Corporate Services Management Programme Transformation Delivery Partner
The UK Ministry of Defence published a contract opportunity notice for a Transformation Delivery Partner to support Phase 3 of the Corporate Services Management Programme. The £61 million contract runs from August 2026 to August 2029 and will be procured via the Digital and IT Professional Services framework (RM6249 Lot 5). Bids close 22 May 2026 at noon.
Strategic Defence Review Energetics Investment
UK MOD announces implementation of Strategic Defence Review through investment in energetics and munitions manufacturing. Multiple investment windows planned (Q3 2026, Q2 2027, Q4 2027) for capital grants to build new manufacturing facilities. Funding capped at £45M per proposal or 50% of project costs.
UCLH Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services Procurement - £85.2M
UCLH NHS Trust published a contract notice for Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services valued at £85,200,000 on Contracts Finder. The contract runs from June 2027 to May 2033 (6 years). The procurement uses a restricted procedure above threshold and is open to SMEs. Closing date for tender submissions is 18 May 2026.
Fuel Retailers Must Register with Fuel Finder
The CMA issued an open letter on 2 April 2026 reminding road fuel retailers of their obligation to register with Fuel Finder and report fuel prices. Retailers must submit price updates within 30 minutes of any price change. The CMA will begin using enforcement powers from 1 May 2026 to prioritise action against non-compliant retailers.
Energy Code Reform Phase 1: Transitional Measures and Code Changes
Ofgem has published a consultation on phase 1 transitional measures and code changes for energy code governance reform. The consultation covers proposed modifications to the Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC) and Retail Energy Code (REC), along with amended licence conditions for phase 1 code manager candidates. Responses are due by 15 May 2026.
Second Preliminary Strategic Direction Statement for Energy Industry Codes
Ofgem published a consultation on the draft second preliminary Strategic Direction Statement (SDS) for energy industry codes. The consultation seeks feedback on the proposed categorisation of policy areas and whether any key areas requiring code changes are missing from the assessment. Comments are due by 28 May 2026. This follows the first preliminary SDS published in August 2025 and supports transition to a new code governance framework under the Energy Act 2023.
Guidance for Agents on Renewables Obligation for Microgenerators 50kW or Less
Ofgem updated guidance for agents acting on behalf of operators of renewable microgenerators (≤50kW) under the Renewables Obligation scheme. The guidance reflects a change in the inflation index used for annual adjustments to buyout prices and mutualisation ceilings, switching from Retail Prices Index (RPI) to Consumer Prices Index (CPI). Minor operational process updates for Northern Ireland and Great Britain agents are also included.
Renewables Obligation Supplier Guidance - CPI Replaces RPI
Ofgem has updated its Renewables Obligation (RO) supplier guidance to replace the Retail Prices Index (RPI) with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) for calculating annual adjustments to the buyout price and mutualisation ceiling. The guidance applies to all licensed electricity suppliers in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This is a technical update to the inflation indexation methodology used in the scheme.
Wholesale Energy Costs and Your Bills
Ofgem published a blog post explaining how wholesale energy costs comprise approximately 40% of consumer energy bills in Great Britain. The post covers the energy price cap mechanism, wholesale market dynamics, LNG supply diversification, and the relationship between gas prices and electricity costs. No new regulatory obligations are imposed.
Markets Data Definitions for Energy Suppliers
Ofgem published the Markets Data Definitions, a transparency document providing high-level terminology definitions for energy suppliers submitting data to Markets collections. The document supports consistent interpretation of data requests but explicitly does not introduce new requirements, replace guidance, or override licence conditions.
Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Act 2026
The Scottish Parliament enacted the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Act 2026, creating new pupil rights regarding withdrawal from religious observance in schools. Schools must now inform pupils of parental withdrawal requests, provide opportunities for pupils to express views, and give effect to pupil objections to such requests. The Act modifies the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 and takes effect from the day of Royal Assent.
GHG ETS Maritime Extension Regulations 2026
UK Statutory Instrument 2026 No. 392 extends the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to the maritime sector. The regulation brings shipping operators and maritime vessels within the scope of carbon pricing mechanisms. Entities operating qualifying vessels will be required to monitor, report, and surrender allowances for greenhouse gas emissions.
Removal of Two Child Limit - Consequential Amendments to Social Security Regulations
The Department for Communities (Northern Ireland) has made the Social Security (Removal of Two Child Limit) (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2026, removing the two-child limit from Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, and Jobseeker's Allowance. The amendments take effect 6 April 2026, eliminating caps on benefit amounts for families with more than two children.
