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Regulation

The Government has issued a new set of Immigration Regulations to commence on 1st February 2017. The Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2016 revoke and replace the 2006 Regulations.

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Minority Groups, Regulation, Equality, Legal

In October 2016 the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced it was consulting on new guidance on the treatment of customers with mortgage arrears.

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Regulation, Repossession, Policy, Affordability

Housing Rights Policy Response FCA's fair treatment of mortgage customers in payment shortfall

Housing Rights broadly welcomes the Financial Conduct Authority’s response to this issue, which aims to provide a framework which lenders can use to ensure ‘fair remediation for customers.’ We welcome the FCA’s characterisation of lenders’ practices as ‘automatic capitalisation’, leading to customers making overpayments, and the recognition that this may have led to unfair customer outcomes. Housing Rights also welcomes the FCA’s statement that they ‘expect firms to put this right, and ensure the practice ceases.’

Housing Rights is pleased to offer several further comments on particular aspects of the proposed guidance framework, with the aim of ensuring that the framework fully provides fair remediation for affected customers.

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Regulation, Repossession, Policy, Affordability

Housing Rights has just produced a new Professional Resource on Welfare Reform and Housing. This timely publication should prove to be essential reading for anyone giving advice to clients on the impact of the welfare reform measures.

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Money Matters, Regulation, Welfare Reform

Incidents of antisocial behaviour are on a spectrum; they can range from occurrences of excessive noise, right through to serious criminal behaviour. It can affect everyone in a community. When behaviour is persistent and wilful, the right remedies should be used to address the problem.

There are also cases of antisocial behaviour that arise through misunderstandings, where the behaviour may be connected to mental health and/or disability issues.

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Regulation, Social Tenancies

Response to a Review of Rate Liability in the Domestic Rental Sector

Housing Rights’ key concerns with the current system for domestic rates liability are in relation to affordability and transparency. 

Both these concerns are discussed in this response., along with specific comment on the proposals put forward by the Department in the consultation paper. 

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Regulation, Affordability, Legal

Landlord licensing is set to be introduced for HMOs in Northern Ireland following the Assembly’s passing of the Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Bill. The Bill is currently awaiting Royal assent.

Although not solely focused on private rented properties, the HMO Bill is seen as a key component in improving regulation and standards within the sector. It is hoped the Bill will provide better protection for tenants living in houses of multiple occupation.

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Fitness, Regulation, Private Tenancies, Case law, Landlord, Legal

The Office of the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman was established on 1 April 2016.  This new office replaces the former offices of the Assembly Ombudsman and the Commissioner for Complaints.  

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Regulation

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