Health and Social Care Legislation

Regulations governing the NHS, healthcare provision, social care services, public health measures, and medical standards.

The Abuse Redress Rules 2026

These regulations amend the fee structure for medical practitioners applying for registration with the General Medical Council.

They specifically revoke the 'fixed fee' previously applicable to certain doctors with overseas qualifications, requiring them instead to pay the standard registration fee.

These changes apply to any medical practitioner qualified outside the UK who seeks inclusion in the GMC register on or after 1 April 2024.

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Correction to Infected Blood Compensation Scheme Rules

This instrument corrects typographical and structural errors in the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2026.

It ensures that specific instructions for inserting text into previous regulations are properly phrased and that cross-references within the Schedule relating to payment eligibility are accurate.

These corrections apply to the IBCA (Infected Blood Compensation Authority) and any individuals or estate representatives engaged in the compensation claim process.

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The Infected Blood Compensation Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2026

These Regulations amend the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme Regulations 2025 to introduce new compensation categories and increase payment amounts for eligible infected and affected persons.

They establish a new severity level (2B) for Hepatitis B and C infections involving interferon treatment, create a financial loss award for potential earning capacity, and increase the autonomy award for those infected as children.

The instrument also expands the definition of unethical research practices and raises the associated award to £60,000 while updating various support scheme and winter fuel payment figures.

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The Supply of Machinery (Safety) (Amendment etc.) and the EU Machinery Regulation (Enforcement etc. in Northern Ireland) Regulations 2026

These regulations grant the Care Quality Commission (CQC) the authority to review and assess how local authorities in England perform their adult social care duties under Part 1 of the Care Act 2014.

By prescribing these functions as 'regulated' activities for the purposes of assessment, the document enables the CQC to apply its inspection framework to local government social services.

The provisions apply to all local authorities in England responsible for social care and the CQC as the regulatory body.

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The Health and Social Care Act 2012 (Commencement No. 12) Order 2026

Published: Tue 21st Jul 26

This Order brings section 208 of the Health and Social Care Act 2012 into full force on 1 October 2026.

It empowers NHS England to establish and maintain formal lists of persons who perform or assist in the provision of local pharmaceutical services.

The Order applies to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and impacts the regulatory oversight of pharmaceutical contractors and their staff under the National Health Service Act 2006.

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The REACH (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2026

These Regulations extend the statutory timeframes for the submission of chemical safety data and the performance of compliance checks under the UK REACH framework.

They reduce the immediate administrative burden on businesses by pushing back deadlines for providing full registration dossiers to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and simultaneously extend the window of time for the HSE to complete its evaluation of those dossiers.

The measures apply to all manufacturers, importers, and downstream users of chemical substances in England, Wales, and Scotland.

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The Nursing and Midwifery Council (Fees) (Practice Committee) (Fitness to Practise) (Amendment) Rules Order of Council 2026

This Order approves a series of rules made by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to increase professional registration fees and amend the procedures for fitness to practise investigations.

It authorizes the Council to appoint legally qualified chairs to lead practice committees, introduces new case management direction powers, and permits the service of legal documents via online accounts.

These regulations apply to nurses, midwives, and nursing associates registered in the UK, as well as the administrative and legal panels of the NMC.

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The Modification of the Law (British Steel Limited Property Transfer) Regulations 2026

These Regulations modify several areas of UK law—including employment, freedom of information, insolvency, and procurement—to facilitate the transfer of property and liabilities from British Steel Limited (ACo) to a state-owned company, SPV 2026 Limited (BCo).

They ensure all British Steel employees are transferred to the new entity while removing the statutory duty to consult with employee representatives during this specific process.

The instrument further exempts the new company from transparency requirements under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and public procurement rules under the Procurement Act 2023, while protecting government ministers and agencies from being legally classified as shadow directors.

These provisions apply to the Secretary of State, UK Government Investments Limited, and the personnel and management of the involved companies starting 16 July 2026.

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