Levelling Up White Paper delayed
This article for appeared in the Times
Boris Johnson faces another wait to unveil his levelling up white paper as Downing Street prepares for the start of this year to be dominated again by coronavirus.
The government had hoped that the document of more than 100 pages, marking the first attempt to flesh out the prime minister’s slogan, would be its first major intervention of the year.
The paper, being written by Michael Gove, the secretary for housing, communities and levelling up, is now more likely to be published later this month.
Johnson promised last May that it would be published by the end of the year. It emerged in December, however, that the white paper had slipped back to this year.
Gove, now in his sixth cabinet position since becoming education secretary in 2010, was handed the task of taking charge of the prime minister’s key domestic drive in the reshuffle last September. He was given the renamed and expanded role of levelling up secretary.
May 17th - Excitement and Trepidation all in One
The roadmap towards a full easing of Lockdown is underpinned by four key tests that are linked to data, which act like a checklist that must be met before moving on to the next step of reopening.
The tests determine whether the vaccine rollout is going as planned; vaccines are effective in bringing down deaths and hospitalisations; case numbers are not rising so fast that the NHS risks being overwhelmed; and new variants do not create unforeseen risks.
The Prime Minister confirmed on Friday that clusters of the Indian variant were evident in Bolton, Blackburn and Darwen, regions which have invited all adults aged 18 and over to receive the vaccine from May 17 in a bid to curb the spread. And although Covid cases and hospitalisations have continued to fall across the UK, the Indian variant poses a concern as it has spread three times faster than other imported strains. Public Health England figures show that the strain is now dominant in several Covid-19 hotspots in the North West of England.
Boris Johnson’s Roadmap Announced
On 22nd February 2021, the Prime Minister announced the lockdown ‘roadmap’ that should bring England out of Lockdown. His announcement was filled with a certain amount of trepidation and caution, making it clear that there’s still quite a way to go before resuming “normal” lives.
Key Dates
8th of March: All schools reopen for all age groups. However, work-from-home guidance stays the same.
Lockdown 3.0 - Q and A for Letting Agents
As a result of Boris Johnson's address to the nation yesterday, many questions have been raised about what can and cannot be done in relation to Lettings, Property Management and Housing in general.
Here are a few answers to questions you may have in relation to navigating the day to day running of your agency.
Are Lettings Agents, Property Management Companies and Estate Agents permitted to open during the next Lockdown?
Yes, Estate and Letting Agents can continue to trade
Can offices open?
If members of your team can work from home, then they should do so. If an office remains open, restrict access and make sure that a “By Appointment Only” policy is in place.
Follow strict Covid Protocols and continue to implement Track and Trace
Can Viewings and Valuations take place?
Yes, however, the first option should always be Virtual Valuations or Virtual Viewings
Face-to-face appointments should only take place where it is absolutely necessary
Covid Protocols MUST be in place at ALL times and any person that is due to come into contact with members of your team MUST be advised how these protocols have been put in place to protect everyone.
Can existing deals go ahead?
Yes – Moving home is permitted and any agreed deals pre-Lockdown can go ahead. New deals can be agreed and continue to take place.
Can Inventories, Check-Ins, Property Inspections and Check Outs still take place?
Yes, but ALL Covid Protocols MUST be in place. Please note that video - Zoom - FaceTime can be used to conduct Property Inspections