Scotland, Wales and NI news in 2026
13 stories, newest first.
- July 2026
Consumer Council publishes research on Northern Ireland bank branch closures
The Consumer Council for Northern Ireland has published research finding that Northern Ireland lost around 48% of its physical bank branches since 2020, with closures affecting consumers and small businesses in urban and rural areas.
- May 2026
New law makes benefit discrimination by private landlords and letting agents illegal
A law in force from 1 May 2026 makes it illegal for private landlords and letting agents in Scotland to refuse tenants because they receive benefits or have children.
Warm Home Discount (Scotland) Scheme continued to 31 March 2031
The Warm Home Discount (Scotland) Scheme has been continued to 31 March 2031 under regulations made on 30 April 2026 and in force from 1 May 2026.
- April 2026
NI Executive agrees in principle to extend Breathing Space to Northern Ireland via UK statutory instrument
The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed in principle to extend statutory Breathing Space debt protections to Northern Ireland through a UK statutory instrument, withdrawing the separate Debt Respite Bill.
Equality screening published for Northern Ireland two child limit consequential amendments regulations
The Department for Communities has published an equality screening of the Northern Ireland regulations that accompany the removal of the two child limit in Universal Credit, and has decided against a full EQIA.
Scottish income tax basic and intermediate thresholds to rise by 7.4% from April 2026
Scotland's draft Budget for 2026-27 raises the basic and intermediate income tax thresholds by 7.4% from April 2026, while the higher, advanced and top rate thresholds stay frozen.
New council tax collection rules come into force in Wales
Households in Wales now have 63 days to deal with a missed council tax instalment before enforcement action, replacing a minimum of 14 days under rules that took effect on 1 April 2026.
Pension Age Disability Payment fully rolled out in Scotland as replacement for Attendance Allowance
Pension Age Disability Payment has replaced Attendance Allowance in Scotland, with awards transferred automatically from the Department for Work and Pensions to Social Security Scotland.
Uprated council tax reduction figures apply from schemes beginning on or after 1 April 2026
Welsh ministers have laid regulations uprating council tax reduction figures and adding new disregards, applying to council tax reduction schemes made for financial years beginning on or after 1 April 2026.
- March 2026
Government announces £53m support for heating oil customers in vulnerable situations
The government announced £53m in March 2026 to help heating oil customers in vulnerable situations, with support delivered differently in each UK nation and a £9,000 heat pump grant opening in July.
- January 2026
Consumer Scotland responds to Ofgem consultation on energy debt at change of tenancy
Consumer Scotland has published its response to an Ofgem consultation on energy debt at change of tenancy, tentatively supporting reform while warning about self-disconnection and pre-move liability risks.
2026 to 2027 Scottish Income Tax rates and bands added
The Scottish Budget on 13 January 2026 set out proposed Scottish Income Tax rates and bands for 2026 to 2027, keeping the six rates but widening the starter, basic and intermediate bands.
2026 to 2027 Scottish rates and bands added to guidance
The Scottish Government factsheet on Scottish Income Tax rates and bands was updated on 13 January 2026 to add the 2026 to 2027 rates and bands, alongside the existing 2025 to 2026 figures.