Activated statutory requirements for Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews in England and Wales starting 15 September 2026.

These Regulations bring into force section 19 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 on 15 September 2026, establishing a statutory framework for Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews in England and Wales.

This new system replaces the previous Domestic Homicide Reviews and mandates that specific public bodies—including local authorities, police forces, and NHS integrated care boards—participate in investigations to identify lessons following a death linked to domestic abuse.

The regulations apply to England and Wales and Northern Ireland, though they maintain existing homicide review protocols for Northern Ireland.

Raised the annual immigration health surcharge for adults to £1,035 and for students and children to £776.

This Order increases the annual immigration health surcharge that individuals must pay when applying for a UK visa or leave to remain.

It raises the standard rate for most adult applicants and the discounted rate for students, dependents, and minors.

The charge applies to non-EEA nationals and certain EEA nationals applying for temporary stay in the UK, with the funds allocated to the National Health Service.

Classified fifteen synthetic opioids and one synthetic cannabinoid as Class A controlled drugs effective 20 March 2024.

This Order amends Schedule 2 to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 to classify several synthetic opioids and a synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist as Class A controlled drugs.

It places fifteen specific nitazene compounds and related substances, along with cumyl-peglaclone, under the strictest tier of drug control in the United Kingdom.

The measures apply to all individuals and entities within the UK, subjecting the possession, production, and supply of these substances to criminal penalties associated with Class A drugs.

Introduced mandatory three-year enhanced DBS checks for pharmacy staff and restricted pharmacists from dispensing prescriptions issued by their own employees.

These Regulations amend the 2013 framework governing pharmaceutical services in England to introduce new clinical governance standards and operational requirements for NHS pharmacists and Local Pharmaceutical Service (LPS) contractors.

The instrument restricts pharmacists from dispensing items prescribed by themselves or their employees unless specific 'best interests' criteria are met and forbids changing a patient's nominated dispensing contractor without explicit consent.

It also mandates three-yearly enhanced DBS checks for all professional staff and establishes a formal notification process for pharmacies to temporarily close for staff training without breaching their core opening hours obligations.

Added fifteen synthetic opioids to the list of Class A controlled drugs and reclassified one cannabinoid receptor agonist from Class B to Class A.

This Order amends Schedule 2 to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 by adding fifteen synthetic opioids to the list of Class A controlled drugs.

It subjects these substances—primarily nitazenes and their derivatives—to the highest level of statutory control under UK law, affecting manufacturers, distributors, and individuals in possession of these chemicals.

The Order also reclassifies Cumyl-Pepegaitienate from a Class B to a Class A substance and removes specific naming of Diphenoxylate from Class B to avoid duplication with its Class A status.

Brought into force updated statutory guidance for identifying and protecting vulnerable individuals within the immigration detention system.

This Order brings into force a revised version of the statutory guidance concerning the detention of vulnerable individuals under immigration powers.

It directs Home Office officials to apply the criteria set out in the 'Guidance on detention of vulnerable persons' when determining whether a person’s mental or physical condition makes them unsuitable for detention.

The Order applies to the Secretary of State and immigration officers responsible for detention decisions across the United Kingdom.

Activated legal provisions requiring enhanced background checks for supervised staff working with children starting September 2026.

These Regulations bring into force section 139 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 on 1 September 2026 for England and Wales.

This provision amends the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 by removing the exemption that excluded supervised roles from being classified as 'regulated activity' within the child workforce.

Consequently, individuals working closely and frequently with children are now subject to enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and children’s barred list checks, regardless of supervision levels.

Activated the legal requirement for schools in England to maintain and publish allergy safety policies starting 1 September 2026.

These Regulations bring section 34 of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 into full force on 1 September 2026 for schools in England.

The activated provision requires educational institutions to implement and publish allergy safety policies while following statutory guidance issued by the government.

The instrument applies to schools governed by the Children and Families Act 2014, the Education Act 1996, and the Education and Skills Act 2008, and it authorizes the Secretary of State to create further regulations regarding pupil allergies.