Policy & Government Affairs

Online Safety Act 2023 Commencement Regulations (CSEA Content)

The UK Secretary of State has issued the Online Safety Act 2023 (Commencement No. 7) Regulations 2026, bringing into force provisions related to the reporting of Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (CSEA) content. These regulations apply to regulated user-to-user services and establish an offence in relation to CSEA reporting, effective April 7, 2026.

Pensions Increase Order 2026

The UK Treasury has issued the Pensions Increase (Review) Order 2026, increasing official pensions by 3.8%. This order, effective April 6, 2026, applies to pensions that began before April 6, 2026, and may involve adjustments for guaranteed minimum pensions.

Firefighters' Pension Scheme (England) Amendment Regulations 2026

The Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 amend the member contribution rules for firefighters in England and Wales. These regulations, effective April 1st, 2026, introduce new contribution rate tables based on pensionable pay and provide for annual indexation of pay thresholds.

Firefighters' Pension Scheme (England) Amendment Order 2026

The Firefighters' Pension Scheme (England) (Amendment) Order 2026 amends the existing scheme, primarily affecting retained firefighter opt-out members. Key changes include updated definitions and provisions related to purchasing service and death grants. The order comes into force on April 1, 2026.

Northern Ireland Public Service Pensions Revaluation Order 2026

The Department of Finance has issued the Public Service Pensions Revaluation Order (Northern Ireland) 2026, effective April 1, 2026. The order specifies revaluation increases for pensionable earnings for the period ending March 31, 2026, with a 3.8% increase for prices and a 4.8% increase for earnings.

Discretionary Housing Payments Amendment and Revocation Regulations 2026

The UK Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has issued the Discretionary Financial Assistance and Discretionary Housing Payments (Amendment and Revocation) Regulations 2026, effective April 1, 2026. These regulations amend existing provisions and revoke several previous orders and regulations concerning housing payments in England and Wales.

Social Security Contributions Agreement (Northern Ireland and India)

The UK Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has issued the Social Security (Contributions) (Republic of India) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026. This Order modifies UK legislation to give effect to an Agreement on Social Security Contributions signed with India on February 10, 2026.

Health and Safety Act Application Outside Great Britain Variation Order 2026

The UK government has issued the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Application outside Great Britain) (Variation) Order 2026. This order amends the 2013 Order to include structures used for hydrogen production within the definition of offshore installations subject to health and safety regulations.

CCUS and Offshore Hydrogen Production Regulations Amendments

The UK Secretary of State has issued the Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage and Offshore Hydrogen Production (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2026, effective April 6, 2026. These regulations amend the Offshore Installations and Pipeline Works (Management and Administration) Regulations 1995 to introduce new definitions and clarify existing ones related to carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) and offshore hydrogen production.

Senators Urge President to Prioritize US Potato Market Access in Japan

US Senators have urged President Trump to prioritize opening the Japanese market for U.S. potatoes during the Japanese Prime Minister's visit. This action could result in an estimated $150 million annually in new American exports for the U.S. potato industry.