Housing Legislation

Laws governing housing development, tenant rights, property standards, social housing, and urban planning.

The Council Tax (Discount Disregards and Exempt Dwellings) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2025

These regulations, effective March 25th, 2025, modify existing council tax legislation in England.

They expand the categories of individuals eligible for council tax discounts and exempt dwellings to include those participating in the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme and those entitled to a government thank you payment under associated guidance.

The changes apply to both discount disregards and exempt dwelling definitions, ensuring consistent treatment of Ukrainian arrivals within the council tax system.

The RTM Companies (Model Articles) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Mon 10th Feb 25

The RTM Companies (Model Articles) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 2009 Regulations governing right-to-manage (RTM) companies in England.

Key changes include defining 'lease' according to the 2002 Act, restricting landlord voting power to one-third of tenant votes, and requiring landlords to be freeholders to qualify for votes.

These amendments aim to balance voting rights within RTM companies and improve governance clarity.

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (Commencement No. 3) Regulations 2025

These regulations, effective March 3, 2025, implement several sections of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 related to leaseholders' right to manage.

Specifically, they define non-residential limits on claims, detail cost allocation, ensure compliance with the 2002 Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act, prohibit initial High Court applications for tribunal matters, and restrict the recovery of certain costs.

The aim is to clarify, simplify, and streamline the right-to-manage process for leaseholders.

The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority Regulations 2025

The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority Regulations 2025 establish a new combined county authority for Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, and North East Lincolnshire. The regulations create a directly elected mayoral position and grant significant powers over economic development, transport, housing, and planning.

The authority receives functions previously held by the Homes and Communities Agency, along with powers to establish development corporations, implement transport schemes, and coordinate strategic planning across the region.

The Lancashire Combined County Authority Regulations 2025

The Lancashire Combined County Authority Regulations 2025 establish a new combined county authority covering Lancashire, Blackpool, and Blackburn with Darwen.

The regulations grant the authority significant powers over transport, housing, regeneration, and economic development.

The authority will be governed by appointed council members with specific voting requirements for key decisions.

It receives powers to coordinate transport planning, deliver housing and regeneration projects, and conduct strategic economic assessments across the region.

The regulations also establish funding mechanisms and transitional arrangements for the new authority's operations.

The Valuation Tribunal for England (Membership and Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Thu 6th Feb 25

These regulations, effective April 1st, 2025, amend the Valuation Tribunal for England (Membership and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2009.

Specifically, they increase the mandatory retirement age for Tribunal members from 72 to 75 years old, extending to England and Wales.

The changes are based on powers granted by the Local Government Finance Act 1988 and are claimed to have minimal impact on the public, private, or voluntary sectors.

The Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority Regulations 2025

The Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority Regulations 2025 establish a new combined authority covering Devon and Torbay, granting it significant powers over transport, housing, regeneration, and economic development.

The authority gains concurrent powers with existing councils in areas including highway management, public transport, and strategic planning, while becoming the primary authority for local transport planning.

The regulations ensure democratic accountability through a carefully structured voting system and require consent from constituent councils for key decisions, particularly those involving financial commitments or compulsory land acquisition.

The Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority Order 2025

The Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority Order 2025 establishes a new combined authority covering the areas of Kingston upon Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire, with an elected mayor taking office from May 2025.

The order grants significant powers over transport, housing, regeneration, and economic development, while establishing clear governance structures and funding mechanisms.

The combined authority will have the ability to exercise functions previously held by constituent councils and other public bodies, aimed at improving economic, social, and environmental wellbeing across the region.