Personal Blogs

The new Bill despite its benign name reaches far beyond “child welfare” and into the heart of family autonomy.

1. It mandates local-authority registration for all home-educated children and gives authorities the power to force children into school by issuing School Attendance Orders even when the parents are providing a suitable education.

2. It allows unannounced home visits, effectively treating all home-educating families as potential risks, a radical presumption of guilt, not innocence.

3. It erodes educational freedom: home-educators may be compelled to follow state-approved curricula, with restrictive standards that suppress alternative, faith-based or child-centred learning.

4. It expands state surveillance through data-sharing and unique identifiers for children, a chilling incursion into privacy and family life.

All this is sold as safeguarding. But in truth, it undermines the long-standing protections of parental rights under the Education Act 1996 and the right to family life under the Human Rights Act 1998.

You should be asking: is this legislation protecting children or simply empowering the state to micromanage family lives under a veneer of “care”?

Legal professionals: we must scrutinise this Bill with the same rigour we apply to criminal-justice powers. Public conversation matters.

Strong Families - Free Learning - Safe Children

Digital HR1 Forms,  Mandatory from 30 November 2025

From 30 November 2025, employers must submit HR1 forms electronically when proposing collective redundancies. The new digital process replaces the paper form and brings several key changes:

I. Employers must enter total employee and redundancy numbers (no longer broken down by job group).

II. A new employer declaration confirms that trade union or employee representatives have been notified.

III. The system won’t allow consultation start dates set in the future, and the form cannot be exported so employers should save and print the summary page before submission to circulate internally.
Failure to file HR1 on time remains a criminal offence. Updated government guidance is now available online.

Know rights - Stay informed - Act early

New EPR Rules: Hidden Costs for Food Producers

Under the UK’s new Extended Producer Responsibility [EPR] rules, some private-label and contract food manufacturers may face unexpected costs.

EPR shifts full responsibility for the life cycles of packaging onto producers, meaning any business whose brand, logo or mark appears on packaging could be liable for reporting and recycling fees even if they manufacture products for a supermarket or another “own-brander.”

The first EPR invoices are being issued in October 2025, with labelling obligations from April 2027. The rules’ broad drafting means that the first brand on packaging may carry financial responsibility, catching out many suppliers who assumed retailers would bear the cost.

Action point: Businesses should review packaging designs and contracts with retailers now to clarify who carries EPR liability and adjust branding or terms where possible. Seek specialist advice if uncertain.

Protect Public Health - Ensure Safe Production - Maintain Trusted Quality

Novel Foods Regulation [CBD] Concerns

III. August 2025 Consultation: A Turning Point
In August 2025, the FSA launched its first public consultation on three proposed CBD food authorisations. These are open until 6 November 2025.

This marks a landmark moment: if approved, these would become the first authorised CBD products in Great Britain, setting critical precedents for safety evidence, labelling, and market access.

Choose Trusted Brands - Check FSA Approval - Use Responsibly Daily

Novel Foods Regulation [CBD] Concerns

I. CBD Products Under the Spotlight

The regulation of cannabidiol [CBD] foods in Great Britain has entered a crucial new phase. Because CBD was not widely consumed in the EU before May 1997, it falls under novel foods law, meaning Food Standards Agency [FSA] approval is required before it can be legally sold.

After years of uncertainty, the industry may soon see its first fully authorised CBD products.

Choose Trusted Brands - Check FSA Approval - Use Responsibly Daily

III. Why Is This Happening? Health Risks

The consultation highlights health concerns related to children consuming high levels of caffeine, such as anxiety, disrupted sleep, and even heart issues. Children are particularly at risk due to lower body weight and slower caffeine metabolism.

The aim? To protect young people’s health from excessive caffeine intake.

Eat Whole Foods - Move Your Body - Prioritize Mental Health

I. New Consultation on High Caffeine Energy Drinks

The Department of Health and Social Care has launched a consultation on proposals to ban the sale of high caffeine energy drinks to children under 16 in England. The consultation, open until 5 November 2025, aligns with similar restrictions already in place in Scotland.

Key takeaway: If implemented, this will impact the sale of many popular energy drinks across the UK.

Eat Whole Foods - Move Your Body - Prioritize Mental Health

Proposals postponed back to 2026

The European Commission is considering a second delay to the landmark EUDR with enforcement possibly postponed to 30 Dec 2026.

Originally set for 2024, the law targets deforestation-linked goods like soy, palm oil, beef, wood & cocoa. Businesses trading with the EU must prove their products are deforestation-free and legally sourced.

Why the delay?

The latest proposed EUDR delay isn’t about policy, it is about infrastructure.

The EU’s central IT system critical for due diligence reporting is nott ready to handle the data volumes. Without it, enforcement could choke global trade.

The rules are not changing:
I. Covered goods must still be deforestation-free
II. Due diligence statements still required
III. Penalties: up to 4% of annual EU turnover

Protect Forests -Preserve Life - Power the Future

What You Need to Know

Starting 19th September 2025, important banking changes will be introduced for customers aged 65 and over. These changes will affect how much cash people can withdraw, both daily and weekly and will include new limits and requirements for in-branch transactions. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know about the upcoming changes, the concerns they raise, and the alternatives available for pensioners who may need to make larger withdrawals.

