Consultation Response

In October 2018, the Treasury published detailed policy proposals regarding the operation of a Breathing Space Scheme and associated Statutory Debt Repayment Plan (SDRP). The Breathing Space Scheme is intended to give people in problem debt the right to legal protections from creditor action while they receive debt advice and enter into an appropriate debt solution. With regard to the housing-specific aspects of this consultation, the following measures are proposed:

• Housing debts could be excludable under the SDRP, thereby enabling clients to repay these debts more quickly to avoid eviction; and
• Where housing debts are included in any SDRP, these debts would be prioritised.

Housing Rights’ views on these proposals are outlined in this response. 

Housing Rights has responded to the Department for Communities stakeholder communication regarding the new Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) regime. The Department has set out draft subordinate regulations to support the new regime, which is scheduled to be introduced from 1 April 2019. Housing Rights welcomes the opportunity to comment upon the draft regulations and Code of Practice for Landlords, which provide clear guidance to Councils and landlords and which contain a range of progressive measures that should assist in enhancing standards within HMOs and protecting occupants within HMOs