Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 Commencement Regulations
The UK Treasury has issued regulations bringing into force specific provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023. These regulations, effective January 1, 2027, revoke certain definitions within the EU's Capital Requirements Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 575/2013). This action is part of the UK's post-Brexit financial regulatory framework.
Financial Services Act Exemption Amendment Order 2026
The UK Treasury has issued the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Exemption) (Amendment) Order 2026, effective March 27, 2026. This order amends the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Exemption) Order 2001 by adding several entities, including British Business Bank plc and its subsidiaries, to the list of persons exempt from regulated activities.
Northern Ireland Workers' Compensation Payment Regulations Amended
The Department for Communities in Northern Ireland has amended the Pneumoconiosis, etc., (Workers’ Compensation) (Payment of Claims) Regulations. These amendments will come into operation on April 1, 2026, and apply to new claims made on or after that date.
Scotland Introduces Land Tax Relief for Investment Zones
The Scottish Ministers have introduced the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (Investment Zones Relief) (Scotland) Order 2026, effective February 26, 2026. This order modifies the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (Scotland) Act 2013 to provide relief for transactions related to land in designated investment zones.
FCA and Independent Football Regulator Sign Memorandum of Understanding
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement outlines how the two organizations will collaborate to ensure effective regulation where football and financial services intersect.
FCA Launches New Regulatory Priorities Reports
The FCA has launched new Regulatory Priorities reports, starting with the insurance sector, to replace over 40 previous portfolio letters. These new reports aim to streamline communication and provide clearer, higher-level guidance for regulated firms.
FCA Proposes Action to Close Credit File Gaps for Borrowers
The FCA is consulting on proposals to require lenders to share credit information with all designated consumer credit reference agencies (CRAs). This aims to close gaps in consumers' credit files and ensure they more accurately reflect financial circumstances. The consultation closes on May 1, 2026.
CMA Advocates Non-Compete Clause Reform and Salary Threshold Ban
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has responded to a government working paper on reforming non-compete clauses in employment contracts. The CMA advocates for reforms, including a ban on non-competes below a salary threshold, to enhance labour market mobility.
FCA Stablecoin Regulatory Sandbox Testing
The FCA has selected four firms to participate in its regulatory sandbox to test stablecoin innovation. This initiative aims to gather real-world data to inform the development of future UK stablecoin regulations, with findings expected to shape final rules later in 2026.
Payments Forward Plan Published by Committee
The Payments Vision Delivery Committee, comprising HM Treasury, Bank of England, FCA, and PSR, has published the Payments Forward Plan. This plan outlines upcoming initiatives in retail and wholesale payments, including digital assets, to foster innovation and economic growth.
CMA Investigates ABF Acquisition of Hovis Merger
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into the anticipated acquisition of Hovis Group Limited by Associated British Foods plc. The inquiry is currently in Phase 2, with a statutory deadline of June 24, 2026.
CMA Investigates Hays Travel Merger
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched merger inquiries into Hays Travel's acquisitions of Polka Dot Travel and Millington Travel. Initial enforcement orders have been served, and phase 1 decision deadlines are set for April 2026.
Homes England Subsidy Referral for 2020 Developments Luton
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published its final report advising Homes England on a proposed £29.5 million subsidy to 2020 Developments (Luton) Limited. This subsidy is for infrastructure development to unlock residential and employment space.
CMA Merger Inquiry: LDC acquires Green Label
The CMA has opened a merger inquiry into the acquisition of Green Label Holdings Limited by Société LDC SA. An initial enforcement order has been served, and an invitation to comment is open until March 9, 2026, to gather views on potential competition impacts.
Post Office Subsidy Scheme Report and Consultation
The CMA's Subsidy Advice Unit has accepted a request for a report on the proposed £609.2m Post Office Transformation Subsidy Scheme. The Department for Business and Trade is seeking advice on compliance with subsidy control requirements. Comments are due by March 11, 2026.
School Uniforms Act Northern Ireland 2026 Guidelines and Allowances
The School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Act (Northern Ireland) 2026 mandates the Department of Education to issue binding guidelines on school uniform policies and requires the Education Authority to extend eligibility for school clothing allowances. The Act aims to ensure fairness, practicality, and affordability in school uniform policies.
Plant Varieties Act Amendment Regulations 2026
The UK Secretary of State has issued the Plant Varieties Act (Amendment) Regulations 2026, amending the Plant Varieties Act 1997. These regulations clarify the definition of 'small farmer' concerning farm saved seed, with no significant impact foreseen on businesses.
Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Act (Northern Ireland) 2026
The Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Act (Northern Ireland) 2026 has been enacted, amending the law on the notification of deaths and still-births. It introduces provisions for electronic means of notification and the issuance of certificates recognizing baby loss.
A249 Trunk Road Key Street Slip Road Order 2026
This statutory instrument, the A249 Trunk Road Key Street Slip Road Order 2026, establishes new road infrastructure within the UK. It details specific changes to the A249 Trunk Road, including the Key Street slip road. The order is part of the UK's ongoing road network development.
MHRA Raids Illegal Weight Loss Medicine Facility
The MHRA has raided two facilities suspected of manufacturing and selling illegal weight loss medicines, seizing nearly 2,000 doses and manufacturing equipment. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into a criminal network and aims to protect the public from dangerous, unregulated products.
ICO FOI Decision: Charity Commission and Section 31
The ICO has issued a decision regarding a Freedom of Information request handled by the Charity Commission. The Commissioner found that the Charity Commission correctly applied section 31 of FOIA, and the public interest favoured withholding the requested information. No further steps are required.
ICO Decision Notice: Buckinghamshire ICB breached FOIA by late information provision
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) found that the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (ICB) breached FOIA by providing Ophthalmology information late. While no further information was held, the delay constituted a breach of statutory timeframes.
ICO Decision Notice: Doncaster Council FOI Act Complaint
The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has upheld a Freedom of Information Act complaint against Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council. The ICO found the council partly incorrect in stating no further information was held and failed to disclose information within the statutory 20 working days.
ICO Decision: Oxford City Council Cherry Tree Information Disclosure
The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) issued a decision regarding Oxford City Council's disclosure of information about cherry tree removal. The ICO found that the council had complied with the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) and did not require further action.
ICO Decision: Croydon Council Failed EIR Request
The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has upheld a decision against the London Borough of Croydon for failing to respond to an Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) request within the statutory 20-day period. The ICO has ordered Croydon Council to respond to the complainant within 30 calendar days.
ICO Decision Notice: FOI Complaint on Chagos Islands Policy
The ICO has issued a decision notice regarding a Freedom of Information complaint against the Attorney General's Office concerning Chagos Islands policy formulation. The ICO found that the AGO correctly applied exemptions under FOIA.
ICO Decision Notice: Ealing Council FOI Breach
The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has upheld a decision that Ealing Council breached section 10 of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by failing to provide a substantive response to a request within 20 working days. The council must now provide the response within 30 days.
ICO Decision Notice: Home Office FOI Request Upheld
The ICO has upheld a Freedom of Information (FOI) request against the Home Office, finding that the public authority failed to complete its public interest test considerations within a reasonable time. The Home Office is now required to provide a substantive response to the request within 30 calendar days.
ICO Upholds FOI Complaint Against Salford City Council
The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has upheld a Freedom of Information (FOI) complaint against Salford City Council for a delayed response. The Council is now required to provide the complainant with a response within 30 calendar days.
ICO Decision Notice: Somerset Council FOI 10 Upheld
The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has upheld a complaint against Somerset Council for failing to respond to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request within the statutory 20 working days. The ICO has ordered the council to respond to the complainant within 30 calendar days.
ICO Decision Notice: Lucy Letby Case FOI Request Not Vexatious
The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) issued a decision notice stating that a Freedom of Information (FOI) request concerning the Lucy Letby case was not vexatious. Cheshire Constabulary is required to provide a fresh response to the complainant.
ICO Decision on Executive Office Northern Ireland Communications
The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) issued a decision regarding a Freedom of Information request made to the Executive Office Northern Ireland. The ICO partially upheld the Executive Office's decision to withhold certain communications, but required disclosure of other information previously withheld under specific exemptions.
ICO Decision Notice: Ministry of Defence FOIA Breach
The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has issued a decision notice finding the Ministry of Defence breached Section 10 of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by failing to respond to a request within 20 working days. The Ministry of Defence is required to provide a substantive response.
ICO Decision on Ambulance Trust FOI Request
The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) issued a decision regarding a Freedom of Information (FOI) request made to the South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. The ICO found that the requested report into an internal investigation was exempt from disclosure under section 41 of the FOI Act.
ICO Decision Notice: Nottingham City Council EIR Complaint Upheld
The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) upheld an Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) complaint against Nottingham City Council for breaches related to a planning application information request. The council mishandled the request, breaching time limits and reconsideration procedures, although some exceptions were deemed valid.
ICO Decision Notice: Bradford Council Disclosure of School Preference Data
The ICO has issued a decision notice against Bradford Council regarding the disclosure of school preference data. The Council must disclose redacted spreadsheets containing no personal data to the complainant within 30 days, as they incorrectly withheld some information under FOIA section 40(2).