Day: 2 September 2026

The Criminal Legal Aid (General) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 extends legal aid eligibility to proceedings involving orders newly created under the Crime and Policing Act 2026 and the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025. The amendment designates these proceedings as criminal proceedings under the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, ensuring defendants can access publicly funded legal representation in cases involving the new statutory orders. This change affects the scope of criminal legal aid provision across England and Wales.

Source: legislation.gov.uk – Read the original

HMRC has introduced an online service enabling businesses and customs agents to securely upload and download files to and from the authority. Users can register for a new account or log into an existing one to access the file transfer platform. This service provides a controlled method for exchanging customs documentation and trade compliance data with HMRC.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

Organisations managing pension schemes through HMRC’s online services can now request refunds or reallocation of charges associated with returns and reports submitted via Pension Schemes Online or the managing pension schemes service. The guidance sets out how pension scheme administrators and trustees can apply for adjustments to fees they have paid for these regulatory filing services. This facility allows entities to rectify billing issues or redistribute charges where appropriate within their pension administration functions.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC has published guidance on the availability status of its VAT online service and any technical issues affecting users. The resource allows traders and accountants to check whether the service is currently operational or experiencing disruptions. This information helps businesses plan their VAT submissions and compliance activities accordingly.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC has published a screening Equality Impact Assessment examining the effects of proposed Lifetime Allowance Protections and Enhancements. The assessment evaluates how these pension policy changes may affect different demographic groups. This screening document informs stakeholders of the government’s consideration of potential equality implications before implementation of the measures.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

The Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme establishes regulatory requirements for businesses involved in the wholesale supply of alcohol. The scheme sets out the legal framework and compliance obligations that alcohol wholesalers must follow to operate legally. This notice provides guidance on how the scheme affects trading activities and what regulations apply to those engaged in alcohol wholesale distribution. Businesses in the alcohol supply chain should review the specific requirements to ensure they meet their legal obligations under this registration system.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

A planning appeal concerning the partial demolition and conversion of a care home facility has been resolved as of 27 July 2026. The scheme involves changing the building’s use classification from institutional accommodation to standard residential housing whilst creating 20 separate dwelling units through structural modifications and extensions. The appeal decision establishes the outcome for this mixed-use development proposal affecting the site’s future use and configuration.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC has issued an updated policy brief clarifying how VAT liability applies to education supplies provided by alternative higher and further education institutions. The brief sets out the tax authority’s current position on which educational services from non-traditional providers may be subject to VAT or qualify for exemption. This guidance affects organisations delivering higher and further education outside conventional university and college settings that need to ensure correct VAT classification of their services.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original