Managing voids and meeting need during coronavirus outbreak

We have heard from members that managing voids that occur during the outbreak is particularly challenging.

Coronavirus – changes to the benefits system

The government has made a number of significant changes to the benefits system in order to support people’s incomes during the coronavirus crisis, and allow the DWP to focus resources on processing claims. 

Coronavirus – an update for members providing homelessness services

We’ve been speaking with our members to establish the impact of coronavirus on homelessness services.

New guidance on coronavirus and renting

This new government guidance contains important advice on several key areas for housing associations, residents and local authorities. 

Coronavirus update for supported housing providers

Updates for supported housing and sheltered housing providers, on some of the specific issues they face related to coronavirus.

Domestic abuse and coronavirus – new guidelines for keeping residents safe

Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) has created guidance for housing associations on how to provide safe responses to your tenants and service users

Government furlough scheme − guidance for housing associations

We've produced some brief guidance for housing associations confirming that they are eligible to use the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. We have shared this with the government and are confident our interpretation is correct.

Assessing the scale of PPE challenges for frontline staff

We have raised with Government the urgency of getting supplies of PPE out to homelessness services, supported housing and care providers. 

Update from the Housing Ombudsman

In light of the coronavirus outbreak, the Housing Ombudsman has issued an update for landlords that are part of the scheme. 

Safety checks and coronavirus

The coronavirus outbreak is presenting a number of challenges for our members in terms of carrying out statutory safety checks. 

Remediation work during the coronavirus outbreak

The government has published new guidance on carrying out remedial works during the coronavirus outbreak. 

Government advice on home moving during the coronavirus outbreak

The government has issued new guidance that applies to people buying or selling private residential homes which they intend to live in. We are seeking advice on whether similar guidance will be issued on void management for social housing providers.

Update from the regulator on coronavirus

The Regulator of Social Housing has clarified its regulatory approach in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Gas safety check advice

Information from the Health and Safety Executive about issues with carrying out gas safety checks due to coronavirus.

Update on the First Homes consultation

We are continuing our work to build a response to the government’s consultation on First Homes.

The Coronavirus Act – details on evictions

This article summarises the impact that the Coronavirus Act and the suspension of court hearings will have on evictions.

Fire Safety Bill

Find out more about the government's recently published Fire Safety Bill.

Coronavirus update – political engagement, regulation and compliance, key and essential workers and the benefit system

This update covers how we’re engaging with political stakeholders and the regulator, clarification we’re seeking on key and essential workers, and changes to the benefit system.

Budget 2020 – a new building safety fund

Find out about the new £1bn building safety fund announced in the Spring Budget.

Important changes to employee legislation

The government’s Good Work Plan takes effect from 6 April 2020, and requires organisations to provide extra information in the written statements of terms it sends to employees and workers.

Coronavirus – update on our events programme

Find out if any of our upcoming postponed events affect you.

Coronavirus update – key workers, our political engagement, and plans for member consultation

See our latest updates.

Response to government announcement on support for renters

Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, said: "We welcome government's extra support for renters.

No one should lose their home because of coronavirus

Coronavirus update – supporting our members

This update outlines how we’ll support housing associations, their teams and residents during the coronavirus crisis.  

An update on Making Tax Digital

Following the introduction of the government’s Making Tax Digital initiative last year, the final stage is for organisations to provide digital links and record a trail of all data changes.

Invitation to tender – writing a new Code of Governance

Spring Budget 2020 – key housing announcements

Read a summary of the key measures announced in the Spring Budget, and our next steps.

NHF response to Budget 2020

Today’s budget includes positive announcements for social housing.

Together with Tenants: the role of boards in delivering a stronger relationship between housing associations and residents (webinar)

This webinar will explore the role of boards in developing a more balanced relationship between housing association and their residents.

Responding to coronavirus - resources for housing associations

We’ve collated the most relevant official advice on coronavirus for housing associations.

