United Kingdom

Perrin v North Devon District Council - Judicial Review of Planning Permission

The High Court of Justice (Administrative Court) has issued a judgment regarding a judicial review application concerning planning permission granted by North Devon District Council. The case, Perrin v North Devon District Council, involved a challenge to the council's decision to grant permission for residential development.

Family Court Decision: A & Z Re Service Out; MPS; LSPO

The Family Court has issued a decision in the case of A & Z, concerning service out of the jurisdiction and related proceedings. The judgment addresses applications for permission to set aside an order for service by email, applications to stay proceedings, and applications for maintenance pending suit and legal services payment orders.

CMA Launches UK Heating Oil Market Study

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a market study into the retail supply of heating oil for domestic use. The CMA is inviting views from interested parties by April 8, 2026, with a final report expected by June 2026.

Energy Consumer Satisfaction Survey: January 2026 Summary

Ofgem has published the summary findings of its January 2026 Energy Consumer Satisfaction Survey. The survey indicates that overall satisfaction with energy suppliers has stabilized at 81%, with customer service satisfaction remaining at an all-time high of 77%. However, satisfaction with the ease of understanding bills and bill delivery timing has decreased.

Ofgem Decision: Offshore Transmission Tender Round 9 Excess Recoveries

Ofgem has completed its aggregation exercise for Offshore Transmission Tender Round 9 (TR9), confirming that recoveries exceeded tender costs by £56,012. This decision outlines the process for the repayment of these excess funds.

Ofgem Fines Energy Supplier £525k for Overcharging Customers

Ofgem has fined Farringdon Energy (trading as Champion Energy) £525,000 for serious and persistent mismanagement leading to customer overcharging. A director has agreed to resign. The supplier failed to implement appropriate billing systems, resulting in 159 customers being overcharged a total of £347,717.25.

UKRI Funding for Secure Software Projects

UKRI, through Innovate UK, is offering up to £5 million in grant funding for collaborative projects focused on adopting the government's Software Security Code of Practice. The initiative aims to enhance the security and resilience of software supply chains. UK registered businesses can lead collaborations, which must include at least one UK registered micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise claiming grant funding.

UKRI AI Feasibility Study Fund for SMEs

UKRI has opened a funding opportunity for UK registered small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to deliver feasibility studies for frontier AI and machine learning technologies. Up to £3 million is available through Innovate UK, with applications closing on April 29, 2026.

UKRI AI Research Sandpit Funding Opportunity

UKRI is offering a £875,000 funding opportunity for an AI research sandpit using social science data. Expressions of interest are due by May 12, 2026, with the sandpit event scheduled for June 23-24, 2026. Successful participants may be invited to apply for project funding up to £230,000.

Government Cracks Down on Waste Crime with New Powers and Funding

The UK government and Environment Agency have launched a new Waste Crime Action Plan, backed by £45 million in funding over three years. This initiative introduces tougher penalties for waste criminals, including unpaid work and repayment of cleanup costs, and enhances regulatory powers to combat illegal dumping.