A SpareRoom survey of 5,607 tenants found strong support for rent controls, even among many who accept that such measures could reduce landlord numbers and push rents higher over time. The article links tenant support to recent rent increases and affordability pressures, particularly in London, and argues that controls would not address the underlying supply shortage.
Cumberland Council is relying on agency staff to keep its building control service operating, with 13 of 15 roles vacant and the function described as under significant resource pressure. The article also highlights wider staffing shortages across local authority building control, with some councils reporting backlogs and paused inspections.
HMRC is reminding eligible tax advisers, including conveyancers who submit stamp duty returns for clients, to complete mandatory registration before 18 August 2026. The new regime is intended to improve transparency and may restrict advisers who fail to register from acting on behalf of clients, with potential financial penalties for non-compliance.
The Building Safety Regulator has warned main contractors that it will scrutinise how they oversee subcontractors on higher-risk building projects. The warning comes as projects progress from gateway two design approval towards gateway three, with the regulator expecting tighter management and control.
The article examines the NHS New Hospital Programme’s first wave of Hospital 2.0 schemes, which will use standardised designs and an alliance delivery model to accelerate construction and reduce costs. Industry leaders highlighted significant constraints in supply chain capacity, specialist skills and the need to navigate building safety gateway approvals for higher-risk hospital projects.
The Society of Licensed Conveyancers argues that legal services regulation should be based on specialist expertise rather than consolidation into a single larger regulator. It says conveyancing in particular faces distinct risks, including fraud, cybercrime, lender requirements, anti-money laundering obligations and digital transformation, which require deep market knowledge and active oversight.
The article reports a positive reaction from property sector bodies to Andy Burnham’s new cabinet, with Angela Rayner returning as housing secretary, Matthew Pennycook remaining in post, and John Healey appointed chancellor. Commentators emphasise the need for housing delivery, stable policy, leasehold reform, and continued progress on home buying and selling reforms.
Trafford Council has finalised the latest draft of its local plan and will consult on its legal soundness before submitting it to government in December. The plan sets out where major housing, office and employment development should be delivered across the borough up to 2039, alongside policies on viability, carbon reduction, biodiversity and infrastructure contributions.
Ardmore’s moratorium has been extended into next month, with the firm saying the additional time will allow it to prepare an appeal against a BLO judgement. The article indicates an ongoing legal and procedural development rather than a completed resolution.
The Environment Agency has revoked the environmental permit of a Kent waste operator after repeated failures to manage waste storage, fire risk and pollution controls at a site in Stockbury near Sittingbourne. The case involved hazardous items such as old fridges and TVs, inadequate drainage, and concerns raised by Kent Fire and Rescue Service about firefighting access and water supply.
The article reports on government-proposed homebuying reforms aimed at reducing delays, fall-throughs and paperwork in the sales process. Estate agents and surveyors quoted in the piece broadly support earlier information sharing and greater digitalisation, while stressing that the system must be accurate, standardised and carefully regulated to avoid adding complexity.
The article reports the NRLA chief executive’s response to Andy Burnham’s stance on housing, warning against rent controls and additional regulatory burdens in the private rented sector. It also notes the NRLA’s welcome for Angela Rayner’s return as Housing Secretary, alongside calls for stronger enforcement and practical implementation of the Renters Rights Act.
