Search

Customs Duty Repayment Changes for Northern Ireland Businesses

HMRC has published The Customs (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026, amending customs duty repayment rules for businesses bringing goods into Northern Ireland. The changes modify the Duty Reimbursement Scheme (DRS) to allow eligible businesses to switch relief amounts from the Customs Duty Waiver Scheme (CDWS) to DRS awards. The measure also permits DRS claims for goods held in common stock of interchangeable goods where individual item monitoring is impractical.

PS26/5: UK Short Selling Regime Finalized, Effective 13 July 2026

The FCA has finalized PS26/5, implementing new short selling rules that create a dedicated Sourcebook within the FCA Handbook. Key changes include extending the net short position reporting deadline to T+1 by 23:59, formalizing 5-year record-keeping requirements for covering arrangements, and introducing aggregate net short position (ANSP) publication at the 0.2% threshold. The new regime takes effect in two phases: Phase 1 on 13 July 2026 and Phase 2 on 30 November 2026 for bulk submission functionality.

Ofgem Rejects Urgency Request for P509 Demand Side Response Code Modification

Ofgem has rejected the request for urgent progression of Balancing and Settlement Code modification P509, proposed by Voltalis on 5 March 2026. The modification would require Elexon to conduct regular benefit assessments and publish insights on Demand Side Response performance, with governance and escalation arrangements if negative net impacts are identified. Ofgem determined the urgency request did not warrant expedited treatment. P509 remains under consideration on its merits.

Proposed Modifications to Last Mile Gas Connection Charging Methodology Decision

Ofgem has published its decision on proposed modifications to Last Mile Gas's connection charging methodology (CCM) statements. Ofgem received the modification report from Last Mile Gas on 2 March 2026 and has issued its decision within the 28-day review period prescribed under Standard Condition 4B of the gas transporter licence. The decision letter is available in PDF format (194.95KB).

Ofgem Approves NGT SMPS Revision, Minor Changes

Ofgem approved National Gas Transmission plc's revised System Management Principles Statement (SMPS), effective 1 April 2026. The revision, presented on 23 February 2026 with required consultation materials per Special Condition 9.19 of the Gas Transporter Licence, contains only minor changes including formatting edits, grammatical updates, and webpage name changes.

Planning Data (England) Regulations 2026

The Secretary of State has made the Planning Data (England) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026 No. 420) under powers in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023. The Regulations designate local plan timetables, minerals and waste plan timetables, and housing requirement data as planning data subject to approved data standards. Local planning authorities and minerals and waste planning authorities must comply with applicable data standards when publishing plan timetables, and local planning authorities must publish housing requirement data on their websites at specified points during local plan preparation.

River Tyne (Tunnels) (Revision of Tolls) Order 2026

The Secretary of State for Transport has made the River Tyne (Tunnels) (Revision of Tolls) Order 2026 (SI 2026/403), revising tolls for the Tyne Tunnel. The Order increases Class 2 tolls (vehicles ≤3.5 tonnes including cabs) from £2.50 to £2.60 and Class 3 tolls (vehicles >3.5 tonnes including vans and buses) from £5.00 to £5.20. Class 1 motorcycles remain toll-free. The Order revokes the 2025 toll revision Order and comes into force on 1 May 2026.

Customs (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2026

HM Treasury has made S.I. 2026/418, amending the Customs (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (S.I. 2026/393) to change its commencement date from 20th April 2026 to 25th May 2026. The amendment is made under powers in sections 30B, 32, 40 and 40B of the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018. The amending instrument itself came into force on 19th April 2026.

Customs (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Amendment Regulations 2026

HM Treasury has made the Customs (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/393), correcting errors in SI 2020/1605. The amendments update regulation cross-references by substituting corrected subsection numbers (e.g., '(3)' for '(5)' in regulation 9) and insert 'of the Act' references throughout. New definitions are added including 'Chapter 5 relief goods', 'interchangeable goods', 'interchangeable goods claim', and 'original claimant', with the definition of 'claim for remission' being replaced entirely.

Digital Assets Become Property Objects Under Scots Law

The Scottish Parliament enacted the Digital Assets (Scotland) Act 2026, establishing that digital assets meeting statutory criteria (rivalrous, existing independently from the legal system) are incorporeal moveables under Scots law. The Act provides a rebuttable presumption of ownership for persons controlling digital assets and applies standard property acquisition rules by treating control as physical possession.

