Rent control is one several ideas being considered by a Commons Select Committee looking into the quality and regulation of rented housing. The committee is inviting interested parties to submit views on issues such as the quality of rented housing and how to ensure that standards remain acceptable. It will look at levels of rent,
Pubs and clubs that open late can now be made to contribute to the cost of dealing with alcohol related crime and disorder, as part of a Government clampdown on irresponsible drinking. The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 gives local authorities more discretionary power to restrict the sale of alcohol. They will also
The Government says it will reduce health and safety regulations to promote economic growth and protect businesses from ‘compensation culture’ claims. There are more than 6,500 regulations that the Government inherited through the Red Tape Challenge Process. They intend to scrap more than 3,000. One of the key changes involves health and safety inspections. Businesses
Tenancies are lasting longer and landlords are increasing their portfolios as the private rental sector continues to grow, according to the National Landlords Association. The research shows that 54% of tenancies are now lasting between two and three years, and 32% last longer than four years. It also showed that 10% of landlords had added
The Government has introduced new measures to allow up to two flats to be built in office or storage space above shops without the need for planning permission. The previous regulations only allowed for one flat to be created above a shop without permission. The change is designed to help increase the number of homes
The problem of rent arrears is increasing with 49% of landlords saying that they have experienced difficulties in the last 12 months, according to the National Landlords Association (NLA). Looking to the future, 37% of landlords are worried that they will experience more arrears in the coming months. NLA research shows that an average landlord
The Government wants to scrap some planning restrictions to encourage more start-up businesses and attract shoppers back into town centres. Ministers want to make it easier for new ‘pop-up’ shops to use vacant high street premises until a more permanent tenant can be found. Under the current system, there are planning rules that restrict the
Government ministers have welcomed proposals to boost the private rented sector by easing planning restrictions and encouraging investment. Housing Minister Grant Shapps says the report compiled by Sir Adrian Montague provides a blueprint for building more good quality homes. Most of the private sector in the UK is managed by individual landlords. This is likely
The High Court has provided a welcome boost for landlords wishing to avoid paying rates on empty commercial property. Currently, business rates are charged on nearly all non-domestic properties such as shops, offices and factories while they are in use. Properties with a rateable value of less than £2,600 are exempt from rates when they
The Government has announced further changes to the planning system to make it simpler and quicker to use. The measures include making it easier to re-use some existing buildings without the need for planning permission. This would include the ‘meanwhile’ use of vacant commercial premises for purposes such as helping start-up businesses. There are also