Consultations

The UK Advisory Panel for Healthcare Workers Living with Bloodborne Viruses (UKAP) gives advice and guidance to organisations and individuals responsible for the clearance and management of healthcare workers (HCWs) living with HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The UKAP integrated guidance outlines the clearance and monitoring requirements for HCW who perform exposure prone procedures.

UKAP is updating the guidance for HCWs living with HIV. The proposed changes are outlined in the consultation document and will replace the sections on management of HCWs living with HIV in the UKAP integrated guidance. Therefore, the consultation document should be read in conjunction with the UKAP integrated guidance for context.

UKAP is seeking responses to the proposed changes, specifically:

• any comments on the draft wording, especially its clarity, appropriateness, and feasibility
• any gaps in the draft guidance
• the potential impact of the draft guidance update on people with protected characteristics and health inequalities

If respondents have gathered input from people with lived or living experience, please make this clear in the consultation response.

UKAP also encourages organisations to share the consultation with other organisations in their network who may be interested in this guidance update.

Complete the online form to provide feedback or email [email protected]

We are consulting on draft legal provisions to implement the alternative transitional registration model (ATRm) for UK REACH. The draft provisions would introduce new requirements for transitional registrations and powers for the regulator to request further information where needed.

We want to know whether the provisions clearly and accurately reflect the intended policy approach. We particularly welcome comments on any drafting issues, omissions, ambiguities or unintended consequences.

• Welsh version of the consultation

Related content

• an alternative transitional registration model (ATRm) for UK REACH

This draft MGN provides information on the methodology that can be used to assess the marine navigational safety and emergency response risks that may be posed to waterway users from Aquaculture sites.  It does not introduce new requirements to those already in place but is intended to direct the reader to the current relevant guidance and information as published by the relevant marine regulator.

Contact email and/or postal address – this should be in the consultation document: (This is also contained in the consultation document).

Marine Safety and PNT Services 

Maritime and Coastguard Agency 
Bay 2/24 
Spring Place 
105 Commercial Road 
Southampton 
SO15 1EG 

Telephone: 020 3817 2000 

Email: [email protected]

This consultation seeks views on a proposal to tighten controls on the substances Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-Butanediol (1,4-BD), which are controlled drugs that also have wide-ranging uses in industry as solvents.

This consultation seeks views on a proposal to tighten controls on the substances Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-Butanediol (1,4-BD), which are controlled drugs that also have wide-ranging uses in industry as solvents.

On 14 May 2026, the CMA launched an investigation into whether Microsoft should be designated as having SMS in respect of its business software ecosystem. 

The proposed decision sets out the CMA’s provisional assessment that Microsoft meets the statutory conditions for SMS designation in respect of its Business Software Ecosystem. 

We invite comments on the proposed decision and accompanying documents by 13 November. Submit responses through the consultation portal or by email to [email protected] by 5pm on 13 November 2026. The CMA will take a final decision by 13 February 2027.

Where responses include confidential information, this should be clearly marked. A non-confidential version should also be provided that can be published on the CMA’s website. 

Any non-disclosure agreement a party may have in place with Microsoft should not prevent them from responding to this consultation. Microsoft has confirmed that it will not use any confidentiality provision with a party to prevent them from responding to this consultation. 

To the extent that a response contains information that is confidential to Microsoft or a third party, the responding party should inform the CMA of the confidential nature of the information, and provide a non-confidential version that can be published on the CMA’s website.

Launch date: 21 September 2026 

Respond by: 16 November 2026 

The UK Government is currently negotiating a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement with the European Union (EU).  Under the proposed Agreement, the UK would align with all EU legislation within the scope of the Agreement, including market authorisations (subject to any exceptions being agreed during the negotiations with the EU).  Once the Agreement enters into force, rules applying in Great Britain (GB) would be updated in line with EU rules as they changed over time. 

Products already authorised by the EU, and the conditions attached to those authorisations, would also apply in Great Britain (GB) once the Agreement enters into force. Existing GB authorisations would cease to apply. For further information Regulated products application guidance - GOV.UK

Please note, we have completed our risk assessment of the products that are the subject of this consultation for use in the food categories for which applicants sought authorisation for in Great Britain (GB). Our risk management proposals, as detailed in the proposed terms of authorisation for each application reflect this, and may differ from those currently authorised in the European Union (EU).  If there is an agreement to dynamically align with EU authorisations, those ingredients will not be permitted in the food categories that are not included in the EU authorisation.   Furthermore, where the authorised food categories are the same in GB and the EU, the EU authorisation conditions - including any maximum use levels and other risk management measures - would apply in place of the corresponding GB authorisation conditions. 

This consultation will be of most interest to 

All England, Wales, and Northern Ireland food businesses, local and port health authorities, district councils, and other stakeholders with an interest in food safety. 

A parallel consultation is being published by Food Standards Scotland (FSS): Consultation on applications for authorisation of regulated products: Sixteen novel foods - Food Standards Scotland - Citizen Space

Consultation subject 

This consultation seeks stakeholders’ views, comments, and feedback in relation to the regulated product applications considered in this document, which have been submitted for: 

• 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL) (produced by a derivative strain of Escherichia coli K-12 (DH1)) (modification of use of authorised novel food)   

• 2’-Fucosyllactose/Difucosyllactose (2’-FL/DFL) mixture (produced by a derivative strain of Escherichia coli K-12 (DH1)) (modification of use of authorised novel food)  

•  2’-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL) (produced by a derivative strain of Corynebacterium glutamicum (ATCC 13032)) as a novel food for use in food and food supplements (new authorisation of novel food)   

• 2’-Fucosyllactose(2’-FL) (produced by a derivative strain of Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)) (modification of use of authorised novel food)    

• 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’-FL) (produced by a derivative strain of Escherichia Coli BL21 (DE3)) (modification of specification of authorised novel food)    

• 3′-Sialyllactose (3′-SL) sodium salt (produced by a derivative strain of Escherichia coli K-12 (DH1)) (modification of use of authorised novel food)    

• 3’-Sialyllactose (3’-SL) sodium salt (produced by derivative strains of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3)) as a novel food for use in food and food supplements (new authorisation of novel food)    

• 3-Fucosyllactose (3-FL) (produced by a derivative strain of Escherichia coli K-12) (MG1655)) as a novel food for use in food and food supplements (new authorisation of novel food)  

• 3-Fucosyllactose (3-FL) (produced by a derivative strain of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3)) as a novel food for use in food and food supplements (new authorisation of novel food) 

• 6’-Sialyllactose (6’-SL) sodium salt (produced by derivative strains of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3)) as a novel food for use in food and food supplements (new authorisation of novel food)  

• 6′-Sialyllactose (6′-SL) sodium salt (produced by a derivative strain of Escherichia coli K-12 (DH1)) (modification of specification of use of authorised novel food) 

• Lacto-N-tetraose (LNT) (produced by a derivative strain of Escherichia coli K-12(DH1)) (modification of use of authorised novel food) 

• Lacto-N-tetraose (LNT) (produced by derivative strains of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3)) as a novel food for use in food and food supplements (new authorisation of novel food) 

• Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) (produced by a derivative strain of Escherichia coli K‑12) (modification of use of authorised novel food)   

• Astaxanthin-rich oleoresin from Haematococcus ⁠pluvialis algae used as a Novel Food (Modification of specification and conditions of use)  

•  Schizochytrium sp. Oil Rich in DHA and EPA (modification of specification of authorised novel food)  

Purpose of the consultation 

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is seeking views from stakeholders on the applications for authorisation referenced above, its risk management advice in respect of them, and the terms on which each one is proposed to be authorised.  Stakeholders are invited to comment on the proposals, including in relation to labelling requirements or any other legitimate factors (i.e. social, environmental, economic etc) which may be relevant. Stakeholders are invited to use this opportunity to comment on these factors or highlight any additional factors that should be brought to the attention of ministers to inform their decision making.  

Consultation pack 

This consultation pack provides the background information, details and questions to which you are invited to respond. It provides links to the risk management recommendations and the safety assessments. The full consultation document is also accessible via the attachments further down this page.

How to respond 

Responses to this consultation should be submitted via the online survey (Opens in a new window). If this is not possible you can email a response to:

Email: [email protected]

Name: Regulated Products Service Delivery

Division/Branch: Market Authorisations of Regulated Products

If responding by email, please state in your response whether you are responding as a private individual or on behalf of an organisation/company (including details of any stakeholders your organisation represents) and provide the nation in which you are based.  

Publication of response summary 

We aim to publish a summary of responses received around 3 months after the consultation ends and provide a link to it from this page. You can find information on how we handle data provided in response to consultations in our Consultations privacy notice.  

Further information 

If you require a more accessible format of this document, please send details to [email protected] and your request will be considered. 

This consultation has been prepared in accordance with HM Government Consultation Principles.  The potential impacts in respect of our proposals are addressed in the consultation document.  If no Impact Assessment has been provided, the reason will be given in the consultation document. 

Thank you on behalf of the FSA for participating in this public consultation. 

Regulated products service delivery

This is a Consultation on a proposed new Merchant Shipping (Domestic Safety Management (DSM) Code) to revoke and replace the Merchant Shipping (Domestic Passenger Ships) (Safety Management Code) Regulations 2001. The proposal is to update and modernise the safety management standards for domestic passenger ships and remove reliance on obsolete vires in repealed legislation.

The CMA is consulting on a proposed NFC access conduct requirement for Apple’s mobile platform to enable developers to access NFC technology on iOS devices on fair, reasonable, transparent and non-discriminatory terms.

Any non-disclosure agreement a party may have in place with Apple should not prevent them from responding to this consultation. Apple has also confirmed that it will not use any other confidentiality provision with a party to prevent them from responding to this consultation.

This consultation sets out proposals for the implementation of automatic consolidation of deferred small pots through the establishment of consolidator schemes, helping to tackle the increasing number of deferred small pension pots across the pensions system. This Consultation asks a number of questions around these proposals and seeks the views of interested stakeholders.

This consultation sets out the government’s approach to simplifying the Corporate Tax system to support business investment, growth and competitiveness. It identifies areas where stakeholders have raised concerns about complexity, uncertainty and administrative burdens, and explores opportunities for targeted reform. Over the next year, the government will work with stakeholders to develop, prioritise and deliver impactful simplification, refining and testing options before developing detailed proposals for the highest-priority areas.

This is a Consultation on the proposed Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Medical Stores) (Amendment) and Light Dues (Amendment) Regulations 2027 which update the both the Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Medical Stores) Regulations 1995 (“the 1995 Regulations”) and the Merchant Shipping (Light Dues) Regulations 2025 (“the 2025 Regulations”).

The proposed Regulations will update the 1995 Regulations by adding an exemption clause for tailored application of Regulations, accommodating unique circumstances or challenges faced by certain ships or operators.

The proposed Regulations also make an unrelated amendment to the 2025 Regulations to include the Civil Partnership Act 2004 (Amendments to Subordinate Legislation) Order 2005 (“the 2005 Regulations”) as a necessary enabling power. It should be noted that the government is not consulting on the amendments to the Light Dues Regulations, this has been included for information only.

At Budget 2026, the government announced Founders’ Relief, a new Capital Gains Tax (CGT) relief for founders of and significant early investors in high-growth, innovative UK companies.

The relief will apply a 10% rate of CGT to qualifying disposals of shares, up to a lifetime limit of £10 million of gains per individual. This will incentivise those whose records, creativity and resilience in building successful businesses mean they have the potential to deliver even more UK jobs, growth and wider economic benefits in future.

This consultation seeks views on how the proposed individual, company and growth and innovation conditions will work in practice. It also covers administrative and compliance considerations.

The government will use responses to finalise the design, with legislation to be introduced in Finance Bill 2026/27. The relief will apply to qualifying disposals made on or after 6 April 2027.

This consultation sets out the government’s proposals to modernise the UK’s corporate reporting framework, with the objective of supporting economic growth and strengthening the UK’s international competitiveness.

The consultation explores how reporting obligations could be simplified and made more proportionate by:

• clarifying the purpose of corporate reporting
• rationalising thresholds and exemptions
• reducing unnecessary or duplicative requirements

Proposals include changes to:

• the corporate reporting framework
• financial reporting
• non‑financial reporting
• corporate governance
• remuneration reporting

It also includes reforms to support greater use of digital reporting and communications.

This consultation forms part of a wider programme to reduce administrative burdens on business. It invites views on how to deliver a simpler, more coherent and future‑focused reporting framework that is fit for businesses of all sizes. It is open to:

• companies
• investors
• creditors
• other stakeholders

The government is re-consulting on revised draft supplementary guidance on the methodology for considering derogations under OSPAR Decision 98/3. These revisions are in response to public feedback received following our previous consultation in 2025.

This new consultation invites stakeholders’ further comments on the changes and additions to the draft guidance.

The Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED) has:

• clarified the scope of the guidance (for example, the derogation categories)

• separated out what the operator is responsible for (preparing the full removal case), versus OPRED (assessing the full removal case)

• added more detail on what should be included in an operator’s full removal case

• added a substantial new annex containing the assessment criteria OPRED will use when reviewing the full removal case; our decision-making framework for assessing whether full removal is reasonably achievable; and a clearer definition of what we mean by ‘reasonably achievable’

We are not consulting on the overall step methodology of requiring an upfront case of full removal (as it is in line with OSPAR Agreement 2024-04), nor are we are re-consulting on the policy questions previously asked, as these are now closed.

This consultation seeks views on the proposed design of a Wholesale Contracts for Difference (WCfD) scheme for existing low carbon electricity generators in Great Britain. It covers the case for intervention, scheme eligibility, allocation and auction design, commercial arrangements, potential electricity market impacts, and required legislative changes.

It also seeks views on a possible hybrid model for generators accredited under the Renewables Obligation. Responses are welcomed from electricity generators, suppliers, industry bodies, consumer groups, investors, regulators and any other interested stakeholders.

Proposals at a glance

This consultation asks for views on proposed changes to the regulatory framework for Technical Qualifications (TQs), which are necessary to implement the Department for Education’s (DfE’s) policy decisions. We are proposing to introduce new Qualification Level Conditions (QLCs) that require awarding organisations to:

• aggregate overall T Level results and issue certificates
• collect centre declarations of Industry Placement completion and to take reasonable steps to assure themselves that declarations are supported by evidence; we will provide guidance to support this
• comply with DfE’s published subject content

We also propose to:

• issue guidance to ensure that the Industry Placement is included as part of an awarding organisation’s determination of the Total Qualification Time (TQT) for a T Level
• update the review and appeal arrangements for T Levels, to ensure these cover all aspects of the T Level
• remove a reference to awarding organisations publishing exemplification materials of actual student work, to reflect how exemplification materials are used in T Level delivery
• amend our framework to provide for Subject Level Conditions should they be necessary in future to support consistency between awarding organisations offering T Levels in the same subject

Taken together, these changes mean that in future everything that currently makes up a T Level will be delivered by or reported to Ofqual-regulated awarding organisations, with no distinction between the Ofqual-regulated TQ and the wider T Level programme consisting of the TQ and the Industry Placement currently overseen by DfE. To reflect that all parts of the T Level will fall within Ofqual’s regulation, we will rename our ‘TQ Qualification Level Conditions’ to ‘T Level Qualification Level Conditions’ and replace references throughout our regulatory framework accordingly.   

We have published our proposed updated T Level Qualification Levels Conditions, requirements and guidance in part C of this consultation. Additions and amendments to the existing TQ QLCs are highlighted in bold text.

Audience

This consultation is open to anyone who wishes to respond, but we expect it to be of most interest to:

• awarding organisations that currently deliver or are considering delivering T Levels
• representative bodies of those awarding organisations
• schools, colleges and other centres that deliver T Levels, including those that arrange Industry Placements
• employers and their representative bodies involved in Industry Placements or in setting occupational standards
• teachers, assessors and other practitioners involved in delivering or assessing T Levels
• students, parents and carers with an interest in how T Levels are assessed, certificated and quality assured

Duration

This consultation will be open for 6 weeks, opening on Thursday 29 October 2026 and closing at 11:59pm on Thursday 10 December 2026.

Respond online

Responses should be submitted via the online consultation platform at Regulating Technical Qualifications in T Levels.

Other ways to respond

If for exceptional reasons you are unable to use the online consultation platform, for example because you use specialist accessibility software that is incompatible with the platform, you may request an alternative format. Please email [email protected] to request this.

For information on how Ofqual will use and manage your data, please see the Annex.

This consultation seeks to understand whether the draft statutory instrument will effectively deliver the policy proposals set out in the government’s response to the Supported Housing regulation: consultation.

This consultation seeks views on the technical detail of the draft regulations.

It covers:

• the structure and operation of the licensing regime
• the scope of licensing and exemptions
• application, decision-making and enforcement processes, and
• how the regime would operate in practice

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) welcomes views from interested parties including:

• current and prospective rail ticket retail market participants, and their representatives
• investors in the rail ticket retail market
• regional governments
• train operators (publicly funded and open access)

Read more on ORR’s website.

The consultation seeks views from operators, local authorities, passenger groups and other stakeholders on whether current standards remain fit for purpose and how they should evolve to reflect changes in the industry, legislation and technology.

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 introduced changes to the child employment statutory framework in England.

The consultation seeks views on new regulations and statutory guidance, which will replace the current inconsistent and outdated system of local authority byelaws.

The changes will support stronger safeguarding and opportunities for children to engage in safe, appropriate work.

This consultation is aimed at:

• local authorities
• children and young people
• employers
• parents and carers of children and young people
• anyone with an interest in improving outcomes for children and young people

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening severe allergic reaction that is usually sudden in onset and progresses rapidly. Prompt treatment with adrenaline is essential. Schools in England are currently permitted to purchase and hold spare Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (AAIs) for use in emergencies involving pupils known to be at risk of anaphylaxis. Following the authorisation of Adrenaline Nasal Spray (ANS) in July 2025, there is an opportunity to consider whether schools should also be permitted to purchase and hold this alternative adrenaline product.

This consultation seeks views on proposals to amend the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 to allow schools to purchase and hold spare Adrenaline Nasal Sprays alongside Adrenaline Auto-Injectors. The proposed changes would extend the existing legal exemptions for AAIs to ANS, enabling schools to obtain and use it in emergencies without a prescription for a named individual. The aim is to ensure that legislation keeps pace with clinical developments and removes barriers to accessing approved, safe and effective treatments for anaphylaxis in school settings.

The proposal would maintain the existing safeguards that apply to school-held adrenaline products. Spare adrenaline supplies could only be used for pupils known to be at risk of anaphylaxis and administered by appropriately trained school staff. Schools would be able to choose whether to stock Adrenaline Auto-Injectors, Adrenaline Nasal Sprays, or both, and either product could be used in an emergency regardless of which type of adrenaline device the pupil has been prescribed. Updated guidance would support implementation and training, while reinforcing that school-held supplies are a backup measure and not a replacement for pupils carrying their own prescribed medication.

