UK Knowledge Collection | Regulatory Outlook, digital regulation, and residential lease transparency

Our latest Regulatory Outlook rounds up some practical steps businesses can take to prepare for and comply with imminent regulatory changes, including in relation to packaging waste in the EU (first requirements taking effect on 12 August), looming implementation dates under the Employment Rights Act and the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act (both 1 October), and the deadline under the EU AI Act (2 August), after which deployers of AI systems will be required to, among other things,  label deepfakes and AI-generated text. The European Commission has produced new guidelines on transparency of AI-generated content to assist businesses with compliance.

Children's online safety continues to be a major focus for legislators in Europe. The European Commission is reviewing recommendations by the EU's expert panel on child safety and is expected to publish a proposal later this year. The status of measures, announced earlier in July by the UK government, to protect children online (specifically 16- to 17-year-olds) is unclear, following the change of prime minister. In a webinar in September, our international digital regulation experts will explore in more detail the implications for digital services providers of proposed social media restrictions for children, stricter rules on subscriptions, and digital content regulations.  

Residential landlords in England are facing an overhaul of transparency rules in respect of residential leases subject to service charges. The reforms are designed to give leaseholders greater visibility over what they are being charged, why, and by whom. Our Insight considers the operational and administrative changes required, with implementation of the new regime expected from 2027.

Recent Insights

Regulatory Outlook

Our July update includes practical calls for action to take this summer, ranging from strengthening compliance procedures in relation to the expansion of corporate criminal liability under the Crime and Policing Act, preparing for changes to the UK's Right to Work scheme, and preparing for the first requirements under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation coming into force.
Read more >

Government confirms sweeping new transparency rules for residential landlords in England

The reforms cover annual reports, service charge demands, insurance disclosure and a reformed litigation costs regime.
Read more >

Updated Technology and Construction Court Guide delivers dedicated Building Safety Act and AI guidelines for proceedings in England and Wales

The latest edition addresses procedural issues that may arise during Building Safety Act claims and provides additional guidance on the use of AI.
Read more >

Public Service Pensions Update: July 2026

This update includes statutory guidance and draft tax legislation for Local Government Pension Scheme funds, McCloud remedy developments, civil service pension scheme amendments, inheritance tax and pensions regulations, Pensions Ombudsman developments relevant to all schemes, and more.
Read more >

Proposed UK collective claim dismissed with indemnity costs for failure to secure funding

The Competition Appeal Tribunal in Sciallis v Fender has emphasised the scrutiny applied to proposed class representatives and the duties they owe not just to their class but also to the tribunal and the proposed defendants. Osborne Clarke represented two proposed defendants, who were successful and were awarded almost all of their legal costs.
Read more >

Events

Immigration: Right to Work changes in 2026

9 September | Webinar | 10:00-10:45
Our immigration experts will offer a practical guide for employers using contractors, agencies and platform workers on the changes to the right to work framework coming into force on 1 October.
Register now >

Digital Regulation Download | Digital services under scrutiny

14 September | Webinar | 14:00-15:00
Online services are facing a new wave of consumer and child safety regulation. Tighter rules on social media and subscription transparency are evolving, affecting the design and marketing of digital products.
Register now >