Government & Legislation

Merchant Shipping Order Increases Borrowing Limit to £166 Million

The UK Secretary of State for Transport, with Treasury approval, has issued the Merchant Shipping (General Lighthouse Authorities) (Increase of Borrowing Limit) Order 2026. This order increases the aggregate borrowing limit for general lighthouse authorities from £133 million to £166 million, effective March 31, 2026.

Vulnerable Witnesses Act 2019 Commencement Regulations for Scotland

The Scottish Ministers have issued regulations to bring into force Section 1 of the Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2019. These regulations specify the commencement date and transitional provisions for child witnesses giving evidence in sheriff court proceedings.

Northern Ireland Public Service Pensions Revaluation Order 2026

The Department of Finance has issued the Public Service Pensions Revaluation Order (Northern Ireland) 2026, effective April 1, 2026. The order specifies revaluation increases for pensionable earnings for the period ending March 31, 2026, with a 3.8% increase for prices and a 4.8% increase for earnings.

Online Safety Act 2023 Commencement Regulations (CSEA Content)

The UK Secretary of State has issued the Online Safety Act 2023 (Commencement No. 7) Regulations 2026, bringing into force provisions related to the reporting of Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (CSEA) content. These regulations apply to regulated user-to-user services and establish an offence in relation to CSEA reporting, effective April 7, 2026.

Appointment of Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland

The UK Government has issued the His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland (Appointment) Order 2026. This statutory instrument officially appoints Ruth Anne Binks as His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland, effective March 30, 2026.

Firefighters' Pension Scheme (England) Amendment Regulations 2026

The Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 amend the member contribution rules for firefighters in England and Wales. These regulations, effective April 1st, 2026, introduce new contribution rate tables based on pensionable pay and provide for annual indexation of pay thresholds.

Climate Change Levy Amendment Regulations 2026

The UK Treasury has issued the Climate Change Levy (Fuel Use and Recycling Processes) (Amendment) Regulations 2026, amending the 2005 Regulations. These amendments specify hydrogen production via electrolysis and natural gas use in sodium bicarbonate production as non-fuel uses, thereby exempting them from Climate Change Levy charges.

Firefighters' Pension Scheme (England) Amendment Order 2026

The Firefighters' Pension Scheme (England) (Amendment) Order 2026 amends the existing scheme, primarily affecting retained firefighter opt-out members. Key changes include updated definitions and provisions related to purchasing service and death grants. The order comes into force on April 1, 2026.

Senators Urge President to Prioritize US Potato Market Access in Japan

US Senators have urged President Trump to prioritize opening the Japanese market for U.S. potatoes during the Japanese Prime Minister's visit. This action could result in an estimated $150 million annually in new American exports for the U.S. potato industry.

K-12 CSI Schools: Characteristics, Turnaround Strategies, and Challenges

The GAO released a report on K-12 Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) schools, detailing their characteristics, turnaround strategies, and challenges. The report notes an increase in CSI schools and identifies factors influencing their improvement, such as student demographics and school size.