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R (Greyhound Board of Great Britain Ltd) v Welsh Ministers [2026] EWHC 670 (Admin) What are the practical implications of this case? The ruling reinforces the constitutional divide between the courts and the legislature. It explains that the scheme and framework of the Government of Wales Act 2006 (GWA 2006) embody that separation of powers, and that any judicial attempt to recognise and enforce a common law obligation on Welsh Ministers to consult prior to introducing legislation in the Senedd would trespass upon that boundary. This is not a departure from established principle; case law has already upheld comparable rules for lawmakers in Scotland and at Westminster. However, this is the first express confirmation of the position for Welsh lawmakers, and the first time this dimension of the GWA 2006 has been analysed in such depth. The court examined earlier
The solution arrived through the United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC), a quasi‑judicial body handling mass claims, created under UN Security Council Resolution 687. By addressing environmental harm—most notably via its ‘F4’ claim class—the UNCC set a seminal benchmark shaping how international law and contemporary arbitral panels allocate financial responsibility for wartime ecological devastation. With present-day wars in areas such as Eastern Europe and the Middle East bringing dam breaches, strikes on chemical facilities, and the burning of farmland, the UNCC’s legacy endures as an essential reference point for states, global investors, and companies engaged in post‑conflict arbitration. The F4 claims: Quantifying the unquantifiable Prior to the 1990s, mechanisms in international law for war reparations overwhelmingly favoured property loss, foregone earnings, and bodily injury. The natural world was commonly treated as a mute, non-compensable victim of armed hostilities...
Understanding the farming business as a business Many farms still use long-standing structures that arose by habit, not strategy. Sole traders, informal partnerships and outdated partnership deeds are common. While once effective, such setups can cause major issues around succession, tax planning and involving the next generation. A corporate team can take a fresh, business-led view of the farm, asking: Who owns the land and other critical assets? Who manages daily operations? Who carries the risk and who enjoys the return? What is the enduring plan for succession? From this review, the team can confirm whether the current setup is fit for purpose or if an alternative — for example an updated partnership agreement, a company, a limited liability partnership, or a blended model — would better meet the family’s aims. Tax efficiency through joined-up advice Tax sits at the centre of most
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Competition policy CMA publishes Annual Plan for 2026/2027 The CMA has released its Annual Plan for 2026/27, explaining how it will implement its Strategy 2026–2030 during the coming financial year. The plan reiterates the CMA’s central aims of championing competition, safeguarding consumers, encouraging growth and innovation, and cultivating a regulatory climate that draws investment, whilst continuing to embed its ‘4Ps’ model (pace, predictability, proportionality and process). The Annual Plan also sets out priorities across the CMA’s principal functions, including advocacy, consumer protection, competition enforcement, digital markets, markets and mergers......
It has recently emerged that the Irish government has accepted that the EU Pay Transparency Directive ( PTD) will not be fully in place by the 7 June 2026 deadline. Rollout will proceed 'on a phased basis'. Although the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (the Department), which bears responsibility for transposing the Directive, has noted that elements of the PTD are reflected through the Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021, numerous features of the Irish implementation remain uncertain, and no concrete implementing bill has been produced so far, with no published draft available to date and ongoing uncertainty......
What are the practical implications of this case? HMO licensing aims to keep shared accommodation properly run and safe for residents. This judgment underlines the stringent bar for co‑operative societies trying to claim an HMO licensing exemption. Any organisation seeking to rely on it must have rules that explicitly require members to take every management decision; such powers cannot be handed to a committee. If a committee holds independent decision‑making authority, the exemption will not apply. H35 will probably now need to secure licences for all of its HMOs. The ruling brings welcome clarity to how HA 2004 operates and confirms that organisations cannot sidestep licensing duties through technical readings of constitutional rules that do not mirror genuine governance. It confirms that the exemption in HA 2004, Sch 14, para 2B applies only where members themselves make all management decisions....
Kay v Martineau Johnson ( A firm) [2026] EWCA Civ 224 What are the practical implications of the case? The ruling demonstrates the workings of actual and constructive knowledge, highlighting the requirement for a ‘something else’ that prompts a claimant to investigate, beyond merely knowing they have received advice that is not obviously flawed. The judge at first instance failed to confront this head‑on or to identify what that additional element was, if any; that shortcoming led to the reversal of the finding on actual knowledge. In the absence of analysis on that point, the appellate court regarded the conclusion as unsound. The decision serves as a reminder that parties must articulate their positions on this question plainly, and that the court should make an explicit determination upon it. The Court of Appeal also squarely addressed the extent to which, if at all,...
Ward and another v BCA Automotive Ltd [2026] EWHC 204 ( KB) What are the practical implications of this case? The judgment underscores that the existence of a breach of duty is intensely fact‑dependent. Demonstrating a single omission to undertake a risk assessment may not suffice, even where a reasonably careful employer would have done so. If there is an overarching assessment addressing the use of a category of work equipment, and the workforce already understands how to operate that category and has received appropriate training, an employer’s omission to complete a tailored assessment when a fresh piece of equipment of that category is introduced will not automatically amount to a breach. Although the employer was not found liable on these facts, the scenario stands as a clear warning for employers who neglect to perform a specific assessment when bringing in new...
