MP Presses Government On Timetable For Renters’ Reform Bill

Rosie Cooper, Labour MP for West Lancashire has received her response to a written question on the timetable for the introduction of the Renters Reform Bill. It has been two months since Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP announced the Renters Reform Bill as part of the Queens Speech. Responding to Ms Cooper’s question, Junior Minister at MHCLG, Luke Hall MP, said that it would be brought forward “as soon as Parliamentary time allows.” The new bill will introduce a package of reforms, including the abolition of Section 21. Read more on the RLA website.

https://news.rla.org.uk/labour-mp-presses-government-on-timetable-for-renters-reform-bill-introduction/

Timetable For Introduction Of Pay To Stay

CLG officials have set out the timetable for the introduction of the 'pay to stay' scheme for council tenants with household incomes of over £31,000 (£40,000 in London).  The aim is to introduce the scheme from April 2017. Thresholds will be up-rated annually by inflation (CPI) and tenants in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit will be exempted from the policy. However, all other tenants will be required to declare their total household income to their local council to enable the council to calculate how much additional rent they will be expected to pay.  The additional rent is expected to be 15% of any income over the threshold or the full market rent for the property whichever is lower. Read more on the ARCH website.

Whither Universal Credit?

In a recent speech, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Ian Duncan-Smith, insisted that UC implementation was proceeding according to the timetable set out in December 2013. However, this timetable is extremely light on detail.  The 10 pathfinder areas currently beginning to accept claims from couples are expected to add new claims from families in the autumn.  Then "once those extensions have been tested, Universal Credit is expected to become available across more areas in the North West of England." No indication is given as when exactly this might happen. "During 2016" the December 2013 statement continues, "current assumptions are that Universal Credit will be widely available across Great Britain and during 2016 and 2017, the majority of all legacy cases will be moved over to the new scheme." However, detailed plans are not currently available and DWP and HMRC continue work on their schedules to widen the delivery of Universal Credit up to the end of 2017.  Read more on the ARCH website.