Recent United Kingdom Court Cases: England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland

Abstract

Decisions and legislation of England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, verified against primary sources; Ireland is reported in the European installment. The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024's valuation scheme is enacted, not in force, its rates under consultation until 21 October 2026; the freeholders' challenge failed at first instance and is under appeal. Compulsory purchase fills the Upper Tribunal's list: HS2 references on loss of profits and certificates of appropriate alternative development, and a Northern Ireland award refusing rating capital value as a method. Scotland's Land Reform Act 2025 enacts lotting decisions with a compensation provision, not yet in force. Skykomish v Gerald Eve finds breaches of the engagement but no liability, the figure lying inside the bracket, which Bratt v Jones takes at fifteen percent. Rating decisions enforce comparable selection, family courts treat a minority discount as a finding of fact, and the Lands Chamber rejects a ten percent rule for covenant release. Cooper v Ludgate House assesses negotiating damages for rights of light at roughly eight times the diminution in value. In Adriatic Land 5 v Hippersley Point a Court of Appeal majority holds that the Building Safety Act bars service charges unpaid at 28 June 2022 even for earlier costs; the Supreme Court hears the point in November 2026. The First-tier Tribunal was not surveyed.