Key Court of Appeal decision on re-opening awards In R (on the application of LXR) v First Tier Tribunal ( Social Entitlement Chamber) and others [2025] EWCA Civ 1608, the Court of Appeal examined the terms of paragraphs 114 to 116 of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012, considering the circumstances in which a previously determined award may properly be re-opened on medical grounds and the scope of that power. The judgment culminated in the court setting aside the UT's ruling, which had itself set aside the decision of the First Tier Tribunal ( FTT) on judicial review that an application to re-open an award relating to damage to mental health arising out of an earlier incident of sexual abuse ought to be permitted. The judgment offers a thorough and useful analysis of the factors and considerations to be taken into account in medical...
R ( On the Application of Oliver Perrin) v North Devon District Council [2026] EWHC 535 ( Admin) What are the practical implications of this case? The decision serves as a clear reminder that, even when officers characterise the planning balance as finely poised, a committee that diverges from a reasoned recommendation must still articulate why, showing how the central policy tension has been addressed. The judgment also emphasises the need to manage councillor involvement with care in contentious planning matters. In combination, informal associations with applicants, earlier assistance, public endorsements, and a leading role in committee debate can generate an appearance of bias, even if no actual impropriety is established. Authorities and their advisers should examine such concerns at an early stage, and members should err on the side of caution where continued participation might later jeopardise the decision’s...
Mergers The Commission approved: the establishment of a joint venture between Dalkia SA, Eiffage SA, RATP Solutions Ville SAS, and the City of Paris ( M.12214) following a phase I review—see also Midday Express the acquisition by Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. of sole control of Clario Holdings, Inc......
Financial services developments FCA restricts Beauforce Corporation Limited from carrying out regulated activities The Financial Conduct Authority ( FCA) has now barred Beauforce Corporation Limited from undertaking all regulated business. As a result, the firm is no longer permitted to deliver authorised debt advice or debt management services to customers. The regulator has further directed the company to repay funds in its bank accounts to its clients. These steps arise from FCA worries about the suitability of the firm’s senior leadership and how it has engaged with the regulator. The FCA also stated it found several issues in Beauforce Corporation Limited’s operations, including: Senior Manager suitability—the senior manager, Mr Duckett, is presently disqualified from involvement in running a company for ten years Failure to disclose information—the firm did not inform the regulator of Mr Duckett’s...
Employment Rights ( Increase of Limits) Order 2026, SI 2026/310 How have things altered?...
EU financial services developments EBA shortens timeframe for applications for prior permission to reduce own funds and eligible liabilities instruments The European Banking Authority ( EBA) has issued its final draft amendments to the regulatory technical standards ( RTS) on own funds and eligible liabilities, trimming the period for competent and resolution authorities to decide on institutions’ applications to reduce own funds and eligible liabilities instruments from four months to three. The EBA finds that authorities now have ample experience with these processes to complete assessments more swiftly. According to the EBA, the focused changes to the Commission Delegated Regulation on own funds and eligible liabilities are intended to deliver immediate gains by cutting unnecessary regulatory burden for institutions. Furthermore, following the exemption set out in Directive ( EU) 2024/1174 (the Daisy Chain Act), which removes the need for liquidation entities to obtain prior...
Market studies CMA launches market study into the retail supply of heating oil for domestic use in the UK The CMA has opened a market study into the retail supply of heating oil for domestic users, using its powers under section 130A of the Enterprise Act 2002. This action responds to steep rises in wholesale oil costs linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, alongside parallel increases in retail prices. The authority has flagged concerns about price levels and the contractual terms consumers face, particularly in a part of the energy market that lacks sector-specific regulation, unlike gas and electricity. The study will test whether the latest retail price movements are justified by underlying cost changes and will measure any expansion in suppliers’ profit margins. It will also review how robust competition is between suppliers, the degree of price...
Risk & Compliance weekly highlights—19 March 2026 In this issue: Risk & Compliance forecast Sanctions Fraud Data protection Artificial intelligence & information security Daily and weekly news alerts Trackers New and updated content Risk & Compliance forecast New Risk & Compliance forecast as at 17 March 2026 Our latest Risk & Compliance forecast (as at 17 March 2026) is now available. This month we cover: (1) the Home Office’s Fraud Strategy for 2026–29, (2) a call for evidence on economic crime information-sharing gateways, (3) the ICO’s intention to publish revised guidance on special category data, and (4) the forthcoming SRA keeping of the roll exercise. See News Analysis: New Risk & Compliance forecast as at 17 March 2026. Sanctions OFSI blog sets out updated approach to assessing reasonableness in sanctions licensing applications The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation ( OFSI) has issued a blog setting out its refreshed approach to assessing...
