The Public Office (Accountability) Bill had its second reading in the House of Lords on 1 September 2026. In its current form, it will create a statutory duty of candour and assistance for public authorities and officials, new statutory offences relating to breaches of that duty and misleading the public will replace the common law offence of misconduct in public office, and non-means tested legal aid will be expanded for bereaved families at inquests where a public authority is involved.
What this means for you: For public authorities and officials within scope, transparency and cooperation during a formal inquiry or inquest would become a strict statutory obligation. Failing to cooperate or intentionally misleading the public during these investigations would expose individuals and bodies to direct criminal liability and legal prosecution.
Shared for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any of the information given. Please contact us for specific advice on your circumstances.