Ending homelessness: new funding announcements from the government

The government has committed £236m towards Housing First style ‘move on’ accommodation for up to 6,000 rough sleepers and those at immediate risk of rough sleeping.

Response to Affordable Housing Commission story on disruption to family life

This research demonstrates that problems with the housing market are affecting the population in increasingly insidious ways: disrupting family life, mental health and fundamental life choices.

Housing Futures: the 'insight' phase (webinar)

Led by innovation experts and open to all housing associations staff and residents, this webinar will give you a deeper understanding of the role of insight in innovation and will equip you with impactful tools to support you with this work.

National Housing Federation launches shared ownership campaign

The National Housing Federation has launched a new national campaign to boost the public’s understanding of shared ownership on a scale that has never been done before.

Housing sector launches UK-wide innovation programme

Hundreds of housing associations from every part of the UK have come together to launch an ambitious innovation programme to tackle the biggest challenges in housing.

Consultation open for new First Homes policy

Read our initial response to this consultation, and our plans to coordinate a sector-wide response.

Response to First Homes proposal

These proposals could make it more difficult for housing associations and councils to provide homes for lower income families.

Update from the West Midlands (January 2020)

An update from Boris Worrall, Group Chief Executive Rooftop Housing, and Chair of the West Midlands Regional Committee.

The post-Brexit Budget and housing

The Federation will be making a submission on behalf of the sector, ahead of the Budget on 11 March.

Response to the Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission’s report

We welcome the publication of the Commission’s report today, which rightly highlights the need for good design and construction standards when building new homes. These are not just things that are nice to have, but essential parts of building cohesive, sustainable communities.

Response to today’s announcements on building safety

Housing associations have already started removing combustible cladding from buildings under the 18-metre threshold, based on a broader assessment of risk. We therefore welcome the government’s proposals to apply a risk-based approach to evaluating building safety – something which we have been calling for.

Brexit: an update for housing associations

Update for housing associations on preparing for Brexit.

Home Office to launch Fire Kills Campaign

The Home Office will launch its latest Fire Kills advertising campaign on 3 February.

DWP confirm changes to Universal Credit

DWP has confirmed that they will be testing a new system to pay social landlords direct payments. The new system will see landlords receive the housing cost element directly from the DWP at the same time that tenants receive their Universal Credit payments.
 

An update on the LIBOR to SONIA transition

Ahead of the switch from LIBOR to SONIA, we provide a further update, including the work the Federation is doing, and how to bridge the gap for three-month LIBOR contracts.

We’ve joined the Housing Made for Everyone (HoME) coalition

The Federation has signed up to a coalition of housing and voluntary sector organisations calling for more new accessible homes.

Response to the Grenfell Inquiry report

Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation welcomes today’s report into the events on the night of the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower.

Update on Right to Shared Ownership

The Government has announced changes to the shared ownership model, and that it intends to take forward Right to Shared Ownership as an official government policy.
 

Update from the West Midlands Regional Committee

Update from Boris Worrall, Group Chair of the the West Midlands Regional Committee, which brings together leaders from housing associations across the region to help shape and deliver NHF work both nationally and in the West Midlands region. 

National Housing Federation response to the Queen’s Speech

Responding to the Queen’s Speech, Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, said “Today’s building safety proposals from the Government are very welcome – fixing the broken regulatory system must be a top priority."

We’re supporting the No Homeless Veterans campaign

The No Homeless Veterans campaign calls on local authorities, homelessness charities and advice agencies such as Citizens Advice, to ‘Think Veteran’ and identify and signpost them to the enhanced support services available to them.

Housing benefit freeze: 9 in 10 homes unaffordable for families

The benefit freeze is pushing low income families to the brink, with more than nine in ten homes for private rent too expensive for those on housing benefit. Two thirds of these families are in work.

Our response to the Right to Shared Ownership announcement

Our response to the Government's proposal to introduce a Right to Shared Ownership.

1 in 7 people in England directly hit by the housing crisis

More than 8m people in England are living in an unaffordable, insecure or unsuitable home, according to the first ever ‘state of the nation’ report on the housing crisis.

