July 2019

Latest benefit cap statistics show single parents significantly impacted

31 July 2019

Benefit cap table showing amounts capped

Of the 1,270 households affected by the Benefit Cap, 1,080 are single-parent households. 690 of these households have at least one child under the age of 5. The statistics show that, while the average amount lost by households in April 2019 was £47 per week, almost 500 households lost out on more than £60 per week, with 110 households impacted to the tune of more than £100 each week.

Financial Conduct Authority consults on fair treatment of vulnerable consumers

31 July 2019

The FCA has announced a consultation on guidance for firms on the fair treatment of vulnerable consumers. This draft guidance sets out the FCA's view of what the FCA Principles require of firms to ensure that vulnerable consumers are consistently treated fairly by financial services providers. The FCA is seeking comments on the first stage of the consultation by 4 October 2019.

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Repossession, Affordability

Proposed changes to definition of affordable housing

29 July 2019

A consultation on proposed changes to the definition of Affordable Housing is currently underway. The Department for Communities wishes to revise the definition of "affordable housing" currently used so that it encompasses a wider range of housing products.

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Policy

Supreme Court considers intentionality and rent arrears

21 July 2019

Housing Rights welcomes the recent decision of the Supreme Court in Samuels v Birmingham City Council [2019] UKSC28 in which Lord Carnwath stated that it was “hard to see on what basis the finding of intentional homelessness could be properly upheld” when the mother of four fell into rent arrears.