Trackers

Trackers

Public Law trackers

This subtopic contains the following trackers and timelines, recording a range of key legal developments and case law updates:

Brexit

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Brexit timeline—tracking key milestones and events in connection with the UK’s withdrawal from the EU
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Brexit legislation tracker—tracking UK legislation introduced in connection with the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, including Brexit SIs which are collated in the Brexit SI database
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REUL reform SI database—tracking secondary legislation introduced as part of the government’s post-Brexit reform agenda under the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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Coronavirus (COVID-19)—Scotland tracker [Archived]—collating news on Scotland and Scots law developments relating to coronavirus

Freedom of information

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Freedom of information case tracker—recording and summarising

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Latest Public Law News

PAC report finds Cabinet Office lacks reliable data on consultancy spending

The Committee of Public Accounts (PAC) has found that the Cabinet Office lacks accurate and consistent data on government consultancy spend, with departments not complying with requirements on reporting or internal controls. The report highlights risks of under‑ or over‑reporting due to inconsistent definitions and mixed contracts, casting doubt on the government’s plan to halve consultancy spending by 2026 and save £1.2bn. It also notes that the forthcoming strategic workforce plan could help departments reduce reliance on external consultants by identifying skills gaps and guiding resource allocation.

Freedom of information contempt certification in the Upper Tribunal (Bence v Cornwall Council)

Public Law analysis: In Bence v Cornwall Council, the Upper Tribunal (UT) found Cornwall Council in contempt for failing to comply with a Substituted Decision Notice (SDN) issued by the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FIA 2000). The Council ultimately admitted it had not responded to the SDN within the prescribed 35-day period, and the UT further held that the Council remained in breach for a protracted period. Bence is the first reported case in which the UT has made a finding of contempt by a public authority in an information law case. The decision provides guidance on the respective roles of the FTT and UT in the contempt certification process. It also provides a helpful and comprehensive summary of the contempt regime as it relates to non-compliance with the FTT’s SDNs. Further, the judgment emphasises the seriousness of non-compliance by a public authority and the elements of civil contempt, in conjunction with Buzzard-Quashie, that sanctions for contempt on this basis may be severe. The case is also instructive in illustrating how a public authority may mitigate failures of compliance to avoid investigation and certification of contempt. Written by Gaelyn Fuhrmann, legal director at Wiggin LLP.

Government launches consultation on introduction of voluntary digital ID for public services

The Cabinet Office, together with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), has launched a consultation on proposals to introduce a voluntary national digital identity document (ID) for accessing public services. The consultation seeks views on the design, scope and governance of the proposed system. The government intends the digital ID to build on existing identity verification infrastructure. It would be voluntary, with no legal obligation to obtain or present it and existing non-digital routes to public services would remain available. The consultation also seeks views on matters including the minimum age for eligibility, the information to be included on the digital ID (such as proof of address), how the ID could be used across government services and what safeguards are required to ensure data protection, security and oversight. It also addresses how the digital ID would be issued, stored and verified, its potential use in right to work checks and its wider administrative and economic implications. The government will also establish a ‘People’s Panel for Digital ID’ of 100 to 120 individuals selected through sortition to inform next steps. The consultation closes on 5 May 2026.

Administrative Court issues new procedure for opposed extensions of time

The Administrative Court has announced a new procedure for opposed applications for extensions of time in London (excluding Planning Court cases), following concerns about late and unsupported applications. The Court says that too many parties are making last-minute requests without proper reasons or evidence, creating unfairness for other litigants—particularly those with caring responsibilities or who work part time—and causing inconvenience to the court. Under the new process, parties must first seek the agreement of all other parties. If an objection is raised, the objecting party must email the Administrative Court Office using the subject header ‘EOTOBJECTION’, explaining the reasons for the objection to the application. Time-critical applications will be prioritised, with duty ACO lawyers aiming to determine objections within one working day. A duty judge will be available daily to deal with reconsideration requests. Parties are warned not to assume that extensions will be granted.