Ports of Fleetwood and Silloth Transfer of Undertaking Harbour Revision Order 2026

The Marine Management Organisation has made the Ports of Fleetwood and Silloth (Transfer of Undertaking) Harbour Revision Order 2026 (SI 2026 No. 404), transferring harbour operations at Fleetwood from Associated British Ports to FJ Ports (Fleetwood) Ltd. and at Silloth from Associated British Ports to FJ Ports (Silloth) Ltd. The Order comes into force on 7th May 2026 and extends to England and Wales.

Electronic Commerce (Amendment and Consequential Provision) Regulations 2026

The UK government has made the Electronic Commerce (Amendment and Consequential Provision) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/407), which amend the Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002 and related regulations. The amendments remove provisions relating to the Country of Origin Principle (CoOP) from retained EU law, including omitting the definition of 'coordinated field', regulation 5, and the Schedule. Similar amendments are made to five other statutory instruments covering terrorism, extreme pornography, miscellaneous provisions, EU Exit regulations, and criminal justice provisions. The regulations come into force on 7 May 2026.

LCH Ltd Rulebook - General Regulations, Default Rules, and Procedures

LCH Limited published updates to its rulebook components, including General Regulations (updated 6 March 2026), Default Rules (updated 23 March 2026), Settlement Finality Regulations (updated 21 July 2025), and Sponsored Clearing Regulations (updated 6 March 2026). Procedures were updated across multiple sections including Section 1 - Clearing Member and Dealer Status (updated 16 April 2026), SwapClear Service, ForexClear Service, and EquityClear Service (all updated 13 February 2026).

LCH SA Rulebook Formalizes Clearing Member Relationship

LCH SA maintains a rulebook governing its relationship with clearing members. The rulebook, governed by French law, covers Fixed Income and Triparty Repos, OTC Credit Default Swaps, and Digital Asset Derivatives. It includes provisions on membership requirements, clearing operations, risk management, margin requirements, default fund, collateral, and default events.

Netley Marsh Church of England Infant School Admission Variation Approved for 2025 and 2026

The Office of the Schools Adjudicator has approved variations to the admission arrangements for Netley Marsh Church of England Infant School for the 2025 and 2026 academic years. The school is a voluntary controlled primary school with Hampshire County Council as both the admission authority and local authority. The adjudicator's determination permits specific modifications to the school's previously determined admission arrangements.

Compton All Saints CofE Primary School Admission Variation Approved

The Schools Adjudicator has approved a variation to the admission arrangements for Compton All Saints CofE Primary School for the 2025 to 2026 academic year. The voluntary aided primary school in Hampshire, whose governing body is the admission authority, requested and received approval for this variation on 15 April 2026.

Asquith Primary School Admission Variation Approved for 2026

The Office of the Schools Adjudicator (OSA) has issued Decision Reference VAR2714, approving a variation to the admission arrangements for Asquith Primary School for the 2026 academic year. The school is a community primary school located in Leeds, with Leeds City Council serving as both the local authority and admission authority. This determination constitutes a binding variation to the school's previously approved admission arrangements.

Liss Junior School Variation Approved VAR2701

The Office of the Schools Adjudicator has issued determination VAR2701 approving a variation to the admission arrangements for Liss Junior School (community primary school) in Hampshire for the 2026 academic year. The decision was published on 14 April 2026. As the admission authority, Hampshire County Council's proposed variation has been approved by the Schools Adjudicator.

Fairfield Infant School Admission Variation Approved VAR2692 and VAR2693

The Schools Adjudicator approved variation decisions VAR2692 and VAR2693 for Fairfield Infant School, a community infant school in Hampshire County Council. The variation relates to the school's admission arrangements. The decision was published on 15 April 2026 and applies to England.

National Living Wage Increases to £12.71 from April 2026

The UK Government has announced increases to minimum wage rates from April 2026, accepting in full the Low Pay Commission's recommendations. The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over will rise by 4.1% to £12.71, maintaining the Government's target of two-thirds of median earnings. The 18-20 Year Old Rate increases by 8.5% to £10.85, making progress towards eventual alignment with the NLW.

JANUS Trade Mark Opposition Decision O/0316/26

The UK Intellectual Property Office issued decision O/0316/26 dated 14 April 2026 concerning trade mark opposition case JANUS (Figurative), covering Classes 06, 07, 09, 20, 42, and 45. The Hearing Officer Ms L Bailey considered grounds under Sections 5(1), 5(2), and 5(3) regarding distinctive components, average consumer assessment, and proof of use requirements. This is a final decision resolving the opposition proceeding.

