that many tenants/shared owners/leaseholders will fall into arrears with rent and services charged – some significantly so. 

On Friday 8 January 2021 the Government published new regulations further extending the ban on evictions.  The regulations (The Public Health (Coronavirus) (Protection from Eviction) England 2021) which we shall refer to as “the Regulations", came into effect yesterday and apply to England until 31 May 2021.

This BBC News article brings acutely into focus the desperate shortage of affordable housing in England. In particular affordable rented properties.

Yesterday, the government released their own Reactivation Notice.  Also yesterday, the Master of the Rolls (the most senior judge in England), released the final version of the guidance to courts on how possession proceedings will resume and be conducted following the lifting of the stay.

Following on from our latest update, there have been further restrictions on possession proceedings announced by the government overnight. 

After an eventful couple of weeks where the Government has made changes to housing legislation, we have taken time to reflect on these changes and asses where we are now.