Overview

This bill gives residents of sheltered housing in England and Wales the right to challenge local authority budget decisions that negatively affect their services. It also aims to ensure that government funding for warden services in sheltered housing is used solely for its intended purpose.

Description

The bill establishes a process for residents to challenge local authority budget decisions impacting their sheltered housing services. This includes:

• Right to Challenge: Residents can challenge decisions leading to reduced service quality, relocation, or housing closure.
• Representation and Appeal: Residents can make representations to the local authority and appeal to an independent adjudication panel if their representations are rejected.
• Adjudication Panels: Independent panels will be appointed to hear appeals, with powers to request information, require reconsideration of decisions, or mandate specific actions.
• Grounds for Appeal: Appeals can be based on whether the local authority made a reasonable budget decision concerning resident well-being.
• Funding Protection: The bill ensures that government grants for warden services are used exclusively for that purpose, with conditions imposed on local authorities.
• Definitions: The bill defines "local authority," "sheltered housing," and "well-being" to clarify its scope.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures, but it will likely lead to increased government spending on adjudication panels and potentially additional costs to ensure compliance with funding conditions. The exact amount will depend on the number of appeals and the actions taken by the panels.

Groups Affected

• Residents of sheltered housing in England and Wales: They gain the right to challenge local authority decisions affecting their services and living arrangements.
• Local authorities: They face new obligations to respond to resident challenges, potentially affecting budget management and service provision.
• Adjudication panel members: New roles will be created to manage appeals.
• Government: Increased expenditure is anticipated.

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