Updated 03.08.20
parliament.uk: Various links - see below
This briefly summarises the key objectives of housing-related Bills currently before Parliament and provides links to follow their progress to date.
_____
To amend the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 to remove planning permission requirements for caravan site licence applicants; and for connected purposes.
_____
Domestic Premises (Energy Performance) Bill
To require the Secretary of State to ensure that domestic properties have a minimum energy performance rating of C on an Energy Performance Certificate; to make provision regarding performance and insulation of new heating systems in existing properties; and for connected purposes.
_____
Evictions (Universal Credit Claimants) Bill 2019-21
To place a duty on the Secretary of State to prevent the evictions of Universal Credit claimants in rent arrears; and for connected purposes.
_____
To make provision about the application of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 where a building contains two or more sets of domestic premises; and to confer power to amend that order in future for the purposes of changing the premises to which it applies.
_____
Homeless People (Current Accounts) Bill
To require banks to provide current accounts for homeless people seeking work; and for connected purposes.
_____
Housing Act 2004 (Amendment) Bill
To amend Part 3 of the Housing Act 2004 to provide that any selective licensing scheme for residential accommodation extends to social housing.
_____
Mobile Homes and Park Homes Bill
To require the use of published criteria to determine whether mobile homes and park homes are liable for council tax or non-domestic rates; to make provision in relation to the residential status of such homes; to amend the Mobile Home Acts; and for connected purposes..
_____
Mobile Homes Act 1983 (Amendment) Bill 2019-21
To amend the Mobile Homes Act 1983; and for connected purposes.
_____
To amend the Housing Act 1988 to abolish assured shorthold tenancies; to extend the grounds upon which landlords of residential housing may recover possession; and for connected purposes.
_____
Sublet Property (Offences) Bill
To make the breach of certain rules relating to sub-letting rented accommodation a criminal offence; to make provision for criminal sanctions in respect of unauthorised sub-letting; and for connected purposes.
_____
A Bill to repeal the Vagrancy Act 1824.
*****
Posted 01.08.20
GOV.WALES: Further reading
A temporary increase in the notice period for evictions aims to provide greater protection from homelessness for tenants in private rented and housing association accommodation in Wales.
The change, which came into force on 24th July, means that unless a tenant is being evicted on the grounds of anti-social behaviour, they will be entitled to six months' notice instead of three.
This will apply for all notices issued until at least the end of September.
While the changes only apply to those renting their homes from private landlords or housing associations, the Welsh Government is working with local authorities to ensure their tenants benefit from the same protection.
Work is also underway to ensure tenants are supported to repay any rent arrears that have occurred due to the coronavirus pandemic.
*****
Return to this month's headlines