The article argues that home buying reforms will only reduce delays if property data is trusted, connected and consistently applied across the transaction. It highlights the role of Ordnance Survey, HM Land Registry and common identifiers such as UPRNs in improving data interoperability, and notes that future sales packs and AI tools will depend on reliable underlying information.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has opened an eight-week consultation on updating the Statement of Solicitor Competence and functioning legal knowledge requirements. The proposals aim to reflect the growing use of technology and AI in legal practice, alongside changes to supervision, wellbeing, professional conduct and ethics.
Exeter City Council is hosting a free Rent Smart Devon event at Exeter Racecourse for letting agents and landlords, focused on current issues in the private rental sector. The programme includes practical sessions, exhibitor stands and opportunities to ask questions about the Renters Rights Act.
The article argues that a new first-time buyer support scheme will have limited impact unless Stamp Duty is reformed. It says current tax settings are discouraging investors and developers, contributing to weaker market confidence and slowing the delivery of new homes.
The Environment Agency has updated its catchment statistics report on nutrient pollution in protected areas, replacing the previous version with 'Catchment statistics for nutrient pollution in protected areas 2026'. The update includes new nutrient modelling summaries, a corrected table, and revised notes on where Natural England nutrient neutrality advice applies, including Hornsea Mere, Chesil and The Fleet, and part of Waveney.
NHS Grampian has warned that further delay remains possible on Graham’s two hospital projects in Aberdeen, with the Anchor cancer centre now expected to open in May 2027 and the Baird Family Hospital still scheduled for September 2027. The report cites unresolved technical, defect, commissioning and assurance issues, including water-safety measures, ventilation cooling strategy, electrical resilience and testing requirements.
The Regulator of Social Housing has updated its guidance on how it engages with landlords when concerns arise, including how it assesses material issues, gathers evidence and decides whether to escalate or close engagement. The update also reflects the introduction of the Competence and Conduct Standard and sets out how responsive engagement may lead to inspections, investigations or landlord improvement work.
The Regulator of Social Housing has updated its guidance on how it carries out landlord inspections, including language changes to reflect the introduction of the Competence and Conduct Standard. The document explains that inspections are used to assess how landlords are delivering outcomes under relevant standards, with programmed inspections typically given six weeks’ notice and tailored to the risks and issues identified for each landlord.
The Regulator of Social Housing has updated its guidance on how it reviews landlord information between programmed inspections, including changes to reflect the Competence and Conduct Standard. The article explains how regulatory returns, annual accounts, business plans and Financial Forecast Returns are used to assess risk, inform inspections and support wider sector monitoring.
The Environment Agency has published guidance on meeting the operations requirements for intensive pig and poultry farming permits. It sets out limits on animal numbers and site boundaries, and explains when permit variations are needed for changes such as additional housing or expanded boundaries. The guidance also covers diet and nutrition planning to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and ammonia emissions, alongside annual emissions reporting requirements.
The Environment Agency has updated its guidance on environmental permits for intensive pig and poultry farming, including changes to application steps, ammonia screening assessments and site inspection information. The guidance explains when a bespoke permit is required, the supporting documents needed, and the legal consequences of operating without a permit.
The Environment Agency has declared drought status in Yorkshire following sustained low reservoir and river levels after a dry spring and summer. It says water companies are being monitored against statutory drought plans, with weekly coordination through the National Drought Group and increased scrutiny of supply, leakage and demand reduction measures.