Peterhead Port Authority Harbour Revision Order 2026
Scottish Ministers made The Peterhead Port Authority Harbour Revision Order 2026, granting the Authority enhanced harbour management powers and repealing superseded statutory provisions from the 1983-2015 Orders. The Order comes into force 2nd April 2026 following a written application by Peterhead Port Authority under section 14 of the Harbours Act 1964.
City of Derry Airport International Airport Designation for Licensing
The Department for Communities (Northern Ireland) has designated City of Derry Airport as an international airport under the Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996. This designation enables licensed premises within the airport's customs examination station to sell alcohol outside standard permitted hours. The Order comes into operation on 2 April 2026.
Marine Simulator Relocation Contract Awarded to Kongsberg Maritime
Tyne Coast College has awarded Kongsberg Maritime a £2.8m contract for the relocation, upgrade, and installation of marine simulators under the UK Procurement Act 2023. The contract covers two simulator systems: Ships Bridge Simulator and Ships Engine Room Control Room Simulator, including associated equipment, software licenses, and network infrastructure.
Funeral Services Tender for NHS Hospitals
The UK Government's Find a Tender service published a tender notice on behalf of Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust seeking a funeral services provider for deceased patients under their care. The estimated contract value is £552,000 including VAT, covering both NHS trusts in Northamptonshire. Bidders must submit proposals via the eSourcing Portal by 27 April 2026.
Transport for London Siemens rail signalling framework
Transport for London published a pipeline notice under the Procurement Act 2023 for a proposed £277M (excl. VAT) framework agreement with Siemens Mobility covering signalling, train control, and communication systems on the Central line, Victoria line, Elizabeth line, and London Overground Windrush line. The direct award to Siemens covers maintenance, renewals, and spare parts for existing Siemens-installed systems originally supplied by Invensys Rail and Westinghouse Rail over an estimated 4+4 year term.
BLC-0201 Cyber Security Services Framework for Police Forces
Bluelight Commercial Limited published a contract award notice for the BLC-0201 Cyber Security Services Framework under the Procurement Act 2023. The framework was awarded to 17 suppliers across 4 lots covering penetration testing, incident response, cyber resilience auditing, and training services for UK police forces. The framework standardises cyber security procurement for emergency services across multiple contracts.
Pre-Market Engagement: Responsive Repairs, Electrical Safety Checks and Empty Homes Works
Rochdale Boroughwide Housing Limited published a Pre-Market Engagement Notice under the Procurement Act 2023, seeking market feedback on a forthcoming £42M procurement for responsive repairs, electrical safety checks, and empty homes refurbishment works across 12,000+ housing stock. Expressions of interest must be submitted by 16 April 2026 at 5pm.
CQC Experts by Experience Contract Award - Choice Support
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has awarded a £10 million contract to Choice Support for Experts by Experience Services across two lots. The contract covers support to CQC's regulatory activity using subject matter experts with lived experience of healthcare or social care needs (Lot 1), and development of the public engagement network (Lot 2). This is a standard procurement award notice under UK public procurement regulations.
Equals Trust ICT Managed Services tender, £3.6M
Equals Trust has published a tender notice (Reference ET01.17) on the UK Find a Tender portal for ICT Managed Services. The estimated contract value is £3,000,000 excluding VAT (£3,600,000 including VAT) with a proposed term of January 2027 to January 2030, potentially extendable to January 2032. Bids must be submitted by 28 April 2026.
FOI Requests Log - Transparency Disclosures
Ofwat published its Q3-Q4 2018 Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests log, documenting 11 information requests received between July and December 2018. The log records request dates, subjects, disclosure outcomes (full, partial, or none), exemptions applied, and response timeframes.
Construction firm and director sentenced after worker fell through stairwell
HSE prosecuted BHG (Stone) Limited and its director Alistair Howells for violations of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 after a 26-year-old worker fell through an unprotected stairwell opening during apartment construction. The worker sustained serious injuries including skull and back fractures. The company was fined £16,000 plus £4,000 costs, while the director received a fine of £2,000 plus £1,386 costs.
Environmental Risk Assessments for Medicines
MHRA published guidance on environmental risk assessments (ERAs) for medicinal products in the UK. The guidance clarifies that all marketing authorisations require evaluation of potential environmental risks under Schedule 8 of the Human Medicines Regulations. Marketing authorisation holders must assess physicochemical and ecotoxicological properties and environmental fate of active substances, proposing mitigation measures where risks cannot be excluded.
