Ex-Devon and Cornwall PC Gross Misconduct Finding

The UK's Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) found gross misconduct for a former Devon and Cornwall Police officer, PC Bijan Davarian, who provided a dishonest account of a woman's fall from a carpark. He would have been dismissed had he not already resigned. Another officer, PC Dave Burnard, received a final written warning for misconduct.

West Midlands Police Officer Charged with Assault and PAVA Misuse

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has charged a West Midlands Police officer, PC Brandon Harrison, with assault and misuse of PAVA incapacitant spray following an investigation into excessive force during an arrest. The officer also faces charges under the Computer Misuse Act 1990. PC Harrison is due to appear in court on March 16, 2026.

Bristol Council Tenancy Process Overhauled After Vulnerable Resident Made Homeless

The UK Housing Ombudsman has ordered Bristol City Council to overhaul its tenancy processes following a finding of severe maladministration. The council failed a vulnerable resident, leading to homelessness and the disposal of belongings without consent. Changes include enhanced training, record-keeping, and a new process for managing abandoned property.

Housing Ombudsman Multilingual Complaint Videos

The UK Housing Ombudsman has released new multilingual videos to support residents in understanding their complaints process. These videos are now available in an expanded range of languages, including Akan, Arabic, Bengali, and Spanish, in addition to previously available languages. The initiative aims to make the Ombudsman's services more accessible and inclusive for social housing residents in England.

Housing Ombudsman Consults on 2026-27 Business Plan

The UK Housing Ombudsman has launched a consultation on its 2026-27 Business Plan, seeking feedback from landlords, residents, and the sector. The plan addresses record complaint volumes and proposes targets for case resolution times and efficiency improvements, alongside a potential membership fee increase.

Housing Ombudsman Report on Apologies in Complaint Handling

The UK Housing Ombudsman has released a report highlighting the importance of meaningful apologies in complaint handling, aligning with its existing guidance. The report uses case examples to illustrate how landlords can improve their apology practices to provide more effective remedies and rebuild resident trust.

Housing Ombudsman Compensation Guidance

The UK Housing Ombudsman has released new compensation guidance, effective April 1, 2026, to promote a consistent and fair approach to compensation awards across the sector. The guidance aims to clarify expectations for landlords and residents, drawing on engagement with both parties and analysis of past maladministration cases.

Wihongi-Lim v Minister for Immigration and Citizenship - Visa Cancellation Review

The Federal Court of Australia dismissed an application for review of a visa cancellation decision made by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. The applicant's grounds of review, based on alleged jurisdictional error and irrationality, were not made out. The court ordered the application to be dismissed with costs.

Rajbhandari v Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs - Immigration Appeal

The Federal Court of Australia dismissed an application for an extension of time and leave to appeal a decision regarding a student visa application. The applicants were ordered to pay the respondent's costs.

Federal Court Judgment on Protection Visa Appeal

The Federal Court of Australia allowed an appeal against a decision that dismissed an application to review a protection visa refusal. The court found that the Administrative Appeals Tribunal failed to adequately consider the appellant's claims and supporting evidence regarding their identity and evasion of detection in Vietnam. The appeal was allowed, remitting the matter for reconsideration.