New regulations requiring the preparation of personalised Emergency Evacuation Plans (rPEEPs) for relevant residents of high-rise blocks come into force on 6 April 2026. In December, MHCLG issued guidance setting out the duties of responsible persons under the regulations.  The Ministry has now asked for feedback from affected local authorities on the progress of preparations for the new duties.  The Local Government Association and National Housing Federation are holding a seminar on this issue on 5 February.

Regulatory judgements have been issued by RSH for Broxtowe BC, Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, St Albans DC and Wolverhampton CC. MHCLG has clarified that councils graded C3 or C4 will not be automatically barred from accessing Homes England funding.

The Government has launched its Warm Homes Plan, promising £15 billion in public investment to upgrade up to 5 million homes by 2030. The proposals cover owner-occupied homes as well as both private and socially rented homes

The Government has published a Guide to the Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025 which require landlords of relevant residential properties to prepare Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for residents who may not be able to evacuate safely in case of fire without assistance.

In his latest summary of lessons from severe maladministration reports, Richard Blakeway, the Housing Ombudsman, has urged landlords to see the person behind the repair.

The House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee has issued a sharply critical report on delays in new housing scheme approvals by the Building Safety Regulator.