MHCLG has on 4 November 2026 announced that a Visitor Levy ( England ) Bill has been introduced, to authorise percentage based levies on OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION STAYS, with PROCEEDS RETAINED LOCALLY.
SMEs
November 3rd, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Decision making and ContractsA joint Cabinet Office and HM Treasury publication on 2 November 2026 sets out an Action Plan to improve SME ACCESS TO PUBLIC CONTRACTS under the Procurement Act 2023 until March 2028.
HIGH VALUE SURCHARGE
November 2nd, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Council Tax and RatesA House of Commons Research Briefing has been published, on 30 October 2026, on the SURCHARGE, that will apply ( at flat rates ) , from April 2028, to residential properties valued at £2 million or more ( at 2026 prices ).
ARBITRATION CLAUSE
October 29th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Decision making and ContractsThe underlying question in the appeal to the Supreme Court in KINGDOM OF SPAIN v LONDON STEAMSHIP OWNERS MUTUAL INSURANCE ASSOCIATION ( 2026 ) UKSC 36, a case arising from an environmental disaster, was how the PRINCIPLE THAT A THIRD PARTY CANNOT TAKE THE BENEFIT OF A CONTRACT WITHOUT ACCEPTING ITS BURDEN ( the conditional benefit principle ) applies to a contract containing an arbitration clause. The Court rules that a third party entitled to enforce a contract containing an arbitration clause who chooses to take that benefit by asserting a claim under the contract thereby becomes bound by the arbitration clause in the same way as a party to the contract.
DISCHARGE OF PLANNING FUNCTIONS
October 28th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Planning and EnvironmentalThe Town and Country Planning ( Discharge of LPA Functions ) ( England ) Regulations 2026, S.I. 2026/854, come into force on 31 October 2026. They require LPAs to make arrangements for PLANNING APPLICATIONS specified in the Schedules to the Regulations to be discharged by Committees ( including Sub-Committees ) or by Officers, and to change their current arrangements if they do not accord with the Regulations.
PEDICABS
October 28th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Environment, Highways and LeisureThe Pedicabs ( London ) ( Amendment ) Regulations 2026, S.I. 2026/1122, have been introduced, with respect to REQUIREMENT FOR INSURANCE and enforcement.
LEGAL AID
October 28th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Judicial Control, Liability and LitigationThe Legal aid Agency has, on 27 October 2026, issued Guidance, to confirm that civil and criminal legal aid are available for Respect Orders, Youth Injunctions and Housing Injunctions.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY
October 26th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Decision making and ContractsMHCLG Guidance published on 21 October 2026 provides an overview of (1) how local authorities in England are monitored, scrutinised and held accountable, and how public money is safeguarded and (2) how intervention can occur when governance and//or performance concerns arise.