BECTU vs Continuum Group Acceptance Decision TUR1/1530

The Central Arbitration Committee issued its Acceptance Decision in case TUR1/1530(2026) concerning BECTU a sector of Prospect and The Continuum Group Ltd. The decision addresses trade union recognition matters and sets out the panel's considerations and final ruling on the issue in dispute between the parties.

Evri Premium Dispute - Central Arbitration Committee Decision

The Central Arbitration Committee issued a decision on an application under paragraph 112 of Part IV of Schedule A1 concerning a dispute between Evri and Unite the Union regarding the Evri Premium. The decision, published 15 April 2026, sets out the CAC panel's views, considerations, and final determination on the matter. The ruling applies to England, Scotland and Wales.

Government Response to ACMD 3 Medicines Reports on Drug Scheduling

The UK government agrees with ACMD recommendations to control three growth hormones (somapacitan, lonapegsomatropin, somatrogon) under Class C of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and Schedule 4 (Part 2) of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. Ganaxolone will not be scheduled at this time. Zuranolone will be controlled under Class C and Schedule 4 (Part I) for treatment of post-natal depression.

Deep Drilling Screening Directions 2026 - Multiple Offshore Well Decisions

OPRED issued multiple deep drilling screening direction decisions for UK offshore petroleum operations. Decisions were published for SHEARWATER (Adura Operations Limited), MUNGO (BP Exploration Operating Company Limited), MAGNUS (Enquest Heather Limited), PENGUIN WEST (Adura Operations Limited), CYGNUS (Ithaca (NE) E&P Limited), and CLAIR-RIDGE (BP Exploration Operating Company Limited). These environmental screening decisions authorise drilling producer wells at various North Sea locations. Decision references include DR/2626/0, DR/2647/0, DR/2643/0, DR/2641/0, DR/2634/0, and DR/2642/0.

Ports of Fleetwood and Silloth Transfer of Undertaking Harbour Revision Order

The Marine Management Organisation has made The Ports of Fleetwood and Silloth (Transfer of Undertaking) Harbour Revision Order 2026, following an application by Associated British Ports under Section 14 of the Harbours Act 1964. The order formalises the transfer of harbour undertaking at the ports of Fleetwood and Silloth. Associated British Ports submitted the formal application on 20 March 2025, and the signed order with decision documentation was published on 16 April 2025 with subsequent updates through April 2026.

Implements Apprenticeship Assessment Regulatory Framework with Conditions AA1-AA9

Ofqual has implemented the regulatory framework for Apprenticeship Assessment largely as proposed in its consultation. The framework introduces nine new Conditions (AA1-AA9) governing apprenticeship assessment qualifications, including requirements for compliance with assessment plans, assessment strategies, content standards, standard setting, and qualification levels. Additional guidance covers assessment design, grading, marking approaches, conflicts of interest, and centre arrangements. The framework applies to all apprenticeship assessment qualifications in England.

UK/EU Agreement regarding Cooperation on the Application of their Respective Competition Laws

The UK and EU have concluded an international treaty on competition law cooperation, presented to Parliament on 15 April 2026. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between UK and EU competition authorities in enforcing their respective competition laws, including coordination on investigations, information sharing, and avoidance of conflicts. The treaty is referenced as MS No.4/2026 and is available as a 2.3 MB PDF document.

Decision No 1/2026 Amending Protocol I of UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement on Union Programme Participation

The Specialised Committee on Participation in Union Programmes under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement has adopted Decision No 1/2026, amending Protocol I of the Agreement. The Decision modifies provisions governing UK participation in EU programmes. This amendment affects the legal framework for continued UK engagement with EU programme opportunities established under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

Direction to NESO: CSNP Submission by September 2028, Publication by December 2028

Ofgem has issued a Direction to the National Energy System Operator (NESO) requiring submission of the first Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP) by 15 September 2028 and publication by 15 December 2028. The original deadlines were 30 June 2027 for submission and 31 December 2027 for publication. Ofgem granted NESO's requested derogations from its ESO and GSO licences to allow these revised timelines, citing the need to align with the recently revised Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) timeline.

