RIAMS Libraries and Communities are ever evolving, with new content, discussions and updates being regularly added. Welcome to the June edition of RIAMS Unpacked where I’ll give you a quick update on what’s new, what’s been reviewed and anything significant that has come across my desk in the world of environmental health.

As RIAMS Libraries continues to grow, we welcome five new local authority subscribers to our database of resources. RIAMS never stands still, so take a look to see what’s updated and what’s new – RIAMS Libraries.

My colleagues Sophie Corfield and Jim Nixon received a wonderful welcome at the International Social Housing Festival in Dublin, showcasing The Noise App to our European partners and demonstrating how it can support local authorities and housing associations to successfully manage noise complaints.

National licensing week took place from 9–13 June, raising awareness of this important area of work undertaken by local authorities to keep our communities safe. RIAMS continues to support licensing officers through Libraries and Communities, and we have recently updated our procedures to support officers when taking enforcement action for licensing breaches. All our licensing documents can be found in the Licensing Module.

The UK Health Security Agency published a new report in May, titled Health Inequalities in Health Protection Report 2025. Applicable to England, this report highlights stark health inequalities linked to infectious diseases and environmental hazards. People in the most deprived areas are nearly twice as likely to be hospitalised due to infections, with even greater disparities seen in the Northwest and among certain ethnic groups. Environmental factors like air pollution are also shown to hit deprived communities harder. These health inequalities come with a massive cost to the NHS and require targeted, inclusive and sustained action to reduce what are avoidable disparities. Read the full report here.

A recently published report by Pesticide Action Network UK and Women’s Environmental Network, called Blood, Sweat and Pesticides, investigated the chemical and pesticide contamination in menstrual products, highlighting health risks, regulatory gaps and environmental and social issues tied to cotton production, the key raw material used in these items. My colleague Aaron and I have attempted to highlight the main points in our blog.

Finally and of note, I attended Westminster Insight’s Solutions to Damp and Mould in Social Housing Digital Conference. Some great speakers discussed how social housing providers are gearing for Awaab’s Law by improving their systems to ensure they are tackling damp and mould issues early and effectively. Our very own Jon Williams presented The Housing App at the conference, ably demonstrating its new and exciting features that will provide greater efficiency for housing. Book a demo.

Legal and regulatory insights

• The Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) (England/Wales/Northern Ireland/Scotland) Regulations 2024 came into effect on 1 June, banning the sale and supply of disposable vapes across the UK, with the aim of reducing waste and protecting the health of younger people. Enforcement differs between the nations: in Great Britain, LAs can issue civil penalties as an alternative to prosecution; in Northern Ireland, enforcement is carried out by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) where no civil sanctions are available. Government guidance can be found here. Read Will Hatchett’s article ‘Fruit-Flavoured Rebellion: Vaping is an environmental health issue’. 

• Crime and Policing Bill is at the Report stage in the House of Commons, although a date has yet to be scheduled.

• Standards of Modern Zoo Practice 2027 for Great Britain has been published, for zoo inspectors to refer to when carrying out inspections.

• The Product Regulation and Metrology Bill has received its third reading in the House of Commons and is nearing its final stages prior to being introduced. Following Labour’s recent move to align with EU law, the bill provides a framework to allow ministers to apply EU law to GB on a case-by-case basis. If it receives royal ascent as is, it could help ease challenges around cross-border movement of goods between GB and Northern Ireland.

What’s New on RIAMS Libraries?

Sixty procedures were reviewed during May, as well as some of our notices, forms and national guidance documents across England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

There are three new procedures on the Renters’ Rights Bill (which will be added to and amended over time as things change and are introduced):

• Investigatory Powers HP247E

• Financial Penalties HP248E

• The PRS Database HP249E

These procedures can be found in the Renters’ Rights Act folder.

