United Kingdom

Environment Agency Expands Water Pollution Enforcement Teams

The Environment Agency has significantly expanded its water pollution enforcement workforce, adding five new teams in the Anglian area. This initiative aims to increase inspections and deliver tougher action against water companies, backed by a record budget and a 'polluter pays' approach.

ICO Decision Notice: FOI 44 Not Upheld

The UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) issued a decision notice regarding FOI 44. The ICO found that the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) was entitled to withhold information concerning Council Tax banding changes under section 44(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). No further action is required by the VOA.

ICO Decision on Ealing Council EIR and Personal Data

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) issued a decision regarding Ealing Council's handling of an Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) request. The ICO found that the Council correctly withheld information under regulation 13 (third party personal data) and did not require further steps.

ICO Decision Notice: BBC FOI Request on Spanish PM Title

The ICO has issued a decision notice regarding a BBC Freedom of Information (FOI) request concerning the Spanish Prime Minister's title. The ICO upheld the BBC's position that the information, if held, is for journalistic purposes and therefore exempt from FOIA.

ICO Decision Notice: FOI 17 Upheld Against Public Authority

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has upheld a Freedom of Information (FOI) request against a public authority, finding it failed to complete public interest test considerations within a reasonable time. The authority must now provide a substantive response within 30 days.

ICO Decision Notice: Cornwall Council EIR Complaints

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) issued a decision notice regarding complaints against Cornwall Council concerning the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR). The ICO found that while the council disclosed all requested information, it failed to do so within the statutory timeframe and that its internal review was late.

ICO Decision Notice: Greater Manchester Police FOI Complaint

The ICO has upheld a Freedom of Information (FOI) complaint against Greater Manchester Police (GMP). GMP failed to respond to a request for information within the statutory timeframe and did not conduct adequate searches, breaching FOI Act sections 1(1) and 10(1). GMP is now required to disclose specific property-related information.

ICO FOI Decision: Legal Advice on EU Withdrawal Bill

The ICO has issued a decision regarding a Freedom of Information request made to the Northern Ireland Office (NIO). The request sought legal advice on the EU Withdrawal Bill. The ICO determined that the advice is exempt from disclosure under FOIA section 42(1), upholding the NIO's decision not to release the information.

Wales Land Transaction Tax Relief Modification Regulations

The Welsh Government has enacted regulations modifying Land Transaction Tax (LTT) relief. These changes are effective from January 1, 2026, and will impact property transactions within Wales.

Land Transaction Tax (Wales) Regulations 2026 Amendments

The Land Transaction Tax (Wales) Regulations 2026 have been amended, with changes taking effect on January 1, 2026. These amendments introduce modifications to the existing tax framework within Wales. Specific details regarding the nature of the amendments are available in the full text.