Legal wrap: The Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill, rent arrears and more

Welcome to your weekly round-up of the pick of the content published on EG Legal. The Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill has dominated conversation since the Queen’s Speech last week, and EG Legal is no exception – we have an expert rundown on what the Bill means for planning… and why it isn’t exactly LURB at first sight. In addition, the government’s plans to compel landlords to let vacant retail units by way of an auction come in for criticism, while business rates stand in the way of a reinvigorated high street. As a further example on that front, a major test case seeks to open the way for pandemic-related challenges to rates assessments. And, with Covid rent arrears still a major problem, we look at avenues of recovery against guarantors and former tenants. Plus plenty more below, just a click away. Legal news Government in dock over block on Covid challenges to business rates Altus Group argues government policy is “incorrect in law” and should be ignored Guy Hands’ Annington sues MoD over military housing take-back plans The case concerns an estate valued at more than £7bn that is leased back to the MoD Legal features LURB actually: the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill explained Much needs to be worked out if we are to fall in love with the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill, warns Simon Ricketts Empty shops auctions are a misread of the market Business rates reform is what is needed in order to reinvigorate the high street, stresses Darren Hamer Legal note: Energy efficiency and expert evidence Louise Clark analyses a court’s ruling in a case involving an industrial lease renewal Achieving the right balance of service charges Ruth Clare addresses the issues that landlords and tenants need to be aware of as businesses tackle rising costs Recovering rent arrears: a guaranteed success? Landlords should not shy away from pursuing former tenants and guarantors, writes Joe Perry A revolution in Welsh renting? Sian Skerratt-Williams explores the new regime for renting in Wales, and what landlords need to know Practice points Incorrect decision that moratorium did not apply Lees v Kaye and another You can only have one bite at the planning cherry Manchester City Council v Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and another Protests on the strategic road network are not always unlawful or a trespass National Highways Ltd v Persons unknown and others Creditor fails in attempt to set aside assignment of claims against her Lock v Stanley (liquidator) and another Case summaries R (on the application of Kalonga) v Croydon London Borough Council Landlord and tenant – Flexible tenancy – Review Lees v Kaye and another Property – Order for sale – Mental health crisis moratorium Obi-Ezekpazu v Avon Ground Rents Ltd and another Landlord and tenant – Notice – Service Manchester City Council v Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and another Town and country planning – Enforcement notice – Appeal Law report Croydon London Borough Council v Kalonga Landlord and tenant – Flexible tenancy – Possession   For more legal articles and to search our extensive archive, visit EG Legal  To send feedback, e-mail jess.harrold@eg.co.uk or tweet @EGPropertyNews