Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

In response to Recommendation 4 of the Rycroft Review, the Government announced in July our intention to introduce permissibility and transparency requirements for donations to prospective candidates outside of formal regulated periods.

Our intention is for candidates to be required to (i) provide a declaration to confirm donations used to fund campaigning activity prior to formal candidacy are from permissible sources and (ii) report any donations received during this period which exceed £2,230.

We are continuing at pace to develop legislative proposals and are engaging with relevant stakeholders, including Party representatives at the Parliamentary Parties Panel, as per our commitment. The Government will bring forward details of these proposals in due course.

In response to Recommendation 4 of the Rycroft Review, the Government announced in July our intention to introduce permissibility and transparency requirements for donations to prospective candidates outside of formal regulated periods.

Our intention is for candidates to be required to (i) provide a declaration to confirm donations used to fund campaigning activity prior to formal candidacy are from permissible sources and (ii) report any donations received during this period which exceed £2,230.

We are continuing at pace to develop legislative proposals and are engaging with relevant stakeholders, including Party representatives at the Parliamentary Parties Panel, as per our commitment. The Government will bring forward details of these proposals in due course.

In response to Recommendation 4 of the Rycroft Review, the Government announced in July our intention to introduce permissibility and transparency requirements for donations to prospective candidates outside of formal regulated periods.

Our intention is for candidates to be required to (i) provide a declaration to confirm donations used to fund campaigning activity prior to formal candidacy are from permissible sources and (ii) report any donations received during this period which exceed £2,230.

We are continuing at pace to develop legislative proposals and are engaging with relevant stakeholders, including Party representatives at the Parliamentary Parties Panel, as per our commitment. The Government will bring forward details of these proposals in due course.

In response to Recommendation 4 of the Rycroft Review, the Government announced in July our intention to introduce permissibility and transparency requirements for donations to prospective candidates outside of formal regulated periods.

Our intention is for candidates to be required to (i) provide a declaration to confirm donations used to fund campaigning activity prior to formal candidacy are from permissible sources and (ii) report any donations received during this period which exceed £2,230.

We are continuing at pace to develop legislative proposals and are engaging with relevant stakeholders, including Party representatives at the Parliamentary Parties Panel, as per our commitment. The Government will bring forward details of these proposals in due course.

In response to Recommendation 4 of the Rycroft Review, the Government announced in July our intention to introduce permissibility and transparency requirements for donations to prospective candidates outside of formal regulated periods.

Our intention is for candidates to be required to (i) provide a declaration to confirm donations used to fund campaigning activity prior to formal candidacy are from permissible sources and (ii) report any donations received during this period which exceed £2,230.

We are continuing at pace to develop legislative proposals and are engaging with relevant stakeholders, including Party representatives at the Parliamentary Parties Panel, as per our commitment. The Government will bring forward details of these proposals in due course.

We announced in response to the Rycroft Review that we would introduce a donor declaration requirement for relevant donations in order to support the effective implementation of the Review's recommendations. The Government will bring forward further details in due course.

We announced in response to the Rycroft Review that we would introduce a donor declaration requirement for relevant donations in order to support the effective implementation of the Review's recommendations. The Government will bring forward further details in due course.

We announced in response to the Rycroft Review that we would introduce a donor declaration requirement for relevant donations in order to support the effective implementation of the Review's recommendations. The Government will bring forward further details in due course.

We announced in response to the Rycroft Review that we would introduce a donor declaration requirement for relevant donations in order to support the effective implementation of the Review's recommendations. The Government will bring forward further details in due course.

We announced in response to the Rycroft Review that we would introduce a donor declaration requirement for relevant donations in order to support the effective implementation of the Review's recommendations. The Government will bring forward further details in due course.

This Government is committed to supporting victims of domestic abuse as part of its ambition to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.

Since 2021, Tier 1 local authorities in England have had a statutory duty to ensure that victims of domestic abuse and their children can access support in relevant safe accommodation when needed. To support delivery of this duty, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government provided £160 million to local authorities in 2025-26 and has committed a further £499 million over the period 2026-27 to 2028-29.

