Developments in homelessness and housing allocations in 2016: Where are we now?

The aim of this seminar is to provide an update on the latest legal developments in the areas of homelessness and the allocation of social housing.

Speakers will identify common themes raised by recent cases and provide practitioners with practical tips, guidance and tactics as to how these principles might be developed and applied in future.

Homelessness

The homelessness part of the seminar, led by John Beckley, will consider recent developments in this area following last year's trio of Supreme Court decisions in Nzolameso, Hotak and Haile.

Topics to be covered include:

• Dealing with vulnerability
• Intentional homelessness
• Out-of-borough placements
• The Public Sector Equality Duty
• The 'best interests of the child' principle

Housing allocations

The allocations part of the seminar, led by Connor Johnston, will deal with the recent spate of High Court challenges in this area, including:

• R (H) v Ealing LBC [2016] EWHC 841 (Admin)
• R (YA) v Hammersmith and Fulham London Borough Council [2016] EWHC 1850 (Admin)
• R (Woolfe) v Islington London Borough Council [2016] EWHC 1907 (Admin)
• R (Jack Jones) v Luton Borough Council [2016] EWHC 2036 (Admin)

Topics to be covered include:

• The legality of allocation schemes imposing conditions relating to residence or work
• The legality of conditions preventing or hindering those within the ‘reasonable preference’ categories from accessing social housing
• The interplay between the requirements of Part VI, Housing Act 1996 and the Equality Act 2010, the ECHR and s11 Children Act 2004

What is included?

• 1.5 hours of CPD accreditation
• Talks delivered by two leading housing barristers
• Comprehensive notes for you to take away
• The opportunity for you to ask questions
• Refreshments

Speakers

John Beckley (2003) is widely endorsed for his effective representation of vulnerable and distressed clients and he is ranked for social housing in both the Chambers UK Bar Guide and Legal 500. His housing practice takes in homelessness, community care, anti-social behaviour possession claims and disrepair cases. John also sits as a Deputy District Judge.

Connor Johnston (2010) practices primarily in housing, homelessness and community care and is committed to representing the interests of those who are homeless or at risk of losing their home. He is the co-author of Housing Allocation and Homelessness (4th edition, 2016), together with Liz Davies and HHJ Jan Luba QC, and was the winner of the Legal Aid Newcomer Award at the 2015 LALY awards.

Maria Moodie (Chair, 2011) advises in all areas of housing law and has particular expertise in representing vulnerable clients. Maria's public law practice crosses housing law, community care, human trafficking, migrant welfare and immigration and asylum work.

Who should attend?

Housing practitioners of all levels working in these areas

Cost: £25.00 + VAT

Book online