Government and Public Sector news, January 2026
Legal insights, news and events from DWF's Government and Public Sector team delivered monthly to your inbox.
DWF monthly insight:
DWF 2025 Procurement Round-Up: Driving Transformation Across the Public Sector: 2025 was a landmark year for DWF's Public Sector team and Procurement Centre of Excellence, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted partner for central and local government, and strategic suppliers to government. Alongside our re-appointment to the Central Government Legal Panel (RM6360) for another 4-year term, the team has advised on shaping the future of AI contracts in the public sector, modernising Armed Forces recruitment, procuring many of the biggest outsourcing contracts in the UK and the most complex regeneration projects conducted by Local Authorities. Our Procurement Centre of Excellence has advised on in excess of £15 billion of works, services and supplies procured in the UK. View >
New public procurement thresholds from 1 January 2026: In this article, we discuss the new procurement thresholds introduced under the Procurement Act 2023 (Threshold Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (SI 2025/ 1200) and its impact on contracting authorities and suppliers. View >
Implications of Section 13 of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill on senior leaders of public bodies: This article explores Section 13 of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, which introduces a new offence for senior leaders who fail to prevent critical harm, and what impact this has on public bodies. View >
Flexible working: Navigating statutory duties amid regional relocation: In this article, we discuss how public sector employers can meet their statutory duties whilst balancing operational needs and employee expectations. View >
Reform of customs treatment of low value imports into the United Kingdom: The UK Government is consulting on significant changes to the customs treatment of low-value imports, following the announcement in the 2025 Budget that the £135 customs duty relief will be removed by March 2029. In this article, our experts examine the potential implications of these changes for both businesses and consumers. View >
Contractual interpretation, rectification, and the priority of competing security: In this article, we discuss the recent case of JAK Property Jersey Limited v Together Commercial Finance Limited which highlights the importance of clear drafting in documentation regulating the priority of competing security interests and the ranking of underlying debt. View >
Other news:
Department for Business and Trade: The UK lands momentous trade deal with South Korea to boost jobs and exports. View >
Department for Business and Trade: Small businesses across the UK will benefit from new Government funding and support to help them invest in sustainability, to cut their operating costs and boost their business. View >
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: The UK Government's landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill has received Royal Assent. View >
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: England’s councils set to receive £78bn in funding aimed at restoring pride, and councils will have more resources available to bring back libraries, youth services and community hubs. View >
Scotland Office: The 14 Scottish most in need communities each to benefit from up to £20 million UK Government Pride in Place Programme funding have been named. View >
Scottish Government: Community energy projects to benefit from £1.8 million. View >
