ARCHIVED: This Practice Note has been archived and is not maintained. It considers legislation which has been revoked and proposals not yet in force. It outlines the history of the cap on public sector exit payments, including the Restriction of Public Sector Exit Payments Regulations 2020, SI 2020/1122 in force between 4 November 2020 and 19 March 2021. It also considers the government’s proposals for a ‘framework’ to reform the calculation methods for public sector exit payments generally, and the separate proposals to reform exit payment terms for local government workers and specifically those eligible to be members of the local government pension scheme (LGPS). Finally, it details the 2022 government consultation on public sector exit pay which links proposals for a cap with Treasury approval processes for special severance payments. The history of the proposals and now revoked legislation capping public sector exit payments is discussed immediately below—see Capping the size of public sector exit payments. For details of the Restriction of Public Sector Exit Payments Regulations 2020, see Practice

Planning analysis: On 19 December 2024, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published a consultation on compulsory purchase reforms (the Consultation), seeking views on a range of proposals aimed at implementing technical reforms to the compulsory purchase process and compensation rules. This analysis pulls together the key proposals relevant to planning practitioners in England and Wales.

Planning analysis: On 9 December 2024, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published a policy paper entitled ‘Planning Reform Working Paper: Planning Committees’ (the Paper), inviting views on proposals to improve the process for the making of planning decisions by local planning authority (LPA) planning committees.

The government has initiated the process for repealing the video-sharing platforms (VSPs) regime by issuing a six-month notice to VSPs. The VSP regime is being repealed by the Online Safety Act 2023 (OSA 2023) which will regulate the new VSPs. The first stage of the repeal process, which commenced on 2 September 2024, is the ‘assessment start date’ where providers of pre-existing VSPs need to conduct risks assessments of their services in line with the OSA 2023. The final date of repeal will be decided after Ofcom’s codes for protection of children come into force. Ofcom will work closely with providers to help them through the transition.

The government has published its second update report of Inclusive Britain, announcing the completion of 62 of the 74 tailored actions to tackle disparities in education, health, criminal justice and in the workplace, since the action plan was first introduced in March 2022. Annex A of the report summarises the progress made against all 74 actions. Of these actions, one includes the creation of an ‘Inclusion at Work Panel’ to tackle bias and ensure fairness in the workplace. The panel has since been created and published its recommendations on the topic, which the government will consider and respond to in due course. Annex A further details the publication of new updated guidance for employers on positive action in the workplace.

The government has published its National Security and Investment Act 2021 Annual Report 2025–26, highlighting a continued increase in the number of transactions notified under the regime while emphasising that most acquisitions continue to be cleared without intervention. During the reporting period, the government received 1,324 notifications, a 16% increase on the previous year and reviewed 1,220 acquisitions, of which 95.6% were cleared without further action and 4.4% were called in for detailed national security assessment. All notified acquisitions were either cleared or called in within the statutory 30-working-day review period.

The Department of Health and Social Care, Department for Business and Trade, Department for Education, and Department for Work and Pensions have published Unpaid Carers Action Plan: Recognise, Refer, Reach setting out 42 actions and practical steps across health, social care, education, employment and social security to improve support for unpaid carers. The action plan is concentrated around three central pillars: recognising carers, referring them to services and support, and helping them reach their potential.

The Department for Business and Trade has published a number of new factsheets which set out what each policy or framework within the Employment Rights Bill aims to do and explains how it will work. In addition, changes have been made to some of the factsheets originally published on 18 October 2024, and one factsheet has been removed.

The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST), Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) have published a notice on changes to the UK’s Iran sanctions regime. The changes will take effect on 29 September 2026. In a written statement to Parliament, the Minister for the Middle East, Stephen Doughty MP, said that the measures respond to concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme and hostile activity. The Iran (Sanctions) (Amendment) Regulations 2026, SI 2026/983 will introduce further trade, financial and transport restrictions, including controls on energy goods and technology, precious metals, maritime goods, natural gas, oil, petrochemicals and sectoral software. They will also restrict Iranian aircraft from landing in the UK, subject to exceptions, and expand powers to sanction ships. Exporters and businesses should review the new controlled-goods schedules and assess whether their activities are prohibited or require a licence. The notice also confirms a general trade licence for specified energy-related activities necessary for the continued operation of the Shah Deniz gas field and related pipeline projects in Azerbaijan. The licence applies only to activities connected with essential operations, and users must notify OTSI within 30 calendar days of beginning the authorised activity. The Government has also updated its guidance on Iran sanctions in light of these changes.

The government has published a communiqué from an in-person meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Group for Housing, Communities and Local Government held on 4 June 2025 in Cardiff. Subjects covered include the UK government's response to the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report, including plans for a single regulator and Chief Construction Advisor. Ministers also discussed workforce issues concerning the capacity, competence and resilience of key professions in the building control and fire safety sectors, as well as construction product reform and regulation. The date of the next meeting is yet to be confirmed.

The government has published a communiqué of an in-person meeting between the UK Prime Minister and the Heads of Devolved Governments held on 23 May 2025 in London. Subjects covered include the current global landscape and its impact on domestic policy, along with recent trade agreements with the EU, the USA, and India. Ministers also highlighted the importance of the UK Government Spending Review in fostering economic growth.

The Department for Business and Trade has published a new consultation on improving access to flexible working. The Employment Rights Act 2025 is set to introduce changes to the flexible working regime, including a requirement to consult employees before rejecting a flexible working request and to explain why the rejection of a request is reasonable. The aim of the consultation is to determine the likely effect and requirements of the new process for employers and employees. It also looks at  what process could be used where a request cannot be immediately agreed. The consultation closes at 11:59 on 30 April 2026.