‘Significant’ changes to English planning rules on way as industry consulted – OUT-LAW.com

Posted February 23rd, 2026 in news by Simon

‘Planning reform in England this year is expected to accelerate, with updates from both the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the Planning and Infrastructure Act set to take effect.’

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OUT-LAW.com, 20th February 2026

Source: www.pinsentmasons.com

Steps too far – Nearly Legal

Posted February 23rd, 2026 in news by Simon

‘This was a s.204 appeal of Haringey’s decision on review that Mr Zikic was not homeless because it was reasonable to remain in his then accommodation, a private assured shorthold tenancy of a one bed flat. The flat, notably, could only be accessed by a flight of 15 steps. Mr Z is disabled.’

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Nearly Legal, 22nd February 2026

Source: nearlylegal.co.uk

Judicial review of quasi-policies – Administrative Court Blog

Posted February 23rd, 2026 in news by Simon

‘The Court of Appeal has rejected a challenge brought by the British Medical Association against the General Medical Council’s decision to describe physician associates and anaesthesia associates as “medical professionals” in official guidance. In considering the claim, the Court has provided clarity as to the appropriate legal test to be applied when challenging guidance which might not squarely qualify as a “policy” in the established sense. The case is R (British Medical Association) v General Medical Council [2026] EWCA Civ 143 (20 February 2026).’

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Administrative Court Blog, 20th February 2026

Source: administrativecourtblog.wordpress.com

Scope for Future Claims: High Court Dismisses Challenge to EHRC Interim Guidance on For Women Scotland – Administrative Court Blog

Posted February 23rd, 2026 in news by Simon

‘On 13 February 2026, Mr Justice Swift in the High Court dismissed a challenge to guidance issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (“EHRC”). This interim guidance   sought to assist service providers interpreting duties under the Equality Act 2010 (“EA 2010”) in the wake of the judgment in For Women Scotland Limited v The Scottish Ministers [2025] UKSC 16.’

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Administrative Court Blog, 20th February 2026

Source: administrativecourtblog.wordpress.com

Court of Appeal blocks live stream of Mazur hearing – Law Society Gazette

Posted February 23rd, 2026 in news by Simon

‘In a transmission direction order handed down on Friday, the court ruled that anyone wishing to observe the submissions remotely must request permission to do so. The order was made by the master of the rolls Sir Geoffrey Vos, chancellor of the High Court Sir Colin Birss and Lady Justice Andrews, who are hearing the appeal.’

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Law Society Gazette, 23rd February 2026

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk

Barrister accused of inflating claimant’s losses reported to BSB by judge – Law Society Gazette

Posted February 23rd, 2026 in news by Simon

‘Mr Alan Bates, sitting as a Deputy Judge of the High Court in Kevin Demirci Properties Ltd v Huw Griffiths Architects Ltd, said the conduct of the unnamed barrister was so serious that a copy of the ruling should be sent to the Bar Standards Board.’

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Law Society Gazette, 23rd February 2026

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk

High Court dismisses contempt applications against lawyers – Law Society Gazette

Posted February 23rd, 2026 in news by Simon

‘A litigant in person has been made subject to an extended civil restraint order after contempt applications she made against her former lawyers were found to be totally without merit.’

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Law Society Gazette, 23rd February 2026

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk

BAILII: Recent Decisions

Posted February 20th, 2026 in law reports by michael

Court of Appeal (Civil Division)

Khan v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2026] EWCA Civ 148 (20 February 2026)

Titan Wealth Holdings Ltd b& Ors v Okunola [2026] EWCA Civ 138 (20 February 2026)

British Medical Association, R (On the Application Of) v General Medical Council [2026] EWCA Civ 143 (20 February 2026)

Court of Appeal (Criminal Division)

Jamal, R. v (Rev1) [2026] EWCA Crim 135 (19 February 2026)

O’Shaughnessy, R. v [2026] EWCA Crim 141 (19 February 2026)

High Court (Administrative Court)

Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council v Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government & Anor [2026] EWHC 261 (Admin) (20 February 2026)

STS, R (On the Application Of) v Secretary of State for Defence [2026] EWHC 363 (Admin) (20 February 2026)

Pembrokeshire Holdings Ltd v Food Standards Agency [2026] EWHC 323 (Admin) (20 February 2026

Tolnai v District Court of Debrecen (Hungary) [2026] EWHC 345 (Admin) (19 February 2026)

High Court (Chancery Division)

Whiston v Leonard & Anor [2026] EWHC 355 (Ch) (20 February 2026)

The Serendipity Centre Ltd v Tinson [2026] EWHC 349 (Ch) (20 February 2026)

Musst Holdings Ltd v Astra Asset Management UK Ltd & Anor [2026] EWHC 357 (Ch) (20 February 2026)

High Court (Patents Court)

Parsons v Convatec Ltd [2026] EWHC 300 (Pat) (30 January 2026)

High Court (King’s Bench Division)

Fassone v Hugh James (A Firm) [2026] EWHC 364 (KB) (20 February 2026)

High Court (Technology and Construction Court)

Kevin Demirci Properties Ltd v Huw Griffiths Architects Ltd [2026] EWHC 353 (TCC) (19 February 2026)

Source: www.bailii.org

Fine Cell exhibition opens at the Royal Courts of Justice – Courts and Tribunals Judiciary

Posted February 20th, 2026 in news by Simon

‘As part of an ongoing initiative to use the Great Hall as a law-related exhibition space, and to welcome the public to the Royal Courts of Justice, a new exhibition showcasing the work of Fine Cell Work is now on display.’

