MSB’s Social Housing Highlight – April 2023
Bringing you all the latest updates from the world of Social Housing.
We now have our own LinkedIn page. Please follow us for regular updates and insights in the world of Social Housing and Regeneration here.
This month we are also introducing our Employment team, in particular our head of employment Steven Davies. Steven has provided a helpful article on the recent amendments to the Social Housing Regulation Bill which requires Senior Housing Executives and Senior Housing Managers to hold professional qualifications.
The latest at MSB
This month we delivered our free webinar on Data Breach Claims with Louise Murphy, Rachael Payne, and David Tartellin from our Commercial team. The team has also been out delivering bespoke training to organisations. If you are interested in arranging training sessions with the team, please contact dominiqueowens@msbsolicitors.co.uk.
We are continuing to expand, and this month we were joined by solicitor Raihan Arif, who will be based in our Manchester Office. Raihan has already made a fantastic addition to the team and we can’t wait to continue working together. A number of the team have been observing Ramadan and celebrated Eid this month. Raihan has recently shared what the holy month means to him and his family, as he said, “Ramadan is an incredibly important month personally for me, as I find it a time to get closer to God, closer to my religion, and understand the suffering of many people around the world who cannot afford food or drink.”
This month Amy Tagoe and Jess Massih attended the LCR Pride Awards, where MSB were nominated for Business of the Year. Rachael Payne attended Janine Green’s excellent webinar, debating the ASB action plan. Most of the team also, attended Autism training with Autism Adventures, to mark Autism Awareness Month. Phillip Coburn attended the first meeting of the Liverpool Legal Network Group, which provides universities with the chance to meet with local firms to network and share information in order to offer the best support to our future lawyers. The disrepair team have also been out and about having face to face catch ups with clients, whilst other members of the team have also been busy filming podcasts on a number of social housing related issues. Keep your eyes peeled for as they make their way to social media soon!
We also have some amazing news to share. Our Head, Louise Murphy, has been shortlisted for two awards at the Women in Housing/Housing Hero’s awards, in the categories of ‘Woman of the Year’ and ‘Inspiration Leader’. Please join us in wishing Louise a huge good luck!
This month, we competed in the Alder Hey Dragon Boat Festival raising money for their Surgical Neonatal Appeal. Despite having no rowing experience, the team managed to finish in close third! The day definitely brought out our competitive side, but we were proud to raise over £1000. We love supporting great causes, so if you have any projects you would like us to get involved with, please contact thomasstockton@msbsolicitors.co.uk.
Our recommended Book Club read this month is ‘Magpie’ by Elizabeth Day. Read the latest newsletter here.
Updates and insight
Beth McKeown explains all you need to know about the Pre-action Protocol for Housing Conditions Claims. Read More.
Julia Michalczyk discusses the recent case of City of Westminster Council v Kazam & Anor which dealt with surrender of a joint tenancy. Read More.
Andrew Fairman highlights the important considerations when dealing with persons unknown in ASB Injunctions. Read More.
Housing Law News
Social Housing Fraud Update
On 19th April the Fraud Advisory Panel and Tenancy Fraud Forum published new research, which estimated that at least 148,000 social housing homes are subject to tenancy fraud and that the cost of this to the public purse was £500 million in 2019/2020 alone. Beth McKeown summarises the report here.
Building Safety Act 2022 (Commencement No 4 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2023
The regulations provide for further sections of the Act to come into force from 1st April 2023. For the regulations click here.
Upcoming events
3rd May 2023
Our next free webinar, ‘Construction Disputes and Building Safety Act’ is on 3rd May 2023 via Zoom. Please email dominiqueowens@msbsolicitors.co.uk to book your place. If you want to be added to our mailing list to receive updates on free training and events, please get in touch.
11th May 2023
Join us and Pennington Choices for our first Social Housing Building Safety and Decarbonisation Focus Group on 11th May 2023. Please email dominiqueowens@msbsolicitors.co.uk to book your place.
23rd June 2023
Join Women in Social Housing and Women in Property as they take on the Three Shires Challenge to raise money for the Diane Modahl Sports Foundation. Book now.
27th-29th June 2023
CIH 2023. We are sponsoring the ASB workshop on 27th June 2023, pop along and say hello.
28th June 2023
On 28th June 2023 we’ll be hosting ‘Sangria & Social Housing’, an evening of networking, food and drinks at Manchester’s Evuna from 5pm-9pm. We would love to see you there! Email dominiqueowens@msbsolicitors.co.uk to be added to the guest list.
Case of the month
MTA v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis and Lord Chancellor
The case highlights the risks of applying for an anti-social behaviour injunction when a Respondent may lack capacity. Louise Murphy explains more, here.