Portsmouth City Council received £645,233 in 2025-26 and has been allocated £645,233 in 2026-27 to support the provision of domestic abuse safe accommodation services.

While overall funding for the duty has increased, allocations have been updated using the latest population, deprivation and areas cost data to reflect current local need and costs. A funding floor has been applied to guarantee that no local authority receives less than its 2025-26 allocation over the settlement period, while continuing to target funding where need is greatest.

The Government published its Impact Assessment for the Renters’ Rights Act on 22 November 2024, which can be found on gov.uk here. This found that the potential impact of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 on levels of homelessness would be a reduction in the number of households at risk of becoming homeless and a reduction in homelessness duties owed.

The Government is committed to ensuring fire and rescue services have the resources and equipment they need to keep our communities safe. The latest Local Government Finance Settlement has made available almost £1.95 billion in core spending power for standalone fire and rescue authorities in England (excluding York & North Yorkshire and Greater Manchester), an average 4.7% increase compared to 2025/26.

In 2026/27, West Sussex County Council, the current Fire and Rescue Authority for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, will have a core spending power of £926 million, an increase of 4.4% compared to 2025/26. West Sussex County Council is responsible for managing the allocation and use of these funds locally.

Freeholders can charge holders of non-qualifying leases a share of remediation costs incurred, in line with the terms of the lease. However, all leaseholders may still be able to recover remediation costs from a former owner, developer or associated company via a Remediation Contribution Order (RCO) and they may also be protected under the Developer Remediation Contract.

This Government recognises that many people are not fully protected by current rules. We know leaseholders are not responsible for the creation of historic building safety defects, and we are considering how to go further to protect leaseholders from current and future building safety issues, especially those groups left out of existing protections.

Councils have considerable flexibility to provide discretionary council tax discounts or exemptions where they consider this appropriate. This could include offering discounts for those who are terminally ill.

The government is committed to ensuring the council tax system is fair for taxpayers and local authorities and will continue to keep taxes and all elements of the local government finance system under review.

Decisions relating to referendum principles are consulted on through the annual Local Government Finance Settlement and subject to approval by the House of Commons.

The government has no plans to amend the level of premium which local authorities may apply on second and long-term empty homes.

The government is committed to ensuring the council tax system is fair for taxpayers and local authorities and will continue to keep taxes and all elements of the local government finance system under review.

Once introduced, gambling impact assessments will enable licensing authorities to adopt a presumption to reject applications in areas covered by the policy. This will mean that the presumption in favour of granting a licence resulting from the “aim to permit” principle will no longer apply in areas covered by a gambling impact assessment. However, licensing authorities will still be required to consider all premises applications even where a gambling impact assessment is in force.

On the 11^th August, the Prime Minister announced that DCMS will consult on repealing the “aim to permit” from the Gambling Act 2005. The consultation will be published in due course.

The Government published the Future Homes and Buildings Standards (FHBS) on 24 March 2026. New homes built to these standards will have high levels of energy-efficiency, excellent insulation, and low carbon heating, such as heat pumps and heat networks. They will also be zero-carbon ready, meaning they will become zero-carbon in operation as the electricity grid decarbonises without the need for further retrofit.

The FHBS includes a functional requirement for all new homes to have a system of on-site renewable electricity generation, subject to practical site constraints. In most cases, we expect this will be met with the installation of solar panels. The FHBS sets energy efficiency requirements for new homes in performance terms, without prescribing specific technologies to be used. This allows developers to innovate and select the most practical and cost-effective solutions appropriate for the site.

The FHBS comes into force for most non-higher risk building work on 24 March 2027, followed by a further 12-month transitional period to give industries, such as the solar installation industry, time to prepare to meet the demand.

The Government published the Future Homes and Buildings Standards (FHBS) on 24 March 2026. New homes built to these standards will have high levels of energy-efficiency, excellent insulation, and low carbon heating, such as heat pumps and heat networks. They will also be zero-carbon ready, meaning they will become zero-carbon in operation as the electricity grid decarbonises without the need for further retrofit.

The FHBS includes a functional requirement for all new homes to have a system of on-site renewable electricity generation, subject to practical site constraints. In most cases, we expect this will be met with the installation of solar panels. The FHBS sets energy efficiency requirements for new homes in performance terms, without prescribing specific technologies to be used. This allows developers to innovate and select the most practical and cost-effective solutions appropriate for the site.

The FHBS comes into force for most non-higher risk building work on 24 March 2027, followed by a further 12-month transitional period to give industries, such as the solar installation industry, time to prepare to meet the demand.

Ministers considered a range of evidence, in line with the Best Value Statutory Guidance, before issuing a Best Value Notice to Basildon Borough Council. The Notice sets out the Department's expectations, and future assessment will consider the Council’s progress against these expectations and the latest available evidence of compliance with its Best Value Duty. As set out in the Notice, Ministers expect the Council to demonstrate sufficient improvement and strong governance as it prepares for local government reorganisation.

The Regulator of Social Housing is responsible for assessing providers' compliance with its regulatory standards. Ministers considered the Regulator's published findings alongside other available evidence when deciding to issue the Notice.

The Department engages regularly with the Local Government Association on a range of local government stewardship matters, including the support for Basildon Borough Council.

Ministers considered a range of evidence, in line with the Best Value Statutory Guidance, before issuing a Best Value Notice to Basildon Borough Council. The Notice sets out the Department's expectations, and future assessment will consider the Council’s progress against these expectations and the latest available evidence of compliance with its Best Value Duty. As set out in the Notice, Ministers expect the Council to demonstrate sufficient improvement and strong governance as it prepares for local government reorganisation.

The Regulator of Social Housing is responsible for assessing providers' compliance with its regulatory standards. Ministers considered the Regulator's published findings alongside other available evidence when deciding to issue the Notice.

The Department engages regularly with the Local Government Association on a range of local government stewardship matters, including the support for Basildon Borough Council.

Ministers considered a range of evidence, in line with the Best Value Statutory Guidance, before issuing a Best Value Notice to Basildon Borough Council. The Notice sets out the Department's expectations, and future assessment will consider the Council’s progress against these expectations and the latest available evidence of compliance with its Best Value Duty. As set out in the Notice, Ministers expect the Council to demonstrate sufficient improvement and strong governance as it prepares for local government reorganisation.

The Regulator of Social Housing is responsible for assessing providers' compliance with its regulatory standards. Ministers considered the Regulator's published findings alongside other available evidence when deciding to issue the Notice.

The Department engages regularly with the Local Government Association on a range of local government stewardship matters, including the support for Basildon Borough Council.

Ministers considered a range of evidence, in line with the Best Value Statutory Guidance, before issuing a Best Value Notice to Basildon Borough Council. The Notice sets out the Department's expectations, and future assessment will consider the Council’s progress against these expectations and the latest available evidence of compliance with its Best Value Duty. As set out in the Notice, Ministers expect the Council to demonstrate sufficient improvement and strong governance as it prepares for local government reorganisation.

The Regulator of Social Housing is responsible for assessing providers' compliance with its regulatory standards. Ministers considered the Regulator's published findings alongside other available evidence when deciding to issue the Notice.

The Department engages regularly with the Local Government Association on a range of local government stewardship matters, including the support for Basildon Borough Council.

Ministers considered a range of evidence, in line with the Best Value Statutory Guidance, before issuing a Best Value Notice to Basildon Borough Council. The Notice sets out the Department's expectations, and future assessment will consider the Council’s progress against these expectations and the latest available evidence of compliance with its Best Value Duty. As set out in the Notice, Ministers expect the Council to demonstrate sufficient improvement and strong governance as it prepares for local government reorganisation.

The Regulator of Social Housing is responsible for assessing providers' compliance with its regulatory standards. Ministers considered the Regulator's published findings alongside other available evidence when deciding to issue the Notice.

