Policy & Government Affairs

Education Department: Student Assistance Cash Management Proposal

The Department of Education has published a notice regarding proposed changes to agency information collection activities related to Student Assistance General Provisions - Subpart K - Cash Management. This notice is currently unpublished and scheduled for official publication on March 13, 2026.

Merchant Shipping Order Increases Borrowing Limit to £166 Million

The UK Secretary of State for Transport, with Treasury approval, has issued the Merchant Shipping (General Lighthouse Authorities) (Increase of Borrowing Limit) Order 2026. This order increases the aggregate borrowing limit for general lighthouse authorities from £133 million to £166 million, effective March 31, 2026.

Appointment of Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland

The UK Government has issued the His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland (Appointment) Order 2026. This statutory instrument officially appoints Ruth Anne Binks as His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland, effective March 30, 2026.

Vulnerable Witnesses Act 2019 Commencement Regulations for Scotland

The Scottish Ministers have issued regulations to bring into force Section 1 of the Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2019. These regulations specify the commencement date and transitional provisions for child witnesses giving evidence in sheriff court proceedings.

Wales Regulations Remove Edited Register Requirements for Local Electors

The Welsh Ministers have issued regulations removing the requirement to prepare and supply edited registers of local government electors in Wales. These regulations, effective October 1, 2026, amend existing legislation to align with new electoral registration processes in Wales.

Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 Commencement Order 2026

The Welsh Ministers have issued the Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 (Commencement No. 3) Order 2026, bringing sections 3 and 4 of the Act into force on October 1, 2026. These sections relate to the duty to register local government electors.

UK ADR Regulations Consequential Amendments 2026

The UK Secretary of State has issued the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (Alternative Dispute Resolution) (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2026, effective April 6, 2026. These regulations amend existing legislation to align with the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 and revoke the 2015 ADR Regulations.

Air Navigation (Falkirk, Scotland) Emergency Revocation Regulations 2026

The UK government has issued the Air Navigation (Falkirk, Scotland) Emergency Revocation Regulations 2026, which revoke previous air navigation regulations specific to Falkirk, Scotland. This action is effective from January 1, 2026.

Climate Change Levy Amendment Regulations 2026

The UK Treasury has issued the Climate Change Levy (Fuel Use and Recycling Processes) (Amendment) Regulations 2026, amending the 2005 Regulations. These amendments specify hydrogen production via electrolysis and natural gas use in sodium bicarbonate production as non-fuel uses, thereby exempting them from Climate Change Levy charges.

Surrey Structural Changes Order 2026

The Surrey (Structural Changes) Order 2026, made on March 9, 2026, establishes two new local government councils in Surrey, England. This order implements a proposal for a single tier of local government for the county, consolidating existing district councils.