Following customer feedback, we have also updated several of our licensing procedures to add further enforcement content where non-compliance is found. We have also added two new licensing procedures:

• Licensing Authority as Responsible Authority under the Licensing Act 2003 LP69

• Maintenance of Premises Licence or Club Premises Certificate Application Processes (Options Following Grant under the Licensing Act 2003) LP70

Take a look at all our licensing procedures, which can be found here.

We are also working on procedures covering:

• Primate licensing in England

• Licensing of supported housing

• Evidencing a s257 HMO, and

• Pre-packaged food for direct sale.

We’ve been increasing our pool of RIAMS reviewers across England, Northern Ireland and Wales to improve our resilience across all subject areas. It’s coming up to the start of the third quarter, so I will soon be working with our reviewers to distribute the next batch of procedures for review, ensuring all resources are kept up to date and are to the highest standards.

What’s New on RIAMS Communities?

Our feature – Question of the Month with Tim Everett received a lot of attention this month. It examined whether LAs can refuse to issue an HMO licence due to the absence of correct planning permission. Take a look here as the debate continues. If you have a complex question for Tim, please send it to me: [email protected].

During May, we released another couple of Upper Tribunal decisions:

• Discuss doesn’t mean decide: Nottingham City Council v Housing 35 Plus Limited, where the Upper Tribunal overturned a housing co-op’s argument that they were exempt from HMO licensing, with the decision hinging on the word ‘discuss’

• The case of London Borough of Waltham Forest v Marble Properties (London) Ltd combined an appeal against the First-tier Tribunal’s (FTT) reduction of a financial penalty based on the tribunal’s view of how the council’s policy should be applied, with a judicial review of the FTT’s powers to change their initial decision. Helpfully, the Upper Tribunal provided clarification on both counts.

Stay engaged, stay informed – upcoming events and training

19 and 26 June (9:15–12:30) – Introducing the Basics of Statutory Nuisance [Online]

19 June (10–12:15) – The Noise App Training

19 June (10:00–12:15) – Exploring the Challenges of Regulation 8 Private Water Supplies for Local Authorities [Online]

19 June (14:00–16:15) – Now and Forever – A Beginner’s Guide to PFAS in Private Water Supplies [Online]

17 July (9:20–11:40) – Plant Noise Complaint Resolution Best Practice [Online]

RHE Global supports environmental health practitioners across all specialisms to work smarter, network and share best practice. Visit RIAMS to keep up to date with the latest environmental health developments and discussions.

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Given we are privileged males – with a certain degree of unawareness – this topic is not something that either of us had really considered before, so when we read a research report highlighting the findings and the potential health risk to women using period products, it was certainly an eye-opener. 

According to the Women’s Environmental Network (WEN) (2024), half of the world’s population will have periods during their lifetime, with women, girls and people who menstruate using an average of 11,000 disposable menstrual products in their lifetime.

A recently published report by Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK) and WEN, titled Blood, Sweat and Pesticides, investigated the chemical and pesticide contamination in menstrual products, highlighting health risks, regulatory gaps and environmental and social issues tied to cotton production – the key raw material used in these items.

Toxic chemicals in menstrual products

The research found that tampons and pads often contain harmful substances like glyphosate, phthalates, PFAS, dioxins, VOCs and heavy metals (such as lead and arsenic). These chemicals can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream, leading to increased levels of absorption compared to exposure through the skin or mouth.

Glyphosate, found in tampons tested by PAN UK, was 40 times higher than allowed in drinking water, although it is noted that they tested only 15 boxes of tampons.

Absence of regulation

The report highlights that the UK does not have specific legislation for menstrual products; only general consumer product law under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 applies. Manufacturers are not required to list ingredients or conduct independent safety testing, and the standards used for testing are not designed for internal use or areas of high absorption.

Health impacts

Chemicals potentially found in period products have been linked to cancers, hormonal disorders, infertility and endometriosis. And women, notably black women and those from lower socioeconomic groups, are more vulnerable due to systematic inequalities, negative socio-historical attitudes and higher exposure to such chemicals from a younger age . (The report notes that black girls are more than twice as likely to start their periods earlier than white girls.)