Overall Conclusion

While these banking changes are designed to protect older people, they raise valid concerns about accessibility and independence. It is important that banks offer clear communication and support to people over sixty five, ensuring they understand how to navigate new rules and explore alternative payment methods. By planning ahead and taking advantage of available resources, people can continue to manage finances in a safe and secure manner despite the new limitations.

Cash Matters - Access Freedom - Maintain Control

What You Need to Know

Starting 19th September 2025, important banking changes will be introduced for customers aged 65 and over. These changes will affect how much cash people can withdraw, both daily and weekly and will include new limits and requirements for in-branch transactions. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know about the upcoming changes, the concerns they raise, and the alternatives available for pensioners who may need to make larger withdrawals.

What Should You Do?

If you are affected by these changes, it is important to take proactive steps:

I. Check with Your Bank: Make sure you understand your bank’s specific limits and procedures regarding cash withdrawals, especially if you regularly need larger sums.

II. Plan Ahead: If you anticipate needing more than the £500 daily or £2,000 weekly limit, consider giving your bank advance notice.

III. Consider Alternatives: Look into using safer alternatives like bank drafts, cheques, or even digital payments for larger purchases.

Iv. Attend Support Sessions: Many banks offer support to help customers transition to online or mobile banking. This could be a great opportunity to learn about new ways to manage your finances.

V. Report Scams: Be vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. Never feel pressured into withdrawing money on demand, and always double-check any requests.

Cash Matters - Access Freedom - Maintain Control

What You Need to Know

Starting 19th September 2025, important banking changes will be introduced for customers aged 65 and over. These changes will affect how much cash people can withdraw, both daily and weekly and will include new limits and requirements for in-branch transactions. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know about the upcoming changes, the concerns they raise, and the alternatives available for pensioners who may need to make larger withdrawals.

Key Changes for People Over 65

I. Daily Cash Withdrawal Limit
People aged 65 and older will face a £500 daily withdrawal limit. This means they will no longer be able to withdraw more than this amount in cash in a single day from ATMs or at the bank.

II. Weekly Cash Withdrawal Limit
There will be a £2,000 weekly cap for cash withdrawals. Any request for cash withdrawals exceeding this amount will likely require additional checks, which may include proving the purpose of the withdrawal or providing advance notice to the bank.

III. ATM Limits
ATM machines may also have restrictions, with some limiting withdrawals to £250 per transaction for people over 65, even if their daily limit is higher.

IV. Branch Withdrawals
For any request above the £2,000 weekly limit, People may need to give advance notice (24 to 48 hours) and could be asked to show proof of the purpose for the withdrawal, such as home renovations or travel expenses.

Concerns Raised by These Changes

These new rules have raised several concerns, particularly among older adults who rely on cash for day-to-day expenses. The main issues include:

I. Heavy Cash Users: Some people still prefer paying bills in cash or withdrawing large sums for significant purchases such as home improvements, travel, or emergency needs.

II. Rural Communities: People living in rural areas with fewer banking options may find it more difficult to manage their withdrawals, especially if ATMs or branches are not easily accessible.

III. Lack of Digital Banking: Many older people do not use online banking or digital payment methods and are uncomfortable with new technology, leaving them dependent on cash.

Cash Matters - Access Freedom - Maintain Control

I. What is a Relevant Sub-contractual Arrangement?

A relevant sub-contractual arrangement exists when a registered provider partners with another entity to deliver higher education [HE] courses, and: Students hold contracts with the registered provider, But the provider delivers fifty percent or less of the course delivery hours. Courses falling under this definition are "relevant sub-contractual courses" and if there are a hundred plus full-time equivalent [FTE] students across them, new OfS regulatory conditions will apply. 

II. Why It Matters: Recruitment, Risk & Regulation

The OfS is concerned about risks during recruitment and admissions under sub-contracting models. Interestingly, it proposes: Proactive compliance where there is a "material likelihood" of crossing the hundred plus full-time equivalent threshold, even before students are enrolled. Powers to intervene if arrangements pose risks to students or taxpayers. These rules would apply from a set point in the planning cycle, not just after courses begin. Existing qualifying arrangements will not be grandfathered in, they will fall under the new condition from day one of its implementation [expected 2026]. 

Exclusions, Expectations & Next Steps

Some arrangements are excluded, including those with: State-funded schools, further education/sixth form colleges, National Health Service providers, local authorities, or UK degree-awarding bodies; Courses delivered entirely outside the UK, or online courses for students living overseas. Still, other regulatory and legal duties [for example: quality, governance, consumer law] continue to apply. With the OfS expecting providers to act immediately, including setting up oversight mechanisms and data systems within four weeks of the condition coming into force. Early readiness will be critical.

Partner Smart - Plan Ahead - Protect Outcomes

Seems obvious, right?

You buy a house, put it in your name, and live your life. But levelled up people do it different. Want to know why?

Who really owns it?

On paper not them.

The house is in a trust, company structure, or even ab offshore company.

Why go through all the trouble?

Reason four: Financial leverage

I. These setups allow you to borrow against the house, move ownership and minimise tax triggers

All behind a curtain!

Simplify Asset Transfer - Protect Personal Assets - Maximise Tax Benefits