Update on our sector intelligence survey

Your responses to the survey help us to understand our members’ needs and better tailor our services.

130,000 families forced to live in one-bed flats

A severe shortage of homes is forcing families to squeeze into one-bedroom flats, according to a new report from the National Housing Federation. 

National Housing Federation response to new Conservative Party leader

In response to the election of the new leader of the Conservative Party, Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation has released a statement on behalf of the organisation.

Government publishes results from HPL cladding and fire door tests

On 18 July the Government announced some results of safety tests on high pressure laminate (HPL) cladding and timber fire doors.

New homeless families outnumber new social homes by 8 to 1

Our latest analysis shows that for every one new social home built in England, eight families are accepted as homeless by their local council.

An update from the West Midlands Regional Committee (July 2019)

The West Midlands Regional Committee brings together leaders from housing associations across the region to help shape and deliver the Federation’s work both nationally and in the West Midlands region. Update from Boris Worrall, Group Chair.

Universal Credit - updates from our work with the Government

This Universal Credit update provides the latest on rent changes, supported housing, the benefit cap and more.

Leasehold asset management – how avoiding delays can prevent problems later

David Cotterell FRICS, Director, Savills Housing & Healthcare Division, looks at how taking early and decisive action in managing leasehold assets can help housing associations steer clear of pitfalls.

The new Value for Money Standard – supporting transparency for housing associations

Robert Dryburgh, Assistant Director, Business Intelligence at the Regulator of Social Housing on how the Value for Money Standard could support transparency for housing associations after the CPI+1% rent increase is implemented next year.

Selecting the right auditor – the dos and don’ts

Guy Biggin, regional Non Profits lead at national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm, Crowe, outlines what a good procurement process looks like when it comes to the annual audit.

Local Government Pension Scheme consultation

Continued application of the VAT Cost Sharing Exemption

The VAT Cost Sharing Exemption is to continue to apply for housing associations. Deloitte explains why this is important for the sector and how it will continue to benefit National Housing Federation members.

Helping tenants find alternatives to high-cost credit

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published guidance for housing associations to provide greater clarity about which types of activities are likely to be credit broking when advising tenants.

Response to the findings of the Dame Hackitt's Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety

National Housing Federation's response to Theresa May's announcement on social housing

Brexit – issues for finance teams to consider

Key considerations for housing association finance teams that may arise from the UK leaving the EU.

Response to the Prime Minister's announcement on lifting the council borrowing cap

Today, in her speech to the Conservative Party Conference, the Prime Minister announced that the Government will lift the borrowing cap on councils to help support more housebuilding.

The end of LIBOR and the arrival of SONIA

We update on the move from LIBOR to SONIA, which will affect housing associations that borrow from banks or other financial institutions.

Revising our Code of Governance

Have your say as we work with members and stakeholders to revise our Code of Governance.

Political engagement update for board members – April to June 2019

We update on our latest political engagement activities, including discussions on building safety and our shared ownership campaign.

Capital grant required to meet social housing need in England 2021

This report estimates the subsidy required for housing associations and local authorities to build the social homes required to meet housing need over the decade from 2021.

£12.8bn needed every year to end the housing crisis

New research from the National Housing Federation reveals that the Government must invest £12.8bn a year to finally end the housing crisis in England.

New government advice following the fire in Barking

The Government has issued an advice note to building owners on the risks arising from balconies on residential buildings.

National Housing Federation responds to the Government consultation on building safety

Today, Victoria Moffett, Grenfell Programme Lead at the National Housing Federation issued a response to the Government consultation on building safety published on behalf of the organisation.

The Social Housing Green Paper

We want your views on the Social Housing Green Paper.

Our new shared ownership campaign

We’re developing a new campaign on shared ownership, which will boost the profile of this great product across the country on a scale that’s never been done before.