In this issue Practice and procedure Relationship breakdown Private children Public children Financial provision International children Daily and weekly news alerts Updated content Useful information Practice and procedure Family Procedure Rules Committee meeting minutes The Family Procedure Rule Committee has released the minutes from its meeting held on 2 February 2026. Relationship breakdown Determining validity of foreign marriages ( MA v WK) In MA v WK [2025] EWFC 499, the Family Court examined three linked applications under section 55(1) of the Family Law Act 1986 seeking declarations that the marriages were valid. Each applicant had a Nikkah in England that did not satisfy the Marriage Act 1949, yet argued that later (or alleged) registration in Pakistan conferred legal effect and made the marriages recognisable as foreign marriages in England and Wales. They contended that registration was the decisive act...
On 16 March 2026, Fitch Ratings stated that initial losses should be 'manageable', yet cautioned that insurers could face capital strain in the event of a prolonged conflict or wider financial instability. The London market, which encompasses reinsurers, brokers and insurers, as well as Lloyd's of London, provides high-value cover for specialist insurance lines, in particular marine, aviation, energy and political risk......
In this issue: Key R& I law developments The office-holder Corporate insolvency processes Insolvency litigation Directors and insolvency R& I in Scotland Corporate Rescue and Insolvency ( February 2026) Daily and weekly news alerts Key dates for restructuring and insolvency professionals Key R& I law developments Companies House has confirmed it has rectified a security flaw in its Web Filing service, detected on 13 March 2026, which might have enabled signed-in users to view and amend aspects of other companies’ information without permission. Web Filing was taken offline at 1:30pm on 13 March 2026 and reinstated at 9am on 16 March 2026 after investigation and independent testing. The review found the weakness—introduced during an October 2025 system update—may have exposed non-public company data, including dates of birth, residential addresses and email addresses. Companies House stated that...
In this issue: UK, EU and international regulators and bodies Authorisation, approval and supervision Prudential requirements Operational resilience Financial crime and sanctions Complaints, compensation and claims management Investigations, enforcement and discipline Regulation of capital markets Regulation of derivatives Sustainable finance and ESG Banks and mutuals Investment funds and asset management Consumer credit, mortgage and home finance Regulation of insurance Payment services and systems Fintech and cryptoassets Dates for your diary New and updated content Financial Services Enforcement Database Daily and weekly news alerts Lex Talk®Financial Services: a Lexis®Nexis community UK, EU and international regulators and bodies FCA report examines firms’ methods for promoting consumer understanding. The Financial Conduct Authority has released findings from its review of how firms deliver the consumer...
In this issue: Insurance types EU Regulation Cases tracker Dates for your diary Daily and weekly news alerts Lex Talk®Insurance: a Lexis®Nexis community Insurance types Marine According to the International Underwriting Association ( IUA), oil tankers are avoiding the Strait of Hormuz because of safety fears, not a lack of insurance capacity. See News Analysis: Iran oil crisis not due to lack of insurance, trade body says. Fitch Ratings said the London insurance market could face direct exposure to marine and aviation claims arising from the war in Iran. See News Analysis: London insurance market faces Iran war risk, Fitch says Aviation On 16 March 2026, reinsurers including American International Group ( AIG) and AXA asked a London judge to pare back claims by Chubb European Group SE ( Chubb) and Fidelis Insurance Ireland DAC ( Fidelis) seeking to cover...
In this issue: Key developments and horizon scanning Repairing obligations and dilapidations Residential tenancies Service charges Rent and rates Disputes and remedies Neighbour disputes Enfranchisement and right to manage Contractual issues Easements and covenants Property disputes in Scotland Additional Property Disputes updates Lex Talk® Property Disputes: a Lexis®Nexis community Daily and weekly news alerts New and updated content Dates for your diary Trackers Key developments and horizon scanning The Renters’ Rights Act 2025— SDLT The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is intended to bring in tenant-favourable reforms, yet recent reporting has stressed that the roll-out of assured periodic tenancies may result in SDLT becoming payable on rent for some tenants in the years ahead. While these SDLT provisions are long-standing, general awareness remains limited. Andrew Kerr and Ella Perrett of Burges...
In this issue: UK private actions UK National Security and Investment Act 2021 UK competition policy UK market investigations UK mergers EU antitrust EU State aid Daily and weekly news alerts Caselex UK private actions CAT makes collective proceedings order granting Vicki Shotbolt permission to commence collective damages action against Valve On 11 March 2026, the CAT issued a collective proceedings order ( CPO) in Vicki Shotbolt Class Representative v Valve Corporation, following an application by Vicki Shotbolt Class Representative Limited (the CR) under section 47B of the Competition Act 1998 against Valve Corporation ( Valve). Earlier, on 26 January 2026, the CAT determined that the CR could pursue collective proceedings for damages against Valve, the operator of Steam, a PC game distribution platform, alleging abuse of dominance through price parity clauses,...
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When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...
This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...
Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...
I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...
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