We are seeking feedback from individuals at risk of anaphylaxis, parents, family members and carers, school leaders, teachers, teaching assistants, non-teaching school staff, healthcare professionals, school nurses and members of the public. Feedback will help inform the government’s decision on whether and how to proceed with the proposed legislative changes.

This consultation is intended to seek views on draft legislation to extend Collective Money Purchase pension provision to Retirement Collective Money Purchase Schemes (RCPS).

Part S of the building regulations sets out the requirements for the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in England. These regulations apply to all new buildings and those undergoing major renovations.

However, the EV charge point requirements within part S do not apply to enclosed or open-sided car parks.

This consultation, therefore, seeks views on the following proposals:

• extending the requirement to install EV charge points to covered car parks 
• reviewing the £3,600 cap on installation, considering inflation changes since 2021
• making wider changes to part S, subject to consultation responses

We are also seeking views on measures to improve access to EV charging for tenants and leaseholders in England.

This consultation seeks views on introducing an ‘ability to charge’ to streamline the landowner permissions for tenants and leaseholders installing an electric vehicle (EV) charge point.

We have also launched a consultation that seeks views on changes to building regulations that could increase EV charging provision in new buildings and those undergoing major renovations.

Purpose of the consultation

To seek stakeholder views in England, Northern Ireland and Wales on the clarity of the updates made to the revised guidance, and on our assessment of the impact of this revision.

In particular, we would welcome stakeholder views on whether:

• the guidance provides sufficient information to aid compliance with the law
• best practice advice in the guidance is clearly distinguished from legal requirements
• the guidance is clear and easy to follow
• our assessment of the impact of the updates is sufficient

This consultation will be of most interest to:

• all types of health and social care organisations that provide food to vulnerable groups in England, Northern Ireland and Wales
• retailers, caterers  and manufacturers  who supply food to and within health and social care organisations
• Environmental Health Practitioners, local authorities and district councils

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) is the independent authority responsible for food and feed safety in Scotland and has its own version of this guidance. FSS will consider any changes to this guidance separately as part of their own review.

Details of this consultation

The Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) reducing the risk of vulnerable groups contracting listeriosis guidance has been updated. Find the revised guidance at the bottom of this page. The current version of the guidance is also available to view (PDF).

The updates were based on findings derived from the survey of health and social care setting food businesses on implementation of the FSA listeriosis guidance and feedback from Local Authorities and District Councils.

The guidance does not change existing policy. The main changes, which are listed in the revision history section of the guidance, include (but are not limited to):

• updates to the format to improve accessibility
• updates to legislative references and link addresses throughout the document
• clarifies legal obligations for food businesses operating within health and social care settings
• a new section included on registration of food businesses operating within care settings
• a new section included on incidents within care settings
• updates to the Listeria risky foods list
• review and amendment of best practice boxes where necessary
• inclusion of an additional resource list
• other minor wording amendments

We would welcome views from stakeholders on the changes to the guidance. In particular, whether you agree that the revised guidance is an improvement on the current published version and whether the revised guidance delivers the improvements outlined above.

Impacts

The revised version includes editorial changes and additions to ensure the guidance fully reflects the legislative requirements across England, Northern Ireland and Wales at the time of consultation.

There is no change to policy or science, as the Independent Review of NHS Hospital Food deemed it was fit for purpose.

Updates made are intended to improve clarity and strengthen understanding of how best practice should be applied in health and social care settings to reduce the risk of vulnerable groups contracting listeriosis.

Findings derived from the survey of health and social care setting food businesses on implementation of the FSA listeriosis guidance and from local authorities and district councils identified several key areas for improvement. These included:

• the need to raise awareness of the guidance
• provide more comprehensive information regarding the registration of such settings
• establish a clearer differentiation between statutory legal requirements and recommended best practice standards

These findings were systematically considered throughout the revision process, to address previously identified gaps and areas of ambiguity highlighted by relevant stakeholders.

The FSA has assessed that the changes to the guidance present a relatively short familiarisation period to the intended users of the guidance.

The clarification provided in this updated guidance is expected to benefit users by improving clarity and conciseness, while the incorporation of updated legislation enhances its overall applicability.

How to respond

Use our consultation response form to provide your comments.

If you are unable to submit your response using the online form, then you can submit your response by emailing [email protected]. Use the same questions from the form in your response, and include:

• whether you are responding as a private individual or on behalf of an organisation/company
• the nation in which you are based

Responses

Responses are required by 11.59pm 16 December 2026.

The FSA consultation privacy notice has information about how the FSA handles your personal data.

Further information

If you require a more accessible format of this document, send details to [email protected] and your request will be considered.

This consultation has been prepared in accordance with HM Government consultation principles.

In Scotland this guidance is promoted by Food Standards Scotland.

Please note that the Welsh-language version of this guidance will be updated after the consultation. When responding, please refer to the English versions.

Thank you on behalf of the Food Standards Agency for participating in this public consultation.

The Employment Rights Act 2025 makes several changes to the statutory protections against fire and rehire, and fire and replace practices (dismissal and re-engagement).

The government is now updating the code of practice on dismissal and re-engagement (‘the code’) to reflect the legislative changes.

The government has redrafted the existing version of the code and is now seeking views on these changes before the code is finalised and brought into effect.

Proposals at a glance

In June 2026, Ofqual introduced new Criteria for Recognition for V Level, Foundation Certificate and Occupational Certificate qualifications. The new criteria are designed to support the safe introduction of these new national qualifications, to ensure that awarding organisations seeking recognition have the capacity, capability and governance required to deliver the first tranche of the new qualifications.

When we introduced the Criteria for Recognition for V Levels, Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates, we committed to review our approach to recognition in time for the second tranche of the new qualifications (those that will be first taught in September 2028).

This consultation seeks views on Ofqual’s proposals to:

• For V Levels, retain the Criteria for Recognition for V Levels, at least until first award of the new qualifications, and
• For Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates, revert to using the original Criteria for Recognition for the second tranche of the new qualifications onwards

Audience

This consultation is open to anyone who may wish to make representation but may be of most interest to:

• awarding organisations that intend to offer V Levels, Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates, and their representative bodies
• schools, colleges, students, and their representative bodies
• further and higher education institutions and their representative bodies
• employers and their representative bodies

Consultation arrangements

Duration

This consultation will open on 5 November 2026 at 9:30am and end on 17 December 2026 at 11:59pm.

Respond online

Responses should be submitted through the online consultation platform.

Other ways to respond

If for exceptional reasons you are unable to use the online consultation platform, for example because you use specialist accessibility software that is incompatible with the platform, you may request an alternative format. Please email [email protected] to request this. For information on how Ofqual will use and manage your data, please see the annex.

Bus and coach drivers aged 18 and 19 can only carry passengers on regular services under 50km in the UK. Operators have stated that this restricts their ability to recruit young drivers and address driver shortages.

The government is, therefore, seeking views on whether the current restrictions should be amended. Any changes would need to balance opportunities for young people and the needs of the sector with maintaining high standards of road safety. The consultation does not propose a preferred option and seeks views on a range of potential approaches.

We are considering 3 options for amending licensing restrictions for bus and coach drivers in this age group:

• keep the current restrictions but allow 18- and 19-year-old drivers who undertake additional training to drive non-regular services and regular services over 50km
• remove the current restrictions and require operators to use technology to monitor 18- and 19-year-olds
• remove the current restrictions and publish guidance for 18- and 19-year-old bus and coach drivers and their employers

The government could implement one or more of these options, as elements of the different options could be combined.

As part of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, Awaab’s Law will be extended to cover private rented sector tenancies. It can also be applied to accommodation occupied under licence in both the private rented and social rented sectors. This consultation seeks views on how to do this in a way that is fair, proportionate and effective for both tenants and landlords.

There are 3 parts to this consultation.

Part 1 is about applying Awaab’s Law to private rented tenancies.

Part 2 is about applying Awaab’s Law to accommodation occupied under licence. This includes:

• supported housing
• temporary accommodation for homeless households
• care leaver accommodation

Part 3 is about the impacts and costs of applying Awaab’s Law. Most questions in this part seek specific evidence from landlords, licensors and agents. However, the final question (question 64) provides an chance for everyone to give their views on impacts and costs.

This consultation seeks views on proposals for a consistent baseline of cyber security for public electric vehicle (EV) charge points sold in Great Britain (GB).

Our proposals include:

• requiring public EV charge points sold or installed in GB to comply with the cyber security standard ETSI 303 645 (PDF)
• potentially allowing an alternative compliance route through the cyber security standard EN 18031
• requiring public EV charge points sold or installed in GB to be built with physical anti-tamper protections
• requiring public EV charge points sold or installed in GB to be fitted with electricity meters that comply with the Measuring Instruments Regulations (2016)

The draft Regulations set out the conditions that businesses must meet if they wish to use a mass balance approach to account for chemically recycled plastic for Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) purposes from 1 April 2027. The draft reference document sets out the methodology for applying dual-use factors where required. Both should be read alongside the relevant provisions of the Finance Act 2021, as amended by the Finance Act 2026, in particular sections 49, 49A and 49B.

This technical consultation seeks views on the drafting and technical application of the draft Regulations and reference document to ensure they deliver the policy as intended. This consultation may be of interest to:

• businesses intending to use a mass balance approach to account for chemically recycled plastic for PPT purposes
• businesses in the supply chain that may need to obtain certification
• certification bodies and certification scheme operators intending to provide schemes that meet the minimum PPT requirements

The draft secondary legislation sets out the detailed provisions and conditions for using a mass balance approach under a certification scheme to account for chemically recycled plastic for PPT purposes. This includes requirements relating to attribution methodology, certification, auditing, monitoring and record keeping. The draft Regulations also provide for further operational detail to be specified in notices published at a later date. In general, these are expected to reflect relevant industry and ISO standards.

The reference document, ‘Dual-Use Factors for Refinery and Petrochemical Output Products’, covers the classification of output products, how to determine the dual-use factor (DUF) for each output product and the use of default values where appropriate. The default values will be confirmed before the final legislation and reference document are published.

We want to know what you think about a proposal to phase out carbon dioxide stunning of pigs.

We are asking for views on a proposal to ban the use of carbon dioxide for stunning of pigs in slaughterhouses and knackers yards. We are also asking for views on the transition period before any proposed ban might come into force.

We also want to gather more information on the impacts on industry.

This consultation seeks views on initial policy proposals for the implementation of guided retirement across both contract-based and trust-based pension providers.

The government is committed to introducing provisions to ensure that individuals saving into a defined contribution workplace pension no longer have to make complex decisions about how to access their pension benefits. This consultation represents initial policy thinking on requirements to be set out in:

• secondary legislation under the guided retirement provisions (Part 2, Chapter 6) of the Pension Schemes Act 2026 and
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules which aim to, so far as is possible, achieve the same outcomes.

The consultation seeks views on the effectiveness, feasibility and practical implementation of these proposals.

The policy proposals within this consultation have been developed in close collaboration between the Department for Work and Pensions, HM Treasury, the FCA, and The Pensions Regulator.

The government has also published draft regulations for Retirement Collective Pension Schemes for consultation.

This consultation seeks views on initial policy proposals for the implementation of guided retirement across both contract-based and trust-based pension providers.

The government is committed to introducing provisions to ensure that individuals saving into a defined contribution workplace pension no longer have to make complex decisions about how to access their pension benefits. This consultation represents initial policy thinking on requirements to be set out in:

• secondary legislation under the guided retirement provisions (Part 2, Chapter 6) of the Pension Schemes Act 2026 and
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules which aim to, so far as is possible, achieve the same outcomes.

The consultation seeks views on the effectiveness, feasibility and practical implementation of these proposals.

The policy proposals within this consultation have been developed in close collaboration between the Department for Work and Pensions, HM Treasury, the FCA, and The Pensions Regulator.

The government has also published draft regulations for Retirement Collective Pension Schemes for consultation.

The purpose of this consultation is to seek views on a package of proposals to increase the public value of HM Land Registry (HMLR) data and improve access to land ownership information, while ensuring appropriate safeguards are in place. The proposals cover new ownership datasets, changes to access and charging arrangements, public interest access, accelerating land registration, and potential powers to restrict access to information where there is evidence of a significant risk of harm.

How to respond

We strongly encourage responses via the online survey. Using the online survey greatly assists our analysis of the responses, enabling more efficient and effective consideration of the issues raised. If it is not possible for you to use the online survey, you can respond through email or a written response.

The purpose of this consultation is to seek views on a package of proposals to increase the public value of HM Land Registry (HMLR) data and improve access to land ownership information, while ensuring appropriate safeguards are in place. The proposals cover new ownership datasets, changes to access and charging arrangements, public interest access, accelerating land registration, and potential powers to restrict access to information where there is evidence of a significant risk of harm.

How to respond

We strongly encourage responses via the online survey. Using the online survey greatly assists our analysis of the responses, enabling more efficient and effective consideration of the issues raised. If it is not possible for you to use the online survey, you can respond through email or a written response.

This consultation seeks views on proposals to simplify HM Land Registry’s Scale 2 registration fees. The proposed approach would replace the current Scale 2 fee structure with a fixed fee model, providing a simpler and more predictable way of charging for registration services. The consultation also seeks preliminary views on the potential for future simplification of Scale 1 fees. We welcome responses from anyone with an interest in HM Land Registry’s fees and services, including conveyancers, solicitors, lenders, professional and representative bodies, business and members of the public who use or are affected by registration services.

This consultation seeks views on proposals to simplify HM Land Registry’s Scale 2 registration fees. The proposed approach would replace the current Scale 2 fee structure with a fixed fee model, providing a simpler and more predictable way of charging for registration services. The consultation also seeks preliminary views on the potential for future simplification of Scale 1 fees. We welcome responses from anyone with an interest in HM Land Registry’s fees and services, including conveyancers, solicitors, lenders, professional and representative bodies, business and members of the public who use or are affected by registration services.

This consultation seeks views on proposed updates to the ecodesign requirements for industrial fans in Great Britain. The aim is to update the current requirements (Commission Regulation (EU) 327/2011) with new standards aligned with the EU Regulation (EU) 2024/1834, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2025/2481, in order to:

• increase minimum energy performance standards for industrial fans
• revise the definitions of industrial fans in scope of the regulations
• improve product information requirements to support informed consumer choice
• update resource efficiency requirements to support a circular economy

The consultation is aimed at:

• manufacturers and their authorised representatives
• importers
• retailers
• trade bodies
• consumer groups
• environmental organisations
• other civil society organisations

Read our consultation privacy notice.

This consultation seeks views on proposed updates to the ecodesign regulations for standby in Great Britain.

The aim is to replace and update the current regulations (1275/2008 and 107/2009) with new standards aligned with the EU Regulation (EU) 2023/826, in order to:

• enhance energy consumption efficiency of electrical and electronic household and office equipment
• reduce energy demand and cut bills
• strengthen the regulatory framework

The consultation is aimed at:

• manufacturers and their authorised representatives
• importers
• retailers
• trade bodies
• consumer groups
• environmental organisations
• civil society organisations

Read our consultation privacy notice.

This is the Environment Agency’s first consultation on new environmental permitting exemption proposals ahead of gaining new powers to make, revise and revoke exemptions.

Exemptions specify activities that do not require an environmental permit and pose lower risks than permitted activities. There are 2 types: those that require registration and those that do not. Exemptions exist in 4 classes of facility:

• waste operations
• water discharge activities
• groundwater activities
• flood risk activities

This consultation seeks your views on 7 proposed new exemptions. This is to help us understand:

• whether we have correctly identified the risks

• whether compliance with the conditions and limitations ensure that the risks to the environment and human health are reduced to an acceptable level for each activity

• how we should apply the new exemptions

We want to make sure that the exemptions work for you and your industry but also provide the necessary protection to the environment and human health.

The process to create new exemptions will be made possible by forthcoming amendments to the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.

This consultation seeks views on proposals to introduce licensing for shared cycle and e-cycle hire schemes in England.

It sets out how a licensing framework could operate, including proposals on:

• parking
• fleet management
• data sharing
• enforcement
• fees
• licensing processes

This consultation seeks views on reforming the process known as the Crichel Down Rules.

This is the process of giving former owners of land acquired by, or under the threat of, use of a compulsory purchase power, the opportunity to repurchase surplus land from disposing authorities.

Resource Frameworks (previously known as Quality Protocols) set out end of waste criteria for producing and using products from specific waste streams. They help ensure that fully recovered waste-derived products can be used safely and appropriately, support the circular economy, and increase confidence in the quality of materials made from waste.

We are consulting on the draft Resource Framework for Aggregate from Inert Waste, which has been developed in partnership with the United Resource Operators Consortium (UROC), CL:AIRE and Network Rail through a technical advisory group (TAG). The TAG membership was deliberately kept small to enable the framework to be developed efficiently and reach this consultation stage.

Now that the TAG process has concluded and a draft Resource Framework has been produced, we want your views on the proposed framework, the approach taken to develop it, and whether you agree that the requirements for achieving end of waste status have been met. Your feedback will help inform our decision on the final Resource Framework and its requirements.

We are not consulting on the principles of the end of waste test, which remain unchanged.

The government is consulting on targeted reforms to the employment status framework for employment rights. The consultation seeks views on proposals to: 

• place less emphasis on personal service when determining worker status
• improve compliance with the employment status framework, including through a presumption of worker status and enforcement measures
• strengthen protections for the self-employed, including through written statements, blacklisting protections and health and safety protections

The consultation also seeks views on how these proposals could operate in practice.

The National Policy Statement (NPS) will apply to data centre projects requesting direction into, and submitting applications under, the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project regime.

Why we are consulting 

This consultation seeks views on the draft NPS for Data Centres. This NPS guides technical assessments, examinations by the Planning Inspectorate, and decisions made by the relevant Secretary of State on applications for development consent for data centres under the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) consenting regime. 

Consultation details 

Audiences

This is a public consultation and open to any individual or organisation. 

We particularly seek views from: 

• data centre operators and developers 
• infrastructure providers and experts 
• local planning authorities and strategic authorities 
• local communities in areas where data centre development exists or is being considered 
• any other stakeholder groups with an interest in data centre development.

The Public Sector Equality Duty analysis has identified no negative impacts or risks that this policy will lead to less accessibility for any demographic group. Clearer, better informed and more consistent assessment and decision-making on data centre developments will help to ensure better assessment and decision making. We will continue to update this analysis as the policy develops, following consultation. 

