Bio
Matthew is a Housing & Regeneration Partner.
Matthew advises the social housing sector on matters affecting the management of estates and housing stock.
A large part of his work involves acting on a range of residential property litigation disputes for housing associations and local authorities. He acts in many proceedings for possession and injunctions spanning a wide range of issues.
Matthew undertakes work to support clients in addressing fraud, particularly where social housing has been unlawfully obtained or misused, such as through illegal subletting, abandonment, application deception, or succession fraud.
He also supports clients in meeting strict regulatory standards through advising and drafting clear and robust policies as a framework for legal compliance. Closely linked to this, he has also represented clients in Judicial Review proceedings about the lawfulness of a policy supporting essential decision making around key functions, such as housing allocation and homelessness.
Matthew supports clients in ensuring they have met duties where housing management functions intersect with public law, human rights and the Equality Act 2010.
He also advises clients on a strategic approach to the risks and exposure they face from claims relating to the condition and general safety of properties.
Examples of Matthew’s work include:
- Representing a RP in the Court of Appeal in a case resulting in overall guidance on suspended possession orders for (non-rent arrears) breach of tenancy conditions.
- Advising and representing the successful defendant Local Authority in a Judicial Review challenging its housing allocation scheme which included a provision excluding applicants with a history of serious anti-social behaviour.
- Representing a Local Authority landlord in the successful defence of a High Court challenge over the validity of their s.128 Housing Act 1996 notice to terminate introductory tenancies.