The latest updates and insights from RIAMS Chief Editor Jeremy Manners

Welcome to the August 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.

Five new subscribing organisations have joined RIAMS Libraries, and Communities continues to buzz with conversation.

Parliament is in recess, so any legislation in the pipeline will be at a standstill until September. This hasn’t stopped us from developing new documents and guidance for practitioners. I am currently working on some Awaab’s Law e-learning and procedures, as well as a learning resource to help admin users of RIAMS get the most out of the platform.

Of interest on the BBC is an article following an undercover investigation on illegal HMOs, which shone a light on the secretive goings-on in the private rented sector, specifically on a practice that is likely to be widespread across the UK. Illegal house-sharing exposed by BBC undercover filming showed that the number of HMOs local authorities know about is considerably lower than the actual number, where dangerous and overcrowded conditions are rife, putting vulnerable people without options at risk of serious harm. Speaking to practitioners working in local authority housing enforcement teams, this article has had quite an impact in raising public awareness of this matter, and subsequently an increased number of complaints are being received. With the Renters’ Rights Act on its way, will it support action to tackle this widespread unlawful practice or simply put more strain on already overstretched housing enforcement teams? When looking at the numbers of unlicensed properties quoted in the report and the anticipated increase in public scrutiny, I suspect the latter.

On the media front, I recently recorded a podcast with RIAMS Northern Ireland Editor, Aaron Lawson, exploring how AI can support environmental health students in developing their communication skills. We also discussed how realistic AI-generated scenarios can enhance learning and make the process more efficient for those delivering the training. It will be available soon on our YouTube channel, where we’re continuing to grow our content. In the meantime, you can check out my first-ever podcast with Jim Nixon, where we talked about the Crime and Policing Bill.

Legal and regulatory insights

• The government is looking for local authorities interested in helping to develop a short-term lets registration scheme; you can express your interest here.

• The Renters’ Rights Bill takes a break, while our parliamentarians enjoy their summer recess. It is scheduled back in the House of Commons on 8 September, and all the noise around this is suggesting the bill will become an act early in September.

MHCLG are continuing to consult on a reformed Decent Homes Standard and Energy Efficiency Standards in the social rented sector, and they are keen to engage with stakeholders. Please respond to the consultation or send comments to [email protected] and [email protected].

What’s new on RIAMS Libraries ?

During July, we reviewed 153 documents for England, Northern Ireland and Wales, including 134 procedures as well as notices, letters and forms. We’ve added 8 new documents to Libraries as well, including:

• Renters’ Rights Act 2025, Part 1, Chapter 3: Discrimination in the Rental Market (HP255E) in England

• Evidencing a Building as a Section 257 House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) (HP250W) for Wales, as well as finalising our e-learning resource on Pavement Licensing under the Business and Planning Act 2020, FREE to RIAMS subscribers.

We held our latest RIAMS Northern Ireland User Group on 29 July to discuss the latest reviews and activity in NI with representatives from the majority of the NI local authorities. Aaron Lawson gave an update on the huge amount of work that has taken place over the past few months to update NI content on RIAMS, and we heard back from EH managers on what their teams need from us to continue to support their frontline work.

What’s new on RIAMS Communities ?

Our environmental health forums continue to flourish across all areas of environmental health! Join the discussion and network with colleagues here.

Especially lively during July were the Private Water Supplies and Housing Professionals communities, home to over 2,000 practitioners.

Our Question of the Month with Tim Everett for July, Proceed with Caution, examines whether enforcing authorities can still use simple cautions rather than prosecuting. It also investigates whether diversionary and community cautions are available yet. Click on the above link or head over to Communities, where you’ll find this question answered, together with past QOTMs.

If you have a complex or niche question for Tim, please send it to me: [email protected].

There are a couple of new Upper Tribunal decisions in the Housing Professionals group:

• Kartal Cetin and Epping Forest District Council: This judgment explores what ‘person managing’ means in the context of licensing HMOs, and whether a letting agent instructed on a ‘let only’ basis meets the threshold for enforcement.

• Kemp & Ors v DIP Systems Ltd [2025] UKUT 233 (LC): Guest summary kindly provided by the brilliant Jamie McGowan, a tribunal advocate with Justice for Tenants. This decision confirms that the limitation period for applying for a rent repayment order begins when a defence of reasonable excuse arises, rather than when the essential elements of an offence cease.

I’ve also published a blog (courtesy of Tim Everett) in the Environmental Protection group, Less Is More: Save Time and Keep It Simple. It discusses the London Borough of Enfield v Anthony Beckford High Court case, looking at why it might be wiser to avoid unnecessary text in an abatement notice.

Stay engaged, stay informed – upcoming events and training

16, 18, 23, 25, 30 September and 2, 7, 9 October 2025 (10:00–12:15): Introduction to Environmental Noise [Online] (20 hrs 15 mins CPD)

23 September (11:00–12:00) Housing Roundtable, Responding to the housing enforcement skills shortage with Paul Oatt. Register for FREE here.

24 September, 1, 8, 15 October 2025 (09:15–12:40): Investigation Skills and PACE [Online] (12 hrs 35 mins CPD)

1 October (09:20–11:40): Plant Noise Complaint Resolution Best Practice [Online] (2 hrs 10 mins CPD)

Find all our training courses and events at RHE Training.

RHE Global supports environmental health practitioners across all specialisms to work smarter, network and share best practices. Visit RIAMS to stay 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.