Territorial extent

The geographical scope of this consultation is England. The NPS may be of material consideration for decisions made in Scotland and Wales. 

How to respond to this consultation  

Your response will be most useful if it is framed in direct response to the questions posed, though further comments and evidence are also welcome.  

Submit your responses online.  When responding, state whether you are responding as an individual or representing the views of an organisation.  

In exceptional circumstances, if you need to submit a hard copy or require another format (for example, braille or large font) send an email request to: [email protected].  

Confidentiality and data protection  

Information you provide in response to this consultation, including personal information, may be disclosed in accordance with the following UK legislation:

• Freedom of Information Act 2000
• Data Protection Act 2018
• Environmental Information Regulations 2004

If you want the information that you provide to be treated as confidential, please tell us, but be aware that we cannot guarantee confidentiality in all circumstances. An automatic confidentiality disclaimer generated by your IT system will not be regarded by us as a confidentiality request.  

We will process your personal data in accordance with all applicable data protection laws. Your responses may be analysed and summarised using technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to help us to handle consultation responses efficiently and accurately. Review our privacy policy.  

Quality assurance  

This consultation has been carried out in accordance with the government’s consultation principles.  

If you have any complaints about the way this consultation has been conducted, you can email: [email protected].

This consultation seeks views on the operation of the whistleblowing framework in the Employment Rights Act 1996 and on options for reforms. It also seeks views on the design of a proposed Serious Fraud Office (SFO) scheme to provide financial rewards to individuals who report economic crime, and on associated criminal offences.

The whistleblowing framework in the Employment Rights Act 1996 applies in England, Wales and Scotland. The SFO, by contrast, has jurisdiction in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but not Scotland. However, under the proposed incentive scheme, individuals could be eligible for a financial reward regardless of where they are located or where the information originated, provided they meet the scheme’s eligibility criteria.

This consultation seeks views on the operation of the whistleblowing framework in the Employment Rights Act 1996 and on options for reforms. It also seeks views on the design of a proposed Serious Fraud Office (SFO) scheme to provide financial rewards to individuals who report economic crime, and on associated criminal offences.

The whistleblowing framework in the Employment Rights Act 1996 applies in England, Wales and Scotland. The SFO, by contrast, has jurisdiction in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but not Scotland. However, under the proposed incentive scheme, individuals could be eligible for a financial reward regardless of where they are located or where the information originated, provided they meet the scheme’s eligibility criteria.

This consultation seeks views on the proposed introduction of a Fixed Price Certificate (FPC) system to replace the current tradable certificate arrangements under the Renewables Obligation. It asks stakeholders for input on key aspects of the proposed design, including how certificates would be priced and paid, how supplier levies would be set and collected, reconciliation processes, measures to ensure system stability, and how the transition from the existing scheme would be managed. 

The consultation is aimed at a wide range of stakeholders, particularly: 

• renewable electricity generators currently supported under the RO 
• renewable electricity developers and investors 
• electricity suppliers, traders and intermediaries 
• energy sector businesses and investors 
• consumer and environmental groups 
• other stakeholders with an interest in electricity market policy and scheme design

Read our consultation privacy notice.

The government is proposing that high-risk cosmetic and wellbeing procedures, including cosmetic surgery and certain injectable and laser treatments, should only be carried out by specified, qualified healthcare professionals.

Under the proposals, such procedures could only be performed by doctors, dentists and independent prescribing nurses, midwives or pharmacists. Cosmetic surgery, including the liquid Brazilian butt lift (BBL), would be restricted to doctors only.

Procedures would also be restricted to people aged 18 and over, with exceptions for NHS provision or where a healthcare professional is treating a medical condition.

Breaching these regulations would be a criminal offence, with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) taking enforcement action against providers who fail to comply.

We are consulting on:

• whether you agree or disagree with these proposals
• which procedures and professional groups should be included
• what effect the changes would have on you, your business or the people you work with

At Budget 2025, the government confirmed that it is considering the impacts and feasibility of including refinery products in CBAM in future. This consultation is the next stage of that ongoing assessment.

This consultation is being undertaken jointly by His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and His Majesty’s Treasury (HMT).

The government invites views from interested parties, including the importers and their agents, other businesses, individuals, tax advisers, trade and professional bodies and other interested parties, including those overseas.

Responses to the response form will be shared between HMRC and HMT.

At Budget 2025, the government confirmed that it is considering the impacts and feasibility of including refinery products in CBAM in future. This consultation is the next stage of that ongoing assessment.

This consultation is being undertaken jointly by His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and His Majesty’s Treasury (HMT).

The government invites views from interested parties, including the importers and their agents, other businesses, individuals, tax advisers, trade and professional bodies and other interested parties, including those overseas.

Responses to the response form will be shared between HMRC and HMT.

This consultation seeks views from businesses, agents, software providers and other stakeholders on the opportunities, risks, costs and safeguards associated with E-Invoicing Digital Reporting.

The consultation forms part of the government’s wider work to modernise tax administration and follows the publication of the e-invoicing implementation roadmap. It is intended to gather evidence and stakeholder views to inform future policy development.

The government has not taken any decisions on whether E-Invoicing Digital Reporting should be introduced or how any future approach might operate.

This consultation seeks views on proposals to reform the reporting of property income data to HMRC by letting agents and tenancy deposit scheme providers.

The government is considering changes to the information that should be reported, the use of tax identifiers, reporting frequency and timeliness, and how any future reporting requirements could be implemented in a proportionate and effective way.

The proposals aim to improve the quality, consistency and timeliness of property income data available to HMRC, helping taxpayers get their tax right, supporting digital services and improving tax administration.

At Budget 2026 the government announced that it will make machine suppliers liable for MGD on supplier-owned machines operated under profit-share arrangements from 1 April 2028. Premises operators will remain liable where they own the machine outright or use it under a fixed rental or lease arrangement and control the takings.  

This consultation seeks views on implementation, including whether the distinctions are clear and workable, business impacts, administrative requirements, unintended consequences and transitional arrangements. It does not seek views on MGD rates, machine stake and prize limits, or any wider gambling tax reform.  

This consultation will be of particular interest to gaming machine rental companies, pubs, clubs, family entertainment centres, adult gaming centres, arcades, bingo halls, casinos and bookmakers.

From 1 January 2029, the current non-codified sovereign immunity from direct tax regime will be modernised with a new sovereign tax status. The sovereign tax status regime will put the UK taxation of sovereigns on a statutory footing for the first time to improve transparency, and the sustainability of the regime. Under this new regime, foreign sovereigns will be primarily brought into the charge to UK tax on certain UK real estate income and gains but given bespoke access to the Real Estate Investment Trust regime with provision for a 15% rate on income and gains from both controlled and uncontrolled UK real estate investments. Investment management activities undertaken by sovereign investment offices and gains arising to State-operated Overseas Pension Funds will also be exempt from tax. This document sets out the proposed new regime and invites comment from those affected by 20 January 2027.

The government is consulting on controls for activities involving high-strength nicotine. We welcome views from manufacturers, suppliers, importers, transport providers and other affected organisations.

The consultation covers the nicotine threshold, controlled activities, exemptions, approval conditions, record-keeping, enforcement and implementation. Responses will inform the final policy design and future legislation.

This consultation seeks views on whether the draft guidance succeeds in providing a balanced and practical explanation of the existing framework and whether any aspect would benefit from clarification, amendment, additional supporting evidence or further examples.

The government and the technical working group consider that the draft guidance has the potential to provide a useful reference point for trustees, advisers and others involved in pension scheme investment decision-making. However, it is important that any final guidance benefits from further evidence, expertise and practical experience from across the pensions sector.

This consultation will be of most interest to the following Northern Ireland stakeholders: 

• Environmental Health Officers / Enforcement Bodies 

• Manufacturers and suppliers of materials and articles intended to come into contact with food 

• Food Business Operators (FBOs) involved in the purchasing, using or placing food contact materials on the market 

• Consumers 

Purpose of the consultation 

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) in Northern Ireland is responsible for developing and implementing policy on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.  

This consultation seeks views on proposals to update and consolidate Northern Ireland’s legislative framework for the implementation and enforcement of applicable EU food contact materials requirements. These include requirements relating to plastics, recycled plastics, bisphenol A, and restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and certain heavy metals in food-contact packaging. 

The objective is to ensure that all materials and articles intended to come into contact with food are safe, do not pose risks to human health, and do not adversely affect the composition or sensory qualities of food. 

The proposed amendments will also enable effective enforcement of these requirements in Northern Ireland, extend the application of Improvement Notices to new and amended requirements, and ensure that enforcement authorities have the necessary powers to take appropriate action.  

Stakeholder feedback is invited to inform the finalisation of these regulatory changes and to support the continued safety and integrity of the food supply in Northern Ireland.

Capital allowances — new 40% first-year allowance

At Budget 2025, the government announced a 40% first-year allowance for qualifying expenditure incurred on plant or machinery on or after 1 January 2026.

We’ll update the Corporation Tax online service in April 2027 to support the new allowance by including 2 new boxes on form CT600.

To claim the relief before then, you can use the existing capital allowance boxes on form CT600. Use:

• boxes 725 or 750 for claim amounts
• box 760 for qualifying expenditure

If you do not need to report this new relief, you can file online in the normal way.

First-year allowance for zero-emission cars and electric charge points

The 100% first-year allowance for qualifying expenditure on zero-emission cars and electric vehicle charge points has been extended to 31 March 2027 for Corporation Tax purposes.

A small number of companies may not be able to report their claim for these allowances in the relevant CT600 boxes if they both:

• have an accounting period starting on or after 1 April 2026
• intend to submit their tax return before 1 April 2027

We’ll update the Corporation Tax online service in April 2027 to support the extended period for claiming these first-year allowances.

If you need to submit a claim for an accounting period beginning before 1 April 2026, you can continue to use the existing boxes:

• zero-emission cars (boxes 726 and 751)
• electric vehicle charge points (boxes 713 and 737)

If you need to submit a claim for an accounting period beginning on or after 1 April 2026, report your claim in boxes 725 and 750 (other allowances and charges) for both the:

• zero-emission car allowance
• electric vehicle charge point allowance

Research and Development expenditure credit (RDEC) claims

HMRC introduced the Submit information to support your Research and Development (R&D) claim form on 8 August 2023. You must submit this for all claims for Research and Development (R&D) tax relief or expenditure credit.

Research and Development expenditure credit claims which are exempt from the PAYE cap

The merged scheme R&D expenditure credit and enhanced R&D intensive support replaced the old RDEC and small and medium-sized enterprise schemes for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2024.

We are aware of an issue with the validation for the new boxes allowing customers to claim exemption from the PAYE cap under the merged scheme.

A company can only claim to be exempt if they’re creating or managing intellectual property under section CTA09/S1112E of the Corporation Tax Act (CTA) 2009.

If you’re claiming an exemption, make sure the amount entered in box L75 equals the amount entered in box L70. This is so the amount of step 3 restriction is carried forward to the next accounting period in box L80 is ‘0’.

We’ll update the service in April 2027 to fix this issue.

Creative industries

HMRC introduced the Support your claim for creative industry tax reliefs form on 1 April 2024. You must submit this for all claims for creative industry tax reliefs or creative industry expenditure credits alongside the Company Tax Return.

The Corporation Tax online service has now been updated to support the supplementary page CT600P. If you’re claiming one or more of the creative reliefs and credits, you must include the CT600P with your return. This applies to both new and amended claims.

Cultural Reliefs and Film, High End TV, Children’s TV, Animation and Video Games tax relief

We are aware of an issue with the validation which impacts a small number of customers claiming one or both of the reliefs for Cultural reliefs and Film, High End TV, Children’s TV, Animation and Video Games reliefs, and:

• have no losses to surrender in column D
• are not claiming any tax relief in column E

The entry in column E must be less than the entry in column D. The service will not accept a zero in both of these columns for boxes P260 to P305.

In these cases you should enter £1.00 in column D so your return can be accepted. This will not affect the validity of your claim.

The service will be updated in April 2027 to fix this issue.

The sections of the CT600P relating to Audio-Visual and Video Games Expenditure Credit are not affected.

Loans to participators

At Budget 2025, the rate of tax payable under the loans to participators regime was increased from 33.75% to 35.75%. The new rate will apply to loans made or benefits conferred on or after 6 April 2026.

Find more information in the Corporation Tax Act 2010 section 455 and Corporation Tax Act 2010 section 464A.

The Corporation Tax online service will be updated to reflect this change on 6 April 2027.

If the new rate applies to your company and you need to file before 6 April 2027, you’ll need to amend your return after 6 April 2027 to reflect the new rate.

New requirements for Company Tax Return computation format

Most companies need to include a computation when submitting their Company Tax Return. This computation:

• is typically generated by your accounting software
• includes the necessary eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) tagging

HMRC is developing a standardised format for the computation. This is to improve consistency, support better quality data and provide clear expectations for software developers, agents, and businesses.

Published specifications:

We have published the first specifications for 2 areas of the computation:

• accounts adjustments
• capital allowances

We will not require computations to be submitted in this format until phase 2 of the work to develop the requirements has been completed, and a timetable for the changes has been confirmed.

Timeline for implementation

We’re working with software developers, accountants, business groups and businesses to decide what information will be needed. Before any requirement becomes mandatory, we’ll explain when you need to use the new format, and how to use it. We’ll also provide enough time for software developers, agents and businesses to prepare for the changes.

What you need to do

For more information about the proposed requirements, read the file CT Computations Format. You should treat this as an information document while we continue to develop the requirements.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is reviewing the release times for its market sensitive economic statistics. The review will consider whether the current arrangements continue to best serve the public good, support user needs and align with the principles of trustworthiness, quality and value set out in the  Code of Practice for Statistics.  

Most official statistics are released at 0930 in line with the Code of Practice for Statistics. Since March 2020, ONS market sensitive economic statistics have been released at an alternative release time of 0700, as requested under the Code of Practice for Statistics and agreed by the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR). 

This alternative time was originally a response to the practical restrictions and increased risk brought on by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including the need to suspend secure ‘lock-in’ briefings for accredited newswires. It also reflected operational constraints on the ONS website at the time, the impact of which were reduced if the ONS published market sensitive statistics outside of trading hours. There has subsequently been a programme of work to improve the operational performance of the ONS website and ensure reliable access at the point of release. 

In July 2026, the trading hours for Sterling Overnight Index Average (SONIA) futures and long gilt futures traded on ICE Futures Europe were extended to open at 0100 and close at 2100. As a result, market sensitive ONS statistics are now released while the relevant futures contracts are trading. Other major UK financial markets, including the London Stock Exchange and the gilt market, open after the 0700 release time.  

Ahead of this change, the ONS reviewed its website and information dissemination operations and concluded that performance was much improved, with the risks of releasing market sensitive statistics into open markets consequently reduced. Experience during July and August 2026 has supported this judgement, with website traffic increasing slightly compared with previous periods but remaining well within operational capacity. 

The ONS committed to review the case for an 0700 release time by the end of 2026, and to gather a wide range of user views as part of that review. This consultation will inform a recommendation about future release times for market sensitive economic statistics and whether the ONS continues to request an alternative release time (that is any time other than 0930) to the OSR.  

This consultation seeks evidence on the impact of different release times on users and stakeholders. We are asking for views on the 0930 standard release time but having previously heard the case for an earlier time, we are also asking for views on alternative release times of 0700 and 0830. However, we are open to suggestions of other times. 

Responses will be considered alongside other factors including our obligation to ensure equal access to data, promote public understanding and accessibility of the statistics (including through media coverage and reach), the impact on financial markets functioning including the timing of releases relative to other significant regular market events, and operational considerations. In parallel with this consultation, we are exploring the case for reintroducing ONS secure ‘lock in’ briefings for financial news wires ahead of the release of market sensitive economic statistics to aid communication at the point of publication.  

Respondents should note that some economic statistics released by other official statistics producers but related to ONS statistics are also currently released at 0700. We are working in collaboration with them and will share relevant responses to this consultation with HM Revenue and Customs, the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, Scottish Government and the Welsh Government to enable them to review their practices. We will also seek their views as producers of such statistics. 

Details  

We are interested in understanding:  

• how you use market sensitive economic statistics  

• your views on potential release time options, including how different release times affect your ability to access, analyse or respond to the statistics and the impact of these options on financial markets  

• any other considerations the ONS should consider when making a recommendation

We would like to hear your views on the proposed regulation amendments.

Changes to the TPS regulations are necessary to adjust the member contribution rates following the most recent valuation.

Further amendments are also required to clarify existing provisions, align the regulations with Department for Education policy and ensure the scheme continues to operate as intended.

This consultation seeks responses from those likely to be affected by the proposed regulations.

This consultation seeks views on the proposed continuation of 3.25% per annum as the rate of revaluation applied to fixed rate revaluation of Guaranteed Minimum Pensions (GMPs) for early leavers. This rate, subject to consultation responses, would apply to contracted-out members who leave pensionable service in the period 6 April 2027 to 5 April 2032.

Who this consultation is aimed at 

This consultation is mainly aimed at pension administrators and employers who sponsor formerly contracted-out defined benefit occupational pension schemes.

However, the government also welcomes comments from:

• pension industry professionals
• pension schemes
• trustees
• pension scheme members
• member representative organisations and any other interested parties

Government response 

We will publish the government response to the consultation on GOV.UK. The report will summarise the responses and set out the government’s reasoning behind our final decision on the appropriate rate that should be applied.

This consultation seeks views on the proposed draft regulations that provide for the conversion of Guaranteed Minimum Pensions (GMPs) into other scheme benefits. The changes are intended to help formerly contracted-out occupational pension schemes convert their GMPs as a part of a Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) conversion exercise. These regulations seek to provide certainty around the process and steps schemes must follow. In particular, the regulations are intended to help those pensions schemes which plan to use the conversion methodology to fulfil their obligation to equalise people’s pensions because of the impact of historic GMP rules.  

The draft regulations have been designed in close conjunction with the pensions industry.

Who this consultation is aimed at 

This consultation is aimed at: 

• trustees and managers of formerly contracted-out pension schemes
• sponsoring employers
• pension industry professionals
• pension scheme members
• member representative organisations
• any other interested parties

Government response 

We will aim to publish the government response to the consultation on GOV.UK.

This consultation seeks views on a new methodology for the 3 sets of statistics about land use in England.

These statistics are:

• Land use in England
• Land use change: new residential addresses
• Land use change: hectarage

We are considering how best to rebuild the land use statistics on Ordnance Survey’s National Geographic Database in a way that meets user needs.

The consultation presents our proposed approach and seeks views on its key features and implications.

There are no catch limit changes proposed for November.

