Social Housing

From a RTB to a PFI we can work with you
It has been and continues to be, without doubt an interesting time in the social housing sector, with the complex Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 continuing to introduce major changes in the regulation and funding of social housing and the two new regulators: the Tenants Services Authority and the Homes and Communities Agency both coming to terms with their new and diverse roles in the Sector. The "Credit Crunch" has also brought to a large number of us working in the Social Housing Sector a few interesting challenges.

As one of the main providers of legal services to the Social Housing Sector based in the region, advising and acting for Registered Providers of Social Housing and Public and Local Authorities nationally we can assist you with the many challenges you face be it the many directional changes you are having to make due to the current difficult climate or to rise to the new challenges brought about by the new agencies.

Housing is a key catalyst for regeneration and the work of our highly responsive specialist team covers the whole range of property and other services required by the Social Housing Sector. We aim to provide commercial and practical advice to our clients in meeting their specific needs and objectives.

Bespoke Social Housing Services
All our solicitors, as well as being specialists in their individual fields of expertise, have experience in acting for Registered Providers of Social Housing and are aware of your bespoke requirements when it comes to legal advice.

We have a proven track record in the sector and have a positive "Can do" attitude. We go the extra mile for our clients because we aim to build a long term relationship and this is why we have been and continue to be successful.

We believe in providing a partner led service delivery tailored to your exact requirements, we do not shoe horn our clients into our systems and procedures we adapt our procedures to our clients exact requirements and work with our clients as an extension of their in house teams. Our approach is to be part of the team and not a detached resource.

Our specialist Social Housing Unit is able to offer the Social Housing Sector legal advice tailored to your specific requirements, but, at the same time bringing a fresh and commercial approach in areas such as property, construction, housing management, litigation, employment, procurement, banking and finance. We also provide regular email alerts and updates, as well as tailor-made seminars and workshops. Our main areas of expertise in detail are as follows:-

Property Services for the Social Housing Sector:

Major project and regeneration work
Joint ventures
Land Assembly and Residential Development
Acquisition and disposals of development sites or commercial property
Development Agreements including Golden Brick Agreements
S106 Agreement drafting and negotiations
Infrastructure documentation
Development programme delivery strategic partnering
Secured Lending - property charging and grant funding
Mortgage Rescue Schemes
Rent to Homebuy
Plot disposals for rent, shared ownership/market sale
Right to Buy and Right to Acquire
LSE Schemes - set up and resale
Shared Ownership - resale and staircasing
Commercial Leases
Deeds Management

Construction Services for the Social Housing Sector:

Drafting and advice on contractual documentation
Dispute avoidance
Assistance in all forms of alternative dispute resolution (mediation, conciliation, expert determination)
Assistance and representation in court, arbitration and adjudication proceedings
Advice and representation in proceedings under the Health & Safety at Work and Control of Pollution legislation
Legal audits including reviewing terms and conditions
Legal awareness seminars and in-house training

Housing Management and Litigation Services for the Social Housing Sector:

Stock Management issues including LSE schemes
Estate Management issues
Litigation including possession proceedings
Estate Management
Planning and Environmental Law
Intellectual property protection and exploitation
Commercial disputes
Contract disputes
Property disputes, including landlord and tenant, restrictive covenants and development agreements
Negligence and other tortuous claims
Private and public nuisance claims
Judicial review
Intellectual property disputes, including patents, trademarks, copyright and 'passing-off' actions
Professional negligence claims, particularly against solicitors, surveyors and accountants
Computers and IT-related disputes
Alternative dispute resolution procedures

Employment and HR Services for the Social Housing Sector:

Schedule 1
Recruitment & termination
Policies, procedure & contractual documentation
Health & Safety
TUPE
Reorganisations
Equal opportunities
Employment terms amalgamation
Tribunal representation
Pensions
Equal pay
Trade Union negotiations
Mediation
Conduct of investigations
Data protection and freedom of information
Employment disputes, such as enforcing restrictive covenants and protecting confidential information

Procurement Services for the Social Housing Sector

Procurement law
Achieving compliant procurements through mechanisms such as the OJEU - dealing with Open, Restricted or Negotiated procedures as well as competitive dialogue.
The creation of frameworks and subsequent procurement choices
Preparing and reviewing all paperwork associated with tenders such as Pre-Qualification, Invitations to Tender, Tender Assessments, communications with suppliers and Contract Awards.
Procurement contracts for Works, Services or Goods, including specialists Information Technology, Telecommunications and Energy.
Advice on supply contracts to achieve consistency and proper protections.
Preparation and negotiations of warranties, bond and guarantees.

Banking and Finance for the Social Housing Sector

Preparing, reviewing and negotiating lending and ancillary documentation for property acquisitions & development and refinancing
Reviewing and reporting to banks on, the arrangements for the transaction to be financed or refinanced
Investigating title to property and the terms on which property is purchased or leased
Review, preparation and implementation of safeguards of the bank's position during the course, and following completion, of a property development, including collateral warranties and step-in rights, and the inclusion of appropriate undertakings to complete the development in a timely and responsible manner
Commercial contracts
Charity law
Funders & loans
Grants & contracts

Please Contact Sheila Whitton for further information:
Direct dial: 0161 214 0532
Mobile: 07866 817302

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