There is a legally binding arbitration process through which commercial landlords and tenants can resolve outstanding rent debts which have accrued during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out how the process works and if you can benefit from it.

The Government’s focus in today’s Budget was on post-Covid recovery, with an emphasis on the long-term future to “level up” the country. Although a property-light budget, a series of key spending initiatives were unveiled for the housing sector.

The Government announced the launch of the new Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), where employers can “furlough” staff and HMRC will reimburse up to 80% of the employee’s wages, up to a maximum of £2,500 per month.

The budget announcement will provide good news for housing associations. The Chancellor needs to evaluate the time frame of current measures to support housing providers and tenants, and implement solutions to economic challenges caused by Covid-19.

PPN 01/21 reiterates the PPN issued at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic setting out the procurement options available to Contracting Authorities during an emergency—further highlighting the commercial risks inherent in direct awards without competition.

With large numbers of homes expected to change hands over the coming 12–18 months, we consider what housing providers need to do to factor the current COVID-19 pandemic into their planning process.

As a result of COVID-19, Boris Johnson has put forward his ‘New Deal’ to boost the struggling UK economy and to address the ongoing issue of the UK’s housing shortage. We set out the new measures and investments of the deal and what they mean for RPs.

The government has extended the regulations protecting commercial tenants from eviction to 30 September, and also produced the Code of Practice for commercial property relationships during COVID-19. We set out what the extension and code mean for RPs.

In its latest monthly Coronavirus Operational Survey Reports (COSR), the RSH has been reviewing how well registered providers are coping with challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and looking forwards to what the future may look like for our sector.

This short video highlights a number of key areas for social housing providers to consider after the ease of the COVID-19 lockdown—exploring case management principles, discussions around risk assessments, tools and powers and preparing for change.

A new PPN issued by the Cabinet Office provides further guidance on working in partnership with suppliers to deliver contracts during COVID-19, and also looks forward to transition planning in order to exit from relief in the period July to October.

Due diligence on the planning history of the development site is essential. We explore the appeal to the Planning Inspectorate for the refusal of a Lawful Development Certificate by Mole Valley District Council and what it means for registered providers.