The Department for Communities has issued a Call for Evidence on its Housing Supply Strategy, which sets out its intentions to increase the amount of housing across all tenures so that every household can access a good quality, affordable and sustainable home.

The New Homes Quality Board has consulted on its draft Code of Practice, which outlines the guiding principles and practical steps that new homes builders across the UK must follow if they opt to be registered with the NHQB.

We have urged consistency across tenancy agreements and suggested the introduction of a checklist to support landlords and agents to comply with the new rules.

We reiterated our long-standing views that the UK Government must ensure that the Flood Re scheme is extended, and insurance is provided at reasonable rates to private landlords, leaseholders and small businesses.

We responded to the Welsh Government’s consultation on improving building safety by supporting the proposed measures. However, we also urged them to consider the height of buildings, occupation and material used to build property to determine fire risk rather than simply the number of dwellings.

We responded to the UK Government’s consultation on improving home energy performance through lenders by raising concerns that the proposed targets are unrealistic, too simplistic and could deter people from moving home.

We submitted our formal written representation to HM Treasury on new policy ideas for both estate and letting agents to be included in the UK Government’s Budget on 3 March 2021.

We highlighted a number of concerns relating to affordability and the need to look beyond a one-size fits all policy. We see a need to develop proposals that work with the different age, condition, and size of properties in the private rented sector.

We argued in our response that the rules should be amended so that landlords and agents ensure alarms are tested before the tenancy starts—not on the day the tenancy begins.

We responded to the Local Government and Communities Committee consultation on the Fair Rents Bill stressing disapproval of the policy's propositions. The Bill aims to cap rent rises on private residential properties in Scotland.

Following HCLG's May inquiry on the impact of Covid-19 on the private rented sector, we provided further response highlighting the urgent need for financial support.

We highlighted the importance of regulation within the property sector and divergence in rules across the UK in response to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategies consultation.

We responded to the UK Government’s review of business rates stating the need to include the continuation of rates relief for retail premises and for the introduction of an online sales tax.

Responding to the Comprehensive Spending Review 2020, Propertymark highlights the requirement for the UK Government to invest in appropriate infrastructure and innovation, to level up economic opportunity.

Responding to the pre-legislative scrutiny of the Draft Building Safety Bill, we acknowledge the need to upgrade building safety, however, there are concerns about the practical applications of a number of elements along with the cost to leaseholders.

Propertymark has responded to the Overarching Code of Practice for Residential Property Agents consultation, welcoming the proposals, and calling for the Code to be strengthened in four key areas to further support the industry.