Ofgem Approves NESO tCSNP2 Refresh Methodology for Electricity Transmission Network Planning

Ofgem has approved the National Energy System Operator's (NESO) Second Transitional Centralised Strategic Network Plan Refresh (tCSNP2 Refresh) Methodology. The approved methodology will guide planning for the electricity transmission network needed in the 2030s, reassessing the 2024 tCSNP2 recommendations as projects have developed further. NESO will use this methodology to provide greater certainty on design, costs, and delivery timescales while considering Connections Reform impacts and offshore network design changes.

Ofgem Rejects UNC0843 Independent Shrinkage Charge Modification

Ofgem has rejected modification proposal UNC0843, which sought to establish an Independent Shrinkage Charge and Independent Shrinkage Expert for Gas Distribution Networks. The proposal was submitted by OVO Energy in September 2025 with the aim of incentivizing emissions reductions on gas distribution networks. The Authority's decision means the modification will not be implemented.

NESO CSNP Methodology Conditionally Approved

Ofgem has conditionally approved the National Energy System Operator's (NESO) Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP) Methodology. The CSNP will provide an independent, coordinated, long-term plan for electricity, gas transmission, and hydrogen transport and storage networks in Great Britain. Ofgem assessed the Methodology against CSNP Guidance, ESO Licence Condition C17, and GSP Licence Condition C12, and approved it subject to two conditions requiring further development in limited areas.

Local Government Pension Scheme Extended to Elected Members of Local Authorities

The UK government has made the Local Government Pension Scheme (Elected Member Pensions) (Consequential Amendment) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/410), extending LGPS membership to elected members of local authorities in England, specifically mayors and members of combined county authorities. The regulations make relevant allowances (excluding travel and subsistence) pensionable under schemes made under the Public Service Pensions Act 2013. Combined county authorities must make employer contributions and other payments required to fund pension benefits attributable to those allowances.

Air Navigation Restriction Flying Firth of Forth

The UK Government has enacted a Statutory Instrument imposing air navigation restrictions on aircraft operations in the vicinity of the Firth of Forth. The instrument (Uksi 2026/400) establishes restricted airspace or operational limitations for flights in the designated area. Affected operators must comply with the specified restrictions which have been placed on the airspace surrounding the Firth of Forth estuary.

European Charter of Local Self-Government (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2026

The Scottish Parliament has enacted the European Charter of Local Self-Government (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2026 (2026 asp 11), incorporating Articles 2 to 11 of the Council of Europe Charter into Scots law. The Act imposes a duty on Scottish Ministers to ensure any exercise of a devolved function is compatible with the Charter Articles and to keep under consideration steps to safeguard and reinforce local self-government. The Scottish Ministers may by regulations amend the Act to reflect additional protocols to the Charter signed by the United Kingdom.

The Contracts for Difference (Sustainable Industry Rewards and Contract Budget Notice Amendments) Regulations 2026

UK Statutory Instrument 2026 No. 411 amends the Contracts for Difference (Allocation) Regulations 2014 to extend and modify the sustainable industry reward framework. The instrument adds new definitions including sustainable industry reward flexible minima, maxima, and minima, and extends eligibility to allocation rounds established by notices given before 31st December 2028. Amendments also remove per-gigawatt budget constraints and modify application window provisions to align with when the sustainable industry reward allocation process concludes.

Emergency Revocation of Air Navigation Restrictions, Leicestershire

UK Statutory Instrument 2026/415 revokes emergency air navigation restrictions that were previously imposed in Leicestershire. The instrument removes the temporary flight constraints that had been in effect, restoring normal aviation operations in the affected airspace. This change applies to all aircraft operators and aviation service providers operating within the designated Leicestershire restricted zone.

OFSI General Licence INT/2026/9491628 - Prince Group Insolvency

OFSI issued General Licence INT/2026/9491628 on 14 April 2026 under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020. The licence authorizes insolvency-related payments and activities connected with the Prince Group and their Subsidiaries, subject to specified conditions.

General Licence INT/2026/9491628 - Prince Group Insolvency Payments Under Global Human Rights Regulations

HM Treasury OFSI has issued General Licence INT/2026/9491628 under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020. The licence permits persons, designated parties (DPs), and subsidiaries of the Prince Group to carry out insolvency-related activities and permits relevant financial institutions to process associated payments, notwithstanding sanctions prohibitions in regulations 11-15. The licence names 15 designated persons including Prince Group Global Group Ltd, Cambodian entities, and individual DPs, and specifies that funds made available must ultimately be held in frozen accounts or treated as frozen resources.