If you have any concerns or suggested changes, please contact us using the details below:

Katie James: 07747638655

Jacob Bestwick: 07469443840

[email protected]

The Capacity Market (CM) is the UK government’s main tool for ensuring continued security of electricity supply. The CM provides incentives for all forms of capacity, including generation, storage, consumer-led flexibility and interconnection to be on the system to deliver when needed. Agreements secured under CM auctions provide revenue streams which support investment in electricity capacity which in turn ensures security of supply.

Since its inception, the CM has evolved to reflect policy and market changes. Achieving clean power by 2030 will require a renewables-led, decarbonised system supported by a diverse portfolio of flexible technologies to balance supply and demand, with the CM playing a key role in securing this capacity.  

To maintain security of supply, it is essential that procured capacity is reliable and deliverable. This consultation outlines proposals to strengthen assurance of delivery, improve CM Rules accessibility, and build on previous changes relating to consumer-led flexibility (CLF). 

The consultation includes proposals to address the following:  

• delivery assurance framework: strengthening confidence that capacity will deliver when required. This includes enhanced testing and more stringent data requirements 
• consumer-led flexibility: CLF is referenced as Demand Side Response (DSR) in CM legislation. Proposals seek to determine a more accurate DSR de-rating methodology and address secondary trading behaviours. A further proposal introduces mitigations against termination events where data flows cannot be established in a timely manner for which the Capacity Provider is not responsible
• further administrative and operational improvements to the Capacity Market: clarifications and amendments to improve transparency, consistency, and enforceability of the Rules

Following this consultation, the government will consider the responses received before deciding which changes, if any, to introduce ahead of Prequalification 2027 for the auctions in 2028, subject to parliamentary time. 

The consultation is open to anyone to respond to, but will be of particular interest to:  

• energy industry  
• consumer groups   
• academia   
• think tanks   
• other organisations who have an interest in security of supply and decarbonisation

Read our consultation privacy notice.

The Office for Equality and Opportunity is seeking views on how we can deliver a comprehensive reform of the current equal pay framework so that it works better for workers, businesses, and the justice system.

We are seeking views on proposals to fix the areas of the system that are currently falling short. We are also seeking views on how we can address gaps and inconsistencies in the framework currently affecting disabled people, those from ethnic minority groups, and outsourced workers. 

We are inviting responses from anyone interested in or affected by these issues. We particularly welcome views from those who may be most affected by the different measures relating to pay discrimination policy, including:

• employers
• trade unions
• public sector bodies
• women’s sector, race and disability stakeholders 
• legal experts and practitioners, including HR and pay and reward specialists
• individuals with lived experience of pay discrimination

The responses to this consultation will be used to inform our next steps.

How to respond

We encourage you to respond online if possible.

Please read the consultation document.

Then submit your responses online.

Please email [email protected] if:

• you would like to respond via email
• you have any other enquiries specifically relating to this consultation including requests for the document in an alternative format

If you would like to respond by post, please mark your correspondence ‘equal pay consultation response’ and send it to the postal address.

If you have any complaints or comments about the consultation process you should contact the Cabinet Office. 

If you are filling out this survey on behalf of another person

You may complete this survey for someone else – for example, to assist someone who requested an alternative format. If you do this:

• you must have their explicit consent to do so
• you must consult with them directly throughout the process to ensure the answers accurately reflect their views
• you must not guess or assume the answers to any demographic questions (such as sex, age, ethnicity and experience of long-term conditions or illnesses) – the person you are assisting must select their own categories, and you should only record the specific options they choose 

Extra copies and alternative formats

Alternative formats of this consultation are available in the Documents section, including:

• BSL
• Easy Read
• HTML
• large print
• web-accessible PDF
• Welsh translation

The duration of this consultation has been extended to 15 weeks to account for some alternative formats being published later.

Please contact us for paper copies or alternative formats of this consultation document.

Braille and Audio CD are also available on request. 

Requests for alternative formats can be made via post, email or telephone at 0808 175 6420.

We want to hear your thoughts on a proposed Environmental Delivery Plan (EDP).

EDPs are designed to address the impacts of development on specific sites and species, and are a key component of the Nature Restoration Fund.

This EDP is the first of its kind, and aims to:

• safeguard water quality and habitats from nutrient pollution arising from development
• shape how development can contribute to environmental recovery
• influence a long-term approach to protecting these SACs

The focus of this EDP

This EDP focuses on nutrient pollution caused by development, which leads to increased levels of nitrates and phosphates from wastewater and runoff, ultimately harming aquatic environments.

The EDP will explain:

• how development contributes to nutrient levels
• the risks this creates for protected habitats
• the conservation measures proposed to address the environmental impacts

Your feedback

We’re seeking views from residents, developers, environmental groups and the general public.

We want your feedback on:

• the approach and evidence used
• the proposed conservation actions
• opportunities to strengthen and improve the plan

Your input will help shape how these areas are protected and improved for the future. To contribute to the consultation, use our questionnaire to share your views.

We want to hear your thoughts on a proposed Environmental Delivery Plan (EDP).

EDPs are designed to address the impacts of development on specific sites and species, and are a key component of the Nature Restoration Fund.

This EDP is the first of its kind, and aims to:

• safeguard water quality and habitats from nutrient pollution arising from development
• shape how development can contribute to environmental recovery
• influence a long-term approach to protecting these SACs

The focus of this EDP

This EDP focuses on nutrient pollution caused by development, which leads to increased levels of nitrates and phosphates from wastewater and runoff, ultimately harming aquatic environments.

The EDP will explain:

• how development contributes to nutrient levels
• the risks this creates for protected habitats
• the conservation measures proposed to address the environmental impacts

Your feedback

We’re seeking views from residents, developers, environmental groups and the general public.

We want your feedback on:

• the approach and evidence used
• the proposed conservation actions
• opportunities to strengthen and improve the plan

Your input will help shape how these areas are protected and improved for the future. To contribute to the consultation, use our questionnaire to share your views.

Section 64 of the Digital Economy Act 2017 (the Act) permits the disclosure of information held by public authorities for the purpose of conducting research in the public interest. The Act requires that all persons involved in the processing or use of information under this gateway are accredited. The Research Accreditation Panel is the body responsible for overseeing this accreditation process on behalf of the UK Statistics Authority (the Authority) and are required to publish a set of criteria (the Criteria) individuals, organisations, and research projects must meet.   

Since its introduction, Section 64 of the Act has been successful in enabling research in support of the public interest. For instance, this legislation has accredited more than 6400 researchers to work in 12 accredited processing environments on nearly 1300 accredited projects. However, the current version of the Criteria are over five years old, and with the changes happening across the research community, society and technology, the Authority needs to be satisfied that the tools used to govern research accreditation are still up to date and relevant. 

Last year, the Authority conducted a review of the Criteria for processors, researchers, and research projects. This review invited stakeholders to give their feedback on the Criteria via survey and focus groups. Following this review, the Authority have updated the Criteria to incorporate stakeholder feedback.  

In this consultation, you are invited to answer five questions regarding the revised Criteria.

We are proposing changes to our knowledge and skills specifications. These documents form the basis of the qualifications linked to SIA licensing. Our proposed changes mean that some people will need to do more training than they do now.

We are also seeking views on other ideas, such as:

• if we should introduce a new licence condition that requires close protection operatives, door supervisors and security guards to always hold a valid first aid certificate
• if we should still allow close protection licence holders to perform other licensable activities through licence integration
• if trainers delivering SIA licence-linked training should be required to hold an SIA licence for the sectors they are teaching
• changing how learners demonstrate the necessary level of English language skills

The details of all of the changes we are proposing are set out in the consultation document below.

This consultation seeks views on the operation of the Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes (VETS) Order, known as the ZEV Mandate, as part of the government’s commitment to reviewing the VETS order by early 2027.

This will ensure that the policy remains effective in delivering the transition to zero emissions vehicles (ZEVs), while supporting consumers, industry and the UK’s wider decarbonisation objectives.

The consultation is structured in 5 parts. As the VETS Order is devolved legislation, parts 1 to 4 of the consultation are conducted jointly by the UK government, Scottish Government, Welsh Government and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Part 5 policy is reserved to the jurisdiction of the UK Parliament and, as a result, only the UK government is consulting on this area.

Part 1 sets out the impact of the ZEV Mandate in the UK, part 2 outlines emerging issues and part 3 sets out policy options and areas we are seeking views on. This includes:

• the current ZEV trajectory and yearly headline targets 
• effectiveness of existing compliance flexibilities 
• alternative policy approaches to address the challenges identified in part 2
• other potential technical updates

Part 4 details the carbon impact of the potential policy options in part 3. 

Finally, part 5 sets options for defining the phase out of new cars relying solely on internal combustion engines by 2030, which the UK government committed to in April 2025.

Evidence from this consultation may inform potential future amendments to the VETS order.

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (LFRA 2024) will make several significant changes to the current statutory enfranchisement processes through which leaseholders can buy the freehold of their property or extend their lease in England and Wales.

The LFRA 2024 will set a Standard Valuation Method for calculating how much the leaseholder must pay to buy the freehold, extend their lease or to buy out their ground rent.  

It also provides new powers for the Secretary of State to prescribe the applicable deferment rates and capitalisation rates used in the calculation of the price paid for enfranchisement.

The rates consultation seeks views on exercising the powers to set the deferment and capitalisation rates. It asks questions about different approaches to setting the rates.

The Leasehold Advisory Service has published information for leaseholders about understanding the consultation and how to respond.

This consultation seeks views on 4 standard templates pursuant to section 106 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 for medium-sized sites.

The 4 standard templates are:

1. Bilateral agreement comprising standard clauses template and Schedules for Financial Contributions and the Council’s Covenants.

2. Unilateral Undertaking comprising standard clauses template and a Schedule for Financial Contributions.

3. Affordable Housing Schedule for Full Planning Permissions, including a discretionary cascade mechanism.  

4. Affordable Housing Schedule for Outline Planning Permissions

These draft template documents have been published alongside this consultation and should be read together with it.

We want to know what you think of introducing powers for local authorities to issue conditional cautions to fly-tipping offenders. These cautions are one of a range of pre-court community-based sanctions.

We want your views on how these cautions could be enforced, including whether to prosecute offenders who fail to comply or only partially comply.

We also want to know if you can share information on the likely:

• impact on prosecutions
• implementation requirements
• costs and potential savings from offender-led clean-up work
• organisations best placed to supervise such activity

We would also like your views on any unintended or environmental consequences, and whether alternative measures would be more effective at deterring fly-tipping.

We have also published this consultation in Welsh.

This consultation seeks views on proposals to align the recovery framework for National Insurance contributions with Income Tax. In particular, it considers removing National Insurance contributions from the effects of limitation legislation and introducing assessment, recovery, and repayment time limits that mirror those for Income Tax. The consultation will also consider how the wider recovery framework for National Insurance contributions should operate if these changes are made. It will be of interest to employers, payroll professionals, tax advisers, representative bodies and others with an interest in the administration of National Insurance contributions.

In October 2025, the CMA designated Google as having strategic market status in the provision of general search and search advertising (together, general search services).

On 28 January 2026, we consulted on a series of conduct requirements in relation to Google’s general search services. This included a proposed conduct requirement to improve the way that Google presents choices to consumers, and how they influence decision making (its ‘choice architecture’).

We considered the responses to that consultation, as well as wider trends in the market. Then we invited comments on updated proposals for a user choice conduct requirement.

In May 2024, we published statutory guidance on the Best Value Duty to:

• provide greater clarity to the local government sector in England on what constitutes Best Value and the standards expected by central government

• explain the various models of statutory and non-statutory intervention available to the department and the then Secretary of State to support authorities to achieve compliance

We are now consulting on revised guidance. This revised guidance reflects the government’s public service reform principles of devolution, service integration and a shift towards preventative measures to resolve problems before they escalate into crises.

The draft incorporates lessons from the 2025 independent evaluation of interventions and emphasises the importance of authorities having appropriate arrangements for self-monitoring, self-assessment, effective scrutiny and engagement with early assurance and non-statutory support.

Introduction

Fireworks are enjoyed by many for celebrations and cultural events. However, their use has become a growing concern, as seen from public complaints, parliamentary debates, and petitions calling for stronger controls due to the negative impacts on neighbourhood safety, vulnerable people, and animals.

This consultation explores these issues, in support of the UK Government’s Safer Streets Mission to tackle anti-social behaviour. The goal is to find an approach that preserves the enjoyment of fireworks for celebrations while preventing harm and distress to others.

Why are we consulting

Before making any changes to fireworks regulations, we are seeking views on our proposals to ensure we receive all relevant evidence and perspectives. This will allow us to refine the policy to reduce unintended consequences and maximise the potential benefits. We are seeking views on proposals to:

• restrict the availability of noisier fireworks to the general public, with louder products only available to professional users.
• add products deemed to be carrying unacceptable risks to the list of existing banned pyrotechnic products set out in regulation 33 of the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015 (as amended).
• review the regulations for fireworks and pyrotechnic products currently classified as lower risk to better reflect the different levels of risk they pose.

The UK insolvency framework is well established and well regarded internationally. The Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016 and the Insolvency (Scotland) (Company Voluntary Arrangements and Administration) Rules 2018 ‘the Rules’ provide the detailed procedures for the conduct of insolvency proceedings, for example by setting out the duties of office-holders, creditor and debtor rights and obligations, the role of courts, the orderly collection and distribution of assets, and the timeframe to complete proceedings.  

Section 1 of this consultation focuses on the statutory elements of the post-implementation review ‘PIR’. This includes whether the Rules remain fit for purpose, and whether there are opportunities to reduce administrative and regulatory burdens. 

Section 2 considers a range of potential future changes to the Rules. The topics build on stakeholders’ responses from the first PIR in 2022, along with research and feedback received in the interim period. The government is not consulting on preferred options but seeking to gather a wide range of opinions and potential solutions that may improve the functioning of the Rules for the benefit of stakeholders. Consultation responses will help inform the government’s position on what change, if any, is needed.  

Section 3 examines how to future-proof the Rules. It is a forward look to consider how the Rules might need to adapt to accommodate emerging issues to ensure continued effectiveness in a rapidly changing world. It covers advancements in technology and artificial intelligence, as well as digital assets and cryptocurrencies.  

All consultation responses will be carefully reviewed before any decisions are made on whether to proceed with changes to the Rules. The government’s response to the consultation will be in the form of a PIR report that will be laid in Parliament and published on legislation.gov.uk. Rule changes identified as necessary in the report will be implemented via secondary legislation.

This consultation seeks views on the implementation of provisions in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 for:

• mayoral powers in relation to planning applications of potential strategic importance, principally for mayors outside London but includes further changes to the approach in London
• Mayoral Development Orders
• Mayoral Community Infrastructure Levy for mayors outside London

Separately, it also seeks views on changes to the secondary legislation for Local Development Orders.

In the main enforcement and sanctions policy we want to:

• change the general principles including how we assess enforcement undertakings
• add an additional enforcement penalty principle to better protect the interests of victims
• simplify our public interest factors

We also want to update the annexes and add a new annex (Annex 5):

• Annex 3 – update to clarify our enforcement approach under the Control of Mercury (Enforcement) Mercury Regulations 2017
• Annex 4 – update to set out our enforcement approach for The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024, the proposed enforcement approach for the first phase of Digital Waste Tracking as enacted by The Digital Waste Tracking (England) Regulations 2026 and the proposed enforcement approach for the Deposit Returns Scheme as enacted by The Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (England and Northern Ireland) Regulations 2025
• Annex 5 – a new annex to explain how we propose to apply Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 civil sanctions, particularly civil variable monetary penalties, automatic penalties and fixed monetary penalties

This consultation will be of most interest to 

All England, Wales, and Northern Ireland food and feed businesses, local and port health authorities, district councils, and other stakeholders with an interest in food and feed safety. 

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) is the independent authority responsible for food and feed safety in Scotland and will consider the position for Scotland separately.

This consultation is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Consultation subject 

This consultation seeks stakeholders’ views, comments, and feedback in relation to the proposed revocation of an authorisation for the regulated product considered in this document. 

If the authorisation is revoked, the Register of regulated Food and Feed Products for Great Britain will be updated to reflect the revocation.  

Purpose of the consultation 

In consulting, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) is seeking views from stakeholders on the proposed revocation of the authorisation. Stakeholders are invited to share their views during this consultation and to highlight any matters that should be brought to ministers’ attention ahead of a final decision. 

Consultation pack 

The consultation pack provides the background information, details and questions to which you are invited to respond. It provides links to the risk management recommendations and the safety assessment. The full consultation document and risk management recommendations document are accessible via the attached pages below.

How to respond 

Responses to this consultation should be submitted via the online survey (Opens in a new window). If this is not possible you can email a response to: 

Email: [email protected] Name: Regulated Products Service Delivery Division/Branch:  Market Authorisations of Regulated Products 

If responding by email, please state in your response whether you are responding as a private individual or on behalf of an organisation/company (including details of any stakeholders your organisation represents) and provide the nation in which you are based.  

Publication of response summary 

We aim to publish a summary of responses received around 3 months after the consultation ends and provide a link to it from this page. You can find information on how we handle data provided in response to consultations in our Consultations privacy notice.  

Further information 

If you require a more accessible format of this document, please send details to [email protected] and your request will be considered. 

This consultation has been prepared in accordance with HM Government Consultation Principles. The potential impacts in respect of our proposals are addressed in the consultation document.  If no Impact Assessment has been provided, the reason will be given in the consultation document. 

Thank you on behalf of the FSA for participating in this public consultation. 

 Regulated Products Service Delivery

We are seeking views on proposals to regulate tobacco, vaping and nicotine products under the Tobacco and Vapes Act. The proposals cover:

• packaging for some tobacco products, cigarette papers, herbal smoking products, heated tobacco devices and vaping and nicotine products
• the appearance of heated tobacco devices and vapes
• where shops can display herbal smoking products, cigarette papers, heated and other tobacco-related devices and vaping and nicotine products

These proposals apply across the UK and have been developed with the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We want to reduce the appeal of these products, particularly to children and young people, while supporting adult smokers to quit.

We have also published consultation stage impact assessments alongside this consultation.

This consultation seeks views on proposals to support the fair, transparent and responsible use of workplace monitoring technologies, in line with the commitments set out in the Plan to Make Work Pay.

The consultation considers options to improve:

• clarity
• transparency
• worker voice
• broader industrial relations around the use of workplace monitoring technologies

This consultation seeks views from all parts of society and we encourage everyone with a view on the use of workplace monitoring technologies to respond.

We strongly encourage you to answer this consultation via the online platform. Using the online survey will assist our analysis of the responses, enabling more efficient and effective consideration of the issues raised.

