Sign in

@lwdsc

@lwdsc.bsky.social
311 followers 115 following 100 posts

Academic/barrister specialising in housing/homelessness law and policy; instinctively socio-legal and interdisciplinary; love my cats; proudly atheist Jew. Blog about Welsh housing law and policy: blogs.cardiff.ac.uk/housing-law-wal…

PostsRepliesMedia
@lwdsc @lwdsc.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Pay walled but interesting if you can access ... www.insidehousing.co.uk/insight/firs...
insidehousing.co.uk
First Farage and now Badenoch. What would plans to ban ‘all foreign nationals’ from social housing mean for the sector?
Nigel Farage has said all “foreign nationals” in social housing would have three months to leave under Reform. Now Kemi Badenoch is proposing to end the provision of social housing for foreign nationa...
000
Reposted by @lwdsc
Peter Mandler @petermandler.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Going through some of my father's papers I came across - what in my professional life I'd tout as a great archival discovery - a letter from the (unrelated, and I think not Jewish) Mandlers who sponsored my father's and his family's visas to the US in 1939, out of the goodness of their hearts. (1/3)
419844
@lwdsc @lwdsc.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Welsh housing law masterclasses 10th - 11th September now nearly booked up! If you would like to come, please sign up asap to avoid disappointment ... profbriefings.net/index.php/re... Looking forward to seeing you there
profbriefings.net
Welsh Housing Law Masterclasses 2026
010
@lwdsc @lwdsc.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Just love this.
010
@lwdsc @lwdsc.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Welsh Housing Law Masterclasses at Cardiff University on Sept 10-11 2026, being led by the leading lights in the field. Book here: profbriefings.net/index.php/ab... I am unbelievably excited as a Welsh housing law nerd.
profbriefings.net
about
063
@lwdsc @lwdsc.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Can anybody help me with a WordPress query? I schedule posts for a certain time. It used to work perfectly but for the last month hasn't and I can't work out why. I'm doing nothing different but it's just stopped working.
200
Reposted by @lwdsc
profserious @profserious.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
On Choosing an Academic Career … what it takes, what it offers, and what it demands profserious.substack.com/p/on-choosin... by @profserious.bsky.social #HigherEducation #Universities
profserious.substack.com
On Choosing an Academic Career
… what it takes, what it offers, and what it demands
1104
@lwdsc @lwdsc.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
Lovely summary on why to become an academic by @profserious.bsky.social today. A reminder of why I do it when it seems doomed - despite being in the "flagging research productivity ..., perhaps even a receding hairline. Academia is not what it was ..." life regret camp.
000
@lwdsc @lwdsc.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Reporting on the migration figures today seems triumphalist, forgetting the benefits of immigration etc, as well as the fact that Unis are on the verge of disaster due to that decline as a result of the same gov policies which have caused it #facepalm
010
Reposted by @lwdsc
Jules Birch @julesbirch.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
It's taken ten years (and counting) but the King's Speech includes a Bill that will finally kill off zombie Conservative social housing policies from 2016 that were never implemented but remained on the statute books
2268
Reposted by @lwdsc
Brian Robson @brianrobson.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
That's almost 24 hours wasted on something that *isn't* happening, when the biggest advance in renter rights in - what, 40 years? - takes effect on Friday. Slow hand clap.
021
Reposted by @lwdsc
Dan Neidle @danneidle.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
We reported in January that an unanticipated effect of the Renters' Rights Act was to create a stamp duty liability for about 150,000 tenants. The good news is that the Government just announced it will legislate retrospectively to fix this:
415144
@lwdsc @lwdsc.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Just so so sad at the loss of Giles Peaker, @nearlylegal.co.uk, the best and kindest of us.
040
Reposted by @lwdsc
Daniel Wincott @danielwincott.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Want to understand the collapse of Labour in Wales? And the Senedd elections more broadly? Take 6 or 7 minutes to watch this report. (#the implosion of the electorally most successful party in the democratic world.) www.channel4.com/news/wales-e...
channel4.com
Wales elections: what can we expect ahead of the polls?
