There have been a number of updates recently of interest to finance staff. An outline is provided here.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak MP, announced a range of changes to Universal Credit, some of which were in direct response to the Covid-19 emergency.
The DWP is preparing to roll out to social landlords a new direct payment system, to replace the four weekly third party creditor schedule for Managed Payments to Landlords and UC Scottish Choices Direct Payments. The four weekly payment schedule will still be used, however, for third party deductions against arrears of rent.
The Work and Pensions Committee, under its new Chair, Stephen Timms MP, has launched an inquiry into Universal Credit, in particular, focussing on the effect and consequences to claimants of the five-week wait for first payment.
SFHA has received confirmation of approval from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for the SFHA Charitable Model Rules 2020. These are now available to all members. The documents can also be made available to RSLs who are not members of SFHA for a fee of £500.
The Scottish Information Commissioner has shared some initial statistics on Freedom of Information requests in the sector between 11 November and 31 Dec 2019. There were a total of 204 requests, with more details outlined below.
Within this article you will find copies of the documentation from the SFHA Finance Forums from 2020.
The review of the SFHA Model Rules has now reached the final stage, having received approval from the Scottish Housing Regulator and OSCR. The revised Model has now been forwarded to the FCA for registration. SFHA is hopeful that this will be a quick process but it is dependent on any further amendments that may be requested by the FCA. We will keep members informed as this progresses and hope to be in a position to publish by the end of January. Many thanks to everyone who fed into the review process, and a further member consultation on the Supporting Guidance to the Model Rules will begin in the next few days.
Housing associations invited to take part in via a telephone interview and questionnaire.
SFHA produces COVID-19 briefings.
Supporting Scotland’s ambitions for the decarbonisation of heat
Proposals agreed to ensure vulnerable customers who may fall into debt remain supplied with energy while in self isolation.
In light of the gloabal COVID-19 pandemic, SFHA Policy Lead Zhan McIntyre advises that the launch of the RSL Homelessness Prevention Fund has been postponed until further notice.
The guidance has been updated with information relating to EESSH2 and changes brought in through the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2019.
Roundtable cancelled as a preventative measure against the Covid-19 emergency.
Work and Pensions Committee calls for submissions to its inquiry on Universal Credit.