An update from the West Midlands Regional Committee(2)

Progress on Permitted Development

The Government has responded to feedback on its recent Planning reform: supporting the high street and increasing the delivery of new homes consultation.

Five updates on building and fire safety

This includes an update on the new government testing programme on other types of cladding.

New building safety knowledge hub for social landlords

The Federation and the Local Government Association (LGA) have launched a new building safety knowledge hub for social landlords.

New guidance to help identify tenants at risk of county lines exploitation

New guidance from the Home Office and CrimeStoppers aims to help housing association staff identify and support vulnerable tenants.

Almost 3 million children from working families in poverty

Figures released by the Government today show a further rise in the number of children from working families living in poverty. This is an increase of 833,000 children since 2010.

We’re calling on the Government to fix flaws in the Universal Credit system

We want to see a benefits system that works for everyone, that gives people enough money to live on, that supports people into work and that ensures everyone has fair access to affordable housing.

Universal Credit update – 2019 rent changes process and update on the 53 week rent year

This Universal Credit update provides the latest on Landlord Portal, 53 week rent year, managed migration, pension age claimants and our work with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Select Committee.

The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 – what to expect

This important act came into force on 20 March 2019, and gives renters the right to take action if their property is not fit for habitation.

Supported housing update

This article provides updates on the work the Federation continues to do, our work with the Government on oversight, and how members can get involved in the near future.

Update on VAT exemption for service charges

HMRC published a briefing last year on the VAT exemption provided under the service charges concession rule change. This update from Deloitte outlines how exemptions could apply under different provisions for those providers who are no longer VAT exempt.

Changing tenure on unsold properties − what are the tax implications?

Local Government Pension Scheme employer base review – Tier 3 update

The Local Government Pension Scheme Advisory Board has been conducting a review of the treatment of Tier 3 employers across all UK funds. Our pensions advisers KPMG provide an update on progress.

Update on VAT exemption for service charges

Deloitte outlines how exemptions could apply under different provisions for those providers who are no longer VAT exempt.

53-week rent year – what this means for Universal Credit payments

Many housing associations have raised the problem with the Universal Credit calculation for people with weekly tenancies in years where there are 53 rent charges.

Six housing announcements from the Spring Statement 2019

The Spring Statement 2019 contained six main housing announcements.

Response to the Spring Statement

On behalf of the organisation James Prestwich, Head of Policy at the National Housing Federation has released a statement.

National Housing Federation sets out plan of action for stronger tenant-landlord relationships

The National Housing Federation is launching an ambitious new programme of work to build a stronger relationship between housing associations and their tenants.

Half a million more children in poverty in private rented homes than ten years ago

Research by the National Housing Federation has revealed that there are now an estimated 1.3 million children living in poverty in privately rented homes in England, an increase of 537,325 children (69%) since 2008.

IR35 changes for the private sector

The Autumn Budget confirmed that the proposed reforms to the taxation of personal service companies in the private sector will be implemented from 6 April 2020.

Domestic reverse charge for fraud in the construction sector

HMRC has confirmed that the construction industry anti-VAT fraud provisions will only apply to positive VAT-rated services (i.e. 20% or 5%), where payments are required to be reported through the Construction Industry Scheme (“CIS”). This update from Deloitte summarises the detail.

VAT update – service charge concession rule change

HMRC has recently issued a brief concerning VAT exemption for domestic service charges. Deloitte explains the detail.

Government ban on combustible materials

The Government has set out details of their ban on the use of combustible materials in buildings over 18m in height.

What does the Social Housing Green Paper mean for the world of housing association finance?

The new ideas set out could have significant implications for the sector’s finances, which do after all, underpin everything that we collectively seek to achieve.

Over 200 housing associations pledge to tackle homelessness

201 housing associations have pledged to tackle homelessness by signing the Commitment to Refer.

Social housing spending at record low

At the National Housing Federation Annual Conference, Chief Executive David Orr will today warn that social housing funding is in crisis, unless the Government is prepared to make a break with the past and start funding new genuinely affordable homes.