Neil Brand sets out the key considerations for local authorities and landlords arising out of the Homes (Fitness for Habitation) Act.

A recent Divisional Court ruling on unfair commercial practices will be of interest to trading standards teams across the country, writes Tony Watkin.

Michael Dempsey discusses the growing trend in the use of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 by local planning authorities to obtain confiscation orders against those committing planning offences and examines a recent case that serves as a reminder that POCA should not override or unduly influence other planning decisions.

Ibrahim Hasan looks at the key changes in the new RIPA Codes of Practice for Surveillance and Covert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS).

Civil sanctions in environmental law: what are they and why do they matter? Tim Green and Gus Baker explain.

Helen Simm looks at what a recent Court of Appeal on privilege means for public bodies, who may find themselves facing a criminal or regulatory investigation as a result of an incident, accident or whistleblower allegations.

Dean Underwood considers the Divisional Court's recent decision on fees for licensing houses in multiple occupation and its far-reaching implications for local housing authorities nationwide.

Sarah Greenhalgh sets out the key points arising from the Social Housing Green Paper and accompanying consultation, and her initial view on the likely targets for regulatory reform.

There have been a number of recent developments in the law and regulation of drones. Paul Feild sets out the key points for local government lawyers.

The Divisional Court has recently considered what a local authority can include in upfront fees for licensing houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). Jonathan Manning analyses the outcome.

Adam Kendall analyses a recent judicial review challenge brought by a company over data seized and copied by a council's trading standards department.

Sarah Wilson sets out the key considerations in the recent prosecution for manslaughter of a defendant who sold 'fat-burning capsules'.

When should surveillance evidence be served? Catherine Burt looks at the lessons from a recent appeal involving a city council.

Wendi Batteson of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council sets out some of the lessons learned from a recent planning enforcement case.

Edmund Walters discusses a recent case in which he successfully appeared in the Divisional Court on a point concerning the laying of informations and doing so before the six-month time limit expires.

Raj Shah outlines important guidance and explains local authorities’ duties to ensure they comply with modern slavery legislation.

Christi Scarborough looks at new powers available from 6 April 2018, and the circumstances under which private landlords or letting and management agents might end up subject to an order.

A Yorkshire council has fought off a Crown Court challenge to the limit it placed on the number of hackney carriage licences. Gary Grant explains how.

Professor Roy Light reviews the 4th edition of Manchester on Alcohol and Entertainment Law. Woods Whur Publishing, Leeds. £115 soft cover.

Will the introduction of an Agent of Change principle in planning succeed in protecting live music venues? The operation of other regimes in relation to licensing and statutory nuisance means this is far from certain, writes Michael Greig.