Wales will elect a new and expanded Senedd in three weeks time, there will be 96 new members rather than the current 60.
11512
Reposted by @lwdsc
Naomi @naomicath.bsky.social · 05/04/2026
It’s time to post one of my favorite memes of the year.
Two pictures of the pillsbury dough boy: once is on a purple background with the caption “he is risen! happy Easter!”, and the other is tan and brown, similar to a cracker, on a white background saying “he is not! Happy Passover!”
4698482148
@lwdsc @lwdsc.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
A good piece apparently by "Welsh academia’s answer to Donkey from Shrek". An image not easily forgotten.
001
Reposted by @lwdsc
Richard Wyn Jones @richardwynjones.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Here's something for the Irish Times in which I try to explain what's about to happen in Welsh politics. Hope it's of interest. www.irishtimes.com/world/uk/202...
irishtimes.com
Labour’s century-long hold on Wales faces collapse – but why?
Shifts in identity, social change and the strain of long incumbency mean Ireland’s nearest neighbour is about to undergo a sea change
14735
@lwdsc @lwdsc.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
If anybody wants to join this gig but can't get to Bristol, you can join online through a Teams link. Slightly anxious about this one as trying something a bit different ... Really privileged to have been asked by Bristol Uni law to give this lecture in honour of Janine. @clscardiff.bsky.social
031
Reposted by @lwdsc
Ms T 🐘💙🎵📚 @elephantlass.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Wednesday
504472752
Reposted by @lwdsc
Victor Ray @victorerikray.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
I do want to shout-out my fellow sociologists, who have collectively created a discipline so woke that not a single one of our introductory textbooks can make it past Florida's censors. Great work everyone.
The Board of Governors decided, unilaterally, that no published textbook in the field of sociology could be used in compliance with the law for an Intro to Sociology class. None.
Victor: There's not a single existing textbook on the market that could be used that would qualify under state law?
Zachary: Correct.
Victor: I'm sorry, that's kind of funny. Like, the absurdity of not a single sociology textbook getting past the censors. I mean, it makes me kind of proud of our colleagues, but...
5958061944
Reposted by @lwdsc
King Algamemnon @adamrothman.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
I'd watch a muppet show movie where the muppets infiltrate an academic conference.
781836330
Reposted by @lwdsc
Impact on Urban Health @impurbanhealth.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
The guidance aims to: - support the people who work in housing to factor these risks into family's needs assessments - support families to navigate their legal rights within the current system - advocate for more structural change 🔗 urbanhealth.org.uk/insights/rep...
Read the full report. Link in comments. An image of the cover photo of the guidance, titled: Meeting the needs of neurodivergent children living in temporary accommodation
001
Reposted by @lwdsc
Impact on Urban Health @impurbanhealth.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Families being moved away from their hard fought for support systems and community networks find themselves coping alone, which impacts both children's and parents' mental health ❤️‍🩹 This guidance is designed to raise awareness of the unique risks temporary housing poses to neurodivergent children.
“Housing is key but does not solve all the difficulties we face. Even with the perfect housing that meets our children’s needs, our families will still face many difficulties in our lives in a society where institutional and daily disability discrimination is so common.”
101
Reposted by @lwdsc
Impact on Urban Health @impurbanhealth.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Cramped spaces mean children sharing a bed, sleeping poorly and with no quiet place to regulate emotions Shared kitchen & bathroom facilities mean sensory issues with noise and smells can't be avoided Frequent change means routines that help neurodivergent children feel safe and calm are disrupted
In families with neurodivergent children, the children often have specific, though far from extravagant requirements for their homes, like:
1. A bedroom for each child so that they can regulate and rest. 2. Homes within their local communities. 3. A private garden for safe outdoor play and relaxation.
101
Reposted by @lwdsc
Impact on Urban Health @impurbanhealth.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
We worked alongside families, lawyers, housing professionals and health experts to develop guidance to support these neurodivergent children and their families. We learned that temporary housing is especially harmful for the physical and mental health of neurodivergent young people.