The Department engages regularly with the Local Government Association on a range of local government stewardship matters, including the support for Basildon Borough Council.

It will be for Strategic Authorities to decide whether to put in place an Overnight Visitor Levy in their area. Any impacts will largely be determined by local decisions, including whether local leaders choose to introduce a levy and the detail of any local scheme.

MHCLG collects data on incidents attended by Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) in England including information on the fire type, location type and source of ignition.

However, wildfires are not currently a recorded fire type, and moorland is not a recorded location type. MHCLG does collect data on outdoor primary and secondary fires in FIRE0303. Outdoor fires by similar available outdoor location types such as “grassland, woodland and crops” are also available in this table.

MHCLG also collects data on primary fires by source of ignition in FIRE0602, which includes barbecues. Secondary fires are excluded as MHCLG does not collect details on cause of secondary fires. However, the data does not specify whether the barbecue was disposable. Therefore, MHCLG cannot provide figures specifically for fires attributed to disposable barbecues.

The number of primary fires in England where the source of ignition was recorded as “barbecue” in the last 5 years was:

• 346 in 2025/26

• 238 in 2024/25

• 267 in 2023/24

• 350 in 2022/23

• 291 in 2021/22

These figures should be interpreted as fires where “barbecue” was recorded as the source of ignition, rather than fires attributed to disposable barbecues.

MHCLG collects data on incidents attended by Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) in England including information on the fire type, location type and source of ignition.

However, wildfires are not currently a recorded fire type, and moorland is not a recorded location type. MHCLG does collect data on outdoor primary and secondary fires in FIRE0303. Outdoor fires by similar available outdoor location types such as “grassland, woodland and crops” are also available in this table.

MHCLG also collects data on primary fires by source of ignition in FIRE0602, which includes barbecues. Secondary fires are excluded as MHCLG does not collect details on cause of secondary fires. However, the data does not specify whether the barbecue was disposable. Therefore, MHCLG cannot provide figures specifically for fires attributed to disposable barbecues.

The number of primary fires in England where the source of ignition was recorded as “barbecue” in the last 5 years was:

• 346 in 2025/26

• 238 in 2024/25

• 267 in 2023/24

• 350 in 2022/23

• 291 in 2021/22

These figures should be interpreted as fires where “barbecue” was recorded as the source of ignition, rather than fires attributed to disposable barbecues.

MHCLG collects data on incidents attended by Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) in England including information on the fire type, location type and source of ignition.

However, wildfires are not currently a recorded fire type, and moorland is not a recorded location type. MHCLG does collect data on outdoor primary and secondary fires in FIRE0303. Outdoor fires by similar available outdoor location types such as “grassland, woodland and crops” are also available in this table.

MHCLG also collects data on primary fires by source of ignition in FIRE0602, which includes barbecues. Secondary fires are excluded as MHCLG does not collect details on cause of secondary fires. However, the data does not specify whether the barbecue was disposable. Therefore, MHCLG cannot provide figures specifically for fires attributed to disposable barbecues.

The number of primary fires in England where the source of ignition was recorded as “barbecue” in the last 5 years was:

• 346 in 2025/26

• 238 in 2024/25

• 267 in 2023/24

• 350 in 2022/23

• 291 in 2021/22

These figures should be interpreted as fires where “barbecue” was recorded as the source of ignition, rather than fires attributed to disposable barbecues.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published guidance on GOV.UK here to support delivery of the Pride in Place Programme. The Government has set up a designated Communities Delivery Unit, sitting within MHCLG, which provides direct ongoing support to local authorities, MPs and Neighbourhood Boards. The Government is also establishing a Network for Neighbourhoods across the UK, which will help areas to build connections and share learning, and give Neighbourhood Boards access to expertise and support.

