R ( HUDA AMMORI ) v SSHD (2026) EWHC 292 ( Admin0 is a successful challenge to the decision by the SSHD to proscribe Palestine Action. The grounds of challenge included ECHR rights, specifically Article 10, freedom of expression with respect to which there was very significant interference ( paras 106. 135 & 140), Article 11, freedom of association, with respect to which there was very significant experience, paras 105, 135 & 140, and Article 14. What needed to be justified (para 109) was the restriction on action comprising PEACEFUL PROTEST.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION
February 13th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in GeneralThe ( draft ) Sussex & Brighton COMBINED COUNTY AUTHORITY Regulations 2026, pursuant to the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act 2023 establish the Combined County Authority (CCA) as a body corporate for the areas of Brighton & Hove City Council. East Sussex & West Sussex, with a CONSTITUTION set out in the Schedule to the Regulations, and confer upon the CCA FUNCTIONS of local and other public authorities. Part 3 of the Regulations provided for the election of the MAYOR and for the appointment of a POLITICAL ADVISER to the Mayor. Part 4 confers functions relating to TRANSPORT. Part 5 sets out the functions which are to be EXERCISABLE ONLY BY THE MAYOR and makes provision in relation to JOINT COMMITTEES. Part 6 relates to FUNDING by the CONSTITUENT COUNCILS. Part 7 confers additional functions to be exercisable by the CCA CONCURRENTLY WITH THE CONSTITUENT COUNCILS, including functions related to ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT and DATA SHARING>
ELECTIONS
February 13th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Elections and BylawsA MHCLG publication sets out POLICY SUMMARIES for the Representation of the People Bill introduced in the House of Commons on 12 February 2026.
PLANNING APPEALS
February 13th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Planning and EnvironmentalPLANNING INSPECTORATE GUIDANCE outlines the new process for making expedited appeals.
PLANNING APPEALS
February 13th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Planning and EnvironmentalWRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS PROCEDURE Amendment Regulations SI 2026/122, in force from 30 April 2026, expand the scope of the Written representations Procedure for Appeals made under Section 78 of TCPA 1990.
PROCUREMENT OF CONTRACTS
February 11th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Decision making and ContractsThere has come into effect the LOCAL GOVERNMENT ( EXCLUSION OF NON_COMMERCIAL CONSIDERATIONS ) ( ENGLAND ) ORDER 2026, S.I.2026/94. The Order enables best value authorities and parish councils in England, covered by SECTION 17 of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1988, to reserve procurements below PROCUREMENT ACT 2023 THRESHOLDS to local or certain UK based suppliers. The reservation must be transparent, clearly notified, proportionate, and recorded with a strong audit trail. There is GUIDANCE in relation to the interaction of LOCALLY BASED RESERVATIONS with the Procurement Act and regulations. The flexibility is subject to review by the PROCUREMENT REVIEW UNIT.
DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY
February 10th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in GeneralWith effect from 5 February 2026, most of the DATA ( USE and ACCESS ) ACT 2025, has become applicable, including in relation to (i) automated decision-making and AI, (ii) protection of children’s data, (iii) calculation of timeframes for and complaints about Data Subject Access Requests, (iv) new duties and powers for the ICO, and (v) a new “recognized legitimate interests” lawful basis for certain processing related to such matters as serious civil emergencies, detecting investigating or preventing crime, and safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
REMEDIES
February 10th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Judicial Control, Liability and LitigationThe 7th edition of JUDICIAL REMEDIES IN PUBLIC LAW by Lord Justice Lewis has been published.
STRUCTURAL CHANGES
February 10th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in GeneralThe Surrey ( Structural Changes ) Order 2026, has been laid, pursuant to the Local Government etc Act 2007. It provides for a SINGLE TIER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT in Surrey. The Order ABOLISHES the County of Surrey as a local government area. It winds up and dissolves the County Council and district councils. It CREATES two new non-metropolitan district councils, East Surrey ( Articles 4 and 7-10 and Schedule 1) and West Surrey ( Articles 4 and 7-10 and Schedule 2 ), with transitional provisions ( Articles 10-16 ) and SHADOW AUTHORITIES until 1 April 2027 ( Articles 17-41 )and provision for ELECTORAL matters ( Articles 42-49. )
CLEAN ENERGY
February 10th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Environment, Highways and LeisureAn official publication addresses PLANS for growing local and community-owned CLEAN ENERGY PROJECTS.