Legislation Published April 2025
Legislation Tracker is your source for clear, concise explanations of Acts of Parliament and Statutory Instruments introduced in the United Kingdom.
We break down the technical legal jargon of each piece of legislation, explaining in plain language what it means and its potential impact.
Summary
- 17th Apr 25 The Order amended the 2023 authorization for the National Film and Television School to award degrees, extending the period until April 8, 2029. View
- 15th Apr 25 The Hornsea Four Offshore Wind Farm Order 2023 was amended to revise the definition of the offshore compensation measures and modify the guillemot compensation process. View
- 15th Apr 25 The Heckington Fen Solar Park (Correction) Order 2025 corrected errors in the original 2025 Order, amending references and coordinates within various articles and schedules. View
- 14th Apr 25 The Order amended the Power to Award Degrees etc. (ICMP Management Limited) Order 2021, extending ICMP Management Limited's authorization to award degrees. View
- 14th Apr 25 The 2025 Order corrected errors and omissions in the National Grid (Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement) Order 2024. View
- 11th Apr 25 The order amended the West Midlands Rail Freight Interchange Order 2020 by substituting a revised table of certification documents in Schedule 15. View
- 10th Apr 25 The 2025 Order amended the 2019 Order, extending the Architectural Association School of Architecture's authorization to award degrees until September 29, 2028. View
- 9th Apr 25 The Order established 30 new electoral wards in Bradford, abolished existing wards, and implemented a new election schedule for city and parish councillors, based on recommendations from the Local Government Boundary Commission for England. View
- 9th Apr 25 The order established 21 new electoral wards for Barnsley, abolished existing wards, and implemented a new system for councillor elections and retirements. View
- 9th Apr 25 The Wakefield (Electoral Changes) Order 2025 established 21 new city wards and revised parish wards, implemented new election timelines, and abolished existing ward structures. View
- 8th Apr 25 The Order amended existing fees in the Civil Proceedings Fees Order 2008 and the Magistrates’ Courts Fees Order 2008. View
- 8th Apr 25 The 2025 Order amended the 2021 Order, extending the College of Legal Practice Limited's degree-awarding authorization until April 29, 2028. View
- 8th Apr 25 Specific sections of the Environment Act 2021 relating to biodiversity net gain, along with relevant sections of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, were brought into force on May 1st, 2025. View
- 8th Apr 25 The 2025 order revised Tyne Tunnel tolls, increasing costs for some vehicle classes, and revoked the 2024 toll revision order. View
- 7th Apr 25 The regulations specified the roles of independent domestic violence, sexual violence, and stalking advocates, and mandated the Secretary of State to issue guidance on these roles. View
- 7th Apr 25 The 2025 regulations amended the 1986 Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations to allow road use of hydrogen-fuelled vehicles, while introducing safety standards for hydrogen fuel systems. View
- 7th Apr 25 The Maidstone (Electoral Changes) (Amendment) Order 2025 corrected errors in the Maidstone (Electoral Changes) Order 2025 regarding electoral boundary divisions and implemented the recommendations of the Maidstone Borough Council. View
- 3rd Apr 25 The regulations amended the Companies Act 2006 to clarify the recognition of third-country audit qualifications and updated requirements for practical training. View
- 3rd Apr 25 The regulations established tax exemptions and relief for payments made under the Horizon Shortfall Scheme Appeals, effective from April 28, 2025. View
- 3rd Apr 25 The 2025 regulations amended the 2024 Student Accommodation Regulations, updated codes of practice for student housing, specified relevant educational establishments, and revoked superseded regulations. View
- 3rd Apr 25 The order clarified penalty calculations for non-compliance with designated vendor directions and amended the 2003 Order to reflect changes from the 2021 Act. View
- 3rd Apr 25 The regulations amended the Social Security (Contributions) Regulations 2001 to exclude Horizon Shortfall Scheme Appeals compensation payments from National Insurance contribution calculations. View
- 3rd Apr 25 Specific provisions of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 were brought into force on various dates in 2024 and 2025. View
