The RYCROFT REVIEW into countering FOREIGN FINANCIAL INFLUENCE AND INTERFERENCE in UK politics, published on 25 March 2026, considers the risks posed to democracy in the UK, and makes 17 Recommendations to mitigate those risks.
FIRE SAFETY
March 26th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in HousingThe HEALTH & SAFETY EXECUTIVE has on 25 March 2026 published a CONSULTATION document, seeking views pn proposed changes to STATUTORY FIRE SAFETY GUIDANCE, (1) updating external wall guidance, and (2) recommending new provision of evacuation lifts.
FIRST TIER TRIBUNAL
March 26th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Judicial Control, Liability and LitigationIn HARRON v ROTHERHAM MBC ( 2026 ) UKUT 48 ( AAC ) Judge Stout rules that is for the Information Commissioner to decide whether a response to a substituted decision is compliant with FoIA. The FTT is NOT empowered to compel compliance with substituted decision notices. The law of contempt does NOT create any secondary cause of action or open up any new substantive jurisdiction.
HMO LICENSING
March 26th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in HousingHOUSING 35 PLUS LIMITED v NOTTINGHAM CITY COUNCIL ( 2026 ) EWCA Civ 204 is concerned with EXEMPTIONS from the requirements in the HOUSING ACT 2004 in relation to licensing of HMOs, specifically with whether the appellant’s Rules required that all MANAGEMENT DECISIONS are taken by members at a general meeting.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION
March 26th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in GeneralOn 25 March 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has made a STATEMENT announcing DECISIONS in relation to :-
Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock
Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton
Norfolk
Suffolk
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS
March 25th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Decision making and Contracts- From 6 April 2026, the maximum PROTECTIVE AWARD for failing to CONSULT on a COLLECTIVE REDUNDANCY process will double from 90 to 180 days’ pay, applying to employees dismissed after that date.
- Provisions of the EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS ACT 2025 coming into force in April 2026 include in relation to (i) statutory paternity leave, (ii) parental leave, (iii) statutory sick pay, (iv) Equality Action Plan, (v) the Fair Work Agency, and (vi) rates and limits for NMW, statutory sick pay, maternity pay, and unfair dismissal awards.
- A TUPE transferee is liable for INDIRECT DISCRIMINATION when an incoming workforce is on lower pay : ALPHA ANNE v GREAT ORMOND STREET HOSPITAL NHS TRUST (EAT).
MULTIPLE OCCUPANTS
March 25th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Council Tax and RatesSONG OF THE WILD SWAN LTD v INFORMATION COMMISSIONER ( 2026 ) UKFTT 00433 ( GRC ) concerns 3 REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION made to OXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL concerning determination of business rates when a site has multiple occupants. The Council refused, relying on FoIA 2000 Section 14 ( 1 ), VEXATIOUS REQUEST, in relation to which the Tribunal sets out the LEGAL FRAMEWORK at oaras 39-44 & 49-54.
ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION
March 25th, 2026 by James Goudie KC in Environment, Highways and LeisureA REPORT published on 25 March 2026 by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee warns that the current environmental regulatory system is inadequate. The Report highlights the growing problem of ILLEGAL WASTE DUMPING, which exceeds the Environment Agency’s enforcement capacity.