Food safety and hygiene offences

MHCLG publishes consultation outcome on local authority standards framework reforms

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published its response to the consultation on reforming the standards and conduct framework for local authorities in England, confirming its intention to implement a mandatory minimum code of conduct, require formal standards committees, and introduce powers for local authorities to suspend councillors or mayors for serious breaches. The reforms also include provisions for interim suspension in complex cases, a new disqualification category for gross misconduct and repeated breaches, and the establishment of a national appeals body. Additionally, these measures aim to ensure consistent, fair, and transparent handling of misconduct across all levels of local government in England.

OfS publishes report on degree classification algorithms and finds regulatory breaches

The Office for Students (OfS) has published a report highlighting concerns that degree classification algorithms may be contributing to grade inflation. OfS found that St Mary’s University, Twickenham, and the University of West London breached condition B4 by implementing algorithms that would have elevated the proportion of first-class and upper second-class degrees. However, both institutions had already resolved the issues before the investigations began.

Welsh Government launches consultation on £547m Local Growth Fund

The Welsh Government has launched a six-week public consultation on proposals for a new Local Growth Fund, which will invest £547m over three years to support regional economic development in Wales. For the first time since the UK’s exit from the EU, responsibility for regional economic development decisions will return to the Welsh Government, which will design and implement an Investment Plan in collaboration with the UK Government to ensure alignment with UK-wide growth objectives. The consultation seeks views on the fund’s principles, priorities, objectives, and delivery model ahead of its planned launch in April 2026. The consultation will close on 19 December 2025.

RSH publishes 2025 Sector Risk Profile report

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has published its 2025 Sector Risk Profile, warning that social landlords must strengthen governance and risk management to remain resilient amid intensifying financial and operational pressures. The report highlights internal challenges, including record investment in improving existing homes to address hazards such as damp, mould and fire safety, alongside external risks such as rising debt costs, a weaker housing market and labour shortages. RSH emphasises that robust governance, informed by comprehensive data and stress testing, is essential for maintaining financial viability and delivering better outcomes for tenants. The regulator will continue using inspections and other regulatory tools to ensure landlords are well-run and capable of providing more and better social homes.