Following consultation, the government will review and analyse the responses received. Drawing on this evidence, it will develop a final policy proposal that reflects the views expressed and that supports the fair, transparent and responsible use of workplace monitoring technologies.

This is a Consultation on the proposed new Merchant Shipping (Safety of Navigation) Regulations 2027 to revoke and replace the existing 2020 Regulations. The proposed Regulations will reflect updates made to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (“SOLAS”) along with closing a regulatory gap in the Merchant Shipping (Bridge Visibility) (Small Passenger Ships) Regulations 2005 (SI 2005/2286) relating to bridge visibility standards for small domestic passenger ships, which occurred when the minimum length threshold in SOLAS Chapter V was increased. It is also proposed to amend the definition of “length” in the 2005 Regulations to “length overall” to ensure compatibility with SOLAS. The Regulations will also make some small changes to existing offences and penalties for non-compliance, as well as incorporating some drafting changes to ensure that the Regulations follow more closely the legislative structure of SOLAS Chapter V.

The government is strengthening the law on tipping by introducing new requirements for employers to consult with workers at their place of business when developing or reviewing their tipping policies.

Following an earlier public consultation, between February and April 2026, the government published a draft revised statutory code of practice on fair and transparent distribution of tips.

This consultation provides an opportunity for all interested parties and groups to review the revised code of practice, and the changes which have been made to it, and consider how the government most effectively implements the new requirements on tipping.

Consultation overview

We’re asking for your views on our proposals to change 2 of the frameworks we use to inspect children’s social care:

• the inspecting local authority children’s services (ILACS) framework, which we use to inspect children’s services run by local authorities
• the social care common inspection framework (SCCIF), which sets out how we inspect and regulate children’s social care providers, like children’s homes and fostering agencies

The proposals include:

• adopting a set of ‘ambitions’ which we will use to guide all policy-making for ILACS and SCCIF
• aligning our frameworks more closely with the goals of the government’s reforms
• moving beyond headline judgements towards reporting that reflects the real complexity of children’s social care
• improving the ways we seek out the voices of children, young people and families
• using Ofsted’s system‑wide insight to confront the biggest challenges in the care system
• changing the schedule for our ILACS inspections, so they continue to support improvement and focus on the authorities who need it most

Read our full proposals in the consultation document below.

Share your views

Respond in full to the consultation

HMRC is seeking views on draft regulations amending the Taxation of Pension Schemes (Transitional Provisions) Order 2006. The government recognises that some individuals who are aged 55 or 56 immediately before the normal minimum pension age (NMPA) increase may already have become entitled to pension benefits or may already have taken steps to access those benefits. Without further provision, payments made after 5 April 2028 could potentially fail to satisfy conditions linked to the NMPA, despite the member having satisfied the rules in force prior to the increase.

To address this issue, the draft regulations would provide that, in specified circumstances, members who were aged 55 or 56 on 5 April 2028 are treated as having reached age 57 immediately before certain pension payments are made. The changes are intended to ensure that specified pension income payments and lump sums made on or after 6 April 2028 continue to qualify as authorised payments for tax purposes where the relevant entitlement arose before the NMPA increase takes effect. The provisions cover certain pension income payments, stand-alone lump sums, pension commencement lump sums, pension commencement excess lump sums and trivial commutation lump sums. They also preserve access to subsequent trivial commutation lump sum payments where a qualifying payment was made before 6 April 2028.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is seeking views on proposals to update statutory fees charged from 1 April 2027. The proposals are intended to ensure the MHRA continues to recover the cost of delivering its regulatory services while driving further improvements in service reliability, predictability and timeliness. They include increases to most fees in line with inflation, targeted changes for selected services, enhanced service standards and support for eligible small and medium-sized enterprises, and improvements to scientific advice and medical device post-market surveillance services.

Proposals include

We are seeking views on the following proposals:

• Increase most fees by indexation only.
• Targeted increases for a small number of higher-value services.
• Enhanced service standards, guaranteed timelines and rebates for selected services.
• Enhanced support for eligible small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Improvements to the MHRA’s scientific advice service.
• A phased update to the medical devices post-market surveillance fee.
• Adjustments to some existing fees.

How to respond

Please provide your responses using our secure online form.

Deadline for responses

We will close our consultation on changes to statutory fees on 25 September 2026.

MHRA consultation on statutory fees (2026) webinar

View our recent webinar, including delegate Q&A, that provided an overview of the consultation proposals, explained the rationale behind them, and outlined how stakeholders can submit their views.

MHRA Consultation on Statutory Fees 2026 Webinar

This consultation seeks views on reform proposals to simplify and improve the efficiency of the opt-out collective actions, regulatory appeals, and competition enforcement regimes.

The consultation progresses the commitment made by the government to support economic growth by ensuring that competition enforcement (both public and private) and the regulatory appeals landscape are less complex, more efficient, and more effective. This is good for consumers, businesses, and the economy. Proposals relate to:

• improvements to the opt-out collective actions regime, including: the bringing and financing of a claim, alternative dispute resolution and settlement and how the regime interacts with public enforcement. The proposed improvements build on responses to the call for evidence that ran between August and October 2025
• the transfer of regulatory appeals currently heard by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to the Competition Appeal Tribunal, harmonisation of the appeal standard and eligibility criteria across sectors, and the costs associated with regulatory appeals
• measures to make antitrust investigations faster and more efficient, enabling the CMA to address anti-competitive conduct more quickly while preserving procedural fairness

This consultation seeks comment on 4 documents intended for inclusion as a new forensic science activity in the Forensic Science Regulator’s code of practice version 3. The response survey asks for general views from stakeholders regarding the proposed approach as well as detailed questions on the proposed technical specification for drug testing devices.

Responses are encouraged from law enforcement, forensic drug testing laboratories, organisations with experience in scientific validation or certification, and any other organisations who have experience using rapid drug testing devices.

The documents below set out the background and context to the consultation and include the proposed regulation.

If you have any queries, email us at [email protected].

If you have any concerns or suggested changes, please contact us using the details below:

Katie James: 07747638655

Jacob Bestwick: 07469443840

[email protected]

Ensuring every child has the best start in life and the chance to achieve and thrive is central to the government’s Opportunity Mission.

As outlined in Giving every child the best start in life, we want to champion early years teachers and the high-quality provision they provide.

This consultation sets out proposals to reform how early years teachers are prepared and supported. We aim to:

• raise the quality of training
• strengthen the professional status of early years teachers
• ensure children benefit from excellent teaching wherever they attend early education

We want to hear from:

• the early years sector
• the schools sector
• sector experts
• teachers and trainee teachers

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (“LFRA 2024”) will make several significant changes to the statutory enfranchisement processes through which leaseholders can buy the freehold of their property or extend their lease in England and Wales. 

The LFRA 2024 sets out the requirement that each party  should bear their own non-litigation costs (“process costs”), except in a limited number of exceptions. These are where: a claim is of low value; it fails due to the act or omission of the leaseholder; or where the enfranchising leaseholders require a freeholder to receive a leaseback of flats held by  leaseholders who are not participating in a collective enfranchisement. The government also intends to introduce an additional exception to allow certain third parties to leases such as resident-led management organisations to recover their process costs from leaseholders where they would otherwise be at risk of insolvency.

The Secretary of State and the Welsh Ministers have powers to prescribe in secondary legislation the maximum amount of costs that landlords will be able to recover from leaseholders, under the process costs exceptions.

In this consultation, we ask about the levels of process costs that are currently paid in enfranchisement transactions. We also ask for views on the government’s proposed approach to implementing the process cost exceptions under the LFRA 2024 and on bringing forward a new exception for certain third parties in primary legislation.

Your answers will help inform the secondary legislation that will prescribe the process costs of landlords payable by leaseholders where a process costs exception applies. 

Separately, we are also consulting on prescribing the enfranchisement valuation rates.

The government is consulting on:

• the proposed approach to holiday pay compliance and enforcement
• some of the important design features
• what support and guidance the Fair Work Agency can provide to help support compliance

Paid holiday or annual leave is a long‑established employment right which supports workers’ health and wellbeing and contributes to a productive and resilient workforce.

The Fair Work Agency will be enforcing workers’ rights to statutory holiday pay and ensuring that employers are complying with the law. State enforcement is intended to complement the Employment Tribunal system and provide an accessible, timely and effective route to resolution.

The government wants to build a compliance and enforcement framework that is fair, proportionate and effective for both workers and employers. This consultation seeks views from all interested parties to ensure that holiday pay compliance and enforcement works well for everyone. The consultation will likely be of particular interest to workers, employers (of all sizes), Business Representative Organisations and trade unions.

Land Remediation Relief (LRR) is a 150% Corporation Tax relief aimed at incentivising the regeneration of brownfield land and reducing the pressure to develop greenfield sites.  

Following a previous consultation to review its effectiveness and robustness, the government is today publishing a second consultation on potential options to reform Land Remediation Relief. The consultation seeks views on changes to the timing of the relief, aligning eligible contamination expenses with planning processes, and how to define and provide relief for long-term derelict land.

This consultation seeks views on:

• the proposed scope of mandatory registration requirements
• which intermediaries should be in scope or excluded
• the proposed mandatory requirements and associated checks
• the proposed enforcement approach
• how the proposals could be implemented proportionately

It is likely to be of interest to traders, intermediaries and trade and representative bodies, but we welcome responses from any individual or trader with views.

This consultation seeks views on the proposed regulations amending the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Regulations 2010 (as amended) to introduce a new, time-limited relief from borough level CIL for qualifying developments in Greater London.

The proposed relief was announced as part of the Homes for London emergency package in October 2025.

The government ran a consultation on support for housebuilding in London from November 2025 and responded to it in March 2026.

Update

Our attention was drawn to an error in the proposed statutory instrument as published on 16 July 2026. This error has now been corrected.

54E(1)(f) previously stated that “where the Mayor of London has provided grant funding in relation to the affordable housing comprised in the total development, at least 10% of the affordable housing is not grant funded.”

This has been updated to: “where the Mayor of London has provided grant funding in relation to the affordable housing comprised in the total development, at least 10% of the housing units comprised in the total development (to satisfy the affordable housing condition) is not grant funded.”

The following subsections of the consultation document have also been updated to reflect this correction: “Development which will provide at least 20 per cent affordable housing” and “Clawback provision”.

This discussion document seeks feedback on the Office of Rail and Road’s (ORR) proposed approach to considering and making changes to non GBR licences.

It represents the first stage of our engagement and is intended to inform further policy development.

Feedback will help shape ORR’s formal policy consultation, which is expected to take place alongside the Department for Transport (DfT) consultation on the GBR licence in Autumn 2026.

Subject to the passage of the Railways Bill, this would be followed by a statutory consultation on specific licence modifications, with the aim of notifying all non-GBR licence holders of the outcome of the statutory process ahead of GBR Day 1, when GBR’s licence becomes operational.

Read more on ORR’s website.

Regulation 36 of the Police Pensions Regulations 2015 relates to the payment of ill health benefits and outlines the eligibility for ill health benefits at the point an officer is joining the pension scheme. Where an officer has a pre-existing medical condition, the scheme manager may require the officer to undergo a medical examination to determine their eligibility for, and potential exclusion from, the payment of ill health benefits.

This consultation seeks views on the proposed removal of Regulation 36 of the Police Pensions Regulations 2015 and associated changes to member contribution arrangements. It asks 4 main questions:

1. Do you agree or disagree that Regulation 36 should be removed?
2. Do you agree or disagree that removing Regulation 36, and the reduced member contribution rates, achieves the aim of allowing all members to accrue ill health benefit entitlement from the implementation date?
3. Do you think that removing Regulation 36 and the reduced contribution rates could lead to any unintended consequences in the future?
4. Do you believe that removing Regulation 36 could lead to any wider regulatory impacts across the Police Pension Regulations?

This policy consultation sets out the objectives, reforms, implementation approach and proposals for the Value for Money (VfM) Framework, alongside draft DWP regulations and FCA Rules.

The challenge today 

A successful pensions market can do more to focus on the value delivered to savers. 

Competition has often focused on cost rather than overall outcomes. 

The vision for the Value for Money Framework 

We want to create  a market where value drives competition and poor-performing arrangements are identified and improved, or exit the market. 

Greater transparency 

Standardised disclosures and a central VfM database will support comparisons across the market. 

Supporting scale and consolidation 

The Framework complements wider pension reforms focused on consolidation and governance. 

Looking ahead 

The Framework will improve transparency, accountability and long-term saver outcomes.

Response handling

Your responses will be shared with the FCA, TPR and DWP. We are asking respondents to reply to the DWP, who will collate responses on behalf of the group.

This consultation is to inform UK priorities in potential trade negotiations with:

• Indonesia
• the Philippines
• the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Uruguay

Parties to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), including the UK, established an Accession Working Group with Uruguay in 2025. On 26 June 2026 they announced the start of preparatory discussions on accession with Indonesia, the Philippines and the UAE. Uruguay’s Accession Working Group is now well under way, with meetings scheduled throughout 2026.

The government therefore wants to hear respondents’ views on the opportunities, priorities and considerations associated with deepening the UK’s trade relationships with these economies.

CPTPP accession represents the most likely route to deepening trade relationships with the majority of them. However, the consultation does not assume a single route and also invites views on other appropriate trade policy mechanisms, including bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) where applicable and relevant.

All responses should be submitted online.

Read the accompanying information notes for further detail on CPTPP, FTAs and the UK’s trade relationships with these economies.

If you have any accessibility needs, contact [email protected].

This consultation is to inform UK priorities in potential trade negotiations with:

• Indonesia
• the Philippines
• the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Uruguay

Parties to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), including the UK, established an Accession Working Group with Uruguay in 2025. On 26 June 2026 they announced the start of preparatory discussions on accession with Indonesia, the Philippines and the UAE. Uruguay’s Accession Working Group is now well under way, with meetings scheduled throughout 2026.

The government therefore wants to hear respondents’ views on the opportunities, priorities and considerations associated with deepening the UK’s trade relationships with these economies.

CPTPP accession represents the most likely route to deepening trade relationships with the majority of them. However, the consultation does not assume a single route and also invites views on other appropriate trade policy mechanisms, including bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) where applicable and relevant.

All responses should be submitted online.

Read the accompanying information notes for further detail on CPTPP, FTAs and the UK’s trade relationships with these economies.

If you have any accessibility needs, contact [email protected].

We received 4 consultation responses for the proposed change. You can read our reply to these responses.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) welcomes feedback on the effectiveness, completeness and practical application of the draft framework to help inform its further development.

The aim of the framework is to support more consistent, fair and transparent decision making while recognising the impact these failures can have on disabled passengers. It sets out the key factors operators should consider, including:

• the nature of the failure
• its impact on the passenger
• how the operator responds, while allowing flexibility to reflect individual circumstances

Read more on ORR’s website.

Under current legislation, businesses are able to enter into advertising and sponsorship arrangements with gambling operators which are not licensed by the Gambling Commission, so long as those operators’ services cannot be accessed by consumers in Great Britain. Unlicensed operators prevent access to their services by geo-blocking their websites. However, this can be circumvented by consumers using a virtual private network (VPN). This has become a particular issue over the past year in the sporting sector, particularly football, as the result of changes in the advertising landscape.

We want to change this. The current legislation undermines the gambling licensing and advertising regulatory frameworks, which aim to protect consumers in Great Britain and reduce the risk of money-laundering and crime. Specifically, our rationale for change is driven by three core objectives:

• to protect consumers, especially young people and those who are vulnerable, from unregulated platforms that may not offer adequate player protections or fraud recourse;
• to defend the integrity of our domestic market by ensuring advertising footprints are exclusive to operators who are required to adhere to the Gambling Commission’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP); and
• in the sport sector, to eliminate money laundering vulnerabilities within football clubs and agents that have been flagged within our National Risk Assessment.

We are therefore consulting on legislative changes to ban unlicensed gambling sponsorships and advertising in Great Britain across all sectors, including sport.

Radio continues to be a strong and highly valued medium in the UK, with 87% of the population tuning in every week. Changes to broadcast technology and streaming habits have resulted in a transition from analogue (AM/FM) to digital (DAB) and online forms of distribution. In particular, there has been a sustained uplift in listeners’ use of voice-activated devices (such as smart speakers) to access online streams of live broadcast radio.

In response to these changes, Part 3B of the Communications Act 2203 (introduced by Part 6 of the Media Act 2024) introduced new powers to protect the availability and carriage of online streams of UK broadcast radio on such voice-activated services (defined as Radio Selection Services or ‘RSS’).

This consultation is seeking views on taking forward Ofcom’s recommendations in designating the following three RSS: Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri.

We are seeking views on the draft statement of safety principles for automated vehicles.

The statement of safety principles is required under section 2 of the Automated Vehicles Act 2024. It forms part of the safety framework designed to ensure automated vehicles are:

• safe to deploy
• remain safe once deployed

The statutory statement of safety principles will guide the Secretary of State for Transport in decisions on whether an automated vehicle can be deployed on UK roads. It may also be used for the ongoing monitoring of authorised self-driving vehicles.

It will provide guidance on the behaviours the Secretary of State expects to see from vehicles in meeting the self-driving test of travelling safely and autonomously.

This consultation is also available in Welsh.

We are seeking views on the draft statement of safety principles for automated vehicles.

The statement of safety principles is required under section 2 of the Automated Vehicles Act 2024. It forms part of the safety framework designed to ensure automated vehicles are:

• safe to deploy
• remain safe once deployed

The statutory statement of safety principles will guide the Secretary of State for Transport in decisions on whether an automated vehicle can be deployed on UK roads. It may also be used for the ongoing monitoring of authorised self-driving vehicles.

It will provide guidance on the behaviours the Secretary of State expects to see from vehicles in meeting the self-driving test of travelling safely and autonomously.

This consultation is also available in Welsh.

Rydym yn ceisio barn ar y datganiad drafft o egwyddorion diogelwch ar gyfer cerbydau awtomeiddiedig.

Mae’r datganiad o egwyddorion diogelwch yn ofynnol o dan adran 2 o Ddeddf Cerbydau Awtomeiddiedig 2024. Mae’n rhan o’r fframwaith diogelwch a gynlluniwyd i sicrhau bod cerbydau awtomeiddiedig yn:

• ddiogel i’w cyflwyno
• yn aros yn ddiogel ar ôl eu cyflwyno

Bydd y datganiad statudol o egwyddorion diogelwch yn tywys yr Ysgrifennydd Gwladol dros Drafnidiaeth mewn penderfyniadau ynghylch a ellir defnyddio cerbyd awtomeiddiedig ar ffyrdd y DU. Gellir ei ddefnyddio hefyd ar gyfer monitro parhaus cerbydau hunan-yrru awdurdodedig.

