The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published a factsheet outlining implementation plans for the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (RRA 2025) reforms to social housing assured tenancies. It confirms that from 1 May 2026, reforms will apply to the private rented sector and to assured tenancies of social housing where the landlord is not a Private Registered Provider (PRP). PRP social housing tenancies are excluded at this stage and will instead be brought within scope from October 2027. Until then, PRPs must continue to apply the pre-1 May 2026 legal framework, including existing possession processes, tenancy forms and rules on grounds, notice periods and procedures. The government will publish updated guidance ahead of October 2027 to support landlords and tenants in understanding and complying with measures which will be in force.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published its final response to the consultation on the Competence and Conduct Standard for social housing and has directed the Regulator of Social Housing to introduce a new standard for social housing staff in England, following analysis of consultation responses. The standard, which will come into effect in October 2026, requires senior managers and tenant-facing staff to hold or be working towards relevant qualifications, and obliges registered providers to maintain written policies on staff development, performance, and conduct, as well as to embed appropriate codes of conduct. This measure forms part of the government’s broader response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, which identified failures in staff training and tenant engagement, and aligns with recommendations from the 2022 Professionalisation Review. The standard is intended to improve service quality and professionalism across the sector, with the Regulator overseeing compliance through an outcomes-based approach. Transitional arrangements will allow phased implementation, with a three-year period for larger providers and four years for smaller ones.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published its final response to the consultation on the Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRs) and has directed the Regulator of Social Housing to introduce a new standard requiring private registered providers (PRPs) in England to comply with the STAIRs policy statement. Effective from October 2026, PRPs must proactively publish housing management information, and from April 2027, respond to tenant information requests. The scheme is designed to improve transparency and accountability in the social housing sector, enabling tenants to hold landlords to account. While the proposals received broad support, respondents sought greater clarity on the scope, costs, and implementation. The government addressed these concerns through amendments to the policy statement and confirmed that the Housing Ombudsman will manage complaints, with oversight from the Regulator. Local authorities remain subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000, which will be extended to cover Tenant Management Organisations.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published the final report of the interim Chief Construction Adviser (CCA), Thouria Istephan. The report covers four priorities: (1) reform of construction product regulation; (2) standards for buildings and construction professionals; (3) evidence gathering and learning from near misses and (4) development of the permanent Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser (CCSA) role. Istephan states that further construction product reform is needed, identifying testing and certification, product information and strengthening of standards as key areas. Istephan also advised MHCLG and Building Safety Regulator officials on risk management and escalation and engaged with industry through Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures UK (CROSS-UK). Istephan states that responses to building-safety risks should consider factors beyond height, including sleeping accommodation and vulnerable residents. The permanent CCSA role will combine construction and scientific advice and form part of the wider government scientific adviser network.

​​The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published the findings of its first annual survey on local authority planning capacity and skills, carried out between July and September 2023. The survey, conducted by Verian, highlights challenges in various areas, including recruitment, retention, and skills gaps. It was sent to 327 local authorities, of which 118 responded. ​The next survey is scheduled for January 2025, aiming to provide updated data on these metrics.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published the Authoritative Statement of the Fire Engineers Advisory Panel alongside a government statement outlining next steps for reform of the fire engineering profession. These documents set out how the government will implement the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s Phase 2 recommendations concerning fire engineers. The Panel’s Statement defines the core knowledge, skills and ethical responsibilities expected of competent fire engineers, identifies serious shortcomings in current practice, and establishes the fire safety strategy as the central function that should be legally reserved to regulated fire engineers. It describes the fire safety strategy as a comprehensive, integrated assessment of a building’s fire performance, safety systems, evacuation arrangements, fire and rescue service intervention, and long-term management. The Statement also emphasises the need for accredited education, supervised professional experience, continuing development, and a strong code of conduct to ensure consistent competence and accountability.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), together with the Department for Business and Trade, has published a collection page collating links to fire safety guidance for small businesses operating from commercial premises. The guidance documents set out legal responsibilities under fire safety legislation, including requirements to conduct fire risk assessments, implement safety measures for employees and visitors, install appropriate fire alarm systems and ensure safe evacuation procedures. The collection page also outlines the consequences of non-compliance, with penalties of up to £5,000 for minor offences and, for more serious breaches, unlimited fines and up to two years’ imprisonment. It further includes links to guidance on identifying responsible persons under fire safety laws, making premises safe from fire and workplace fire safety requirements.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published the first edition of its Building Safety Newsletter, setting out legislative and policy developments, regulation information and news for residents as part of its work to improve the building safety system. The newsletter includes a foreword from the Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy, confirming that building safety remains a fundamental priority for the government and that creating lasting changes to ensure everyone feels safe in their home will be a focus for 2026. It also highlights collaboration and consultation with residents, the construction sector, local authorities and fire and rescue services as central to improving standards and transparency.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published the first edition of the Local Outcomes Framework, setting out 16 national priority outcomes for central and local government to deliver in partnership. The Framework adopts an outcomes-based approach to empower local leaders and reflects priorities across housing, adult social care and economic regeneration, aligned with the competencies set out in the English Devolution White Paper and Bill. Published alongside the Local Government Finance Settlement, the Framework incorporates feedback received since the July 2025 draft. To support its use, a Statistical Neighbours model has also been published to help compare local areas and interpret data, alongside the priority outcomes and metrics and principles for use of the framework.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published its first progress report on the implementation of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s Phase 2 recommendations. The report also provides updates on Phase 1 recommendations related to Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for vulnerable people in high-rise buildings. It outlines progress across four key areas: (1) the construction industry; (2) fire and rescue services; (3) response and recovery; and (4) vulnerable people. MHCLG intends to publish quarterly reports in February, May, September, and December until all recommendations are fully implemented, a process expected to take at least four years.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published its first Ministerial Envoys' report regarding the statutory intervention at the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The report outlines initial steps taken including establishment of a Transformation and Assurance Board, development of a Continuous Improvement Plan and appointment of external advisors. While noting some progress in areas like scrutiny arrangements, the Envoys identify ongoing challenges in political behaviour, governance processes and organisational culture. The report follows February 2025 statutory recommendations from external auditors on procurement and financial controls. A second report is planned for autumn 2025 following a Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published its response to the consultation on building control charges, confirming plans to expand the charging powers of local authority building control bodies (LABCBs). The reforms will allow LABCBs to charge for processing notices and certificates submitted by registered building control approvers, with non-payment becoming grounds for rejection. Additional charges will apply to certain statutory functions, including compliance testing, enforcement activities and appeals. LABCBs will also be permitted to impose supplementary charges in complex cases, subject to notification requirements and must provide refunds where prescribed decision-making deadlines are missed. Existing deemed acceptance periods will remain unchanged. LABCBs will be required to publish charging schemes and annual financial statements online. The government intends the reforms to strengthen financial sustainability, improve transparency and support effective delivery of building control services across England.