In this month's' edition we have two articles of particular note. The first is our lead article on the future of town centres and what as investors we need to understand in order to maximise investing opportunities ahead. However, despite the usual political promises we are yet to see anything concrete emerging from the government in respect of the planning policy changes, which are urgently required if we are to stop the ongoing decline in many high streets and town centres.

Given the above, it's interesting to note on page 15 the recent announcement by the Labour Party in respect of wanting to stop permitted development rights (PDR). Yes there have been some poorer quality examples in recent years of conversions via PDR from offices to residential but many schemes have been completed and to a good standard, enabling new supply of much need housing in locations where demand is healthy.

The second article of particular note inside this edition is about the announcement by Government of its intention to abolish the use of Section 21 notices for tenant evictions which understandably has led to a great deal of discussion and media commentary. On page 24 we have an in-depth article which looks at the logic or otherwise of abolishing Section 21 but we also look at what has occurred in Scotland as a result of the decision there to change the grounds on which landlords can repossess their properties.