Legislation Published April 2025

48 statutory instruments were made in April 2025, with justice, economy, and infrastructure appearing as the most frequent administrative categories. The Town and Country Planning (Fees and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2025 updated fees for planning applications and established new procedures for Crown land development. The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 authorized the road use of hydrogen-fuelled vehicles and implemented corresponding safety standards. Additionally, the Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 modified the legal definitions and criteria used for international sanctions, reducing the scope of certain sectoral restrictions.

Most significant this month: The Town and Country Planning (Fees and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2025

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Summary

30th Apr 25 The 2025 Regulations amended the 1988 Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations by clarifying the definition of furniture, removing certain labeling requirements, and extending the timeframe for legal proceedings regarding fire safety offences. View Benefits and Welfare Economy Housing Justice Labour Trade
30th Apr 25 The Aviation Security (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amended UK aviation security legislation by removing stipulations on aircraft security and air carrier mail and materials. View Defence Foreign Policy Justice Transport
30th Apr 25 The 2025 regulations established online procedure rules for specified civil and family proceedings relating to property and financial remedies in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. View Devolution Finance Justice Local Government Technology
30th Apr 25 The regulations brought into force sections 1 and 2 of the Firearms Act 2023, clarifying regulations on miniature rifles in shooting galleries and the illegal possession of ammunition components for manufacturing. View Defence Justice Armed Forces and Veterans
29th Apr 25 The regulations amended existing legislation to extend transitional periods for official controls on various areas related to food and agricultural products, shifting deadlines from July 1, 2025, to January 31, 2027. View Agriculture Economy Environment Health and Social Care Trade
28th Apr 25 The 2025 order corrected errors and omissions in the A12 Chelmsford to A120 Widening Development Consent Order 2024. View Environment Infrastructure Justice Local Government Transport
25th Apr 25 The 2025 Regulations revoked several pieces of subordinate legislation and assimilated EU law related to public procurement in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. View Economy Energy Justice Trade
25th Apr 25 The 2025 Order amended the Ferrybridge Multifuel 2 Power Station Order 2015 to clarify the definition of processed municipal solid waste. View Economy Energy Environment Foreign Policy Justice
24th Apr 25 The regulations revoked 37 obsolete Euratom decisions and related miscellaneous provisions concerning energy, along with certain legacy transitional provisions related to environmental impact assessments. View Energy Environment Foreign Policy Trade
24th Apr 25 The Ivory Prohibitions (Exemptions) (Process and Procedure) Regulations 2022 were amended to include three additional institutions authorized to advise on exemption certificate applications. View Culture and Sport Devolution Environment Justice Trade
24th Apr 25 The Gambling Act 2005 was amended to redefine "gaming table" in casinos, impacting the permitted number of gaming machines, effective July 22, 2025. View Culture and Sport Economy Finance Justice
24th Apr 25 Part 3 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 was commenced on a trial basis in selected areas of England and Wales, and inconsistencies in previous commencement regulations were corrected. View Benefits and Welfare Civil Liberties Justice Local Government
24th Apr 25 These regulations amended the Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, updated the definition of the Assad regime, revised stated purposes, altered designation criteria, and reduced the scope of sectoral sanctions to promote Syria's economic recovery. View Economy Finance Foreign Policy Justice Trade
24th Apr 25 The 2025 regulations amended the 1999 Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations to specify fees for large vehicle off-road manoeuvres tests and direct payment to private test providers. View Economy Finance Justice Transport
24th Apr 25 The Free Zone (Customs Site No. 7 Liverpool) Designation Order 2025 designated Customs Site No. 7 Liverpool as a free zone, appointed a responsible authority, and established conditions for its operation. View Economy Finance Justice Local Government Transport Trade
23rd Apr 25 The Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Act 2024 (Commencement No. 2) Regulations 2025 brought section 5 of the Act into force regarding third-party bulk personal datasets on April 25th, 2025. View Civil Liberties Finance Justice Technology
22nd Apr 25 The regulations established requirements for retaining carbon storage information and samples, defining categories of information and samples, setting retention periods, and outlining procedures for license termination. View Energy Environment
22nd Apr 25 The 2025 regulations amended the Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information Regulations in Northern Ireland to reflect the Windsor Framework's provisions on EU law. View Devolution Economy Energy Environment Technology Trade
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 Education
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 Energy Environment
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 Energy Environment Infrastructure Justice Local Government
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 Education
14th Apr 25 The 2025 Order corrected errors and omissions in the National Grid (Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement) Order 2024. View Energy Infrastructure Justice Local Government
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 Infrastructure Transport
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 Education
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 Justice Local Government
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 Justice Local Government
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 Justice Local Government
8th Apr 25 The Order amended existing fees in the Civil Proceedings Fees Order 2008 and the Magistrates’ Courts Fees Order 2008. View Finance Justice
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 Education Justice
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 Economy Environment Housing Local Government
8th Apr 25 The 2025 order revised Tyne Tunnel tolls, increasing costs for some vehicle classes, and revoked the 2024 toll revision order. View Economy Finance Local Government Transport
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 Benefits and Welfare Civil Liberties Health and Social Care Justice
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 Agriculture Energy Environment Technology Transport
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 Justice Local Government
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 Economy Justice Trade
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 Benefits and Welfare Economy Finance Justice
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 Education Housing Local Government
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 Defence Economy Finance Justice Technology
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 Benefits and Welfare Economy Finance Labour Trade
3rd Apr 25 Specific provisions of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 were brought into force on various dates in 2024 and 2025. View Benefits and Welfare Civil Liberties Justice
3rd Apr 25 The Consular Fees (Amendment) Order 2025 increased fees for Emergency Travel Documents and Emergency Passports. View Finance Foreign Policy Immigration
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 Economy Environment Housing Infrastructure Justice Local Government
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 Economy Finance Housing Infrastructure Local Government
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 Economy Trade
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 Finance Local Government
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 Defence Devolution Finance Justice Labour
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 Benefits and Welfare Finance Justice

The Power to Award Degrees etc. (Architectural Association School of Architecture) Order of Council 2019 (Amendment) Order 2025

Education

Published: Thu 10th Apr 25

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

Published: Wed 9th Apr 25

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

Published: Wed 9th Apr 25

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

Published: Wed 9th Apr 25

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

Published: Tue 8th Apr 25

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

Published: Tue 8th Apr 25

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

Published: Tue 8th Apr 25

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.