Building Blocks: Developments for the UK construction industry | April 2026

Insights

Construction and infrastructure

UK government to ban construction retentions and tighten late payment rules

Government plans to overhaul payment practices include banning retentions in construction contracts, introducing a 60-day payment cap, and imposing mandatory interest at 8% above the Bank of England's base rate. The measures have sparked concern within the industry. 

Osborne Clarke has also contributed an article in PBC Today on why the UK government ban on construction retention payments could mean an uptick in disputes.
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English Technology and Construction Court confirms building liability orders can be secured before trial

The decision provides welcome clarity on the "just and equitable" test that is likely to influence how building safety claims are pursued and defended.
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Building Safety

URS v BDW wins case of the year at Lexis Nexis Legal Awards 2026

Osborne Clarke acted for BDW in the landmark case that resolved important questions about aspects of UK building safety legislation (discussed in our Insight UK Supreme Court decides landmark Building Safety Act case from May 2025).
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Wales reforms building safety rules for design and construction

New regulations taking effect in Wales from July introduce stricter duties at all stages of a building's construction.
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Wales extends building safety rules beyond height limits

Senedd legislation creates a new in-occupation building safety regime that reaches further than its English equivalent.
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More topics you may be interested in

Real estate

Upcoming ban on upwards only rent reviews in England and Wales: what do landlords need to know?

Planning, environment and energy

The Energy Transition | UK government to amend Contracts for Difference regulations

The Energy Transition | Ofgem seeks industry views on reformed national pricing in Britain

The Energy Transition | NESO announces greater transparency on connection offers in Britain

Employment

Employment Law Coffee Break: New Vento bands published, gross misconduct dismissals, and GDPR for HR

Employment Law Coffee Break: Employment law reforms and status of job offers

Upcoming events

UKREiiF | Networking drinks in Leeds

Osborne Clarke will be attending UKReiif in Leeds and will be hosting a networking event on Wed 20 May 4.30pm-7pm. Sign up to attend the event here.

London International Disputes Week 2026

Osborne Clarke's disputes team is supporting a series of events at this year's global gathering of international disputes experts. These events include:

• 3 June | 9am-10.30am: Broken contracts, broken trust: managing termination risk in international construction projects.
• 3 June | 11.30am-1pm: International enforcement of judgments: recent developments, difficult issues and innovative strategies.

Click here for the full programme of events and to register to attend.