MSB’s Social Housing Highlight – November 2023
Welcome to MSB’s monthly Social Housing Newsletter!
Bringing you all the latest updates from the world of Social Housing.
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The latest at MSB
Exciting news. We won Outstanding Team in Dispute Resolution and Litigation at this year’s Liverpool Law Society Legal Awards!
Our free webinar this month was hosted by Amy Tagoe and Rachael Payne who discussed Abandonment and Torts. Tom Knox and Louise Murphy also hosted a free webinar which was an Introduction to Tenant Engagement. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the sessions. We also hosted some bespoke online training sessions for clients. If you are interested in arranging training sessions with the team, please contact dominiqueowens@msbsolicitors.co.uk.
We took part in Tenancy Fraud Awareness week. If you missed our tips in recognising and dealing with Tenancy Fraud you can read more about it in Andy Moore’s article below.
We have been out and about a bit this month with the team attending the Liverpool Law Society Awards. Louise Murphy and Andrew Fairman attended the Homes UK and Unlock Net Zero Live Conference in London. Abigail Eves and Jess Masih attended the NSPCC lunch in Liverpool and Amy Tagoe attended the Women In Property/Freshwalks final hike of the year. Rachael Payne and Julia Michalczyk attended a Celebrating Women in Law event at the University of Chester. The team also attended Manchester Law Fair and Liverpool Law Fair to share our stories and inspire the next generation of lawyers. Connor O’Reilly also attended the Cobden Winter Drinks.
We have been raising awareness for men’s mental health on International Men’s Day by taking part in a walk and talk and raising money for two great local men’s mental health charities, Inner Guru and James’ Place. We also celebrated Diwali by having a team feast and recognised Violence against Women and Girls Day with Abbigail Eves supporting our family law team at a clinic.
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 Book Club reads this month are “Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow” by Gabriell Zevin, “Red, White and Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston, “The Christmas Wish” by Lindsey Kelkand, and “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller. Read the latest newsletter here.
Updates and insight
Housing Law News
New Housing Minister
On 13th November 2023 Lee Rowley was appointed as Housing Minister.
Fire Safety Remediation
The Regulator of Social Housing has published its findings from the survey on the fire safety of 11 metre plus buildings in the social housing sector. A copy of the report is here.
Consultation on restricting ground rent for existing leases
The Department of Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC) have launched a consultation on capping the maximum ground rent that residential leaseholders can be required to pay. The consultation documents are here.
Consultation on Statutory Guidance under S215 HRA 2009
The Regulator has launched a consultation in respect of a proposed updated to its statutory guidance under Section 216 of the Housing and Regeneration Act. The consultation will close on 16 January 2023 and can be found here.
Consultation on Energy Efficiency
DLUHC have announced they will be launching a consultation on minimum energy efficiency standard by early next year.
Housing Ombudsman update on damp and mould
The Housing Ombudsman has shared finding from its recent investigations into damp and mould cases, here.
Upcoming events
6th December 2023
Our next free webinar “The Year in Housing” is on 6th December 2023 with Phillip Coburn and Andrew Fairman 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.
7th December 2023
Andrew Fairman, Andy Moore and David Tarttelin are joining barristers from 39 Essex Chambers on a panel discussing the Building Safety Act via zoom. Please register, here.
7th December 2023
We are sponsoring Women in Property North West’s Jingle and Mingle event at La Familglia. For more information and for tickets, click here.
14th December 2023
We are sponsoring Women in Social Housing’s Festive Drinks, Nibbles at Networking. The event is taking place at our Manchester office. For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Case of the month
Dezitter v Hammersmith and Fulham Homes (Central London County Court) and Dalton v Forhousing Ltd (Manchester County Court)
Two county court cases dealing with Fitness for Human Habitation. Tom Stockton summarises the decisions, here.