- 3rd Apr 25 The Consular Fees (Amendment) Order 2025 increased fees for Emergency Travel Documents and Emergency Passports. View
- 3rd Apr 25 The regulations amended primary legislation to reflect the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023, updated fees for planning applications, and established new procedures for Crown land development in England. View
- 2nd Apr 25 The regulations amended the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 and the Town and Country Planning (Section 62A Applications) (Procedure and Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 to clarify CIL application and improve information gathering relating to planning applications in England. View
- 2nd Apr 25 The regulations amended several UK customs regulations, updating tariff rates, authorized uses, and preferential trade arrangements to reflect changes in international trade and commodity codes. View
- 1st Apr 25 The 2025 Regulations amended the 2003 Local Authorities (Capital Finance and Accounting) (England) Regulations, extending the application timelines of regulations 30K and 30M. View
- 1st Apr 25 This legislation established duties for UK law-enforcement bodies regarding information disclosure and review related to the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020, amended related legislation, and issued guidance for implementation. View
- 1st Apr 25 The regulations amended the Civil Legal Aid (Remuneration) Regulations 2013 by increasing fees for welfare benefit cases, removing some fee schedules, and safeguarding pre-May 1, 2025, applications. View
The Power to Award Degrees etc. (National Film and Television School (The)) (Amendment) Order 2025
The Power to Award Degrees etc. (National Film and Television School (The)) (Amendment) Order 2025 extends the National Film and Television School's authorization to award specified taught degrees.
The Office for Students, following advice and established procedures under the Higher Education and Research Act 2017, amended the 2023 order to extend the authorization from April 9, 2026, to April 8, 2029.
The amendment ensures the school can continue offering its degrees without interruption.
The Hornsea Four Offshore Wind Farm (Amendment) Order 2025
The Hornsea Four Offshore Wind Farm (Amendment) Order 2025 amends the 2023 Order to make non-material changes to bycatch reduction measures.
Specifically, it revises the definition of "the offshore compensation measures" and modifies paragraphs 10-12 of Part 3 of Schedule 16, related to guillemot compensation, by updating consultation processes, predator eradication methods, and notification requirements.
The changes were made following an application under the Infrastructure Planning (Changes to, and Revocation of, Development Consent Orders) Regulations 2011 and are effective from April 14, 2025.
The Heckington Fen Solar Park (Correction) Order 2025
This order corrects errors in the Heckington Fen Solar Park Order 2025, a development consent order under the Planning Act 2008.
The Secretary of State approved corrections based on a written request from the applicant, which were then notified to the relevant local planning authorities.
The corrections amend several sections of the original order, updating references and coordinates, particularly in Schedules 1 and 13.
The effective date is April 14, 2025.
The Power to Award Degrees etc. (ICMP Management Limited) (Amendment) Order 2025
The Power to Award Degrees etc. (ICMP Management Limited) (Amendment) Order 2025 extends ICMP Management Limited's authority to grant taught awards until November 29, 2028.
This amendment builds upon the 2021 order, altering its Article 2.
The Office for Students made the decision after consulting relevant bodies and following established legal procedures.
An impact assessment was deemed unnecessary due to lack of impact on businesses, civil society, or the public sector.
The National Grid (Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement) (Correction) Order 2025
The National Grid (Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement) (Correction) Order 2025 rectifies errors and omissions in the 2024 Order, a development consent order under the Planning Act 2008.
The Secretary of State received a request for corrections and subsequently issued this order detailing specific textual changes across multiple articles and schedules of the 2024 Order, impacting definitions, articles defining development consent and procedures, along with specific provisions relating to the project.
The order ensures the legal framework for the project is accurate.