Cotton supply chain

Cotton is one of the world’s most pesticide-intensive crops, with cotton farming often involving toxic pesticide use. Many cotton workers, often women, face health risks from direct exposure. The provenance of the cotton used in period products bound for the UK is unknown. It is also unclear from the report findings which tampon brand has the highest levels of glyphosate and whether the testing was thorough enough to rule out a single manufacturing quality assurance process failure or some other factor. Worthy of note is that testing methodologies for these chemicals were not specifically designed to take account of internal absorption, and of concern is the fact that the rate of absorption through the genitalia is almost 12 times higher than that through skin on the forearm.

Conclusion

The report calls for urgent regulatory reform, improved transparency and safer product standards to protect the health of women and girls, or, for that matter, the health of anyone using sanitary products. It also emphasises the need for a systemic approach that addresses the entire supply chain, from cotton fields to the final product, with particular attention to women’s health and rights.

There are undoubtedly some shortcomings within the report, but it shines a much-needed light on a topic that would benefit from independent research into what could be a global public health risk.

By Jeremy Manners, RIAMS Chief Editor and Aaron Lawson, RIAMS Editor for Northern Ireland

At The Housing App, we recognise the importance of early intervention in addressing housing conditions and tenant well-being. In response to growing concerns regarding the under-reporting of property issues and in support of the principles behind Awaab’s Law, we’re proud to shortly introduce a new feature within our app that helps bridge the gap between tenants and local authority officers.

This update enables officers to invite tenants directly to report housing defects and problems through The Housing App. Whether it’s a leak, visible mould or another issue, tenants can upload images and provide a description straight to the officer’s dashboard. This creates a clearer and instant line of communication, making it easier to capture the reality of conditions as experienced by tenants.

To help officers deal with these reports quickly and effectively, we’ve integrated a tool called AI Assist. This AI-powered feature analyses the images and descriptions submitted by tenants, identifying potential hazards and providing a summarised assessment in the dashboard. Officers can then review these insights, add their own written observations and link the relevant HHSRS hazards, all within the same workflow.

This new functionality will be especially valuable in the context of damp and mould investigations. By helping officers triage cases at the earliest stage, AI Assist supports better-informed decisions about when and how to follow up with inspections, such as highlighting the presence of mould growth in a child’s bedroom, facilitating a prompt response to the most serious matters. It not only improves the investigative process but also provides tenants with a clearer route to have their voices heard.

To explore how The Housing App can help your organisation respond to housing concerns more proactively, click here to request a free four-week trial.

The latest updates and insights from RIAMS Chief Editor Jeremy Manners 

Welcome to the May edition of RIAMS Unpacked, where I’ll give you a quick update on what’s new, what’s been reviewed and anything significant that has come across my desk in the world of environmental health. 

The Housing Roundtable took place on 22 April, where guest speaker Al Mcclenahan was joined by 260 practitioners discussing civil penalties and the changes expected through the Renters’ Rights Bill. The webinar slides, recording and answers to any outstanding questions can be found on the Housing Professionals Communities group. All attendees to the free webinar receive 1 hour of CPD.  

Our next Housing Roundtable will be on 12 June at 11 a.m. and we are delighted to have Ben Reeve-Lewis join us to talk about a multi-disciplinary approach to illegal eviction and harassment – something which is going to be so important for housing practitioners when the RRB is enacted, later this year. 

Our RIAMS Northern Ireland User group met on 29 April and had a productive meeting, discussing ongoing support and developments to keep NI practitioners up to date with the latest legislative changes.  

I have been working with DASH Services to develop landlord e-Learning on the new provisions of the RRB, which will be released shortly by DASH. This will support landlords with understanding what is expected from them and, in turn, support LAs with the message. It was also great to join the ‘DASH in conversation with’ series exploring the potential impact of the RRB on homelessness and the wider PRS. 

