Category: Law & public offices

Local government reform in England: five counties closer to new councils. May 2027 local elections on old boundaries

The government wants to reorganise local government in East Sussex with Brighton and Hove, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. Decisions for 15 other areas, including Kent, Lancashire and Hertfordshire, will be taken in early 2027. The new councils are due to start in 2029, and the May elections will be held on current boundaries.

Ban on selling vapes to under-18s now covers nicotine-free ones too. Buying for a child is an offence

From 29 October 2026 it is illegal across the UK to sell nicotine-free vapes and nicotine pouches to under-18s. Buying them for someone under 18 is also an offence. Shops must remove free samples and large discounts, and Trading Standards can issue a £200 fine.

Blue Badge in Europe: Italy recognises the UK parking card. It also works in Poland, but check local rules

The UK Blue Badge, the parking card for disabled people, is recognised in Italy – the government updated its list on 28 October. The card is also recognised in countries including Poland. In Spain local authorities decide, and in some countries the rules are limited, so it is worth checking before you travel.

Package holidays: new rules from 6 April 2027. More bookings made “in one place” protected like a package

The government has published guidance on the amended package travel regulations. From 6 April 2027 some bookings made separately but at a single point of sale will be treated as a package with full traveller protection. Travel firms will gain a right to a refund from suppliers within 14 days.

Children cases in the family court faster and with the child’s voice. From 17 November a new model in eight more areas of England

The Ministry of Justice is expanding Child Focused Courts, a new way of handling child arrangements cases after parents separate. From 17 November 2026 it will cover areas including Merseyside, Lancashire and Northumbria. In West Yorkshire cases now finish 12 weeks faster on average. All of England and Wales – by March 2029.

Haringey given the lowest grade by the social housing regulator. Almost 4,000 overdue fire-safety actions, including more than 1,400 high-risk

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has given the council of the London borough of Haringey its lowest grade, C4. The inspection found large backlogs of repairs, including damp and mould, and almost 4,000 overdue fire-safety actions. We explain what it means for tenants and how to pursue repairs effectively.

Land Registry wants simpler fees and free access to land ownership data. Consultations run until 22 December

HM Land Registry has launched two consultations. It wants to simplify registration fees, including for transfers without payment and for registering a mortgage, and to give everyone free access to maps of land ownership in England and Wales. Responses can be submitted until 22 December 2026.

Respect Orders are now in force. A court can ban a nuisance neighbour from the town centre, with up to 2 years in prison for breaching the order

Since 26 October, Respect Orders have applied in England and Wales to adult perpetrators of anti-social behaviour. A court can ban them from the town centre or drinking in parks, or impose a curfew. Breaching an order can lead to arrest and up to 2 years in prison.

Dangerous cladding on blocks of flats: MPs debate the bill on Tuesday. Building owners face new duties and fines of up to £500,000

On Tuesday 27 October the House of Commons will consider at second reading a bill on removing dangerous cladding from residential buildings in England. Owners of blocks 11 metres and taller will have a legal duty to assess and remediate, and leaseholders are not supposed to pay for the work.

Your DBS certificate will go to your employer without you forwarding emails. A new option in the online application

When applying for a basic DBS check, you can now name your employer straight away. DBS will send them a link to your result online, and you keep control over who sees it. Faster hiring for workers and businesses in England and Wales.