107.Subsection (1) provides that the system set out in Part 2 broadly replicates the effect of the previous system for regulation of registered social landlords (RSLs) in England under Part 1 of the Housing Act 1996. RSLs are non-profit distributing providers of social housing, which in England are registered with the Housing Corporation.
108.Subsection (2)specifies that Part 1 of the 1996 Act will continue to operate in respect of Welsh RSLs as set out in section 61.
109.Subsection (3)specifies that certain provisions of the Housing Act 1996 are applied in England (these are specified in section 178) or are preserved, although they apply only in England (see section 124).
110.Subsection (4)sets out the contents and organisation of Part 2 of the Act which is as follows:
Chapter 1: Introduction, including definitions of social housing, the regulator, English and Welsh bodies and registered providers of social housing
Chapter 2: Establishment of the Office for Tenants and Social Landlords as the regulator of social housing, including its constitution, objectives and its general powers
Chapter 3: Establishment of a register of providers of social housing, including provisions as to eligibility of providers, their profit or non profit designation, the procedure for registration and removal from the register, and the payment of registration fees
Chapter 4: Sets out a range of provisions which govern the constitutional arrangements of registered providers, including requirements for accounting, the operation of a moratorium where steps are taken in respect of the insolvency of registered providers, and controls on constitutional changes which result in their restructuring or dissolution
Chapter 5: Contains a number of provisions in relation to the disposal of property by registered providers, and the regulator’s powers in relation to such disposals
Chapter 6: Sets out the regulator’s regulatory powers including the scope of its powers to set standards, the Secretary of State’s power to issue directions to the regulator in respect of standards and the regulator’s powers for survey, inspection, specifying performance information and carrying out inquiries
Chapter 7: Gives the regulator various powers of enforcement, including the power to issue enforcement notices, require the payment of fines or compensation and make provision in relation to the management and constitution of registered providers, make restriction on dealings and give powers to suspend and remove officers.
Chapter 8: Sets out provisions to assist the interpretation of Part 2 and also provides for repeals and consequential amendments