Bydd yn darparu canllawiau ar yr ymddygiadau y mae’r Ysgrifennydd Gwladol yn disgwyl eu gweld gan gerbydau wrth fodloni’r prawf hunan-yrru o deithio’n ddiogel ac yn awtomataidd.

Mae’r ymgynghoriad hwn ar gael yn Saesneg.

The government is consulting to ensure that the legal basis for access to driver data is clear and fit for purpose, reflecting policing practice, technological change and public expectations around transparency, safeguards, and accountability.

The government recognises that driver data held by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) includes sensitive personal information and that its use must always be lawful, necessary, and proportionate.

At present, automated access to DVLA driver data is largely limited to road traffic enforcement purposes, with other policing uses reliant on manual, case by case access.

Policing and law enforcement bodies have argued that this framework can result in delay, inconsistency, and uncertainty, particularly in urgent situations such as safeguarding and serious crime investigations.

The main purpose of this consultation is to test whether the current framework remains appropriate and to assess the potential impacts on equalities and human rights of different policy options.

This consultation sets out proposed changes to the structure and rates of the General Levy on occupational and personal pension schemes for the period from April 2027 to March 2030. We are seeking views to help ensure the levy remains fair, sustainable, and aligned with the changing pensions landscape. 

It is primarily aimed at those who pay or are otherwise affected by the General Levy, including trustees of occupational pension schemes, sponsoring employers, personal pension providers, and pensions industry bodies. However, the government welcomes responses from all interested parties.

This consultation details the current processes for obtaining treaty relief available under the UK’s network of Double Taxation Agreements in relation to the obligation to withhold amounts representing income tax from payments of interest overseas.

The intention is to identify options to meaningfully simplify the administration of the available relief, to make things simpler for taxpayers whilst maintaining robust safeguards against tax avoidance.

This will be of particular interest to those who are regularly involved in cross-border financing, or who have experience of the existing processes of seeking treaty relief from HMRC through existing processes (such as Double Taxation Treaty Passport, Directions to make payments at the treaty rate, claims for relief).

Data intermediaries are third-party organisations that act on behalf of individuals to exercise their data subject rights. This helps people access, manage and share their data more easily, allowing them to benefit from data they have contributed to or helped generate. Services range from secure personal data storage to donating health data to support scientific research.

The government call for evidence published last year identified key issues affecting data intermediaries, individuals, data controllers, data processors and other stakeholders.

These include:

• awareness — many people do not know their data subject rights or how they could benefit from using them
• friction — third-party data access requests are often slow and burdensome, and data controllers lack the incentives to improve this
• legal ambiguity — confusion about the legal roles of data intermediaries and the ability to delegate data subject rights to them, which underpins the other challenges

This consultation sets out legislative and non-legislative options to address these issues. Some options are more direct, others are quicker to implement, and some aim to deliver longer-term structural change. The options are intended to be complementary and can be taken forward individually or together.

The College of Policing plans to replace 3 advice documents with an APP setting out requirements for every role in policing.

The APP includes standards covering:

• identifying stalking
• risk identification and assessment
• effective investigations
• victim support and safeguarding
• suspect management and disruption
• stalking and harassment offences
• working with health, probation and specialist stalking services

The College of Policing wants to hear from:

• the public
• practitioners
• partner agencies
• specialist organisations

This consultation seeks views on proposals to strengthen the law around emissions from road vehicles that are in-use in Great Britain (GB).

The proposals aim to ensure that road vehicles continue to meet the same legal emissions requirements that applied when they were built and first registered for use on the roads.

This will:

• promote vehicle maintenance and enable stronger enforcement to improve air quality

• protect human health

The government is seeking views on introducing a permitted development right (PDR) for ground investigations and surveys for electricity networks in England.

The PDR would allow some low-impact, temporary ground investigations and surveys for electricity network projects to proceed without the need for a planning application, subject to a set of conditions and limitations. The proposed PDR aims to reduce delays and administrative burden for electricity network developers and local planning authorities, whilst maintaining environmental safeguards. By enabling more efficient delivery of ground investigations to inform project design and environmental impact assessments, the proposal aims to de-risk electricity network delivery, supporting lower system and consumer costs, energy security, and economic growth.

Through this consultation, we are seeking feedback on the scope and design of the proposed PDR. The consultation focuses on the types of ground investigations and surveys that should be covered by the PDR, which developers should be eligible to use it, and the conditions and limitations needed to control impacts. We want to ensure that any changes are proportionate and effective, enabling appropriate development while managing potential risks and impacts.

Read our consultation privacy notice.

The government carried out an internal review of the list of public duties eligible for time off work under section 50 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, with consideration of special constables.

This review aimed to ensure the list remains fit for purpose and continues to support the effective functioning of modern public services. The findings of this review, and proposed changes to the legislation, are set out in the Time off for public duties review report.

This consultation seeks views on those proposed changes. It covers:

• which public duties should be eligible for time off
• proposed additions and removals to the current list of public duties
• how the entitlement works in practice

You can respond online, by email, or by post.

​​This consultation proposes changes to the emergency repairs route for higher-risk buildings.  

​We are seeking views on: 

• the public’s view about the current emergency repairs route 
• ​whether the definition of emergency repairs should be expanded to include more types of building work or if there should be a new route for critical works 
• what further guidance may be needed  
• the type of emergency works which may be suitable for self-certification through a Competent Person Scheme

Summary of stakeholder responses

Summary of stakeholder responses to the Consultation on Market Authorisation of One Traditional Food notification August 2026. The consultation ran from 6 August to 2 September 2026.

This consultation sets out proposals and their associated next steps for changes to the criminal legal aid Advocates’ Graduated Fee Scheme (AGFS). This scheme remunerates criminal legal aid advocates for their work carried out in the Crown Court. The consultation is aimed at anyone with an interest in criminal legal aid in England and Wales, particularly in the work carried out by criminal legal aid advocates. This will include, but is not limited to:

• members of the criminal defence profession and their representative bodies
• defendants
• academics
• others involved in the criminal justice system

This consultation seeks views on the draft Occupational Pension Schemes (Payments to Employer) Regulations 2027. These draft regulations set out the conditions that must be met for trustees of Defined Benefit pension schemes to make a surplus payment to the sponsoring employer. This will enable more trustees of well-funded schemes to release surplus to the sponsoring employer and benefit members.

The 2018 Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) sets out the need and policies for any Development Consent Order proposals relating to airport expansion at Heathrow, through the delivery of a Northwest Runway.

We are seeking views on proposed amendments to the ANPS, as part of its review. This includes changing the name of the ANPS to the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS) to better reflect its purpose.

The draft HENPS applies only to expansion at Heathrow Airport through a Northwest Runway scheme and takes into consideration surface access (road and rail links to Heathrow Airport), economic, social and environmental considerations related to its proposed expansion.

Read the Draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement.

In the Plan to Make Work Pay, the government committed to review the implementation of the Carer’s Leave Act 2023, and to assess whether further support is needed to help unpaid carers balance work with their caring responsibilities. When the Employment Rights Act 2025 was passed, we also made a commitment to review the employment rights available to parents who have a seriously ill child.

We are seeking views on:

• the information and guidance that is available to support unpaid carers
• the potential need for further support
• what forms of support would be helpful for both unpaid carers and parents with a seriously ill child

This consultation is part of the review of employment rights for unpaid carers. As part of that review we are also publishing a research report we commissioned from the independent research agency Verian. This is based on interviews with 50 unpaid carers and explores the experiences of unpaid carers balancing work and their caring responsibilities.

Anyone can respond to this consultation, and we particularly welcome views from those with lived experience of caring responsibilities, businesses, those with experience in supporting unpaid carers in the workplace, and those with expertise in unpaid care.

In the Plan to Make Work Pay, the government committed to review the implementation of the Carer’s Leave Act 2023, and to assess whether further support is needed to help unpaid carers balance work with their caring responsibilities. When the Employment Rights Act 2025 was passed, we also made a commitment to review the employment rights available to parents who have a seriously ill child.

We are seeking views on:

• the information and guidance that is available to support unpaid carers
• the potential need for further support
• what forms of support would be helpful for both unpaid carers and parents with a seriously ill child

This consultation is part of the review of employment rights for unpaid carers. As part of that review we are also publishing a research report we commissioned from the independent research agency Verian. This is based on interviews with 50 unpaid carers and explores the experiences of unpaid carers balancing work and their caring responsibilities.

Anyone can respond to this consultation, and we particularly welcome views from those with lived experience of caring responsibilities, businesses, those with experience in supporting unpaid carers in the workplace, and those with expertise in unpaid care.

At its best, our media provides the basis of a cohesive country and a healthy democracy. It provides a base of shared understanding and is this common ground on which a country is built. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is consulting on a comprehensive set of proposals to ensure our media, and television in particular, can continue to play its vitally important role in our society and our democracy.

This includes: 

• interventions to support an informed society. For example, requiring social media to make trustworthy news providers, which could include national and local news publishers and broadcasters, easily discoverable.
• measures to ensure audiences can continue to enjoy universal access to trusted and high quality television content. This includes setting out the next steps on our Future of TV Distribution Project.
• how we can support our public service media providers, the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, STV and S4C, who sit at the heart of our domestic TV ecosystem, driving growth and inward investment

Following consultation, the government will develop final policy positions.

We encourage everyone with a view on these reforms to answer as many consultation questions as they feel comfortable with. Please respond via the online platform if you are able to. Using the online survey will assist our analysis of the responses, enabling more efficient and effective consideration of the issues raised. If you cannot use the online survey you can email or post your response to us.

An Easy Read version of the consultation is also available. The Easy Read version uses easier words and supporting pictures, and some people might find it easier to understand than the main version. To respond via the Easy Read, you can either download and edit the document directly, and send it to us via email at [email protected], or you can print it off and post it to us at the address below.

The consultation includes proposals for:

• a new standard rules permit for mobile boilers, including a generic risk assessment and proposed charges
• how mobile boilers would be regulated and deployed

This is your opportunity to share insights, raise concerns or highlight unintended consequences that we may not have considered.

Following an independent review by Lord Banner KC and a government call for evidence in 2024, the government last year took forward a number of reforms to the judicial review process for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). These include measures in the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 and amendments to the rules of court to prevent delays from meritless claims and to ensure NSIP cases are dealt with more quickly.

The current consultation is seeking views on whether the NSIP judicial review reforms should be extended to other planning regimes in England and Wales to support infrastructure and housing delivery. We are particularly interested in major infrastructure projects and other strategically important developments consented under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Transport and Works Act 1992.

A summary of responses to the 2024 call for evidence on the recommendations of the independent review by Lord Banner KC can be found in Annex A of this consultation.

In the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill, the government is legislating to cap ground rents at £250 per year, changing to a peppercorn after 40 years.

We are considering an exemption to this policy for ‘quid pro quo’ leases. This is where a higher ground rent is agreed between the leaseholder and freeholder for a corresponding reduction in premium.

This consultation seeks views on:

• whether there should be an exemption
• how it should be defined
• how it should work

We are also seeking evidence from those who have agreed a quid pro quo lease or have professional experience of this area.

If you have any concerns or suggested changes, please contact us using the details below:

Katie James: 07747638655

Jacob Bestwick: 07469443840

[email protected]

The government’s manifesto committed to end one-sided flexibility and ensure all jobs provide a baseline of security and predictability.

The government has taken this forward through 3 measures in the Employment Rights Act 2025, giving employees the right to:

• guaranteed hours, where the number of hours offered reflects the hours worked by a qualifying worker during a reference period
• reasonable notice of shifts and changes to these
• payment for shifts cancelled, curtailed or moved at short notice

These measures have not yet taken effect. This consultation seeks input on details of the new rights, which will be set out in regulations.

Following consultation, the government will develop final policy positions.

We encourage everyone with a view on these reforms to answer as many consultation questions as they feel comfortable with.

We strongly encourage you to respond via the online platform. Using the online survey will assist our analysis of the responses, enabling more efficient and effective consideration of the issues raised.

The Tribunal Procedure Committee (TPC) is consulting on possible amendments to the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (General Regulatory Chamber) Rules 2009 to make provision for applications for a determination under section 11 of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025.

Section 11 of the Act enables interested persons to apply to the First-tier Tribunal for determinations on specified matters relating to the application of the Act, including whether premises or events fall within its scope, whether enhanced duties apply, who is responsible for qualifying premises or events, and whether a duty to cooperate arises.

The consultation seeks views on whether amendments to the Rules are required to enable such applications to be presented, managed and determined effectively, and on the specific amendments proposed by the TPC. The TPC also welcomes views on whether any further amendments to the Rules may be necessary.

Following the announcement of the 2nd Offshore Carbon Dioxide Storage Licensing Round by the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA), an initial screening assessment (including consultation with the Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies) of the areas offered was undertaken. The screening identified that 9 of the 14 areas offered would require further assessment (AA), should they be applied for.

The 2nd Offshore Carbon Storage Licensing Round closed for applications on the 24th March 2026. Applications were received covering six of the areas offered, and of these, three areas identified in the screening as requiring further assessment have been subject to AA.

The government is seeking views on proposals to introduce a new criminal offence for making reckless untrue statements or declarations in direct tax. The change would bring direct tax rules in line with existing indirect tax offences and give prosecutors an alternative charge in cases where dishonesty cannot be proven but reckless behaviour is clear.

This consultation explains the reasons for the reform, potential impacts, and options for sanctions, and invites individuals, businesses and advisers to share their views before the policy is finalised

Evidence shows that using sunbeds is linked to an increased risk of skin cancer and other health problems. While existing legislation prohibits the use of commercial sunbeds by children and young people under the age of 18 (under 18s), reports suggest that this prohibition is not being adhered to, with under 18s using commercial sunbeds.

This consultation seeks views on proposals that aim to strengthen protections for sunbed users, particularly for young people and those most vulnerable to harm caused by ultraviolet (UV) exposure. The proposals will promote responsible practices among businesses providing use of sunbed services.

The Department of Health and Social Care would like to understand the impact of these proposals on users, businesses and local authorities.

We welcome views on draft regulations that would update various definitions used in the Bank Levy legislation at Schedule 19 to the Finance Act 2011 and The Bank Levy (Loss Absorbing Instruments) Regulations 2020.

The Bank Levy legislation defines certain terms by reference to regulatory laws and rules. The proposed amendments would update some definitions in the Bank Levy legislation to align with regulatory changes. They would also delete some definitions that are no longer required.

The amendments would have effect for chargeable periods beginning on or after 1 January 2027.

Before submitting your response, you can read these publications:

• (Draft) Tax information and impact note: Updating definitions in the Bank Levy legislation
• Draft regulations

This consultation seeks views on the capital risk metrics calculations and implementation for use in the sector.

It covers the following areas:  

• metric calculations  
• threshold methodology 
• process following risk identification and implementation plan

This consultation contains proposed changes to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, as amended.

It covers the following areas:

• extending the existing temporary permitted development right for schools affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC)
• removing assets of community value from the demolition permitted development right
• changes to the permitted development right that allows development by the Crown on closed defence sites
• new permitted development flexibilities to enable the development of conservation measures within environmental delivery plans

Government has previously confirmed that industry should fund the revenue certainty mechanism (RCM) through a variable levy on aviation fuel suppliers.

Following our first consultation on the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) RCM levy design, we seek further views on how the levy could operate, including:

• how individual levy contributions are determined and collected
• how the reserve is collected
• how over-collected amounts and surpluses could be returned to suppliers

As part of this consultation, we also seek views on our intention to update the definition of a support scheme under the multiple incentives rules in the SAF Mandate legislation to ensure that SAF produced under the RCM is also eligible to receive SAF Mandate certificates.

A technical consultation is taking place on draft legislation which will deliver the Government’s decision to set the annual Cash ISA subscription limit for investors below the age of 65 at £12,000 from 6th April 2027. For investors aged 65 or over the annual Cash ISA limit will remain at £20,000. 

The draft Regulations amend the Individual Savings Account Regulations 1998 (the ISA Regulations). To ensure the new Cash ISA limit is not circumvented it also: provides that transfers from a stocks and shares (S&S ISA) or innovative finance ISA (IF ISA) to a Cash ISA are prohibited where the account holder is below the age of 65; defines investments deemed to be ‘cash like’ for the purposes of the Regulations and provides restrictions on their holding; and introduces a charge on any interest paid on cash held in a S&S ISAs and IFISA. 

The technical consultation will be of interest to those savers with Individual Savings Accounts and financial institutions who provide or manage these accounts or investments.

This technical consultation sets out the details of a draft International Controlled Transactions Schedule (ICTS) reporting requirement. The ICTS will facilitate automated, data-led risk assessment by HMRC, permitting more accurate identification of transfer pricing risk, improving fairness and increasing efficiency.

The government is seeking views on draft regulations, a draft HMRC notice and a draft template illustrating the information that would need to be filed annually.

Rare diseases affect more than 3.5 million people in the UK, but only a small proportion have an approved medicinal treatment. Many rare conditions face unique scientific and practical challenges: extremely small patient populations, limited natural history data, difficulties conducting randomised controlled trials, and in some cases, individual‑ or family‑specific genetic variants. These factors make traditional regulatory routes difficult or impossible to use.

The rare disease therapies framework aims to address these challenges by introducing a single, flexible authorisation, the Investigational Marketing Authorisation (IMA), which would allow controlled early access to a therapy while further clinical and real‑world evidence continues to be generated. The draft guideline outlines a clear regulatory path covering eligibility for the route, evidence requirements, patient engagement expectations, lifecycle oversight, and the process for transitioning to a full Marketing Authorisation where appropriate. Our aim is to enable timely patient access to promising therapies for very rare diseases while maintaining stringent safety, quality and efficacy standards.

This novel pathway also places significant emphasis on patient engagement and communication, ensuring that people affected by rare diseases are involved throughout development and that informed consent is an ongoing, not one‑off, process. The guidance also explains expectations around adaptive clinical trial approaches, real‑world data, prior knowledge, and predictive modelling – tools that may be essential for generating meaningful evidence in very small or highly heterogeneous populations.

We are seeking feedback from manufacturers, developers, clinicians, researchers, patient organisations, carers, families and other stakeholders on our regulatory approach to rare disease therapies. To ensure that patients, carers and the wider public receive clear and balanced information about these treatments, we particularly welcome feedback on the sections addressing patient communication, ongoing consent, and support for decision‑making.

The Tribunal Procedure Committee (TPC) is considering whether to introduce clearer and more consistent rules across tribunals, including giving explicit powers to order payments on account of costs, to award interest on costs in certain tribunals, and to clarify the use of Pro Bono Costs Orders. The aim is to improve clarity, consistency and fairness in how costs are handled, while ensuring the rules remain simple, accessible and effective in supporting the efficient administration of justice.

