HCA Launches Social Housing Regulation Fees Consultation

The consultation, which would see £5 per unit charged to all registered providers with 1,000 or more units of social housing, follows a discussion paper in 2014 setting out initial proposals and the 2015 Spending Review. Charging fees would enable the regulator to ensure it maintains the capacity and capability to promote a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver homes that meet a range of needs. The proposed fees scheme would be in line with the regulator’s powers under the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 and its statutory objectives. Following consultation, the principles will have to be approved by the Secretary of State. Find details of the Consultation on the GovUK website.

HCA Opens Discussion on Fees for Regulation

The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has published a discussion paper seeking views from providers, tenants, lenders and others on introducing a fee charging scheme for regulation. The move would bring social housing providers into line with organisations in other sectors where fee charging is common.  The Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 gave the Regulator the power to raise fees to cover the costs of its work. The Regulator is seeking views from the sector about switching from the current grant-in-aid arrangement, to a system where the Regulator recovers part or all of the cost of regulation through fees charged to Registered Providers. Read more on the HCA website.

HCA Makes Formal Request to Charge Fees

The HCA has made a formal request to the CLG for permission to charge fees to social landlords. It is understood the department is considering the request and is in discussions with the HCA about the detail. An announcement could be made in the next few weeks. The Treasury in June confirmed the government would allow the HCA to charge regulation fees. Read more on Inside Housing.