Although there are no sessions this month, here is a quick slide pack with things that have been going on. Issued covered:
News Updates
- Council Finance Reforms:
o The government proposes multi-year settlements, a £600m Recovery Grant, and increased funding for social care.
o Concerns arise over redistribution impacts, with rural councils potentially disadvantaged. - Audit and Accountability:
o Significant delays in local audits lead to rising fees and calls for reform. The National Audit Office highlights systemic issues affecting financial oversight. - Temporary Accommodation Crisis:
o Temporary housing figures have reached record highs, prompting urgent calls for national action to address homelessness and provide affordable housing solutions. - Veteran Housing Priority:
o New regulations from December 2024 will remove local residency requirements for veterans applying for social housing, recognising their unique circumstances. - Social Media and Welfare:
o Influencers are sharing advice on maximising welfare claims, sparking debates on systemic flaws and the potential for misuse.
Case Law Summaries - Housing Policy and Domestic Abuse:
o The High Court ruled that Havering Council’s residency rule for social housing unfairly excluded a domestic abuse survivor, reinforcing the need for clear and inclusive policy application. - Supported Living and Council Tax:
o Tribunal decisions confirmed self-contained supported living units as separate dwellings for council tax purposes, based on their physical features and independent living capabilities. - Right to Buy Claims:
o The Court of Appeal upheld the right of a family member to continue a “right to buy” claim after the tenant’s death, clarifying Housing Act provisions.
Section 114 Notices - Havering Council Budget Challenges:
o Facing a £74m shortfall, Havering considers council tax hikes and may issue a Section 114 notice, citing rising social care and homelessness demands. - Croydon Council Mismanagement:
o Financial mismanagement led to multiple Section 114 notices. Recommendations call for stricter governance laws and accountability mechanisms to prevent similar failures.
Visionary Network and the Monday Group Panel wish you all a very merry Christmas and very happy new year.