If you have any concerns or suggested changes, please contact us using the details below:

Katie James: 07747638655

Jacob Bestwick: 07469443840

[email protected]

The CMA is consulting on a proposed steering conduct requirement for Apple’s mobile platform to allow developers to ‘steer’ users out of the app, including to complete transactions on fair and reasonable terms (‘Steering CR’).

In October 2025, the CMA designated Apple as having strategic market status in the provision of its mobile platform. This consultation invites comments on our proposal for a Steering CR, under the UK’s digital markets competition regime.

The proposed Steering CR is intended to support developers in communicating and transacting with their customers in their native apps, while increasing competition in app distribution.

The CMA is consulting on a proposed steering conduct requirement for Google’s mobile platform to allow developers to ‘steer’ users out of the app, including to complete transactions on fair and reasonable terms (‘Steering CR’).

In October 2025, the CMA designated Google as having strategic market status in the provision of its mobile platform. This consultation invites comments on our proposal for a Steering CR, under the UK’s digital markets competition regime.

The proposed Steering CR is intended to support developers in communicating and transacting with their customers in their native apps, while increasing competition in app distribution.

Our proposals aim to reform 16 to 19 performance measures so they:

• improve outcomes
• provide reliable and meaningful information

We are seeking views on ways we can:

• make 16 to 19 performance measures more consistent and comprehensive
• improve English and maths progress measures
• refine retention measures

The consultation document explains the changes we propose to make. It asks for comments from everyone who has an interest, including:

• parents and carers
• students
• post-16 providers
• school and college leaders
• teachers

The proposals may also be of interest to:

• local authorities
• academic organisations

The consultation document is additionally available in:

• British Sign Language (BSL)
• Easy Read

The accompanying technical guide is also available in BSL.

This consultation seeks views on the draft General Medical Council Order 2026, which would reform how the General Medical Council (GMC) regulates medical practitioners, physician associates and anaesthesia associates across the UK.

It also seeks views on:

• implementing Leng Review recommendations 1 and 9 relating to proposed changes to professional titles to improve clarity for patients
• regulatory reform recommendations made by Lord Mann in his rapid review into antisemitism and other forms of racism in healthcare

This consultation seeks views on the draft General Medical Council Order 2026, which would reform how the General Medical Council (GMC) regulates medical practitioners, physician associates and anaesthesia associates across the UK.

It also seeks views on:

• implementing Leng Review recommendations 1 and 9 relating to proposed changes to professional titles to improve clarity for patients
• regulatory reform recommendations made by Lord Mann in his rapid review into antisemitism and other forms of racism in healthcare

The government is planning to establish a college of fire and rescue, as recommended in the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report. The college will support the future capability, professional development and resilience of the fire and rescue sector in England. 

This consultation seeks views on:

• the strategic aims that the college should seek to achieve
• the functions it could fulfil
• potential delivery and funding models for the college; 
• interaction between the college and the National Framework, which sets out the government’s priorities for fire and rescue authorities
• legislative requirements to support the establishment of the college

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has published draft regulations for a technical consultation. The draft regulations make amendments to the calculation of pension input amounts where there has been a guaranteed minimum pension conversion made in respect of cash balance and defined benefit arrangements for the purpose of the annual allowance charge.

Under current rules, when pension schemes equalise Guaranteed Minimum Pensions (GMPs) using the DWP’s statutory conversion method, some protections can be lost. This means certain deferred members may lose their Deferred Member Carve-Out (DMCO) protection and face unexpected annual allowance tax charges.

This instrument ensures those protections are maintained after GMP conversion, regardless of the method used. It amends the tax rules, including how the annual allowance is calculated, so that where GMP conversion is carried out, deferred members who would have qualified for the DMCO continue to benefit from it.

As a result, members should not face a worse tax outcome simply because of the method chosen to equalise benefits.

The government has introduced a measure through the Employment Rights Act 2025 which voids any provision in an agreement (such as a contract of employment or settlement agreement) between a worker and their employer that prevents a worker from speaking out about relevant harassment or discrimination.

This consultation is seeking views on proposals regarding:

• the conditions which need to be met for a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to still be validly entered into (‘excepted agreement’) in cases of harassment and discrimination. For example, that an NDA may be valid if requested by the worker and, prior to entering into the agreement, the worker has received independent advice on the agreement

• the individuals or bodies who workers covered by an excepted agreement can speak to about the harassment and discrimination, irrespective of what their NDA says (‘permitted disclosure’). For example, a qualified lawyer and medical professional

• expanding the types of individuals the legislation applies to beyond the definitions of employee and worker used in the Employment Rights Act 1996. For example, this may include some types of self-employed individuals

This consultation seeks responses from all stakeholders, in particular:

• individuals who may have experience of signing NDAs
• employers
• business representative organisations
• academics
• trade unions
• charities
• legal representatives

The College of Policing invites views on updated authorised professional practice (APP) for stop and search in England and Wales. 

The updated APP is child-centred and addresses disproportionality affecting children, young people and other vulnerable groups. It strengthens safeguarding requirements and places greater emphasis on the quality of the encounter itself, not just whether a search takes place, but how it is conducted. 

To have your say, read the consultation document and complete the online questionnaire.

Proposals to amend Approved Document B to: 

• implement important clarifications and technical changes to the guidance
• consolidate guidance for designing building work on existing buildings
• introduce a threshold on the use of combustible elements of structure, over which Approved Document B guidance should not be applied
• revise and update guidance on external wall systems and balconies and review the scope of the ban on combustible materials in, and on, external walls and specified attachments
• recommend providing evacuation lifts in residential buildings above 18m and clarify the guidance for non-residential buildings
• update terminology on ‘sheltered housing’, introducing the new term ‘specialised housing’ in its place and including provisions for extended alarm coverage in these premises
• introduce updated guidance on roofs, including new provisions for incorporating solar photovoltaic (PV) panels
• increase the structural fire resistance rating of open-sided car parks

Proposals to amend Approved Document B to: 

• implement important clarifications and technical changes to the guidance
• consolidate guidance for designing building work on existing buildings
• introduce a threshold on the use of combustible elements of structure, over which Approved Document B guidance should not be applied
• revise and update guidance on external wall systems and balconies and review the scope of the ban on combustible materials in, and on, external walls and specified attachments
• recommend providing evacuation lifts in residential buildings above 18m and clarify the guidance for non-residential buildings
• update terminology on ‘sheltered housing’, introducing the new term ‘specialised housing’ in its place and including provisions for extended alarm coverage in these premises
• introduce updated guidance on roofs, including new provisions for incorporating solar photovoltaic (PV) panels
• increase the structural fire resistance rating of open-sided car parks

The Government has asked the Low Pay Commission to recommend minimum wage rates for April 2027.

In this consultation, we are asking for written submissions to inform those recommendations. We are asking for evidence on the impacts of recent minimum wage increases on employers and workers, and for views on the economic and labour market conditions that workers and businesses are facing, as well as the specific impacts of the rates themselves.

We do not expect respondents to answer all questions unless they are able to; they should focus on the areas which are of most concern to them and where they can provide the most comprehensive evidence. Shortened versions of this consultation, designed specifically for individual employers and workers, are available on our online consultation platform.

All rates of the National Minimum Wage, including the National Living Wage, increased on 1 April 2026. The table below sets out the new rates.

There are no catch limit changes proposed for 1st July. Since the last catch limit review, the following catch limits are being changed due to requests from industry:

If you have any concerns or suggested changes, please contact us using the details below:

Katie James: 07747638655
Jacob Bestwick: 07469443840

[email protected]

This consultation seeks your views on important reforms to how we regulate the fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture. It follows the Government’s policy paper The fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture, published in January 2025, in which we committed to move forward with reform plans and work with stakeholders to find resolutions to some of longstanding challenges in this sector.

The proposals reflect the policy aim to maintain a high level of fire safety while meaningfully reducing chemical flame retardant use. They reflect the large volume of stakeholder engagement and evidence gathering that has taken place over a number of years. The Government will:

1. Introduce new furniture fire safety requirements based on a smoulder test.
2. Put in place pragmatic testing solutions to facilitate innovation.
3. Make proportionate scope adjustments.

The proposed policy remains subject to review and may change as a result of the evidence and views provided by stakeholders in response to this consultation.

This consultation seeks your views on important reforms to how we regulate the fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture. It follows the Government’s policy paper The fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture, published in January 2025, in which we committed to move forward with reform plans and work with stakeholders to find resolutions to some of longstanding challenges in this sector.

The proposals reflect the policy aim to maintain a high level of fire safety while meaningfully reducing chemical flame retardant use. They reflect the large volume of stakeholder engagement and evidence gathering that has taken place over a number of years. The Government will:

1. Introduce new furniture fire safety requirements based on a smoulder test.
2. Put in place pragmatic testing solutions to facilitate innovation.
3. Make proportionate scope adjustments.

The proposed policy remains subject to review and may change as a result of the evidence and views provided by stakeholders in response to this consultation.

There are over 150 pieces of product safety and legal metrology legislation covering a diverse range of products and technical requirements. Within this landscape, the Product Safety Review identified the challenges presented by fragmented and overlapping enforcement powers, with multiple laws often applying to a single product. This complexity makes swift and consistent action difficult for relevant authorities, and can cause delay and confusion for businesses. Stakeholders also raised concerns about an over-reliance on criminal offences for breaches and called for a more flexible, proportionate approach to enforcement.

The Government has committed to reforms that will consolidate enforcement powers, introduce civil monetary penalties as an alternative to criminal prosecution, and ensure the system meets the challenges of modern supply chains and emerging technologies. Our goal is to create a more coherent suite of enforcement powers, together with better data sharing opportunities, to improve efficiency and use resources to the best effect,

This consultation should be read together with its companion consultation on the new core product safety framework. The proposals and questions in this document are in the format ‘B1, B2’ and in the other document are in the format ‘A1, A2’ Please ensure your answers reference the proposal and questions numbers with the correct letter and number.

Read and respond to the consultation on the UK’s new product safety framework.

There are over 150 pieces of product safety and legal metrology legislation covering a diverse range of products and technical requirements. Within this landscape, the Product Safety Review identified the challenges presented by fragmented and overlapping enforcement powers, with multiple laws often applying to a single product. This complexity makes swift and consistent action difficult for relevant authorities, and can cause delay and confusion for businesses. Stakeholders also raised concerns about an over-reliance on criminal offences for breaches and called for a more flexible, proportionate approach to enforcement.

The Government has committed to reforms that will consolidate enforcement powers, introduce civil monetary penalties as an alternative to criminal prosecution, and ensure the system meets the challenges of modern supply chains and emerging technologies. Our goal is to create a more coherent suite of enforcement powers, together with better data sharing opportunities, to improve efficiency and use resources to the best effect,

This consultation should be read together with its companion consultation on the new core product safety framework. The proposals and questions in this document are in the format ‘B1, B2’ and in the other document are in the format ‘A1, A2’ Please ensure your answers reference the proposal and questions numbers with the correct letter and number.

Read and respond to the consultation on the UK’s new product safety framework.

The existing product safety framework needs an upgrade. It is based on the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, introduced two decades ago, and overlaid with specific regulations for certain product sectors. We live in a world vastly different from the turn of the century, and the way people buy products has evolved. There are simply too many instances of dangerous products being sold to UK consumers, often online, resulting in serious harm.

The need for a new core framework was identified by the Product Safety Review and endorsed by Parliament in passing the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025. In this consultation we propose a new, modernised and enhanced framework giving people confidence that what they buy will be safe, thereby supporting growth and giving businesses incentives to invest by providing a level playing field, with clearer responsibilities and a more consistent and streamlined set of regulations.

Our proposals are grouped into the following themes:

1. Getting the basics right
2. Accountability throughout the supply chain
3. A new approach to product information
4. Supporting enforcement activity

The new core product safety framework will:

• require proactive action from everyone in the supply chain to protect consumers
• reflect modern products and supply chains
• capitalise on the opportunities new technology has provided for both businesses and consumers
• support delivery of the government’s Regulation Action Plan

This consultation should be read together with its companion consultation on the market surveillance and enforcement aspects of the new framework. The proposals and questions in this document are in the format ‘A1, A2’ and in the other document are in the format ‘B1, B2’ Please ensure your answers reference the proposal and questions numbers with the correct letter and number.

Read and respond to the consultation on market surveillance and enforcement.

The existing product safety framework needs an upgrade. It is based on the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, introduced two decades ago, and overlaid with specific regulations for certain product sectors. We live in a world vastly different from the turn of the century, and the way people buy products has evolved. There are simply too many instances of dangerous products being sold to UK consumers, often online, resulting in serious harm.

The need for a new core framework was identified by the Product Safety Review and endorsed by Parliament in passing the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025. In this consultation we propose a new, modernised and enhanced framework giving people confidence that what they buy will be safe, thereby supporting growth and giving businesses incentives to invest by providing a level playing field, with clearer responsibilities and a more consistent and streamlined set of regulations.

Our proposals are grouped into the following themes:

1. Getting the basics right
2. Accountability throughout the supply chain
3. A new approach to product information
4. Supporting enforcement activity

The new core product safety framework will:

• require proactive action from everyone in the supply chain to protect consumers
• reflect modern products and supply chains
• capitalise on the opportunities new technology has provided for both businesses and consumers
• support delivery of the government’s Regulation Action Plan

This consultation should be read together with its companion consultation on the market surveillance and enforcement aspects of the new framework. The proposals and questions in this document are in the format ‘A1, A2’ and in the other document are in the format ‘B1, B2’ Please ensure your answers reference the proposal and questions numbers with the correct letter and number.

Read and respond to the consultation on market surveillance and enforcement.

Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) represent a category of medicinal products for human use that are based on genes, tissues, or cells. These medicines may be used to treat serious health conditions, including cancer and genetic disorders. In the UK, the definition, and regulation of ATMPs are primarily governed by the Human Medicines Regulations 2012. Gene therapy medicinal products (GTMPs) are a type of ATMP.

Advances in gene therapies increasingly challenge the suitability of the current UK definitions of GTMPs in the Human Medicines Regulations 2012. These definitions, originally developed in 2007, were created at a time when treatments were based on a smaller range of technologies. Today, innovative therapies can involve synthetic genetic material, new forms of genome editing, and highly engineered cells and tissues. Some of these products do not fit neatly into the categories set out in the existing legislation.

Key limitations in the current legislative definition of GTMPs have become apparent. The requirement for GTMPs to be biological in origin excludes synthetic nucleic acid constructs that function identically to biologically derived therapies. The focus in the existing legislation on recombinant nucleic acids was also unable to anticipate both emerging gene editing approaches delivered through non-recombinant nucleic acid systems and potential non nucleic acid platforms. The requirement that the therapeutic effect of a GTMP must derive directly from the recombinant sequence excludes products where genetic modification provides a crucial safety or manufacturing function. This mismatch between regulatory terminology and modern science can lead to classification uncertainty, inconsistent oversight, and potential barriers for developers, ultimately affecting patient access.

This consultation outlines proposed revisions to the current legal definitions to adopt a more technologically neutral approach. Under the proposed revisions, GTMP classification encompass active substances which contain a recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid moiety that undergoes transcription or translation, as well as active substances with a mechanism of action that involves sequence specific genome editing. While these changes update the definitional criteria for classification, they do not alter the underlying regulatory principles applicable to GTMPs, and ensure that synthetically manufactured products, and gene editing systems are appropriately captured within the framework.

This consultation seeks views from stakeholders on proposed amendments to the GTMP definitions. The objective is to modernise the GTMP definitions to reflect current scientific practice, ensure consistent risk-based oversight and maintain the UK’s position as a supportive environment for advanced therapy development. A modernised, future-proofed framework will give developers greater clarity, strengthen international alignment and help ensure that patients benefit from safe, effective and innovative treatments.

We received 37 responses to the consultation from a range of stakeholders and would like to thank everyone who took the time to contribute.

Due to the complexity of the issues raised, additional time is needed to fully consider the responses and assess the options for reform. We will publish the government’s response in Spring 2027.

This consultation seeks views on changes to fee scheme arrangements for legal aid in relation to inquests.

In short, we propose to:

• move to a single fee scheme for legal help
• use fee rates for the service elements of legal help alongside the existing fee rates for advocacy related work, within other legal services.

The consultation is aimed at anyone with an interest in the provision of legal aid for inquests conducted within England and Wales. This includes existing and potential providers of civil legal aid in England and Wales, as well as representative bodies, coroners and other members of the judiciary.

We also expect this consultation will be of interest to members of the public, particularly bereaved families with experience of inquests and accessing legal aid.

This consultation seeks views on the detailed design for an inward corporate re-domiciliation regime that would make it possible for a foreign company to re-domicile to the UK without having to change its legal identity.

These proposals are based on recommendations set out in the Independent Expert Panel on Corporate Re-domiciliation’s report and follow an initial consultation in 2021.

Under current processes, moving a company’s place of incorporation to the UK involves the creation of a new legal identity. This is costly, complex and can introduce commercial risks due to the need to transfer assets and contracts. An inward re-domiciliation regime would make it easier for foreign companies to transfer their place of incorporation to the UK by introducing a specific process that allows the company to change their place of incorporation while maintaining their legal identity.

Economic growth is the number one mission of this government. By making it easier for companies to move their place of incorporation to the UK we will maximise opportunities for increased investment and skilled jobs.

The consultation seeks responses from:

• businesses
• business representatives
• non-governmental organisations
• members of the public
• any other interested parties

We would like to hear your views on:

• proposals for changes to the way in which we fund assistive software through DSA
• the use of artificial intelligence in supporting disabled students

A British Sign Language (BSL) version of the consultation is available: Assistive software funded through Disabled Students’ Allowance (BSL version).

As an open trading nation, the UK thrives on its connections with the world. International trade fuels economic growth in the UK, and creates significant benefits for businesses, workers, and consumers alike.

Recent years have seen the increased, or threatened, use of restrictions on trade and investment as well as the weaponisation of trade and economic dependencies for political leverage. Such measures undermine a free, fair and rules-based international order and undermines the functioning of, and confidence in, the rules-based multilateral trading system.

As set out in the Trade Strategy, the government is launching a 10-week call for input to seek views from all individuals and organisations (such as businesses, research and academic institutions, consultancies, non-governmental organisations and international institutions) that might have an interest in providing input on the development of potential new powers to respond to acts of adverse economic pressure against the UK.

The information gathered through this call for input will help inform the government’s decision on whether to proceed with the development of new powers to protect the UK from adverse economic pressure. It will also gather evidence on issues relevant to the design of any such new powers, should the government decide to proceed.

