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updated consultation wording, reference to guidance on artificial intelligence in casework evidence, and removal of outdated COVID-19 instructions.
The article reports concerns that the government may reduce funding for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, a subsidy supporting heat pump and biomass boiler installations. Industry figures warn that any cut could weaken consumer demand, disrupt contractor investment, and slow wider retrofit activity linked to heating upgrades.
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers’ Risk Agenda 2026 says post-completion work, including HM Land Registry applications, must be treated as a core professional responsibility rather than an administrative task. It also highlights ongoing scrutiny of undertakings, the risks and governance issues around AI adoption, and emerging probate risks linked to inheritance tax changes and estate funding.
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 Prosper UK Housing Commission has published a blueprint aimed at improving housing supply and affordability by addressing declining demand and the viability of housebuilding. It argues that rising regulatory costs, taxes and planning burdens are undermining development, and calls for reforms including a freeze on regulatory burdens, changes to section 106, and a new national planning service.
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 Law Society Property Conference 2026 focused on digitalisation in conveyancing, an update to the National Conveyancing Protocol, and the government’s planned reforms to home buying and selling. Speakers also discussed the opportunities and risks of AI, alongside wider issues such as leasehold reform, HM Land Registry processes and the move away from paper-based transactions.
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.
The article criticises a Government proposal to shorten the qualifying period for Empty Dwelling Management Orders from two years to six months, arguing that this would significantly expand state intervention in privately owned empty homes. It notes that existing powers already allow councils to address derelict or problematic properties and suggests the policy would raise concerns about property rights and proportionality.
The Prosper UK Housing Commission has published a report arguing that England’s housing crisis is being driven by both weak demand and poor scheme viability, and that both issues must be addressed together. It says rising build costs, flat prices and regulatory, policy and tax burdens are constraining delivery, while planning permissions have fallen to their lowest level since 2013 and temporary accommodation remains at record levels.
The article highlights renewed scrutiny of the leasehold sector, noting that service charges are rising. It also states that there are almost 5 million leasehold properties in the UK, underscoring the scale of the tenure affected.
The guidance updates the UK Government’s developer remediation contract, which requires major developers to remediate unsafe buildings they developed. It records changes to the lists of developers who have signed, are yet to sign, or are exempt, and notes that the commitments are legally binding once the contract is signed.
