Articles

The Building Safety Levy came into operation on 1 October 2026, but what is it? In this article we explain why it has been introduced, outline the basics and detail the potential effects.

On 26 September 2026, the government announced 'Your First Home', a new equity loan scheme that will let first-time buyers purchase an eligible new-build property in England with a deposit of just 2.5% of the purchase price. The government would provide an initial interest-free equity loan representing 20% of the price, leaving the buyer to arrange a mortgage for the remaining 77.5%.

Full details, including the interest-free period, income and price caps, and the launch date, are due to be confirmed at the Budget on 28 October 2026.

From 1 October 2026, the time limit for most employment tribunal claims increased from three to six months.

When assessing compensation, tribunals must take a robust and realistic approach to a claimant’s actual loss, including considering whether other state benefits were available and could reasonably have been claimed.

Failing to engage with the tribunal process can result in claims being struck out, even where a claimant has disabilities. Tribunals must consider relevant evidence about disability and whether strike out is proportionate.

As technology continues to shape the way people communicate, gather information and raise concerns, it is crucial for colleges to adapt their approaches to complaint management effectively and sensitively