UK HMCTS

Keith Kennaugh v The Information Commissioner - Vexatious FOI Request

The Upper Tribunal Administrative Appeals Chamber issued decision UKUT 123 on 13 March 2026, holding that section 17(6) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 is a procedural provision that does not eliminate a public authority's obligations under section 1 unless the request was genuinely vexatious. The Tribunal confirmed that the First-tier Tribunal did not err in law in finding the request at issue was vexatious and that the authority was entitled to rely on section 17(6).

LL and MM v Telford and Wrekin Council (SEN): Specialist Hub Naming in EHC Plan Upheld

The Upper Tribunal Administrative Appeals Chamber dismissed an appeal challenging whether a specialist hub operated by a maintained special school could be lawfully named in Section I of a child's Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan. Judge Stout upheld the First-tier Tribunal's decision, ruling that naming the hub is permissible when the special school of which it forms part is already named in Section I, consistent with prior decisions in TB v Essex County Council and MA v Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

Cabinet Office v Information Commissioner & Daryl Peagram - Legal Privilege (2026)

The Upper Tribunal Administrative Appeals Chamber allowed the Cabinet Office's appeal in a Freedom of Information case concerning legal professional privilege under section 42(2) FOIA 2000. The tribunal overturned the First-tier Tribunal's preliminary decision and ruled that confirming the Prime Minister sought legal advice on the lawfulness of the Covid-19 lockdown would have revealed legally privileged information. The decision clarifies the scope of legal advice privilege in government contexts.

County Court Business Centre Processing Times Weekly Updates

HMCTS published weekly transparency data updates for the County Court Business Centre in Northampton. The page provides current processing times for civil claims, Attachment of Earnings orders, and Charging Orders. The latest update was published on 15 April 2026.