UK Public General Acts (legislation.gov.uk)

Rare Cancers Act 2026 Incentivizes Research Investment

The Rare Cancers Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 5 March 2026 and comes into force on 5 May 2026. The Act requires the Secretary of State to review marketing authorisation law for orphan medicinal products for rare cancers (affecting no more than 1 in 2,000 people) and publish a report within three years, and establishes a National Specialty Lead for Rare Cancers to promote and facilitate rare cancer research. NHS England is empowered to disclose patient information to identify potential clinical trial participants for rare cancer orphan medicinal products.

Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Act 2026

The Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Act 2026 removes the two-child limit that restricted the child element of universal credit to two children per household. The Act amends section 10 of the Welfare Reform Act 2012 by omitting subsection (1A) and associated provisions in the Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016. Amendments take effect for assessment periods commencing on or after 6 April 2026, applying to both Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Affected families with three or more children receiving universal credit will become eligible for the child element for all children, representing a significant increase in benefit entitlement for low-income households with multiple children.