18/06/2025
Welcome to the June edition of Local Authority View, an update summarising recent Government publications, legislation, cases and other developments relevant to those involved in the local authority sector.
This month, we have covered the following:
- Awaabs Law
- Planning
- Heat Network Zoning Co-ordination
- Housing Ombudsman’s Latest Severe Maladministration Decisions
Awaabs law
Louise Mansfield and Sarah Orchard
From October 2025, providers of social housing must ensure that damp and mould that is hazardous to health is investigated and fixed within strict timescales and that all emergency repairs are dealt with within 24 hours.
Planning and Infrastructure Bill: A New Framework for Delivery
Matthew Stimson and Tom Etherton
The recently published Planning and Infrastructure Bill is a key plank of the Government’s strategy for change in the planning system. The Bill targets five key areas for reform , with an emphasis on accelerating processes and delivery of major infrastructure.
Originally published for EM Lawshare
Heat Network Zoning Coordination – early-stage considerations for Local Authorities
Heat networks are a core component of the Government’s drive to decarbonise. In order to achieve this, the Energy Act 2023 (the “Act”) (which received Royal Assent on 26 October 2023) established the regulatory framework for heat networks in Great Britain. Among other aspects the Act established that Local Authorities will have a key role to play in the roll-out of heat networks.
Key Learning from the Housing Ombudsman’s Latest Severe Maladministration Decisions
On 20 May 2025, the Housing Ombudsman released its latest Learning from Severe Maladministration Report, focusing on emergency repairs.
The Report details issues with triaging, delays in emergency repairs, and prioritising repairs as a result of household circumstances.
You may also be interested in:
Devolution webinar series round up
May - December 2025
Local authorities undergoing devolution and Local Government Reorganisation face a number of challenges, from navigating complex legal and regulatory frameworks to ensuring a smooth transition for the local community.
In this webinar series we will provide essential guidance across a number of key areas, highlighting the key considerations at every step of the way.
There is still time to sign up to the series and watch the previous sessions on demand. Registration links and more information about each session can be found here.
Articles
Hackney Council’s pioneering rooftop solar microgrid sees energy bill savings for tenants
For the latest updates relating to this sector, follow our dedicated Central & Local Government LinkedIn page today.
