IOSH has warned that complex subcontracting, agency labour and fragmented supply chains in construction can obscure modern slavery risks and make exploitation harder to detect. Its survey found many businesses lack formal processes to assess these risks, despite some respondents expressing confidence in their ability to manage them, and the issue is underscored by rising modern slavery case numbers in construction.
Propertymark says the Renters Rights Act will change rental marketing and onboarding by requiring active database entries for both landlord and property before a home can be advertised. It also expects written adverts to carry unique identifiers, with compliance checks becoming part of agents’ instruction and listing workflows.
Propertymark has warned that the planned national landlord register in England could add cost and administrative burden if it duplicates information already held in local licensing or other government systems. It supports the principle of a central register, but says the scheme must be workable, properly resourced and designed to strengthen, not replace, local enforcement.
The article reports on a London Property Tribunal case in which a letting firm was ordered to return a £125 deposit deduction that had been taken without a proper dispute process. It argues that some landlords and agents still misunderstand or ignore the Tenant Fees Act 2019, particularly around cleaning-related deductions at tenancy end.
Goodlord says AI-generated fake documents and fabricated identities are driving a rise in suspected tenancy fraud across the UK private rented sector. Its analysis suggests the issue could expose landlords and agents to significant direct losses, with London identified as a fraud hotspot and the NRLA urging stronger, regularly reviewed referencing checks.
The article explains that landlords with rental income above £50,000 are entering the first stage of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, which requires digital record-keeping and software-based submissions to HMRC. It notes that missing the current deadline does not yet trigger penalties, but the grace period will end in the 2027/28 financial year, with traditional self-assessment due to phase out by 2028.
Burnley Council is consulting on proposals for selective licensing in three areas of the borough, with the consultation open until 18 October. The council says no final decision has been made and that the scheme is intended to improve standards in privately rented housing, address antisocial behaviour and support neighbourhood stability.
The High Court has dismissed a subcontractor’s claim for nearly £500,000 against Vale of Glamorgan Council arising from payments on a school extension project that was supposed to use a project bank account (PBA). The judge found the subcontractor had never become a named supplier under the PBA arrangements, and that the council was not in breach by paying ISG directly when no PBA had been established.
The Environment Agency has revoked the environmental permit of a Wolverhampton waste operator following sustained non-compliance and enforcement action. The site had been authorised to handle hazardous waste, including asbestos, batteries and WEEE, but is now unable to accept waste.
The Environment Agency has updated its Part B1 standard rules permit application form and related guidance for environmental permitting. The changes include new and revised standard rules, updated site plan and technical competence requirements, and structural changes to the form and navigation.
The Bank of England has issued a follow-up Green Notice on its consultation about discontinuing the collection and publication of Form BN data. After reviewing consultation feedback, it says the statistics cannot currently be recreated from other sources such as Form CC/CL because of practical challenges, so further next steps are being outlined.
The Environment Agency says a man in his 20s has been arrested in connection with alleged illegal waste activities at a site near Camborne, Cornwall. The investigation is ongoing and forms part of wider enforcement action involving Cornwall Council and Devon and Cornwall Police, with previous stop letters issued at the site.
