United Kingdom

High Court Upholds PSR Powers to Cap Card Fees

The UK High Court has upheld the Payment Systems Regulator's (PSR) powers to cap cross-border interchange fees, following a legal challenge. This decision allows the PSR to proceed with its analysis and potential implementation of fee caps, aiming to reduce costs for UK businesses.

PSR Consults on Card Fee Transparency and Governance Standards

The UK Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) is consulting on new standards to increase transparency and governance in card scheme and processing fees. These measures aim to provide businesses with clearer pricing information and ensure fee-setting is evidence-based, following a market review that found a lack of competition and clarity.

Discretionary Housing Payments Amendment and Revocation Regulations 2026

The UK Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has issued the Discretionary Financial Assistance and Discretionary Housing Payments (Amendment and Revocation) Regulations 2026, effective April 1, 2026. These regulations amend existing provisions and revoke several previous orders and regulations concerning housing payments in England and Wales.

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.

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.

Wales Regulations Remove Edited Register Requirements for Local Electors

The Welsh Ministers have issued regulations removing the requirement to prepare and supply edited registers of local government electors in Wales. These regulations, effective October 1, 2026, amend existing legislation to align with new electoral registration processes in Wales.

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.

Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 Commencement Order 2026

The Welsh Ministers have issued the Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 (Commencement No. 3) Order 2026, bringing sections 3 and 4 of the Act into force on October 1, 2026. These sections relate to the duty to register local government electors.

Social Security Contributions Agreement (Northern Ireland and India)

The UK Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has issued the Social Security (Contributions) (Republic of India) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026. This Order modifies UK legislation to give effect to an Agreement on Social Security Contributions signed with India on February 10, 2026.

UK ADR Regulations Consequential Amendments 2026

The UK Secretary of State has issued the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (Alternative Dispute Resolution) (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2026, effective April 6, 2026. These regulations amend existing legislation to align with the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 and revoke the 2015 ADR Regulations.