United Kingdom

ICO Decision: DFE FOI Request on Student Finance Costs

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) issued a decision regarding a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Department for Education (DfE) concerning student finance costs. The ICO upheld the DfE's decision to withhold projected cost information under FOIA section 35(1)(a).

Gambling Commission Appoints Executive Director of Operations

The UK Gambling Commission has appointed Sue Young as its new Executive Director of Operations. She will lead operational functions to ensure gambling remains safer, fairer, and crime-free. This appointment brings extensive public sector leadership experience to the commission.

HMRC Guidance: Changes to Voluntary National Insurance for Time Abroad

HM Revenue & Customs has updated guidance on voluntary National Insurance contributions for periods abroad, effective April 6, 2026. The changes will eliminate voluntary Class 2 contributions for time abroad and introduce new eligibility criteria for Class 3 contributions.

Ballot Box Partition Classification Guidance

HM Revenue & Customs has published new guidance on the classification of ballot box partitions. The guidance specifies the Combined Nomenclature (CN) code 7616 99 90 for unassembled ballot box partition kits, consisting of aluminium profiles and fasteners.

HMRC Guidance on Publishing Tax Adviser Misconduct Details

HMRC will begin publishing details of tax advisers who have committed misconduct and received a sanction from April 1, 2026. This guidance outlines the types of information that may be published and the process for notification and response.

Voluntary National Insurance Contributions Abroad Changes

HM Revenue & Customs has updated guidance on voluntary National Insurance contributions for periods abroad. Effective April 6, 2026, voluntary Class 2 NICs for periods outside the UK will be abolished, and requirements for Class 3 NICs will change.

HMRC Stronger Action Against Tax Advisers

HMRC will implement stronger actions against tax advisers engaging in sanctionable conduct from April 1, 2026. This guidance outlines the definition of sanctionable conduct, the process for investigation, and the penalties that can be imposed, including financial penalties based on potential lost revenue and public disclosure of details for significant penalties.

HMRC Guidance: Pillar 2 Top-up Taxes Software

HM Revenue & Customs has published guidance on choosing commercial software for reporting Domestic Top-up Tax and Multinational Top-up Tax under Pillar 2. The guidance outlines the requirements for software and lists providers currently developing compatible products.

UK Government Lift Replacement Contract Opportunity

The UK Government has published an open opportunity for a lift replacement contract valued at £105,000. The deadline for suppliers to express interest and submit bids is April 20, 2026. This notice is for potential suppliers seeking to bid on the contract.

Cornwall College RAAC Roof Removal Contract Opportunity

Cornwall College has published a contract opportunity for the removal of RAAC from its roofs, with an estimated value between £3.6 million and £4 million. Interested suppliers must register and submit pre-qualification questionnaires via the In-Tend system by April 3, 2026.