Legislation Published July 2026

151 statutory instruments were made in July 2026, with the highest volume of legislation centered on justice, transport, and economic regulation. Multiple instruments established digital systems for waste tracking and carbon border adjustments, while a significant number of regulations restricted airspace for public events and emergencies. Notable individual changes included the expansion of the infected blood compensation scheme and the nationalisation of British Steel Limited through a property transfer to a government-owned company.

Most significant this month: The Infected Blood Compensation Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2026

Summary

The Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

These Regulations amend the Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) Regulations 2020 to increase the financial obligations of local charging authorities to the Secretary of State.

The instrument raises the fee per processed payment from £2 to £4 when the central services system is used to handle Clean Air Zone charges.

Furthermore, it extends the duration for which authorities are liable to pay these fees through 31st March 2031, applying specifically to charging authorities within England.

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The Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022 (Commencement No. 7) Regulations 2026

Published: Thu 2nd Jul 26

These regulations bring into force specific provisions of the Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022 that manage the relationship between standard civil court procedures and new digital legal processes in England and Wales.

The order directs that paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 and part of section 31 of the Act take effect simultaneously with the Online Procedure (Rules and Practice Directions) Rules 2026.

These provisions primarily apply to the judiciary and legal professionals by clarifying that Civil Procedure Rules and existing practice directions shall not apply to online proceedings unless specifically authorized by digital-procedure-specific regulations or directions.

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The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Coventry) Regulations 2026

The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Coventry) Regulations 2026 prohibit the operation of unmanned aircraft below 1,300 feet above mean sea level in a specific area of Coventry.

These restrictions apply between 11:00 and 22:59 UTC on 4 July and 5 July 2026 to manage risks associated with large public gatherings.

The order applies to all unmanned aircraft operators, except those granted specific permission by the West Midlands Police Counter-UAS Team.

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The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Knebworth, Hertfordshire) Regulations 2026

These Regulations prohibit the operation of unmanned aircraft below 1,500 feet above mean sea level within a specified geographic area of Knebworth, Hertfordshire, during a music festival.

The restriction applies to all unmanned aircraft operators except those who obtain written permission from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Police Drone Team.

These rules remain in effect during specific intervals between July 10, 2026, and July 12, 2026, to manage safety and security risks associated with large public gatherings.

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The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Leeming) Regulations 2026

Published: Thu 2nd Jul 26

The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Leeming) Regulations 2026 prohibit aircraft from flying below 7,000 feet within a 5-nautical-mile radius of RAF Leeming during specific periods on 22 and 23 July 2026.

These restrictions apply to all aircraft except those granted specific permission by the Leeming Show Flying Display Director.

The Department for Transport issued these regulations to facilitate public flying displays and manage safety during high-energy aerial manoeuvres.

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The Communications Act 2003 (Commencement No. 6) and Media Act 2024 (Commencement No. 4 and Saving Provision) Regulations 2026

These Regulations bring into force specific provisions of the Communications Act 2003 and the Media Act 2024 on January 1, 2027, primarily concerning the regulation of 'listed events' such as major sporting fixtures.

The instrument directs the categorisation of these events into Group A and Group B and updates the restrictions regarding live coverage and contract reporting.

It applies to the Secretary of State, media regulators such as OFCOM, and broadcasting organizations involved in the acquisition of rights for events of national interest.

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The Pleasure Craft (Arrival and Report) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

These regulations amend the procedures for pleasure craft arriving in the United Kingdom by explicitly authorizing electronic methods for notifying arrival and submitting reports.

The person responsible for a vessel must notify an officer of arrival as soon as practicable and maintain a signal flag until instructed otherwise. These rules apply to operators and owners of pleasure craft as defined by previous customs legislation and are administered by His Majesty's Revenue and Customs.

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The Education (Free School Lunches in Maintained Nursery Schools) (Universal Credit) (England) Order 2026

This Order establishes free school lunch eligibility for registered pupils at maintained nursery schools in England if their parent receives Universal Credit and they do not already qualify under existing legislative criteria.

It directs school authorities to treat these pupils as eligible persons under section 512ZB(4A) of the Education Act 1996.

The provisions apply specifically to the education sector in England and involve parents who are recipients of Universal Credit.

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