The main heading reads: 170,000. The sub-heading reads: With the latest data showing over 170,000 young people are now living in temporary housing, that means a minimum of 25,000 neurodivergent children are stuck in an insecure, unsuitable home. Source: Statutory homelessness in England: April to June 2025.
101
Reposted by @lwdsc
Impact on Urban Health @impurbanhealth.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
It's estimated that 1 in 7 children is neurodivergent. With latest data showing over 170,000 young people are now living in temporary housing, that means a minimum of 25,000 children stuck in an insecure, unsuitable home 🏠
It’s estimated that one in seven children in the UK are neurodivergent. Source: Department of Education, 2025. There are seven circles. One circle is coloured in a darker orange shade.
111
Reposted by @lwdsc
Jon Patience @smoulderstoat.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
The Sentencing Council is running a consultation on guidelines for housing offences: sentencingcouncil.org.uk/publications...
sentencingcouncil.org.uk
Housing offences – consultation
001
Reposted by @lwdsc
Cassie Barton @cassierbarton.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
The Commons Library is recruiting a housing policy researcher! As ever: highly recommended workplace, great people, interesting work, etc etc. Apply! housesofparliament.tal.net/vx/mobile-0/...
housesofparliament.tal.net
Housing Researcher - Houses of Parliament
Title: Housing Researcher. Employer: House of Commons. Salary: £43,614 - £50,374 per annum. Closes: 11/01/2026, 23:55
0616
@lwdsc @lwdsc.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
This is important for boaters: canalrivertrust.org.uk/boating/boat...
canalrivertrust.org.uk
Commission to review future framework for boat licensing
The report from the independent Commission set up to review the legal framework around boat licensing and whether it is appropriate for the canal network’s future has now been published.
100
@lwdsc @lwdsc.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
I had a dream last night that Australia were 2100-3 at the end of the first day in Perth. I may be just a bit anxious.
000
Reposted by @lwdsc
Nearly Legal @nearlylegal.co.uk · 22/10/2025
So the Renters' Rights Bill completed Parliament today. It has taken some time and I think we've forgotten what an important and really substantial piece of legislation it is. A huge and valuable change is coming (even if we don't know exactly when yet).
46218
Reposted by @lwdsc
Socio-Legal Studies Assocation @slsauk.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
💬Any question? Please e-mail us at slsapgrep@gmail.com or directly to our PGR reps: 📩 Diksha – diksha.sanyal.23@ucl.ac.uk 📩 Camilo – c.cornejomartinez@lancaster.ac.uk
001
Reposted by @lwdsc
Socio-Legal Studies Assocation @slsauk.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
🗓️ Registration opens 14 November 2025 via the SLSA website. Places are limited to 50 delegates (first-come basis). The conference is free to attend i.e. the SLSA funds the participation (accommodation for one night, conference meals) but attendees are responsible for their own travel costs.
101
Reposted by @lwdsc
Socio-Legal Studies Assocation @slsauk.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
🚨 Exciting news! The SLSA Postgraduate Conference 2026 will take place at Cardiff University 🏛️ on 8–9 January 2026. A space for early-stage PhD researchers to connect, share ideas & grow together 🌱 👇 Details in the comments section! #SLSA #PhD #SocioLegal
141
@lwdsc @lwdsc.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
Interested to know whether the person who designed the bike rack on GWR trains (presumably others) had actually ever ridden or owned a bike #nightmare @gwr.com
020
Reposted by @lwdsc
Glen O'Hara @gsoh31.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
This anon piece is as good as people are saying, but I'll summarise here for those of you interested in Higher Education but with no time: *Universities are not in the public sector *Govts are a minority funder, and matter less and less. (1/4) profserious.substack.com/p/understand...
profserious.substack.com
Understanding University Finances
... a very short guide
36635
Reposted by @lwdsc
Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.bsky.social · 03/08/2025
20mph is a proven success that paid for it's implementation inside a year with reduced fatalities and injuries. We have many 20mph zones in England already. Time to make it the default. Ideally reduce all speed limits by 10mph, with the possible exception of motorways.
