The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) has published guidance for tenants seeking an open market rent determination under the Housing Act 1988. It explains when a tenant can challenge a rent increase or an initial rent, the evidence needed, the £47 application fee, and how the tribunal usually sets the effective date of any new rent.
The Upper Tribunal has clarified how 'ordinary residence' should be determined for special educational needs responsibilities under the Children and Families Act 2014. It held that the test in Barnet v Shah, as explained in later Supreme Court authority, applies in the SEN context rather than the social care approach used for local authority social services functions. The decision also confirms that the First-tier Tribunal can and should resolve disputes over which local authority is responsible during section 51 appeals.
An employment tribunal has awarded former Elements Europe workers a 90-day protective award after finding the collapsed modular specialist failed to consult properly over mass redundancies. The ruling held that the company breached section 188 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act in relation to collective consultation requirements.
