It’s “Love your High Street Week”! So, what better way to start the week than to consider two significant legal reforms announced by the government last week, that are intended to boost and revitalise the High Street: Legislation was introduced to Parliament that will, for the first time, permanently cut business rates for qualifying retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties from 2026 (and in the meantime, 250,000 RHL properties will receive 40% relief off business rates bills up to £110,000 per business to help smooth the transition to the new system); and High Street Rental Auctions powers will come into force on 2 December following the laying of secondary legislation last week, that will give businesses and community groups a ‘right to rent’ long-neglected town-centre commercial properties.

On 17 July 2024, the King announced a new Renters’ Rights Bill  (“RRB”) to be introduced “to give greater rights and protections to people renting their homes...”  The RRB has not yet been published however the background briefing note to the King’s speech indicates that the RRB largely resurrects the Conservatives’ Renters (Reform) Bill that did not survive the July snap election. The headline points remain the same: Section 21 “no fault” eviction procedure to be abolished Eviction grounds to be expanded Decent Homes Standard to be applied to the private rented sector Fines on landlords for breaching the new rules Tenants able to challenge above-market rent increases Local Council’s enforcement powers to be strengthened to drive out ‘bad’ landlords National landlord database Introduction of a Property Ombudsman to resolve tenants’ complaints No unreasonable refusal to allow pets Illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants on benefits or with children

As schools prepared to reopen this September after the summer break, hundreds were informed that, due to the use of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in their buildings (and its current state and condition), this would not be the case and they would need to remain closed or find alternative accommodation until remedial works could be undertaken.  There are likely to be further closures in the future, as more schools are found to contain RAAC in need of urgent remedial works. It has recently become apparent that other buildings have been also affected by RAAC issues, for example court buildings and hospitals. This Insight takes a closer look at RAAC, why it has become an issue now and considers practical steps for those affected by RAAC.