UK New Legislation

UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Act 2026 - Ticket Touting Prohibition

The UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Act 2026 prohibits the touting of tickets for the UEFA European Championship in Glasgow. The Act defines ticket touting as selling or offering to sell tickets for more than face value or with a view to profit, with specific exceptions for authorized sellers and charity auctions. The legislation received Royal Assent on February 27, 2026.

Ouse and Derwent Internal Drainage Board Reconstitution Order 2026

The UK Secretary of State has confirmed the reconstitution of the Ouse and Derwent Internal Drainage Board, effective February 27, 2026. The Board will now comprise 11 elected members, with the first members to be appointed by the Secretary of State.

Gender Recognition (Disclosure of Information) Order 2026

The UK Secretary of State has issued the Gender Recognition (Disclosure of Information) (England) Order 2026, effective March 20, 2026. This order permits authorized disclosure of protected information for a specific data linkage study related to gender identity services and revokes a previous order from 2022.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.