The West Midlands Rail Freight Interchange (Amendment No. 2) Order 2025
The West Midlands Rail Freight Interchange (Amendment No. 2) Order 2025 amends the 2020 Order.
It replaces the table of certification documents in Schedule 15 with an updated version, reflecting changes to plans and their revision numbers.
The amendment follows an application for a non-material change to improve the project's administrative efficiency, and it comes into effect on April 11th, 2025.
The Power to Award Degrees etc. (Architectural Association School of Architecture) Order of Council 2019 (Amendment) Order 2025
The Power to Award Degrees etc. (Architectural Association School of Architecture) Order of Council 2019 (Amendment) Order 2025 extends the Architectural Association School of Architecture's authority to grant degrees.
The Office for Students, following established procedures and advice, amended the 2019 order to extend the authorization until September 29, 2028.
The amendment ensures the school's continued ability to award degrees while maintaining the established quality assurance processes.
The Bradford (Electoral Changes) Order 2025
The Bradford (Electoral Changes) Order 2025 implements recommendations from the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, abolishing existing electoral wards in Bradford and establishing 30 new ones.
The Order details the new ward names and boundaries, specifies three councillors per ward, and outlines a phased election schedule beginning with a whole-city council election in 2026 transitioning to elections by thirds thereafter.
Similar changes are implemented for parish wards in surrounding areas.
The Order ensures that the changes comply with the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009.
The Barnsley (Electoral Changes) Order 2025
The Barnsley (Electoral Changes) Order 2025 implements recommendations from the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, abolishing existing wards in the borough of Barnsley and establishing 21 new ones.
The order details the new ward boundaries, specifies that each ward will elect three councillors, and sets out the schedule for elections and councillor retirements, with staggered terms to avoid full council elections every year.
It also provides rules for resolving ties in elections.
The Wakefield (Electoral Changes) Order 2025
The Wakefield (Electoral Changes) Order 2025 implements changes to the electoral arrangements for the city of Wakefield and associated parishes, based on recommendations from the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.
The order abolishes existing wards and establishes 21 new wards for the city, along with revised parish ward structures.
It outlines the timelines for elections, including initial elections in 2026 and subsequent staggered retirements of councilors to a system of thirds.
The changes ensure future elections adhere to legal requirements while aiming to improve representation and governance.
The Civil Proceedings and Magistrates’ Courts Fees (Amendment) Order 2025, effective the day after its enactment, amends fee schedules in the Civil Proceedings Fees Order 2008 and the Magistrates’ Courts Fees Order 2008 for England and Wales.
Specifically, it updates fees related to ship/goods sales in the High Court's Admiralty jurisdiction and liability orders/warrants of entry in Magistrates' Courts, with each fee's value restated.
This action was undertaken with the consent of the Treasury and following parliamentary approval, in accordance with the Courts Act 2003 and the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
The Power to Award Degrees etc. (College of Legal Practice Limited) (Amendment) Order 2025 extends the College of Legal Practice Limited's authorization to award degrees until April 29, 2028.
The Office for Students, after reviewing the quality of the College's programs and adhering to statutory procedures, amended the 2021 order to reflect this extension.
The amendment does not include an impact assessment as it was deemed to not affect businesses, civil society, or the public sector.
The Environment Act 2021 (Commencement No. 10) Regulations 2025
The Environment Act 2021 (Commencement No. 10) Regulations 2025, effective May 1, 2025, implement several sections of the Environment Act 2021 concerning biodiversity net gain.
These sections, primarily impacting planning permissions in England, introduce a condition within the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to ensure that all new developments contribute towards increasing biodiversity.
The regulations clarify specific parts of the relevant legislation that come into effect and explain the integration of these additions into existing planning processes.
While no independent cost impact assessment was deemed necessary for these regulations, reference is made to a broader impact assessment on the Environment Act 2021.
The River Tyne (Tunnels) (Revision of Toll) Order 2025
The River Tyne (Tunnels) (Revision of Toll) Order 2025, effective May 1st, 2025, revises tolls for the Tyne Tunnel.
