The Environment Agency has updated its policy guidance on how it assesses and scores compliance with environmental permits and licences across several activity types, including waste, water, radioactive substances, abstraction and impounding. The changes clarify compliance assessment outcomes, appeal timeframes, publication of CAR forms, and how certain non-compliances are recorded.
The Planning Inspectorate has updated the application form and notes for deregistering, or deregistering and exchanging, common land and town or village greens. The changes include revised wording, updated contact details, references to artificial intelligence guidance in casework evidence, and removal of COVID-19-related instructions.
The Planning Inspectorate has updated its application form and guidance for consent to construct works on common land under Section 38 of the Commons Act 2006 and the National Trust Act. The changes include revised postal address details, updated consultation wording, reference to guidance on artificial intelligence in casework evidence, and removal of outdated COVID-19 instructions.
A lettings agent in East Anglia has admitted 19 fraud offences after scamming landlords and tenants out of nearly £49,000 over a prolonged period. She received a suspended prison sentence and unpaid work, while police are pursuing confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act to seek compensation for victims.
The article reports that many landlords subject to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax do not understand when the rules apply to them, with awareness particularly weak among those due to join in later phases. It also highlights expectations of increased administrative burden and notes that Propertymark has encouraged letting agents to help landlords who are struggling with compliance.
The Environment Agency has updated its regulatory position statement on the use of manufactured topsoil made from waste. The guidance clarifies that even where manufactured topsoil meets BS 3882:2015, it may still be classed as waste, and it sets out conditions for use as a soil substitute for landscaping, including a maximum depth of 300mm.
The Mayor of London has announced an additional £400,000 over three years to support implementation of the Renters Rights Act in London. The funding will support tenant advice services and training for council officers to improve enforcement against rogue landlords and poor housing conditions.
Industry speakers at the Digital Conveyancing Summit warned that AI adoption in conveyancing must be strategic, coordinated and supported by good data, governance and human oversight. The article highlights growing use of digital tools, but also inconsistent implementation, fraud risks and the need to avoid simply automating inefficient processes.
The Upper Tribunal Administrative Appeals Chamber upheld a Disclosure and Barring Service decision, finding no material mistake of fact and no error of law in concluding that inclusion on the adults’ barred list was proportionate. The decision was issued by Judge Johnston on 18 September 2026 in relation to case UA-2025-000980-V.
The article argues that identity verification alone is insufficient for assessing client and matter risk in conveyancing and wider legal onboarding. It outlines a combined approach using ID checks, AML screening, Source of Funds, Source of Wealth and formal risk assessments to create a fuller compliance picture, with reference to a digital onboarding platform from InfoTrack.
The government has launched a 64-question consultation on extending a version of Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector, with several key policy details still undecided. The consultation also asks whether the proposed requirements should apply to some licence-based accommodation, including supported housing, temporary accommodation for homeless households and care leaver accommodation.
The article argues that the main risk from generative AI in conveyancing is not poor prose but over-reliance on fluent drafts that may omit critical title or lease issues. It says firms should not rely on blanket bans or static policies, but instead build practical human oversight and auditable checks into everyday workflows.
