Local Government Legislation
Legislative framework for local authority powers, council operations, municipal services, and community governance.
The Customs (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026
The Regulations amended the Customs (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 to correct errors, introduce 'interchangeable goods' provisions under Chapter 6 for repayment/remission claims, and link Chapter 5 relief to Chapter 6 claims, while inserting a 'fit and proper person' test for certain claims.
The Customs (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 modify the existing 2020 Regulations concerning customs duties in Northern Ireland post-EU exit by correcting minor errors across several chapters and introducing two key substantive changes: establishing a linkage for claims between the Chapter 5 relief scheme and the Chapter 6 repayment/remission scheme, and introducing a mechanism for 'interchangeable goods' claims where identifying specific goods is impracticable due to mixing.
The Customs (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2026
The commencement date for the Customs (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 was officially changed from 20th April 2026 to 25th May 2026.
These Regulations, officially titled The Customs (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2026, introduce a technical amendment to delay the enforcement date of a preceding Statutory Instrument, specifically S.I. 2026/393.
The Treasury exercised powers under the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 to move the commencement date for specific customs amendments in Northern Ireland from April 20th, 2026, to May 25th, 2026.
The River Tyne (Tunnels) (Revision of Tolls) Order 2026
The North East Combined Authority's maximum tolls for the Tyne Tunnel crossing were revised and specified in a new schedule, effective May 1, 2026, following the revocation of the 2025 toll revision order.
This Statutory Instrument, The River Tyne (Tunnels) (Revision of Tolls) Order 2026, exercises powers granted under the Tyne and Wear Act 1976 and the River Tyne (Tunnels) Order 2005 to revise the maximum tolls that the North East Combined Authority can demand for traffic using the Tyne Tunnel crossing, setting the new rates specified in the attached Schedule, effective from May 1, 2026, and simultaneously revoking the previous 2025 revision Order.
The Local Government Pension Scheme (Elected Member Pensions) (Consequential Amendment) Regulations 2026
Expanded pension eligibility to include elected members and mayors of the Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority.
These Regulations amend the Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority Regulations 2026 to grant elected members of that authority access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
They mandate that any allowance paid to a member, excluding travel and subsistence, is treated as pensionable income.
The Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority is directed to make the necessary employer contributions and payments to fund these pension benefits for its members.
The Birmingham East Mayoral Development Corporation (Establishment) Order 2026
Created a new statutory body called the Birmingham East Mayoral Development Corporation to oversee urban development in a designated section of the West Midlands.
This Order establishes a Mayoral development corporation for a designated area in East Birmingham, formally named the Birmingham East Mayoral Development Corporation.
Starting 11 May 2026, the Corporation functions as a statutory body under the West Midlands Combined Authority, tasked with urban development within the geographic boundaries defined by the associated official map.
The Order applies to the Secretary of State, the West Midlands Combined Authority, and any persons or entities operating within the specified development area.
The Local Government (Structural Changes) (Finance) (Amendment) Regulations 2026
Mandated a one-year notice period for new council tax premiums on second homes in specific areas following local government reorganisations.
These Regulations amend the Local Government (Structural Changes) (Finance) Regulations 2008 to clarify how new successor councils in England must implement higher council tax rates on periodically occupied dwellings.
They direct that when a new council is formed from multiple predecessor authorities, any new decision to charge higher council tax in an area where it was not previously charged is treated as a 'first determination.' This triggers a legal requirement under the Local Government Finance Act 1992 for the council to make that decision at least one year before the start of the financial year in which the higher rate takes effect.
The Longfield Solar Farm (Amendment) Order 2026
Amended the 2023 Development Consent Order for Longfield Solar Farm to update technical designs, hedgerow protections, and biodiversity measurement standards.
This Order modifies the Longfield Solar Farm Order 2023 to adjust technical specifications and environmental requirements for the renewable energy project.
It increases the allowed cable circuits for specific grid connection works, updates the planning permission references for Park Farm, and modifies the application of the Hedgerows Regulations 1997.
The Order also mandates that landscape and ecological management plans for the main site construction works demonstrate a minimum of 87% biodiversity net gain using a specific metric.
These changes apply to the developers of the Longfield Solar Farm and the relevant planning authorities in Essex.
The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Dinas Powys, Wales) (Emergency) (Revocation) Regulations 2026
* The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Dinas Powys, Wales) (Emergency) Regulations 2026 were revoked, immediately lifting emergency flight restrictions over the specified area.
These Regulations formally revoke the previous emergency statutory instrument that imposed temporary restrictions on flying operations within a specific area near Dinas Powys, Wales, because the Secretary of State determined that maintaining the restriction is no longer necessary in the public interest following the passing of the emergency situation.