Sevabertinib (Hyrnuo) approved for advanced HER2-positive lung cancer
MHRA granted marketing authorisation to Bayer PLC for sevabertinib (Hyrnuo), a protein kinase inhibitor for adults with advanced HER2-mutated non-small cell lung cancer that has spread or is unresectable. The drug was approved via Project Orbis, a global regulatory partnership. Clinical trials showed a 71% positive response rate in previously treated patients.
Annual Return 2026: Care Provider Submission and Publication Requirements
Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) has opened the 2026 annual return window for registered adult and children's care service providers in Wales. The deadline for submission is 23:59 on 26 May 2026 via CIW Online. This year introduces new requirements under the Health and Social Care (Wales) Act 2025, including mandatory provider website publication by 30 June 2026, and a combined data collection process with Social Care Wales.
Decision Maker Panel Survey - March 2026 Price and Inflation Data
The Bank of England published March 2026 Decision Maker Panel survey results based on 2,004 responses from UK business CFOs. Realised annual own-price growth was 3.7%, down 0.1pp from February, while year-ahead own-price inflation expectations increased to 3.5%. Overall business uncertainty rose to 57% reporting high or very high uncertainty, up 10 percentage points from February.
UK Labour Force Flows, Cyclical Movements, and Unemployment Research
Bank of England published Staff Working Paper No. 1,178 examining cyclical movements in UK labour market participation and unemployment dynamics. The paper uses UK Labour Force Survey data to analyze how workers entering unemployment from different states (job loss versus inactivity) exhibit different labour force attachment. Researchers extended a Diamond-Mortensen-Pissarides search model to show compositional changes in the unemployment pool amplify unemployment fluctuations by approximately 50%.
MTD for Income Tax Screening Equality Impact Assessment
HMRC published a Screening Equality Impact Assessment for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax. The assessment demonstrates how equality considerations are integrated into HMRC's decision-making processes for MTD implementation. The document examines potential impacts on customers with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
Apple and Google App Store Rules - Call for Evidence
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued an open call for evidence regarding recent developments in Apple and Google's app store rules across multiple jurisdictions. Both Apple and Google hold strategic market status in the UK for mobile platforms. The CMA is seeking stakeholder views on changes these companies have made or propose to make to their app store rules. Comments must be submitted by 5pm on 22 April 2026.
D v M & Anor - Hague Convention Child Return Application (Art 13(b) Murder Defense)
The England and Wales High Court (Family Division) issued a judgment in D v M & Anor [2026] EWHC 731 (Fam), a Hague Convention child return application under Article 13(b). The father seeks return of his 7-year-old child S, retained in England by the maternal grandmother following the mother's death. The grandmother raises the Article 13(b) defense based on allegations surrounding the mother's death. The court examines whether return would expose the child to harm or an intolerable situation.
Royal Free Hospital v RH - Life-Sustaining Treatment Authorization
The Court of Protection authorized Royal Free London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to modify life-sustaining treatment for RH, a 35-year-old lacking mental capacity. The judgment permits continuation of renal replacement therapy under specified conditions, limits vasopressor and mechanical ventilation support to procedural purposes, and authorizes a do-not-attempt-CPR order. The Trust's application evolved significantly from initial withdrawal requests to a modified authorization framework.
Jones & Anor v R - Firearms Conviction Upheld
The England and Wales Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) upheld firearms convictions for Jordan Jones and Demare Vassell, who were convicted of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and possessing ammunition without a firearms certificate under the Firearms Act 1968. The appeal was dismissed, with the Crown Court conviction at Kingston-upon-Thames affirmed.
Falmouth Campus ACM Removal Contract
Falmouth Exeter Plus (FXPlus) published a £140,000 contract notice on the UK Government's Contracts Finder for asbestos-containing material (ACM) removal and associated works at Rosehill Garden Workshops, Falmouth Campus. The open procurement opportunity closes on 30 April 2026 at 12pm, with contract start date of 1 May 2026.
CAMHS Mental Health Services Procurement - West Midlands NHS Trust
Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust published a procurement notice seeking providers for Children and Young People's Mental Health (CAMHS) services across two lots: digitally enabled mental health tools and specialist intervention support. The contract runs from July 2026 to June 2029, with a closing date of 30 April 2026 for tender submissions. SMEs and VCSEs are encouraged to bid.
Vegetation Clearance Works - Lower Thames Crossing Kent Roads
UK Government Contracts Finder published a new subcontract opportunity for vegetation clearance works on the Lower Thames Crossing Kent Roads project. Skanska, on behalf of National Highways, is seeking a subcontractor to supply labour, plant, and equipment for vegetation clearance valued between £500,000 and £2,000,000. Bids close 23 April 2026, with works commencing 17 August 2026 through 2 November 2032.
Bury College Wi-Fi 7 Wireless Network Procurement
Bury College has published an open procurement notice via the UK Government's Contracts Finder platform for a Wi-Fi 7 wireless network solution. The contract has a five-year term from July 2026 and is open to any interested supplier via the MultiQuote portal. The tender closes 15 April 2026 at 5pm.
Videographer Services for Project Tullie Phase 3
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery Trust (Carlisle) published a Request for Quotation for videography services on Contracts Finder. The contract is for producing a documentary film documenting Phase 3 of Project Tullie, the museum's capital redevelopment programme. The opportunity closes 30 April 2026 at 10am, with contract value up to £15,000.
Refurbishment of 20 Shrewsbury Properties
Amey, on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, published a future opportunity notice for the refurbishment of 20 properties in Shrewsbury, West Midlands. The contract has an estimated value of £348,000 to £870,000, with a contract start date of 31 August 2026 and end date of 19 March 2027. Subcontractors must be verified Constructionline GOLD members capable of working to MOD SFG20 and BIM Level 2 standards.
Biological Influence on Ocean Carbon: Novel Modelling Approaches
NERC and NASA have launched a joint funding opportunity for UK-US collaborative research on ocean carbon modelling. The grant supports novel modelling approaches to assess biological influences on ocean carbon storage. UK components receive up to £312,500 (80% FEC). Applications close 14 July 2026, and a notification of intent is required for eligibility.
Multiple Model Assessment of Biological Influence on Ocean Carbon
NERC and NASA announced a joint £625,000 grant opportunity for UK-US collaborative research on ocean carbon storage biological influences. UK researchers at eligible institutions can apply for up to £625,000 (80% FEC) to participate in the BIO-Carbon and EXPORTS programmes. Applications close 14 July 2026; notification of intent required by deadline.
Waste Criminals £67k Confiscation Orders
The Environment Agency secured approximately £67,000 in confiscation orders against the Canner family for operating an illegal waste site at Fen Lane, Long Bennington, Lincolnshire. Following Operation Lord, Judge Steven Coupland ordered Joshua Canner to pay £55,723.21, Paul Canner £8,294.11, and Judith Canner £3,120 at Nottingham Crown Court on 30 March 2026. The three had previously received custodial sentences in June 2024.
FRC closes KPMG audit investigation for Entain plc
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has closed its investigation into KPMG LLP's audit of Entain plc's consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022. Following review of all evidence, Executive Counsel decided not to bring enforcement action, and the Respondents are no longer liable under Rule 146 of the Audit Enforcement Procedure. This closure ends the investigation without any findings or penalties.
Framework Contract Management Solution for Professional Services and Works
Birmingham City Council published a tender notice under the Procurement Act 2023 for a Framework Contract Management Solution to manage Professional Services and Works contracts. The contract is valued at £720,000 including VAT over 4 years with options to extend to a maximum of 10 years. Implementation is scheduled to commence July-August 2026 with go-live as soon as practicable.
National Undertaking Service Contract Awarded to Dignity Funerals
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited has awarded a £12.83M (including VAT) National Undertaking Service contract to Dignity Funerals Limited. The five-year contract (April 2026 to April 2031, with possible extension to 2034) covers railway fatality response services including rapid 2-hour collection, 24/7 call centre operations, and mortuary delivery across England, Wales, and Scotland. The standstill period ends 14 April 2026.
Speech and Language Therapy Service for Special Schools Contract Award
West Sussex County Council has issued a contract award notice for Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) services for Special Schools valued at £4,146,000. The contract was awarded following Direct Award Process C under the Health and Care Act 2022 Provider Selection Regime. Services will support children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans attending West Sussex maintained special schools.
Mampitts Community Hub Construction Contract - Shaftesbury
Find a Tender published a £1.68 million construction tender by Shaftesbury Town Council for the Mampitts Community Hub project. The contract covers construction of a one-and-a-half storey multi-use community facility including utilities, external areas, and landscape works. The procurement follows an Open Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023.
