Made under the Scotland Act 1998

14 statutory instruments made using powers in the Scotland Act 1998, newest first. Each one is explained section by section in plain English.

The Scotland Act 1998 (Increase of Borrowing Limits) Order 2025

Published: Fri 27th Jun 25

The 2025 Order increased Scotland's borrowing limits under the Scotland Act 1998 and revoked the 2024 Order.


The Scotland Act 1998 (Increase of Borrowing Limits) Order 2025 raises Scotland's borrowing limits under the Scotland Act 1998.

Specifically, it increases the lending limit under section 67(2) from £1,779.351 million to £1,834.303 million and the capital expenditure limit under section 67A(1) from £3,050.316 million to £3,144.519 million.

The Order supersedes the 2024 Order and applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

It came into effect the day after its enactment.

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The Scotland Act 1998 (Agency Arrangements) (Specification) (Recognition of Qualifications) Order 2025

Published: Tue 13th May 25 Came into force: Tue 1st Jul 25

The Scotland Act 1998 (Agency Arrangements) (Specification) (Recognition of Qualifications) Order 2025 specified functions for the Scottish Ministers regarding the UK ENIC service for qualification recognition and enabled agency arrangements with a Minister of the Crown.


This Order, made under the Scotland Act 1998, specifies functions of the Scottish Ministers related to the UK National Information Centre (UK ENIC) for recognizing UK and non-UK qualifications.

It allows the Scottish Ministers to enter into agency arrangements with a Minister of the Crown to manage this service, including contracting and fee administration.

The functions are linked to international agreements on qualification recognition, such as the 1997 and 2019 Conventions.

The Order extends to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and takes effect on July 1st, 2025.

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The Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2025

Published: Tue 1st Apr 25 Came into force: Tue 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.


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.

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The Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018 (Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance) (Consequential Amendments) (No. 2) Order 2025

Published: Fri 28th Feb 25 Came into force: Fri 21st Mar 25

The order amended elections legislation in England, Wales, and Scotland to grant proxy voting rights to those receiving Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance.


This order amends various UK election laws to include the Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA) as grounds for proxy voting.

This ensures equal access to proxy voting for individuals in England, Wales, and Scotland who receive SADLA for disabilities, aligning with existing provisions for similar benefits.

The amendments affect regulations governing proxy voting in several election contexts, including general elections, police and crime commissioner elections, and recall petitions.

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The Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018 (Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance) (Consequential Modifications) Order 2025

The order amended several UK Acts to incorporate the Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA), preventing dual benefit payments and ensuring consistent treatment of SADLA recipients across the UK.


This order modifies UK legislation following the introduction of the Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA) in Scotland.

It amends several acts related to social security and taxation, preventing double payments where SADLA and other benefits overlap, and adjusting treatment of SADLA in defining disability for various purposes across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The order ensures consistent treatment of SADLA recipients across the UK.

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The Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 2025

Transferred environmental assessment and planning data powers from UK Secretary of State to Scottish Ministers for renewable energy projects, while maintaining concurrent authority.


The Order transfers specific environmental assessment and planning data functions from the UK Secretary of State to Scottish Ministers, granting them concurrent powers over renewable energy projects.

It enables Scottish Ministers to make regulations regarding environmental outcomes reports and planning data for generating stations in Scotland and the Scottish Renewable Energy Zone, while requiring consultation with the Secretary of State.

The Order extends existing devolved powers to include offshore renewable energy developments and maintains coordination between UK and Scottish authorities.

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