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Courts and Tribunals Judiciary, 17th February 2026

Source: www.judiciary.uk

Judge rules abuse claims cannot proceed because of limitation period and impact of delay on cogency of evidence – Local Government Lawyer

Posted February 20th, 2026 in news by Simon

‘Mr Justice Turner has decided in the High Court that he should not disapply provisions in the Limitation Act 1980 in a case brought by three men who claim to have been abused in children’s homes owned by Leicestershire County Council.’

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Local Government Lawyer, 19th February 2026

Source: www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk

Boat owners lose appeal over moorings possession order in favour of Environment Agency – Local Government Lawyer

Posted February 20th, 2026 in news by Simon

‘The High Court has dismissed 26 grounds argued by three groups of boat owners in a dispute over moorings at West Molesey in Surrey.’

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Local Government Lawyer, 19th February 2026

Source: www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk

High Court quashes Care Act assessment over failure to identify overnight needs – Local Government Lawyer

Posted February 20th, 2026 in news by Simon

‘The London Borough of Tower Hamlets unlawfully assessed the needs of an applicant under section 9 of the Care Act 2014 by failing to identify overnight care needs in an “unexplained leap of reasoning”, the High Court has found.’

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Local Government Lawyer, 20th February 2026

Source: www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk

UK Athletics admit corporate manslaughter charge following death of Paralympian – Crown Prosecution Service

Posted February 20th, 2026 in news by Simon

‘The national governing body for athletics in Great Britain has pleaded guilty to corporate manslaughter after the death of a Paralympian in London.’

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Crown Prosecution Service, 20th February 2026

Source: www.cps.gov.uk

EU to ban destruction of newly made clothes, accessories and shoes – UK Human Rights Blog

Posted February 20th, 2026 in news by Simon

‘On 9th of February this year the European Commission adopted new measures under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) to prevent the destruction of unsold apparel, clothing accessories and footwear, including additional detail on mandatory disclosures. These rules will apply from 19 July 2026 and aim to reduce the practice of textiles being destroyed before they are sold and worn.’

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UK Human Rights Blog, 19th February 2026

Source: ukhumanrightsblog.com

The future for lay trustees – Pensions Barrister

Posted February 20th, 2026 in news by Simon

Paul Newman KC considers the government’s proposals for the future of pension trustees set out in a recent DWP consultation paper, and asks whether it spells the end for the traditional lay trustee governance structure.’

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Pensions Barrister, 19th February 2026

Source: www.pensionsbarrister.com

‘Complicating’ compulsory purchase reforms take effect in England – OUT-LAW.com

Posted February 20th, 2026 in news by Simon

‘New rules that have come into effect in England risk complicating, rather than simplifying, the process of assembling land for development through the use of compulsory purchase orders (CPOs), a planning expert has said.’

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OUT-LAW.com, 19th February 2026

Source: www.pinsentmasons.com

English court dismisses state immunity claim over unpaid rent – OUT-LAW.com

Posted February 20th, 2026 in news by Simon

‘The recent dismissal of a foreign state’s claim related to commercial property illustrates the willingness of the English courts to enforce clear contractual rights, an expert has said. ‘

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OUT-LAW.com, 19th February 2026

Source: www.pinsentmasons.com

Defective pleadings, process duties, and prejudice in judicial review – Administrative Court Blog

Posted February 20th, 2026 in news by Simon

‘The Court of Appeal (Baker and Elisabeth Laing LJJ, Sir Nicholas Underhill) has allowed the Home Secretary’s appeal against the High Court’s finding that her failure to provide digital documentation confirming the status of those on section 3C leave breached her duty under section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009. The section 55 duty requires her to have regard to the welfare of children when discharging her immigration functions. The appeal was upheld essentially on procedural grounds comprising a confluence of (i) the claimant’s defective pleadings, and (ii) the prejudice caused to the defendant as a result.’

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Administrative Court Blog, 19th February 2026

Source: administrativecourtblog.wordpress.com

Company director fails in anonymity bid over SFO’s deferred prosecution agreement – Law Society Gazette

Posted February 20th, 2026 in news by Simon

‘A company director has failed to keep his name out of a deferred prosecution agreement with the Serious Fraud Office.’

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Law Society Gazette, 19th February 2026

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk

City lawyers urge SRA to rethink anti-SLAPP campaign – Law Society Gazette

Posted February 20th, 2026 in news by Simon

‘The City of London Law Society today added to calls for the Solicitors Regulation Authority to review its approach to prosecuting allegedly abusive litigation, following high-profile failures. Society chair Colin Passmore accused the regulator of bowing to political and media pressure in pursuing so-called SLAPP cases.’

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Law Society Gazette, 20th February 2026

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk