UK

FCA/ICO Statement on Consumer Duty and Data Protection for Vulnerable Consumers

The FCA and ICO have issued a joint statement outlining regulatory expectations for firms regarding the Consumer Duty and the lawful, fair, and responsible use of personal information for vulnerable consumers. The statement clarifies how firms can support vulnerable consumers while maintaining data protection standards.

FCA Operational Resilience Insights from Firm Self-Assessments

The FCA has published insights from firm self-assessments on operational resilience, one year after the transition period ended on March 31, 2025. The document highlights areas of good practice and areas needing improvement, encouraging firms to review and evolve their resilience approach.

CMA Investigates 5 Businesses for Fake and Misleading Reviews

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched five new investigations into businesses for alleged fake and misleading online reviews. The investigations cover companies in the funeral, food delivery, and car sales sectors, building on previous actions against major tech firms.

FRC Plan and Budget for 2026-27

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has published its Plan and Budget for 2026-27, outlining its strategy for audit, corporate reporting, and governance. The plan includes a new Audit Supervision Approach, faster enforcement processes, and the first reporting cycle under provision 29 of the UK Corporate Governance Code. The overall budget is £73.3m.

NESO Coach Services Tender

The National Energy System Operator Limited has published a tender notice for a fully managed coach service. The contract is valued at an estimated £2.46 million including VAT and is for an initial term of 3 years with potential extensions.

Contract Awarded for Stop Smoking Services in Southwark

The London Borough of Southwark has awarded a contract for Integrated Healthy Lifestyle Services - Stop Smoking. The contract, valued at £170,000, will provide behavioural support and stop smoking aids to eligible adult smokers in the borough.

Medway Heritage Strategy and Planning Policy Recommendations Tender

Medway Council has issued a tender notice for the provision of a new heritage strategy, governance model, and planning policy recommendations. The estimated value of the contract is £55,000, with a submission deadline of May 1, 2026.

Alexandra Park BLM Contract Notice

NHS Property Services Limited has published a contract notice for the Alexandra Park Backlog Maintenance (BLM) project. The contract, valued at £212,428.66 excluding VAT, was awarded to Amspec Limited and is scheduled to run from April 6, 2026, to May 29, 2026.

Lighting Upgrade Contract for Cheshire and Wirral NHS Trust

The UK Government's Find a Tender service has published a contract award notice for a lighting upgrade at Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. The contract, valued at £115,144.40 including VAT, was awarded to S & T Systems Ltd and is scheduled to run from February 20, 2026, to April 17, 2026.

Portsmouth Council Seeks Tenders for Property Repairs and Maintenance

Portsmouth City Council has issued a tender notice for term service contracts for the repairs and maintenance of residential and commercial properties. The contracts will cover three lots: On Island, Off Island, and Corporate Assets, with an initial five-year term and an option to extend. The estimated annual value for the island and off-island lots is £14M-£18M each, with the corporate assets lot estimated at £0.75M annually.