69521
Reposted by @lwdsc
Greg Davies @gjdavies.bsky.social · 18/07/2025
@robdjones.bsky.social and I are guest editing a special issue of @howardjournalcj.bsky.social which explores the rights of prisoners in the UK and elsewhere. It follows an @slsauk.bsky.social seminar held in Liverpool in 2023, and features a brilliant set of legal academics and criminologists.
167
Reposted by @lwdsc
Nearly Legal @nearlylegal.co.uk · 25/06/2025
A quick post on the announcement of the phase 1 Awaab’s Law regulations on social landlords’ duties on damp and mould, with timescales for action - from 1 October 2025, electrical safety and a ‘call for evidence’ into housing conditions claims farmers practices. nearlylegal.co.uk/2025/06/awaa...
nearlylegal.co.uk
Awaab’s Law ‘phase 1’, electrical certificates and an investigation into claims management companies. - Nearly Legal: Housing Law News and Comment
In a written announcement today – 25 June 2025 – the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has laid out the implementation of ‘phase 1’ of Awaab’s Law, with regulations bein...
166
Reposted by @lwdsc
Chartered Institute of Housing @cihhousing.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
📢 Important news for the social housing today with the first phase of Awaab's Law and electrical safety regulations laid before parliament Here's a thread with our reaction and the links you need to find out more ⬇️🧵(1/5)
124
Reposted by @lwdsc
Bekah Ryder @bekahryder.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
And the consultation response www.gov.uk/government/c...
gov.uk
Awaab’s Law: Consultation on timescales for repairs in the social rented sector - government response
001
Reposted by @lwdsc
Bekah Ryder @bekahryder.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Draft guidance for Awaab’s Law www.gov.uk/government/p...
gov.uk
Awaab’s Law: Draft guidance for social landlords
101
Reposted by @lwdsc
Andy Lane @andylane07.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
New changes to remove local connection rules for young care leavers and victims of domestic abuse to access social housing. www.gov.uk/government/n...
gov.uk
Vulnerable people given greater access to social housing
New changes to remove local connection rules for young care leavers and victims of domestic abuse to access social housing.
073
Reposted by @lwdsc
Joseph Elliott @jelliott94.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
Todays rental price statistics show the rate at which rents in the private rented sector have been increasing in recent years is out of control. Since Jan2020 rents have shot up by £300 a month, up 31%, over 2.5x the rate of growth in the preceding 5 years (12% growth)
Rental growth by UK nation since 2015. Title reads: Private rents have increased by 31% (up £300/ month) since 2020, compared to a 12% increase (up £100/ month) in the preceding five years
24528
Reposted by @lwdsc
Ed Kirton-Darling @ekd.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Am really struck by the way enforcement is defined in the Renters' Rights Bill as either imposing a financial penalty or instituted criminal proceedings, so that informal means of enforcement won't be enough to satisfy the new duty to enforce. Will be interesting to watch how it plays out!
121
@lwdsc @lwdsc.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
Just going to leave this here ... @richardmoorhead.bsky.social you too?
010
@lwdsc @lwdsc.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
Some themes from second session - paper by Tom Guiney and Harry Annison. Added to methodological questions raised in other two papers and ideas from agnotology and Relational legal consciousness #whatsnottolike
010
@lwdsc @lwdsc.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
At the @clscardiff.bsky.social workshop on Dysfunctional Government - crisis, scandal, tragedy, emergency. First session on housing crisis, now into second session. Brilliant, exciting, innovative ways of thinking interdisciplinarily.
011
Reposted by @lwdsc
Simon Cox @simonfrcox.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
My blog on yesterday’s EU Court judgment outlawing “commercial” selling of EU citizenship verfassungsblog.de/the-eu-free-... at @verfassungsblog.de
url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com
The EU Free Market Does Not Extend to Citizenship
45423
@lwdsc @lwdsc.bsky.social · 19/04/2025
Finally, a potential use for Quennell v Maltby? www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Green party candidate tries to evict Labour opponent from property
Labour says move is hypocrisy since Greens support ban on no-fault evictions such as one served on Labour candidate and her family
010