Through the Government's Pride in Place Programme, up to £5.8 billion is being invested over 10 years in 284 neighbourhoods experiencing the highest levels of deprivation, including 24 towns and neighbourhoods in Scotland. In each area, a Neighbourhood Board will work with the local community to decide how this funding is spent, which could include investment in town centre regeneration projects, where these reflect local priorities.

The government is committed to protecting the right of individuals to freely practise their religion. We will not tolerate anti-Sikh hatred in any form and will ensure hate crimes are prosecuted with the full force of the law.

We are providing record protective security funding for faith communities to bolster security at places of worship, faith schools and community centres through the Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme. This comes alongside the Faith Security Training Scheme, ensuring all faith leaders and volunteers, including within Sikh communities, are strengthening their security awareness and preparedness to respond to concerns.

We also provide funding to support True Vision, an online hate crime reporting portal that lets victims report incidents safely without visiting a police station. We welcome its work with the Sikh Guard and Rakka initiatives to encourage reporting in Sikh communities and help address concerns about the lack of a bespoke reporting and support service for Sikhs experiencing hate crime.

It is for individual councils to assess whether it is appropriate to apply any further exceptions or discounts for second or empty homes. Councils will make these decisions based on local circumstances. The government has no plans to publish further guidance on this matter.

There are currently seven local authorities that have been issued with a Best Value Notice. No local authorities have been subject to a statutory intervention following the issue of a Best Value Notice in the last ten years.

Current and future assessments of the effectiveness of Best Value Notices will continue to be informed by the available evidence on authorities' progress against the concerns and expectations set out in those Notices.

There are currently seven local authorities that have been issued with a Best Value Notice. No local authorities have been subject to a statutory intervention following the issue of a Best Value Notice in the last ten years.

Current and future assessments of the effectiveness of Best Value Notices will continue to be informed by the available evidence on authorities' progress against the concerns and expectations set out in those Notices.

There are currently seven local authorities that have been issued with a Best Value Notice. No local authorities have been subject to a statutory intervention following the issue of a Best Value Notice in the last ten years.

Current and future assessments of the effectiveness of Best Value Notices will continue to be informed by the available evidence on authorities' progress against the concerns and expectations set out in those Notices.

The government will aim to reach a decision on which option, if any, to implement by October at the latest. This will still allow elections to new councils in May 2027 before they go live in April 2028.

The government will aim to reach a decision on which option, if any, to implement by October at the latest. This will still allow elections to new councils in May 2027 before they go live in April 2028.

The government will aim to reach a decision on which option, if any, to implement by October at the latest. This will still allow elections to new councils in May 2027 before they go live in April 2028.

The government will aim to reach a decision on which option, if any, to implement by October at the latest. This will still allow elections to new councils in May 2027 before they go live in April 2028.

The government will aim to reach a decision on which option, if any, to implement by October at the latest. This will still allow elections to new councils in May 2027 before they go live in April 2028.

The former Secretary of State and Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness decided to issue a Best Value Notice to Basildon Borough Council after considering a range of evidence, in line with the Best Value Statutory Guidance. The Department engaged regularly with the Council and other relevant stakeholders before issuing the Notice and received correspondence from the Council during that period. The Department does not hold a single formal timeline of events leading to the decision. As Best Value Notices are non-statutory, there is no requirement for a representation period, and none took place.

The former Secretary of State and Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness decided to issue a Best Value Notice to Basildon Borough Council after considering a range of evidence, in line with the Best Value Statutory Guidance. The Department engaged regularly with the Council and other relevant stakeholders before issuing the Notice and received correspondence from the Council during that period. The Department does not hold a single formal timeline of events leading to the decision. As Best Value Notices are non-statutory, there is no requirement for a representation period, and none took place.

The former Secretary of State and Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness decided to issue a Best Value Notice to Basildon Borough Council after considering a range of evidence, in line with the Best Value Statutory Guidance. The Department engaged regularly with the Council and other relevant stakeholders before issuing the Notice and received correspondence from the Council during that period. The Department does not hold a single formal timeline of events leading to the decision. As Best Value Notices are non-statutory, there is no requirement for a representation period, and none took place.