What's new on Shelter Legal
The pages on Shelter Legal are updated regularly to reflect changes in the law.
This page lists the most recent updates to Shelter Legal.
Deductions from universal credit for debts
26 June 2025
This page has been amended to reflect changes to DWP policy introduced by the Autumn 2024 budget limiting most deductions to a total of 15% of the standard allowance, as well as to make several clarification regarding the right to appeal the decision to make a deduction. In Roberts v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2025] EWHC 51 (Admin), the High Court held that where the DWP is minded to make a deduction from the standard allowance to pay a rent arrears debt to a third party the claimant's consent is not required, but the DWP must notify the claimant and give them the opportunity to make representations before making the payments.
View amended articleRent repayment orders
26 June 2025
In Pearton v Betterton Duplex Limited [2025] UKUT 175 (LC), the Upper Tribunal held that that a rent repayment order could not include rent paid before the offence was committed. The tenants were unable to reclaim rent as their only payment was six months' rent in advance at the start of the tenancy, before the relevant offence.
View amended articleLocation and suitability of accommodation for homeless applicants
17 June 2025
Between 1 June 2022 and 1 June 2025, a local authority needed to consider different rules for the suitability of accommodation when the applicant made a homelessness application within two years of their arrival to the UK. These rules no longer apply as article 5 of the Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (Amendment) (England) Order 2022/521 expired on 1 June 2025.
View amended articleHousing rights of people resettled in the UK from Afghanistan
9 May 2025
This page has been updated to reflect the government's new guidance on the Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP) including information on transitional accommodation. The ARP came into effect on 1 March 2025.
View amended articleCouncil tax enforcement
30 April 2025
This page has been updated with information on council tax enforcement complaints, including links to the new practical guide for advisers to making an effective council tax complaint.
View amended articleComplaints to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
30 April 2025
This page has been updated with information about council tax complaints, including when a complainant should direct a complaint about enforcement agents to the Enforcement Conduct Board.
View amended article