Housing Legislation
Laws governing housing development, tenant rights, property standards, social housing, and urban planning.
The Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications, Deemed Applications, Requests and Site Visits) (England) (Amendment and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2025
The 2025 regulations amended the 2012 Town and Country Planning fees for applications, deemed applications, requests, and site visits in England, increasing several fees and introducing a new fee structure for section 73 applications.
These regulations amend the 2012 Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications, Deemed Applications, Requests and Site Visits) (England) Regulations.
Several fees are increased, including those for prior approval applications, confirmation of compliance with planning conditions, and section 73 applications.
A new three-tiered fee structure for section 73 applications is introduced.
Transitional provisions ensure that the amendments do not apply to applications or requests made before the regulations' commencement date (April 1, 2025), while delaying the application of the annual fee increase provided for in regulation 18A to April 1, 2026.
The Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Estimates and Accounts) Order 2025
The 2025 Order designated numerous central government bodies for inclusion in departmental supply estimates and resource accounts for the financial year ending 31 March 2026.
The Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Estimates and Accounts) Order 2025 designates numerous central government bodies as 'designated bodies' for the financial year ending 31 March 2026.
This designation is for their inclusion in the supply estimates and resource accounts of their respective government departments.
The order covers various government departments and agencies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
It is based on powers granted by the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 and includes consultations with devolved administrations.
The Council Tax (Discount Disregards and Exempt Dwellings) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2025
The regulations amended the Council Tax (Additional Provisions for Discount Disregards) Regulations 1992 and the Council Tax (Exempt Dwellings) Order 1992 to provide council tax discounts and exemptions to eligible individuals under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
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
The 2025 regulations amended the 2009 RTM Companies (Model Articles) Regulations, clarifying the definition of 'lease' and capping landlord voting power in RTM companies.
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
Specific sections of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 concerning the right to manage were brought into force.
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
Established a new combined county authority for Greater Lincolnshire with an elected mayor and devolved powers over transport, housing, economic development, and planning.
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
Established the Lancashire Combined County Authority as a statutory body with powers over transport, housing, regeneration and economic development across Lancashire, Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen.
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
- Amended the Valuation Tribunal for England (Membership and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2009 to raise the mandatory retirement age for members from 72 to 75.
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.