Court of Appeal Overturns Mazur Ruling - Unauthorized Supervision Allowed
The Court of Appeal has overturned the Mazur ruling, holding that unauthorized persons can conduct litigation under the supervision of an authorized lawyer provided proper arrangements are in place. The unanimous ruling, delivered by Sir Colin Birss, Chancellor of the High Court, supported CILEX's central argument that the Legal Services Act 2007 was not intended to change the pre-existing practice of solicitors delegating work to unqualified individuals. The Law Society and SRA had argued for a stricter interpretation requiring authorized individuals to direct and control all litigation activities.
Recent UK Court Decisions - Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal
Inner Temple Library compiled a list of recent UK court decisions from Supreme Court, Court of Appeal (Civil and Criminal Divisions), and High Court Administrative Court, dated late February to early April 2026. The list includes 2 Supreme Court decisions and 29 Court of Appeal decisions covering civil, criminal, and administrative matters.
UK Overhauls Non-Crime Hate Incident Recording Rules for Police
The UK Home Office has issued new guidance on recording non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs), narrowing police recording obligations to incidents potentially relevant to policing purposes. Developed alongside the College of Policing and police chiefs, the guidance replaces the existing framework dating from 2011. Full implementation is expected in early 2027.
Guest v Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust - Clinical Negligence
The England and Wales High Court (King's Bench Division) issued judgment in Guest v Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust [2026] EWHC 704 (KB), a clinical negligence claim following spinal surgery on 29 May 2019. The claimant alleges the defendant trust's treating anaesthetist negligently failed to treat hyperkalaemia, causing a cardiac arrest which resulted in posterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (PION) and substantial bilateral vision loss. The trial addressed breach of duty and causation issues.
McNally v Gentoo Group Ltd - Asbestos-Related Disease Causation
The England and Wales High Court (King's Bench Division) issued judgment in McNally v Gentoo Group Ltd, a personal injury case involving a painter and decorator who contracted asbestos-related disease during employment with Sunderland local authority. Breach of duty was admitted; the sole issue was whether the claimant suffered from mesothelioma or lung cancer. Damages of £250,000 were agreed contingent on the diagnosis finding. The court found the claimant proved, on the balance of probabilities, that he is suffering from mesothelioma.
R v Burke - Criminal Legal Aid Fee Appeal
The Senior Courts Costs Office dismissed an advocate's appeal under Regulation 29 of the Criminal Legal Aid (Remuneration) Regulations 2013 regarding trial fees under the Advocates Graduated Fee Scheme. Costs Judge Leonard upheld the Determining Officer's fee calculation while noting that travel and subsistence claims fall outside the scope of appealable matters under the 2013 Regulations. The judgment clarifies the jurisdictional limits of Costs Judge appeals for criminal legal aid fee disputes.
Crest Nicholson v Ardmore - Building Liability Orders Under Building Safety Act
The High Court (TCC) handed down judgment in Crest Nicholson Regeneration Ltd v Ardmore Construction Ltd, interpreting sections 130-131 of the Building Safety Act 2022 regarding Building Liability Orders (BLOs). Justice Constable ruled on Crest's application for anticipatory BLOs against Ardmore Construction Group companies in relation to fire safety defects at the Admiralty Quarter development. The judgment clarifies the scope of liability under section 1 of the Defective Premises Act 1972 and 'building safety risk' within the BSA framework.
Archibald v East Sussex County Council - Appeal Against Abuse of Process Strike-Out
The High Court allowed an appeal by the Archibald family against East Sussex County Council, reversing a county court strike-out of their claim as an abuse of process. The court found the lower judge applied the wrong legal test and remitted the case for reconsideration. The claimants allege the council failed to protect children at West Rise Junior School.
Eco Green Capital Ltd v Wetzel - Breach of Heating Equipment Lease
The England and Wales High Court (King's Bench Division) issued judgment in Eco Green Capital Ltd v Wetzel, a breach of contract case involving a renewable heating system lease agreement. The claimant company sought £81,550.81 from the defendant property owner who stopped complying with Ofgem requirements under the Domestic Heat Incentive Scheme, causing payment flows to cease. Justice Turner presided over the appeal.