How to respond

The call for input will close on Thursday 18 June 2026. We will not consider responses submitted via the online survey or by email after this date.

We strongly encourage that responses are made via the online Qualtrics form.

If you require an accessible version of this survey, contact [email protected].

If you cannot respond via the online form, you may send your response to [email protected]. If you are responding by email, make it clear which question each comment relates to.

When responding, state whether you are responding as an individual or representing the views of an organisation, business, or representative body.

This consultation seeks views on proposals relating to the fire risk assessor profession.

It covers the following areas:

• the future development of the fire risk assessor profession
• the powers needed to regulate the fire risk assessor profession, and
• implementation approaches for competency requirements in the fire risk assessor profession

We have received 184,000 responses to this consultation.

Given the large number of responses received, we are delaying the publication of the summary of responses until later this year to allow us to consider all responses carefully.

We are consulting on proposals to apply the new NPM to the advertising and promotions restrictions on ‘less healthy’ food and drink products. We are seeking views on how best to implement these measures to help reduce childhood obesity and improve public health outcomes.

We welcome input from all stakeholders on the scope, potential impacts and practicalities of these changes.

We are seeking views on potential modification to the 2 unitary proposal for the reorganisation of local government in West Sussex.

The 2 unitary proposal was submitted by:

• Adur District Council
• Arun District Council
• Chichester District Council
• Crawley Borough Council
• Horsham District Council
• Mid-Sussex District Council
• Worthing Borough Council   

​​Responses to this consultation will inform the Secretary of State’s decision on which proposal, if any, to implement.​

The government is seeking industry views on its proposals for Industry Training Board (ITB) reform to support economic growth and expand opportunity by increasing the impact, efficiency and strategic clarity of skills planning and development for the construction and engineering construction industry. Our vision to achieve this aim is a single, effective and efficient ITB with a unified skills strategy and delivery plan. This reformed body would retain strong sector‑specific expertise while providing clear, system‑wide strategic leadership and deploying shared resources efficiently to achieve maximum impact and value for money. It would remain industry‑led and operationally independent, working in partnership with government and building on the ITBs’ past successes to secure the skilled workforce its industry needs now and for the future. The decision on whether to proceed with a single ITB will take account of this consultation and the views of the Scottish and Welsh governments.

We are consulting on a draft of SIA guidance on how we propose to exercise our functions as the regulator under the Act. Section 12(2)(a) of the Act requires us to produce this guidance and to publish it if the Secretary of State approves it.

This statutory guidance, also known as ‘section 12’ guidance, will sit alongside the statutory guidance that the Home Office must produce under section 27 of the Act. The 2 pieces of statutory guidance will interlink:

• the Home Office’s section 27 guidance sets out the requirements of the Act: what people and organisations affected by the Act must do to comply
• our section 12 guidance explains how we will regulate the people and organisations affected by the Act

This consultation only covers our section 12 guidance. It does not cover the Home Office’s section 27 guidance.

We are consulting on a draft of SIA guidance on how we propose to exercise our functions as the regulator under the Act. Section 12(2)(a) of the Act requires us to produce this guidance and to publish it if the Secretary of State approves it.

This statutory guidance, also known as ‘section 12’ guidance, will sit alongside the statutory guidance that the Home Office must produce under section 27 of the Act. The 2 pieces of statutory guidance will interlink:

• the Home Office’s section 27 guidance sets out the requirements of the Act: what people and organisations affected by the Act must do to comply
• our section 12 guidance explains how we will regulate the people and organisations affected by the Act

This consultation only covers our section 12 guidance. It does not cover the Home Office’s section 27 guidance.

The CMA is launching its consultation on draft guidance on the application of  the Chapter I prohibition in the Competition Act 1998 (CA98) to technology transfer agreements. The purpose of the draft guidance under consultation is to explain how the CMA applies the Chapter I prohibition to technology transfer agreements.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has published draft regulations for a technical consultation. The draft regulations make changes to the pensions provision of information regulations consequential to changes made by Finance Act 2026 which brings unused pension benefits and death benefits into a deceased person’s estate for Inheritance Tax purposes.

The changes require pension providers and personal representatives to share information with each other and with pension beneficiaries and HMRC in respect of the deceased’s pension assets.

The proposals relate to the introduction of stronger building control procedural requirements for new homes and in some instances work to existing dwellings where the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (Fire Safety Order or FSO) applies below 18 metres.

We also intend for these changes to address some of the current differences between the public and private sector building control routes.

The proposals are specifically focused on:

• requiring that all new dwellings using the local authority (LA) route must apply with an application for building control approval with full plans
• requiring that all new dwellings and all FSO buildings using the Registered Building Control Approver route must receive a plans certificate at some stage prior to the giving of the final certificate
• a review of Fire and Rescue Authority consultation requirements

The consultation invites evidence and views on these proposals, with detailed reasoning.

We received a large number of responses to the consultation and are analysing the feedback. A full response will be published in due course.

The consultation and call for evidence on the UK Fertiliser Product Regulations (UK FPR) closed on 10 June 2026 and received a total of 83 responses.

Of these, 54 were submitted online through Citizen Space and 29 were received directly by email.

The consultation sought views on proposals for UK FPR and overarching general product requirements, although it did not seek views on specific limit values or other detailed technical parameters.

Respondents were invited to express an interest in participating in ten proposed technical workshops. These, which are intended to inform the ongoing policy development of the detailed parameters that would apply to fertiliser products and other technical aspects of UK FPR following the close of the consultation and call for evidence.

We recognised that the consultation responses and evidence received might identify additional areas where further technical input would be beneficial. As outlined in the consultation document, it may therefore be appropriate to undertake further public engagement on aspects of UK FPR that were outside the scope of this consultation, or on areas that were covered but where further development is under consideration.

Defra, working in partnership with the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and the Northern Ireland Executive, will now progress the planning and delivery of the proposed technical workshops.

Following the conclusion of these workshops, Defra, on behalf of all four governments, will publish a full government response. A response published before further engagement has concluded would not be as useful.

The timetable for completing the workshops will depend, in part, on the issues raised and the outcomes of those discussions, including whether additional workshops are considered necessary.

As a result, it is not currently possible to provide a definitive publication date for the government response. However, we recognise the sector’s need for clarity and regulatory certainty, and will seek to provide further information and updates as soon as practicable.

The consultation and call for evidence on the UK Fertiliser Product Regulations (UK FPR) closed on 10 June 2026 and received a total of 83 responses.

Of these, 54 were submitted online through Citizen Space and 29 were received directly by email.

The consultation sought views on proposals for UK FPR and overarching general product requirements, although it did not seek views on specific limit values or other detailed technical parameters.

Respondents were invited to express an interest in participating in ten proposed technical workshops. These, which are intended to inform the ongoing policy development of the detailed parameters that would apply to fertiliser products and other technical aspects of UK FPR following the close of the consultation and call for evidence.

We recognised that the consultation responses and evidence received might identify additional areas where further technical input would be beneficial. As outlined in the consultation document, it may therefore be appropriate to undertake further public engagement on aspects of UK FPR that were outside the scope of this consultation, or on areas that were covered but where further development is under consideration.

Defra, working in partnership with the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and the Northern Ireland Executive, will now progress the planning and delivery of the proposed technical workshops.

Following the conclusion of these workshops, Defra, on behalf of all four governments, will publish a full government response. A response published before further engagement has concluded would not be as useful.

The timetable for completing the workshops will depend, in part, on the issues raised and the outcomes of those discussions, including whether additional workshops are considered necessary.

As a result, it is not currently possible to provide a definitive publication date for the government response. However, we recognise the sector’s need for clarity and regulatory certainty, and will seek to provide further information and updates as soon as practicable.

The Authority is seeking feedback on options being considered to streamline the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) regulatory requirements for cross-boundary CCS pipelines.

The options aim to reduce the number of UK ETS permits a CCS pipeline crossing into multiple jurisdictions will require, which could simplify the monitoring and enforcement requirements for both operators and regulators.

The consultation is aimed at anyone with an interest in CCS policy in the UK ETS, especially companies who plan to operate CCS pipelines.

This consultation sets out government proposals to extend and enhance the Uncertain Tax Treatment (UTT) regime. It aims to reduce the legal interpretation portion of the tax gap by requiring more legal interpretation uncertainties to be notified to HMRC.

Proposed changes include widening the scope of UTT to additional taxes — such as Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), National Insurance contributions (NICs), the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), Inheritance Tax (IHT) and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) — and bringing wealthy individuals and trusts within scope where legal interpretation uncertainties give rise to a tax advantage over £5 million.

The consultation also seeks views on introducing an additional trigger to capture uncertainties not currently notifiable, improving consistency and early visibility of issues. This consultation invites feedback to support the design and implementation of future legislation, and to help us understand its practical impacts.

This consultation seeks views on planned new level 1 English and maths qualifications for 16- to 19-year-olds with prior GCSE attainment at grade 2 or below. It covers the:

• cohort of students who will take the qualifications
• qualification structure
• content
• proposals for achievement and grading

We are inviting feedback from education providers, employers, students, parents and other stakeholders.

The Reformed National Pricing programme replaces the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA).

The REMA decision included a commitment to publish a delivery plan describing the various reforms that make up the programme and outlining how they will be delivered.

As part of the plan, we are consulting on reforms we intend to make to siting and investment levers.

Read our consultation privacy notice.

If you have any concerns or suggested changes, please contact us using the details below:

Katie James: 07747638655
Jacob Bestwick: 07469443840

[email protected]

This technical consultation sets out some of the draft secondary legislation that will come into effect on 1 January 2027 alongside Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) being introduced.

This is in addition to other draft secondary legislation (setting out details of the administrative requirements, CBAM rate and carbon price relief) which was open for consultation until 24 March.

The aim is to gather feedback from stakeholders on the drafting of the secondary legislation to ensure that they deliver the policy correctly and effectively for the tax to operate as intended and provide for administrative matters.

A draft of the Notice which will have force of law is also being published to support understanding of how all of the CBAM legislation will read together. This document is not formally part of the consultation however if you have feedback on it, this can also be shared.

You can also read the policy summary document for further information on how CBAM will operate.

The draft secondary legislation includes the legislative requirements associated with the administration of the tax, including but not limited to:

• embodied emissions
• monitoring and verification of emissions data

This is of interest to:

• UK importers of goods from the aluminium, cement, fertilisers, hydrogen, and iron and steel sectors and downstream producers that use these goods in their supply chains
• overseas producers of CBAM goods for export to the UK
• overseas accreditation bodies and verifiers of emissions, who will be impacted by the legislation if overseas producers choose to monitor the actual emissions they produce
• respondents to the previous consultation
• international partners with an interest in CBAM policy

Any responses to or queries about this consultation should be sent by email to [email protected], using the subject line ‘CBAM technical consultation response’ and clearly referencing the relevant parts of the legislation.

Background

The government confirmed on 30 October 2024 that a UK CBAM will be introduced on 1 January 2027 and published primary legislation in Finance Act 2026.

CBAM will place a carbon price on specified goods imported to the UK from sectors that are at risk of carbon leakage. It takes effect from 1 January 2027.

Further details can be found in the policy summary document.

Collective redundancy obligations are an important part of ensuring a fair and transparent process when employers need to make redundancies.

Currently, employers are only required to undertake collective redundancy obligations when making 20 or more redundancies at one establishment. This has led to situations where large numbers of employees at an organisation are not being consulted because the redundancies are spread across multiple sites below the current threshold.

The Employment Rights Act 2025 will introduce new protections so that employers will be required to undertake collective redundancy consultation and notification whenever they make a threshold number of redundancies across their entire organisation.

The government is seeking views on the level and methods by which the new organisation-wide threshold for triggering collective redundancy obligations might be set.

The government is considering 2 options to set the new organisation-wide threshold:

• using a single fixed number in the range of 250 to 1,000
• tiering this new obligation based on number of employees

These proposals will need approval from Parliament before taking effect.

The government is seeking responses from all interested parties.

We are seeking your views on our proposed approach for the next round of reporting under the Adaptation Reporting Power (ARP5).

We are asking about 2 main proposals to:

• widen the scope of reporting to include Strategic Authorities, building on the Local Authority Pilot we conducted as part of the ARP4 round
• introduce targeted use of mandatory reporting using the legal power to tackle under-reporting

We also propose smaller, sector-specific changes based on our work with sector stakeholders.

We welcome your feedback on the questions in this consultation.

In February 2025, this government published and consulted on the Construction Products Reform Green Paper. This White Paper is the next decisive step in our response to the urgent need for reform across our construction products regime.

This consultation seeks views on a package of proposals for reform of the construction products regime. Responsibilities associated with the use or running of buildings or infrastructure are out of scope.

This consultation seeks views on our proposal to introduce a general safety requirement (GSR) for currently unregulated construction products. 

Regulations will require that construction products placed on the market are safe and will place specific obligations on businesses. The regulations will also provide enforcement powers to the national regulator for construction products.

​​The government is publishing a public consultation on the new towns draft programme and its environmental implications. 

Since the publication of the New Towns Taskforce report in September 2025, the government has been developing the programme to unlock significant economic potential, lay the foundations for long-term sustainable growth, and create places at a scale that allows them to be built with all the infrastructure they need to succeed.   

This consultation invites views on:

• how the new towns draft programme could operate the 7 proposed locations

• how new towns could be delivered and planned

• the proposed approach to design and planning policy

• the government’s offer to locations

It also invites views on a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) report which focuses on:

• local environmental constraints

• the cumulative effects of new towns development

• practical methods of mitigation and monitoring

Following this consultation and completion of the SEA and Habitats Regulation Assessments, the government intends to publish final proposals and confirm the New Town programme locations later in summer 2026.

We will publish a full government response to the recommendations of the New Towns Taskforce, including more detail on how our confirmed locations will be delivered in line with our ambition for the programme.

We received 353 responses to this consultation. We are carrying out an analysis of the results.

As announced at the UK-EU Leaders’ Summit on May 19 2025, the UK and EU have agreed to work towards a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Area, by way of an EU-UK Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement (SPS Agreement). This will involve alignment with EU SPS legislation, including EU animal health legislation.

The government published the legislation expected to be in scope of the agreement on 9 March.

As negotiations remain ongoing, we are awaiting the conclusion of this work to allow us to fully understand how the mandatory pathway proposals may be best aligned. Therefore, we are delaying the publication of the summary of responses and government response and intend to publish this in late 2026.

We are consulting on proposals to reform the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system.

The consultation document explains the changes we plan to make and asks for comments from everyone with an interest.

The changes aim to improve help and support for children and young people with SEND across the 0 to 25 years system.

We would like to hear from everyone who has an interest in the reforms including:

• children, young people and families
• teachers and leaders
• schools and trusts

The proposals may also be of interest to:

• early years providers
• post-16 providers
• local authorities
• experts and academic organisations
• representative groups

We welcome and will carefully consider comments and representations on all aspects of the consultation paper and subjects related to the proposed reforms, in addition to the specific consultation questions. Further contributions can be made in the text box at Question 39 or in the text box of Question 12 in the Easy Read version.

You can also engage with the consultation by signing up for consultation events and webinars with Ministers covering the full 0 to 25 system.

Every child achieving and thriving outlines the reforms to the schools and SEND system in England.

We have also written shorter, simpler documents that summarise the schools white paper and SEND consultation for parents and those working in the sector.

Alternative formats

British Sign Language

SEND reform: putting children and young people first - British Sign Language (BSL) version

An easy read version of the consultation can be found here.

You can order the following versions of ‘SEND reform: putting children and young people first’:

• a braille version in the form of a .dxb file if you have .dxb software or a hard copy if you do not have .dxb software
• a large print 20 point version

Email your request to: [email protected].

We want to know what you think about proposed legislative changes to reflect the conservation needs of some species of wild birds in the UK.

All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, but exemptions allow some species listed on a schedule of the Act to be shot for recreational and harvesting purposes. This mostly affects ducks, geese and waders. We want to ensure that the shooting of these wild birds is sustainable.

We’re proposing to:

• remove some species from the schedule
• extend the close season for some species
• add woodpigeon to the schedule so it can have a close season during its breeding period

Network Rail (NR) is proposing to close the railway station at Bordesley, Birmingham, on or after 4 June 2029.

NR has developed plans to increase the capacity and connectivity of the Midlands Regional Rail network by providing more services into Birmingham’s Moor Street and Snow Hill stations. 

This means 2 new elevated connecting tracks (chords) are required to connect the lines on the existing Bordesley viaduct from Birmingham’s Snow Hill and Moor Street stations to the Camp Hill line.

The junction for the chords will be located in the space Bordesley station occupies. To construct the new chords, Bordesley station must be closed and removed.

Network Rail has taken account of the Department for Transport’s (DfT) railways closures guidance.

We received 31 responses to this consultation.

We are analysing the feedback and working with colleagues in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to finalise the government response. This has taken longer than the 12-week target owing to the need for UK-wide clearance and the timing of Parliamentary summer recess.

We will publish the government response following summer recess.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) wants your views on possible changes to moped and motorcycle training, testing and licensing.

The possible changes will affect driving licence categories for:

• mopeds (AM)
• motorcycles (A1, A2, and A)

We want to make these changes to improve road safety and simplify people’s access to motorcycling.

We’re asking for your views on whether we should:

• restrict learner riders to automatic machines if they complete compulsory basic training (CBT) on one

• introduce a theory test that has to be taken before (or as part of) the CBT course

• introduce a progressive access training course for riders to upgrade their licence

• update the CBT syllabus 

• change the way motorcycle instructors qualify 

• change how long CBT certificates are valid for

• develop a digital service to manage the administration of CBT courses

The Department for Education wants to make the adoption and kinship system of support better, fairer, and more efficient.

We want to find out the best ways to maintain and improve the mental health and wellbeing of children who are adopted or in kinship care, as well as building their resilience.

The consultation also sets out 8 options to reform adoption and eligible kinship support, including the future operation of the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund.

We would particularly like to hear from:

• adopted and kinship care children (under Special Guardianship Orders or Child Arrangement Orders), carers, and their families who are eligible for the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund
• any past, current, or prospective applicants to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund
• anyone with an interest in the adoption and kinship care support offer, including – but not limited to – the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund

Although this consultation only applies to kinship care children and families who are eligible for the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund, the government will take into account all responses when considering how to improve the wider kinship support offer.

We received 32 responses, which we’re still analysing. We expect to publish the summary of the responses and government response by the end of 2026.

We received 32 responses, which we’re still analysing. We expect to publish the summary of the responses and government response by the end of 2026.

We received 14 responses, which we’re still analysing. We expect to publish the summary of the responses and government response by the end of 2026.

We received 14 responses, which we’re still analysing. We expect to publish the summary of the responses and government response by the end of 2026.