And to support Mental Health Awareness Week (12–18 May), we have our ASB Enforcement and Mental Health training course taking place on 20 May, supporting practitioners to address ASB complaints confidently in circumstances where the subject has challenging mental health issues. 

It’s wonderful to see that Operation Jigsaw is back to support partnerships and collaboration between MHCLG and local authorities as they prepare for implementation of the RRB. Regional meetings are being organised across England thanks to the excellent leadership of Alison Farrar and all the local reps, so keep an eye on RIAMS Communities for further updates.  

Legal and regulatory insights 

• The Renters’ Rights Bill is being examined line by line in the House of Lords at the committee stage; the last sitting is scheduled for 14 May. The bill will then move to the report stage, where all members of the Lords will have a further opportunity to examine it and make amendments. 

•  MPs have been considering the Crime and Policing Bill, which is currently at the committee stage in the House of Commons. It is likely to bring in new powers for tackling anti-social behaviour.  

On 23 April I attended a meeting arranged by ACEHO, where the FSA presented their thoughts and justification for exploring enterprise-level regulation, something which they stressed was not to be confused with self-regulation. The slides from the event can be found on the ACEHO RIAMS communities group. This event was for England. Similar sessions have also been held for Wales and Northern Ireland.   

What’s new on RIAMS Libraries?  

We have welcomed five more local authority subscribers to Libraries, so their officers can now access our comprehensive knowledge area of procedures, notices and guidance.   

Ninety-seven procedures have been reviewed and updated on RIAMS Libraries during April, as well as further updates to letters, forms and national guidance across England, Northern Ireland and Wales.  

We have published a new guidance document on PFAS: Contaminants of Interest in Private Water Supplies and our England and Wales Licensing procedures are being updated to include further details on enforcement. These will be published over the coming weeks. Furthermore, we are working with Northern Ireland councils to bring their consumer protection documentation up to date. And, not forgetting the Renters’ Rights Bill – our RIAMS specialists are keeping an eye on developments and working hard in readiness for its enactment later this year. 

Taking a look behind the scenes, our developers continue to work on RIAMS libraries, preparing the system for further exciting upgrades. . . more to come on this over the coming months.  

What’s new on RIAMS Communities?

The conversation continues! More local authority practitioners have joined our public discussion groups on Communities, enabling them to network with colleagues and stay up to date with the latest developments in their specialist areas. 

The dedicated forums of Operation Jigsaw help colleagues communicate and organise forthcoming events. Get in touch with your local rep for more information.  

Our ‘Question of the Month’ feature with Tim Everett is taking place throughout 2025. April’s consideration, No Address, No Excuse, is available now. If you have a burning question for Tim, please send it to me: [email protected]. 

We have also released another Upper Tribunal decision: Daisy Ojukwu v Chukwunyere Onuoha, where rent repayment orders and reasonable excuse were considered by the UT, who didn’t hold back on criticising the First-tier Tribunal.  

Stay engaged, stay informed – upcoming events and training 

• 19–23 May (10:00–12:15) – PWS Explained

• 19 and 21 May (9:15–13:00) – Planning Consultations: ‘A Survival Guide for Professionals’ 

• 20 May (9:00–12:30) – ASB Enforcement and Mental Health 

• 22 and 23 May (8:45–13:00) – HHSRS Identification and Rating of Hazards 

• 29 May (11:00–11:45) – The Noise App Drop-in Session 

• 3 June (10:00–11:30) – Enforcement on Single-use Vape Legislation in Wales 

• 4, 11, 18 & 25 June (9:15–12:40) – Investigation Skills and PACE 

• 12 June (11:00–12:00) – RHE Global Housing Roundtable  

RHE Global supports environmental health practitioners across all specialisms to work smarter, network and share good practice. Visit RIAMS to keep up to date with the latest environmental health developments and discussions. 

Don’t miss a thing – sign up to get public protection news and jobs straight to your inbox.