In a statement to Parliament on 7 September 2026, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced that Government will review the LGR programme after receiving updated legal advice.

On 18 August 2026, the Prime Minister announced his support for West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to take public control of the local bus network in West Midlands.

On 21 July 2026, the High Court handed down its first judgment addressing the principles in applications for early specific disclosure under the Procurement Act 2023.

Andy Burnham’s first week as Prime Minister provided an early indication of how his Government intends to work with local government.

On 16 July 2026, ministers confirmed plans to streamline two-tier councils in a further 14 areas. Government has advised that the reforms will see 134 councils streamlined into 38 unitary councils.

The Government has confirmed that section 48 of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 (BSAI Act) will come into force on 1 October 2026, significantly widening the scope of the UK's illegal working regime.

The new legislation introduces a significant spread of community empowerment measures aimed at bringing decision-making closer to residents and giving communities greater influence over the places and assets that matter to them.

In June 2026, the UK Government issued Procurement Policy Note 024, marking a significant development in how public sector organisations approach service delivery.

Across May and June, the Independent Patient Choice and Procurement Panel (the Panel) published three new case reports.

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 (the 2026 Act)

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 (the Act) introduces a significant shift in commercial leasing by banning upwards-only rent reviews.

The Upper Tribunal’s recent decision in Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Limited v Timberyard Nominees provides a reminder to local authorities and housing providers