A controversial proposal to dock housing benefit from nuisance tenants has been dropped by the government.
But the Department for Work and Pensions has refused to rule out pursuing the benefit-docking plan, which could include a "three strikes and you're out" approach at "some point in the future".

The plan was conspicuously absent from the Housing Bill announced on Wednesday in the Queen's Speech, which sets the legislative agenda for the coming session of parliament (see "Next year's laws", above right).

Merron Simpson, head of policy at the Chartered Institute of Housing, said she was "delighted" the benefit-docking plan had been dropped. "Our lobbying with a number of other housing bodies has proved successful," she said.

As expected, measures to bring long-term empty properties back into use through compulsory council purchase orders were also omitted from the Housing Bill.

The Queen's Speech did, however, include a hardline Asylum Bill (see below) and changes to charity law.

A new Home Office bill will include 12 new definitions for charities, including the provision of social housing and social and community advancement.

Charities with turnovers below £5000 would no longer need to register with the Charity Commission. The commission will issue performance reports on the charities it regulates.

The proposals were welcomed by charity groups including the NCVO and the Charity Finance Directors Group. However the Charity Finance Directors Group warned against plans to allow councils to choose which charities could collect money on the street.

Next year’s laws

  • Housing Bill: extended restrictions to the right to buy, licensing of private landlords and houses in multiple occupation
  • Draft Disability Bill: bolsters existing Disability Discrimination Act
  • Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill: increased support for witnesses and victims of crime; commissioner for victims and witnesses
  • Community Interest Companies Bill: a new form of social business; they will have to prove they benefit the community; plans to give them preferential tax treatment have, however, been shelved
  • Planning Bill: no changes to bill debated in previous parliamentary session
  • Civil Partnership Bill: will give gay couples the same property rights as heterosexual couples
  • Identity Card Bill: public bodies would have to check a national identity register before providing services

    • Source

    Housing Today