Policy & Governance update: February 21 | The Almshouse Association

Each month, the Association posts a news summary of the latest Policy and Governance legislation that could impact / requires action from our member charities, with links to further information where applicable. Please find below our Jan/Feb 21 Summary.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Renters could be evicted for arrears built up during pandemic under legislation tweak – The Government has tweaked regulations to remove protection for tenants falling behind on rent as a result of the crisis for the first time. Previous legislation carried a provision that eviction notices could be served only for arrears where the amount owed to the landlord totalled equivalent to nine months’ rent and that any unpaid rent arrears accrued after 23 March 2020 must be disregarded. The new regulations (already in effect) lowers the arrears threshold to six months’ rent and removes any reference to disregarding debt built up during the pandemic.

Energy and Environment

The Future Buildings Standard – MHCLG has published a consultation – closing 13 April – on changes to Part L (conservation of fuel and power) and Part F (ventilation) of the Building Regulations for non-domestic buildings and dwellings; and overheating in new residential buildings. It has also published related guidance for Approved Document L (conservation of fuel and power), Approved Document F (ventilation) and Overheating. Members may be interested in responding to the suggestions for new residential buildings.

Coronavirus

You can find all our Coronavirus updates here

Posted 10 February 21