Ali v Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Trust - Human Rights Act Claims
Birmingham County Court issued judgment in Ali v Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Trust [2026] EWCC 13. The court ruled on claims by a serving prisoner (Mr Ali) against an NHS trust for alleged breaches of Articles 3 and 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights under the Human Rights Act 1998. The claimant sought £5,000 in damages for failure to provide adequate mental health treatment. Mr Recorder Adrian Jack presided over the 5-6 March 2026 hearing.
Manchester City Council v M & Ors - Care Proceedings (Sexual Abuse Findings)
The Family Court at Manchester Civil Justice Centre, before Mr Justice Harrison, issued its judgment in care proceedings under section 31 of the Children Act 1989. The court made findings of rape (2015) against the father and sexual abuse of a child aged 3-5. The case (MA24C50995) involved Manchester City Council as applicant seeking care orders regarding four children aged 10, 6, 3, and 2. Judgment was handed down on 1 April 2026.
DFB v R - Restraining Order Following Acquittal
The England and Wales Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) dismissed an appeal against a Restraining Order made under section 5A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 following the Appellant's acquittal on charges including rape and coercive control. The case illustrates procedural difficulties when restraining orders are sought after acquittal without evidence being called and where the complainant does not appear. The Court provided guidance on the proper approach to such applications.
FXS v Mulberry Bush Organisation Ltd - Battery and False Imprisonment
England and Wales Court of Appeal upheld findings that Mulberry Bush School committed battery (face-down restraints) and false imprisonment (towel incidents) against a vulnerable child pupil. The appellate court affirmed £6,000 compensatory damages and £4,000 aggravated damages for three battery incidents. The negligence claim remained dismissed.
R v IGG - Manslaughter
The England and Wales Court of Appeal Criminal Division dismissed the appeal of IGG against her manslaughter conviction. The appellant had violently shaken her 4-month-old daughter, causing fatal head trauma, at her home during the first COVID-19 lockdown in April 2020. The case originated from the Crown Court at Bristol before Mr Justice Saini.
Valentine London Ltd v Secretary of State for Housing - CPR Service Requirements Judicial Review
The England and Wales High Court (Admin) issued a judgment in Valentine London Ltd v Secretary of State for Housing concerning CPR procedural compliance in planning statutory review claims. The court addressed CPR 6.15 (retrospective validation of service) and CPR 7.6(3) (extension of time) criteria when determining whether to discharge an order setting aside a claim for failure to serve within the prescribed 6-week period. The case clarifies the standards for 'steps already taken' and 'all reasonable steps' in service deficiency situations.
Nordic Power Partners v Rio Alto Energia judgment 1st Apr
Nordic Power Partners v Rio Alto Energia judgment 1st Apr
Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust v AS & Anor - Medical Treatment Best Interests
The Court of Protection (England and Wales) issued a final judgment in [2026] EWCOP 15 (T3) regarding best interests medical treatment decisions for an 83-year-old woman (AS). Peel J ruled on an application by Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust seeking declarations regarding continuing risk feeding, ceasing certain treatments, and adopting a palliative care approach. The Official Solicitor supported the application while AS's son, representing the family who opposed it, was joined as Second Respondent. The judgment addresses end-of-life care decisions under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Application to Set Aside Pearce Release Decision
The Parole Board for England and Wales has set aside its December 12, 2025 decision to direct the release of Mr Pearce, a life sentence prisoner convicted of murder in 2008 whose tariff expired on April 21, 2023. The Secretary of State for Justice successfully applied to set aside the release decision based on new information regarding Mr Pearce's alleged drug use and removal from rehabilitation programmes in January-February 2026. The adjudicator determined the application should have been brought under Rule 28A(4)(ii) as a change in circumstances rather than under Rule 28A(4)(i) for unavailable information.
Joint Taskforce on Motor Finance Claims
The ICO, FCA, SRA, and ASA have formed a joint taskforce to address poor handling of motor finance claims by claims management companies (CMCs) and law firms. The ICO specifically commits to enforcing consent requirements for unsolicited direct marketing under PECR. This is a coordinated regulatory response to harmful practices in the motor finance claims sector.
Alcoholic Products Producer Approval Requirements
HMRC guidance specifies that from 1 February 2025, all producers of alcoholic products must hold an Alcoholic Products Producer Approval (APPA). Producers include those manufacturing beer, cider, wine, spirits, or other fermented products, as well as those whose activities alter alcohol by volume or product classification. Packagers of bulk alcoholic products do not require an APPA but may need excise warehouse approval.