Birmingham City Council FOI 12 Upheld

The ICO has upheld a complaint against Birmingham City Council regarding a Freedom of Information Act request. The Council cited section 12 (appropriate limit) to refuse providing information about invoices paid from April 2019. The ICO determined the Council is not entitled to rely on section 12. The Council must now issue a fresh response to the request without relying on section 12(1) of FOIA.

RCVS VCMS FOI Complaint Not Upheld - Info Not Held

The Information Commissioner's Office issued a decision notice regarding a Freedom of Information complaint against the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). The complainant requested information about complaints handled by the Veterinary Client Mediation Service (VCMS). The ICO determined that on the balance of probabilities, RCVS does not hold the requested information. The complaint was not upheld and no further steps are required.

Northumbria Police Operation Eustace FOI Complaint Not Upheld

The Information Commissioner's Office issued a Decision Notice regarding a Freedom of Information complaint against Northumbria Police concerning Operation Eustace. The ICO determined that on the balance of probabilities, Northumbria Police does not hold information within the scope of the request. The Commissioner does not require Northumbria Police to take any steps.

Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2026

OFCOM has made SI 2026 No. 396, amending the Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) Regulations 2021. The instrument adds new definitions including 'autonomous maritime radio device' and 'ETSI EN 302 502', updates interface requirement references (IR 2030 and IR 2066) to April 2026 editions, and inserts two new exemption regulations (Regulations 11 and 12) covering autonomous maritime radio devices operating at 160.9 MHz and coastal station radio training schools.

Birmingham East Mayoral Development Corporation (Establishment) Order 2026

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has made The Birmingham East Mayoral Development Corporation (Establishment) Order 2026 (SI 2026/405), establishing the Birmingham East Mayoral Development Corporation for a designated Mayoral development area in Birmingham. The Order, made on 14th April 2026 and laid before Parliament the same day, comes into force on 11th May 2026. The development area is defined by boundaries shown on a map deposited with the Ministry and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Local Government (Structural Changes) (Finance) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

The Secretary of State has made SI 2026 No. 406, amending the Local Government (Structural Changes) (Finance) Regulations 2008. The amendment modifies Regulation 9 to clarify how council tax determinations under section 11C of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 apply when local government areas are reorganised. The new provisions address situations where some predecessor billing authorities made relevant determinations before reorganisation but others did not, establishing how the one-year rule in section 11C(3) applies to successor councils making determinations for subsequent determination areas.

Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Act 2026

The Scottish Parliament passed and Royal Assent was granted on 14 April 2026 for the Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Act 2026 (2026 asp 10). This Act establishes a comprehensive statutory framework for contract formation and remedies for breach of contract under Scots law. The legislation covers party autonomy, requirements for contract formation, offers, acceptance, revocation, rejection, counter-offers, uncertainty, contracts formed by unnotified acts, and remedies for breach.

Sentencing Act 2026 (Commencement No. 3) Regulations 2026

The Secretary of State has made SI 2026/402, bringing into force specified sections of the Sentencing Act 2026 on two dates. Sections 21, 34, 36, 38, 39 and Schedule 5 take effect on 11 May 2026, covering prison capacity reporting, supervision order termination, and unpaid work requirements. Section 42, allowing IPP and DPP prisoners to request parole board referral for licence termination, takes effect on 1 June 2026.

SI 2026 No. 401 - Revocation of RAF Brize Norton Flying Restrictions

The UK Statutory Instrument 2026 No. 401 revokes flying restrictions at RAF Brize Norton, removing the prior operational limitations on aircraft movements at the Oxfordshire airbase. This deregulatory measure eliminates compliance obligations previously imposed on operators flying in the affected airspace.

CLIPPER NATURAL, FAIR & DELICIOUS Trademark Opposition Decision O/0309/26

The UK Intellectual Property Office issued Decision O/0309/26 on 10 April 2026 regarding a trademark opposition concerning the mark CLIPPER NATURAL, FAIR & DELICIOUS across Classes 11, 16, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 29, 30, 32, 35, 36, and 43. The decision addressed grounds under Sections 5(1), 5(2), and 5(3) relating to likelihood of confusion and dilution, Section 5(4) on passing off, and proof of use issues for revocation. Parties to the opposition proceeding—including the applicant, opponent, and their legal representatives—must review the outcome and determine whether to comply with the decision or pursue an appeal within applicable timeframes.