Legislation Published September 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
- 5th Sept 25 Cornwall College was authorized to grant taught awards up to foundation level indefinitely and up to bachelor's level until May 15, 2030. View
- 5th Sept 25 The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (Commencement No. 2) Regulations 2025 brought into force section 124 of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, amending the Online Safety Act 2023 regarding data retention for child death investigations. View
- 4th Sept 25 The 2025 Order extended the deadline for the UK government's response to the Committee on Climate Change's 2025 report. View
- 4th Sept 25 The regulations established commencement dates for sections of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 and included transitional provisions to protect data subjects' rights. View
- 4th Sept 25 The Order amended the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 and the Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004 to permit sharing of matched adult social care data with local authorities in England and Wales. View
- 3rd Sept 25 The 2025 regulations amended the Housing Benefit Regulations 2006 to simplify the habitual residence assessment for housing benefit claimants already receiving universal credit. View
- 3rd Sept 25 The University of Portsmouth was designated as a medical authority for dentistry examinations and licensing. View
- 1st Sept 25 The regulations amended the National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts) (Prescription of Drugs etc.) Regulations 2004 to update the list of restricted drugs for erectile dysfunction and remove notification rules for certain influenza antivirals. View
- 1st Sept 25 The 2025 regulations amended NHS charges for injury-related treatment, increasing fees for ambulance services, outpatient and inpatient care, and the maximum chargeable amount, while revoking previous amendments. View
The Power to Award Degrees etc. (Cornwall College) Order 2025
The Power to Award Degrees etc. (Cornwall College) Order 2025 authorizes Cornwall College to grant taught awards.
The college receives indefinite authorization for awards up to the foundation level and a fixed-term authorization (until May 15, 2030) for awards up to the bachelor's level.
This authorization is granted under the Higher Education and Research Act 2017, following advice from the relevant body regarding educational quality and standards.
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (Commencement No. 2) Regulations 2025
These regulations, enacted under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, bring into force section 124 on September 30, 2025.
This section amends the Online Safety Act 2023, requiring providers of certain regulated online services to retain information related to child death investigations.
The regulations are the second set issued under the 2025 Act, and an impact assessment referencing a prior assessment was published on the UK Government website.
The Response to the Committee on Climate Change Report (Extension of Period) Order 2025
The Response to the Committee on Climate Change Report (Extension of Period) Order 2025 extends the deadline for the UK government's response to the Committee on Climate Change's 2025 report from October 15th, 2025, to October 29th, 2025.
The order cites the need to allow sufficient time for a thorough response to the report's recommendations.
It was made under the powers granted by sections 37(5) and 90(3)(a) of the Climate Change Act 2008 and applies to the whole of the United Kingdom.
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (Commencement No. 3 and Transitional and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2025
These regulations set commencement dates for parts of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, amending the Data Protection Act 2018.
Sections 79 and 88 (legal professional privilege and national security exemptions) come into force immediately, while sections 89 and 90 (joint processing by intelligence and authorities) commence on November 17, 2025.
Transitional provisions protect data subjects' rights previously established under the 2018 Act until the 2025 Act changes come into effect.
The Legislative Reform (Disclosure of Adult Social Care Data) Order 2025
The Legislative Reform (Disclosure of Adult Social Care Data) Order 2025 amends the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 and the Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004.
These amendments allow the sharing of matched adult social care data with local authorities in England and Wales to improve fraud detection and financial recovery.
The Order was enacted under the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006, following parliamentary approval and consultation.
The Housing Benefit (Habitual Residence) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Housing Benefit (Habitual Residence) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective October 21, 2025, amend the 2006 Housing Benefit Regulations.
Specifically, they remove the habitual residence assessment for housing benefit applicants already receiving Universal Credit.
This simplification streamlines the application process by relying on the existing Universal Credit determination of habitual residence.
The Dentists Act 1984 (Medical Authorities) Order 2025
The Dentists Act 1984 (Medical Authorities) Order 2025 designates the University of Portsmouth as a medical authority, empowering it to conduct dentistry examinations and grant licenses.
This order, effective September 3rd, 2025, applies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, potentially increasing the capacity for dental professionals while leveraging existing legal frameworks.
No significant impact on the public, private or voluntary sectors is anticipated.
The National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts) (Prescription of Drugs etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend the 2004 National Health Service regulations concerning prescription drugs.
Specifically, they update the list of drugs for erectile dysfunction, removing Tadalafil and Vardenafil while adding Cialis and Levitra, and remove notification requirements for prescribing Oseltamivir and Zanamivir.
These changes aim to improve efficiency and access to necessary medications while streamlining administrative processes.
The Personal Injuries (NHS Charges) (Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These regulations, effective October 1, 2025, amend the 2015 Personal Injuries (NHS Charges) Regulations by increasing charges for NHS ambulance services, outpatient, and inpatient treatment received by those compensated for injuries.
The maximum charge also increases.
The amendments reflect updated costs, are legally authorized under the Health and Social Care Act 2003, and resulted in the revocation of the 2024 amending regulations.
A full impact assessment was deemed unnecessary.