The North East Combined Authority now sets the tolls, as specified in the Schedule.
The order revokes the previous 2024 toll revision order.
The new tolls increase the cost for cars, vans, and buses, with motorcycle tolls remaining at £0.
The Victim Support (Specified Roles) Regulations 2025
The Victim Support (Specified Roles) Regulations 2025, enacted under the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, specify the roles of independent domestic violence advisors, independent sexual violence advisors, and independent stalking advocates.
These regulations mandate the Secretary of State to provide guidance on these roles, aiming to enhance support services for victims of crime. The regulations have a staggered implementation, with most provisions coming into force on May 9th, 2025, and one specific regulation effective February 2nd, 2026.
The legislation clarifies the responsibilities of these support roles, drawing existing legal definitions from the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 1986 Regulations to permit road use of hydrogen-fuelled agricultural vehicles, engineering plant, works trucks, and category T tractors.
The amendments introduce new safety requirements for hydrogen fuel systems, including stipulations for fuelling receptacles, pressure relief devices, leak prevention, and driver warnings.
These requirements align with UNECE regulations and aim to balance enabling the use of hydrogen technology with ensuring public and environmental safety.
The Maidstone (Electoral Changes) (Amendment) Order 2025
The Maidstone (Electoral Changes) (Amendment) Order 2025 corrects errors in the 2025 Order regarding electoral boundaries in Maidstone, England.
The amendment ensures that the boundary changes accurately reflect recommendations from the Maidstone Borough Council, resolving a discrepancy originating from a failure to correctly implement those recommendations.
The Order specifies implementation dates for various purposes, and its scope extends to England and Wales but applies only in England.
The Companies Act 2006 (Recognition of Third Country Qualifications and Practical Training) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the Companies Act 2006 to clarify the recognition of third-country audit qualifications and relax restrictions on practical training providers.
The amendments aim to improve clarity, streamline processes, promote international standards, and increase the flexibility of the regulatory framework by aligning with current best practices and the Professional Qualifications Act 2022.
Specific changes include substituting subsections within Section 1221 and Schedule 11 to enhance the criteria for qualification recognition and practical training provisions.
The Horizon Shortfall Scheme Appeals (Tax Exemptions and Relief) Regulations 2025
The Horizon Shortfall Scheme Appeals (Tax Exemptions and Relief) Regulations 2025, effective April 28, 2025, grant tax exemptions and relief to recipients of compensation payments from the Department for Business and Trade’s independent appeals process.
The regulations exempt these payments from income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, and corporation tax.
Additionally, it exempts from income and capital gains tax relevant onward payments made by companies relating to these appeal payments.
All exemptions are rooted in the Finance Act 2020.
The Student Accommodation (Codes of Management Practice and Specified Educational Establishments) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend the 2024 Student Accommodation Regulations to update codes of management practice for student housing in England.
Key changes include the approval of a new Universities UK/GuildHE Accommodation Code of Practice, the specification of educational establishments under the Housing Act 2004, and the revocation of several superseded regulations.
The amendments aim to improve standards, clarify application, and streamline the regulatory framework for student housing.
The Electronic Communications (Networks and Services) (Designated Vendor Directions) (Penalties) Order 2025
The Electronic Communications (Networks and Services) (Designated Vendor Directions) (Penalties) Order 2025 clarifies the calculation of penalties for non-compliance with designated vendor directions under the Communications Act 2003.
It specifies the relevant business activities to be included in turnover calculations for penalty purposes and amends the Electronic Communications (Networks and Services) (Penalties) (Rules for Calculation of Turnover) Order 2003 to replace references to "notified provider" with "person." This ensures consistency with the Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021 and provides a clearer framework for penalty enforcement.
