April 2005

Homebuy

• Further guidance and examples are now provided at Homebuy-6 para 2 when RSLs need to seek valuations for the purposes of redeeming Homebuy equity loans.
• A driving licence has been added to the list of documents that an applicant can provide as proof of identity, as detailed in the 'Guidance Notes for Solicitors/Legal Representatives' included at Homebuy- 7.

RTA

• RTA-1, para 2.1 now advises that the RTA forms will be revised to reflect the changes to the scheme resulting from the Housing Act 2004 and will be available shortly. These are not Statutory forms and meanwhile RSLs can produce their own, providing they meet the scheme's legal requirements.
• RTA-3, new para 1.4 advises that where the RTA was lost due to collective enfranchisement, Section 202 of The Housing Act introduces provision for the Right to be preserved.
• RTA-4, para 12.9, the model repayment of discount clause and accompanying notes have been further revised. Para 12.8 now advises RSLs that if they use the model repayment clause they will need to satisfy themselves that it is adequate for their purposes.
• Additions to the Approved Lenders List include: Blemain Finance Limited; Cheshire Mortgage Corporation; London Scottish Finance; Money Partners Limited; Money Partners Finance Limited.

VPG

• Additions to the Approved Lenders list are the same as that for RTA above.
• VPG-4, para 8.1, the repayment of discount clause and accompanying notes have been further revised, and now advises RSLs that when using the repayment clause they will need to satisfy themselves that it is adequate for their purposes.

PP

• The self-Assesment Procedural Compliance Checklist has beeen revised and RSLs should read PP-4 in association with the revised Appendix 4.

KWL

• With effect from 1st October 2005 dental practices offering a service for the NHS will be required to do so under a contract. Where a contract exists the NHS will award such practices with NHS Body Status and they will then come within the remit of KWL.
• NHS Diagnostic microbiologists and rehabilitation engineers are now eligible client groups.
• The length of service criteria for Kent Police Officers is now amended from completion of one years training to 32 weeks of training/service.
• From April 1 2005 Health Care Assistants working within the fields of either Cancer or Diagnostics services will be eligible.
• From 05/06 Head Teachers and Teach First Graduates are included in the London Challenge Key Teacher Homebuy programme, there is also a change to the points available for Challenging schools (free school meals).