The article reports criticism of public spending on temporary and supported accommodation, with claims that some landlords operating in this sector profit from poor-quality housing while facing limited scrutiny. It argues that these arrangements sit partly outside mainstream private rental regulation and can leave tenants, communities and taxpayers exposed to poor outcomes.
The article discusses the government’s home buying and selling reform consultation response and argues that earlier, more reliable information will improve the quality of conveyancing work. It highlights digital property packs, digital identity verification and reusable property data as enablers of a more transparent and efficient transaction process.
The National Leasehold Campaign is urging the Prime Minister to accelerate the promised £250 ground rent cap for leasehold properties, framing it as an immediate cost-of-living measure for leaseholders. The article argues that many households would see more certain and direct savings from a ground rent cap than from the Government’s recently promoted plug-in solar initiative.
An independent review has found that the Solicitors Regulation Authority missed multiple opportunities to intervene earlier in relation to serious failings at PM Law Group. The report says the regulator held extensive intelligence but lacked the systems, processes and expertise to turn it into timely regulatory action, contributing to delayed intervention before the group’s collapse.
The Society of Licensed Conveyancers has reiterated strong opposition to the Ministry of Justice’s proposed interest on lawyers’ client accounts (ILCA) scheme, arguing it is unfair, operationally burdensome and should not proceed before the consultation outcome is published. It says the proposal could add compliance costs and uncertainty for conveyancing firms while setting an unwelcome precedent for the use of client monies.
Taylor Wimpey is seeking outline consent for 160 homes in Hazel Grove, Stockport, on land currently designated Green Belt and in agricultural use. The proposal is being considered by the local area committee amid significant public opposition, with officers noting the borough’s weak housing land supply and unmet housing need as key planning factors.
The Law Society has criticised proposed increases to Legal Ombudsman case fees, arguing that the changes could unfairly shift the cost of complaints handling onto legal service providers. The consultation on the Office for Legal Complaints’ proposed Scheme Rules changes has closed, with concerns raised about proportionality, access to justice and the impact on smaller firms.
The Law Society has criticised the Ministry of Justice after a job advertisement suggested work is already underway on the proposed Interest on Lawyers’ Client Accounts (ILCA) scheme. The proposal would divert a portion of interest earned on legal client accounts in England and Wales to fund justice services, despite strong opposition from the legal profession and the consultation outcome still being awaited.
Councillors have raised concerns about the ethics and procurement implications of a new modular construction company formed by former directors of collapsed firm Merit, which left an NHS hospital project incomplete. The article also reports alleged defects on the Berwick-upon-Tweed hospital scheme, legal action by the trust, and questions over whether the new business should be eligible for further NHS work.
Ardmore’s remaining group companies have had CVAs approved after the construction arm entered administration earlier this year, following remediation claims and Building Liability Orders linked to legacy residential developments. The company says the restructuring offers creditors a better outcome than liquidation, but it also marks Ardmore’s exit from operating as a main contractor.
A survey of lettings professionals found that the Renters’ Rights Act has increased administrative workload for most firms, with compliance and record keeping identified as the main pressure point. The report also highlights fragmented technology use, manual data handling and concerns about maintaining profitability while meeting new requirements.
Rightmove has added a rent review function to its Tenancy Manager platform to help lettings agents create and serve Section 13 rent increase notices from existing tenancy records. The update is positioned as a response to changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act and is intended to streamline administration and support compliance.
