United Kingdom

Ouse and Derwent Internal Drainage Board Reconstitution Order 2026

The UK Secretary of State has confirmed the reconstitution of the Ouse and Derwent Internal Drainage Board, effective February 27, 2026. The Board will now comprise 11 elected members, with the first members to be appointed by the Secretary of State.

MHRA Statement on Pathways Clinical Trial Safety

The MHRA has issued a statement regarding the Pathways clinical trial, emphasizing participant safety. As a precaution, Professor Jacob George has been recused from further involvement due to social media posts made prior to his appointment.

CMA Subsidy Advice Unit reviews Green Heat Network Fund scheme

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) Subsidy Advice Unit (SAU) has accepted a request to review the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero's modified Green Heat Network Fund subsidy scheme. The SAU will provide advice on whether the scheme complies with subsidy control requirements, with a report due by April 10, 2026.

Court Order Restricts Wigan Waste Site Access

The Environment Agency has obtained a court order restricting access to a waste site in Wigan to prevent illegal dumping. The order, effective for six months, prohibits waste importation and access to the site, with non-compliance being a criminal offense. This action is part of an ongoing criminal investigation into illegal waste dumping.

Ofcom provisionally finds suicide forum in breach of Online Safety Act

Ofcom has provisionally found a provider of an online suicide forum in breach of the UK's Online Safety Act. The provider failed to conduct adequate risk assessments and implement proportionate measures to protect users from illegal content. Ofcom is considering sanctions, including potential fines or business disruption measures.

Gender Recognition (Disclosure of Information) Order 2026

The UK Secretary of State has issued the Gender Recognition (Disclosure of Information) (England) Order 2026, effective March 20, 2026. This order permits authorized disclosure of protected information for a specific data linkage study related to gender identity services and revokes a previous order from 2022.

FCA CEO Speech: UK Wholesale Finance Renaissance

FCA chief executive Nikhil Rathi delivered a speech on the future of UK wholesale finance, emphasizing the UK's role as a global trading hub and the FCA's commitment to market integrity and reform. The speech, delivered at the Goldman Sachs EMEA Head of Trading conference, highlighted opportunities for growth and the need for the UK financial sector to adapt at market speed.

Environmental Permit Application Advertisement - Billie Piper

The Environment Agency has published an advertisement for an environmental permit application submitted by Billie Piper for a site at Sunnyglade, Haycrafts Lane, Swanage, BH19 3EB. This notice informs the public about the application and the process for commenting.

Companies House Appoints Dr Ros Rivaz as Chair

Ministers have confirmed the appointment of Dr Ros Rivaz as the new Chair of Companies House, effective March 1, 2026. She succeeds John Clarke and brings extensive leadership experience to guide the organization's transformation and support the government's transparency agenda.

Scotland Introduces Land Tax Relief for Investment Zones

The Scottish Ministers have introduced the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (Investment Zones Relief) (Scotland) Order 2026, effective February 26, 2026. This order modifies the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (Scotland) Act 2013 to provide relief for transactions related to land in designated investment zones.