# The Investigatory Powers (Communications Data) (Relevant Public Authorities) Regulations 2026

S.I. 2026/426 · made 15 April 2026

These Regulations amend Schedule 4 to the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25). Schedule 4 sets out the public authorities, other than local authorities, who may exercise powers under Part 3 of that Act to obtain communications data (“communications data” is defined in section 261(5) of that Act). It sets out the requirements for authorisations for obtaining communications data, including: the relevant statutory purposes, the types of communications data, the kinds of senior officer capable of providing an authorisation and the circumstances in which they can provide an authorisation.

Made under: Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (Contents, Section 71)

PDFs: Printed copy https://openlegislation.uk/investigatory-powers-communications-data-relevant-public-authorities-regulations-2026/pdf/uksi_20260426_en.pdf; UK Explanatory Memorandum https://openlegislation.uk/investigatory-powers-communications-data-relevant-public-authorities-regulations-2026/pdf/uksiem_20260426_en_001.pdf

## Introductory text

INVESTIGATORY POWERS
Made 15th April 2026
Laid before Parliament 20th April 2026
Coming into force 11th May 2026
The Secretary of State makes these Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by section 71(1), (2) and (2A) of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016.

## 1 Citation, commencement and extent

(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Investigatory Powers (Communications Data) (Relevant Public Authorities) Regulations 2026 and come into force on 11th May 2026.
(2) These Regulations extend to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

## 2 Amendment to Schedule 4 to the Investigatory Powers Act 2016

(1) The table in Part 1 of Schedule 4 to the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (table of authorities and officers etc.) is amended as follows.
(2) Omit the entries for the following relevant public authorities—
(a) East Midlands Ambulance Service;
(b) Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Health and Social Care Trust;
(c) North West Ambulance Service;
(d) South East Coast Ambulance Service;
(e) West Midlands Ambulance Service.

## Signature

Dan Jarvis
Minister of State
Home Office
15th April 2026

## Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations amend Schedule 4 to the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (c. 25). Schedule 4 sets out the public authorities, other than local authorities, who may exercise powers under Part 3 of that Act to obtain communications data (“communications data” is defined in section 261(5) of that Act). It sets out the requirements for authorisations for obtaining communications data, including: the relevant statutory purposes, the types of communications data, the kinds of senior officer capable of providing an authorisation and the circumstances in which they can provide an authorisation.
Regulation 2(2) removes the relevant ambulance services in England and Northern Ireland from Schedule 4 so that they no longer have powers to obtain communications data.
A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sectors is foreseen.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2026/426 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/investigatory-powers-communications-data-relevant-public-authorities-regulations-2026
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.