The Housing Ombudsman and the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman recently launched their aligned Complaint Handling Codes. The introduction of the Housing Ombudsman’s new Code follows a period of consultation after the implementation of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. The Code will take effect from 1 April 2024, bringing about changes for social landlords and increased powers for the Housing Ombudsman.
During this session, we will be taking you through the changes and new powers. We will provide guidance to assist with ensuring compliance with the new Code and highlight the implications of non-compliance.
Speakers:
Donna McCarthy, Partner and Head of Housing Management & Property Litigation
Donna is Head of Devonshires’ Housing Management and Property Litigation department.
She has over 30 years’ experience advising on all aspects of housing management law and practice, acting for Local Authorities, Registered Providers and private landlords in complex litigation, including matters in the higher Courts and judicial review actions. She has particular expertise in advising and representing clients on Human Rights, Public Law and Equality Act challenges and following her successes in the higher Court cases of London and Quadrant HT v Patrick [2019] EWHC 1263 (QB) and Forward v Aldwyck Housing Group [2019] EWCA Civ 1334 is particularly noted for her expertise in dealing with claims relating to compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty.
Victoria Smith, Solicitor, Housing Management & Property Litigation
Vicky act for landlords in both England and Wales, advising on a wide range of housing matters.
Vicky has expertise on the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, advising on changes introduced by the Act and what they mean for landlords. Vicky specialises in disrepair, fitness for human habitation and EPA claims. She also advises landlords in relation to Housing Ombudsman matters, to include updating and drafting policies and procedures.
In addition to the above, Vicky assists landlords with possession proceedings, anti-social behaviour injunction applications and committal applications. Vicky also advises on leasehold and shared ownership matters, assisting with action due to breach of lease.