The Social Security (Contributions) (Amendment No. 5) Regulations 2025
The Social Security (Contributions) (Amendment No. 5) Regulations 2025, effective April 28, 2025, amend the 2001 Social Security (Contributions) Regulations.
These amendments exclude payments made under the Horizon Shortfall Scheme Appeals from earnings calculations used to determine Class 1 National Insurance contributions.
The regulations were created under the authority of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 and the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992, with concurrence from the Department for Communities.
The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 (Commencement No. 5) Regulations 2025
The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 (Commencement No. 5) Regulations 2025 bring into force several provisions of the 2024 Act.
These include amendments to the power to alter release on license criteria for specific prisoners, changes to offences relevant to public protection decisions, and the introduction of mandatory guidance for defined victim support roles.
The regulations stipulate different commencement dates for these provisions, ranging from the day after their making to May and June 2025.
The regulations apply to England and Wales, and the Explanatory Note confirms no significant impact on the private or voluntary sectors is foreseen.
The Consular Fees (Amendment) Order 2025
The Consular Fees (Amendment) Order 2025, effective April 9th, 2025, amends the Consular Fees Order 2012.
It increases the fees for Emergency Travel Documents and Emergency Passports from £100 and £75 respectively to £125.
The Order applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and no significant impact on the public, private or voluntary sectors is anticipated.
The Town and Country Planning (Fees and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2025
The Town and Country Planning (Fees and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2025 amend existing legislation to reflect changes introduced by the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023.
The regulations update fees for certain planning applications and adjust several Acts to incorporate new provisions for planning permission on Crown land in England.
These new provisions establish two application routes: one for urgent, nationally important developments and another for nationally important developments without urgency.
The Community Infrastructure Levy (Amendment etc.) (England) Regulations 2025
The Community Infrastructure Levy (Amendment etc.) (England) Regulations 2025 amend the 2010 Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations and the 2013 Town and Country Planning Order.
These amendments clarify the application of the Community Infrastructure Levy to certain planning determinations made by the Secretary of State or appointed persons, and enhance the information gathered on CIL liabilities within planning applications.
The changes primarily aim to improve clarity, consistency and the efficiency of the planning process concerning the levy in England.
The Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2025, effective April 27, 2025, amend several existing UK customs regulations.
These amendments update various documents related to the Tariff of the United Kingdom, authorized uses, and preferential trade arrangements with multiple countries.
Specific changes include updated versions of the “Authorised Use: Eligible Goods and Authorised Uses,” “Tariff of the United Kingdom,” and “Authorised Use: Eligible goods and rates” documents, and revisions to quota volumes and preferential tariff reference documents for several trade agreements.
The amendments aim to align UK customs procedures with international standards and reflect changes made by the EU.
The Local Authorities (Capital Finance and Accounting) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Local Authorities (Capital Finance and Accounting) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 2003 Regulations, extending the timeframe for rules on fair value gains and losses of pooled investment funds (Regulation 30K) until March 2029 for investments made before April 2024.
They also extend the application of regulations concerning the accounting treatment of infrastructure assets (Regulation 30M), postponing necessary adjustments until April 2028.
These changes affect how English and Welsh local authorities account for certain assets and investments in their financial statements.
The Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2025
This order implements the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 across the UK. It mandates information sharing and review processes by UK law enforcement bodies regarding Level 2 disclosures, mirroring existing duties of Scottish law enforcement.
It also amends relevant acts to ensure consistency and defines key terms like "UK law-enforcement body." The order addresses payment for services rendered under its provisions and outlines guidance issuance by the Scottish Ministers.
The Civil Legal Aid (Remuneration) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Civil Legal Aid (Remuneration) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective May 1, 2025, amend the 2013 Civil Legal Aid (Remuneration) Regulations.
The amendments increase standard fees for legal representation in welfare benefit cases and streamline the fee schedule by removing certain tables.
A saving provision ensures that these changes do not apply retroactively to applications made before May 1, 2025.