Building Blocks | Developments for the UK construction industry | July 2026
Published on 2nd July 2026
Welcome to Building Blocks – Osborne Clarke's regular round-up of Insights relevant to construction industry clients
Insights
Construction and infrastructure
Commercial Payments Bill would ban retention and late payments in UK construction
The bill proposes a phased ban on retention payments in construction contracts, with a two-year transition period before new rules take effect.
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Final dates for payment in UK construction contracts: court confirms strict application of statutory requirements
A recent judgment highlights the dangers of pegging final dates for payment in construction contracts to variable events.
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International construction contracts face growing termination risk
Record arbitration levels and a global defence build-up are testing construction contracts in common and civil law.
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English court upholds rare challenge to arbitration award
Even in a system designed for finality, tribunals must deal with every issue put to them.
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Landlord of UK commercial lease held to have fire safety obligations
High Court rules commercial landlord must remove dangerous cladding under lease covenant despite there being no disrepair.
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Upcoming events
Renters' Rights Act: staying ahead in a changing landscape
9 July | Webinar | 09:30-10:30
A practical assessment of what is in force and what is to come as the Act is implemented, relevant for private landlords of residential property, purpose-built student accommodation operators or portfolio investors. The session includes section 13 rent reviews, possession claims, occupation agreements in Wales and actions to prioritise.
Register now >
Future of Infrastructure Event 2026
22 September | One Birdcage Walk | 16:00 - 20:00
This year’s theme, “Delivery at Scale: Building the Next Generation of Critical Infrastructure”, will focus on the central challenge now facing the sector: how to turn political commitments, net zero targets and long-term strategies into funded, consented and buildable projects – at scale.
The event will feature:
- Keynote address – setting out the current landscape for infrastructure delivery and the opportunities ahead.
- Panel discussion with senior industry participants from across key asset classes, focusing on real world experience of getting projects from vision to operation.
- Audience Q&A and networking drinks, offering the opportunity to test ideas, compare notes with peers and speak directly with our speakers and Osborne Clarke specialists.
Register now >
