The Government has published details of the responses it received to its consultation on the review of smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regulations. No legislative changes were proposed and no recommended amendments have been made. Responses to this consultation will be taken into account in …

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, has launched a new Fund aimed at improving integration among communities. The Fund is looking to support innovative projects that address a range of factors, which can limit integration, such as the level and pace of migration, …

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced a panel of experts to look into the issues affecting our high streets, and what practical steps can be taken to help them thrive. Chaired by Sir John Timpson, Chairman of Timpson, the experts will …

The Chancellor wrote to the Office of Tax Simplification to commission a review into ‘the life of a small business’, focusing particularly on businesses’ tax obligations. He acknowledged that ‘many small businesses find it complex and burdensome to fully understand their tax obligations’ and asked …

From April 2019, all registered business, including charities, with a taxable turnover above the VAT threshold (£85,000), are required to keep their VAT records digitally, and to send their VAT returns using ‘Making Tax Digital (MTD) compatible software. Further guidance is available from the Charity …

The Charity Commission is this summer improving its online Charity Update Service. The new service will allow charities to check their details, including the names and contact details of their current trustees, regularly, and to update any information as it changes. The changes will ensure that …

The Big Lottery Fund have set up a new ‘Building Connections’ Fund, of nearly £9 million, which aims to support projects that tackle loneliness. This is an area where Heritage has much to contribute. The Heritage Alliance recently responded to a Government consultation highlighting the …

DEFRA have asked for evidence on the airborne particulate matter emissions from brakes, tyres and road surface wear, as they look to reduce emissions in this area The consultation seeks to gather evidence on these types of emissions, their contribution to air pollution now and …

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has called for evidence on the planning appeals inquiries process. The consultation seeks views on the current operation of the process and on how the system could be improved to work more efficiently. For more information, and …

DEFRA is currently seeking views on how fairly and effectively IFCAs have operated in the past four years. The consultation asks for views on five success criteria: 1:  IFCAs are recognised and heard, balancing the economic needs of the fishery whilst working in partnership and …

The Government is consulting on its redrafting of ‘Approved Document B’, after promising to clarify building regulations guidance on fire safety. The new draft has been restructured in places in the hope that this will improve clarity and usability. The guide is now split, for …

The Government is asking for views on whether non-hydraulic fracturing shale gas exploration should be given planning permission through a permitted development right, and thus not require planning consent. The Government is also asking in which circumstances this right should be applied. The consultation suggests …