Legislation Published February 2025

UK legislation and statutory instruments introduced in February 2025.

Summary

  • 28th Feb 25 The Order established new wildlife licence charges in England, revoking the 2018 Order and setting new fees based on licence type, application complexity, and Natural England's processing time, with several exemptions. View
  • 28th Feb 25 The Excise Duties (Surcharges or Rebates) (Hydrocarbon Oils etc.) Order 2022 was continued until March 22, 2026. View
  • 28th Feb 25 The order amended elections legislation in England, Wales, and Scotland to grant proxy voting rights to those receiving Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance. View
  • 28th Feb 25 The 2025 Order amended Norland College Limited's degree-awarding powers to be indefinite. View
  • 27th Feb 25 The regulations established threshold conditions for classifying online services as Category 1, 2A and 2B under the Online Safety Act 2023, based on user numbers and functionalities. View
  • 27th Feb 25 The 2025 regulations amended the 2010 Medical Profession (Responsible Officers) Regulations by adding the Department of Health and Social Care and the General Council as designated bodies, clarifying responsible officer duties, and revising prescribed connections between medical practitioners and designated bodies. View
  • 27th Feb 25 The Enterprise Act 2002 was amended to add the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute to the list of bodies authorized to file super-complaints. View
  • 27th Feb 25 The 2025 regulations amended the 2021 regulations, extending an authorization for Three Crowns (Services) LLP until March 31, 2027. View
  • 27th Feb 25 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. View
  • 27th Feb 25 The regulations exempted authorized allied military personnel and contractors from needing spaceflight operator and range control licenses for specific national security activities, amending existing Space Industry Regulations. View
  • 27th Feb 25 The 2025 regulations amended the 2007 Gambling Act regulations to introduce age-based maximum stake limits for online slots games, including a six-week transitional period and a mandated five-year review. View
  • 27th Feb 25 The Gambling Levy Regulations 2025 established a levy system for gambling operators, defining the calculation and payment timelines, and linking non-payment to license revocation. View
  • 27th Feb 25 The 2025 regulations amended the 2023 Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Regulations by clarifying security update periods and adding exceptions for motor vehicles, two- or three-wheel vehicles, and agricultural and forestry vehicles. View
  • 26th Feb 25 The Unauthorised Co-ownership Alternative Investment Funds (Reserved Investor Fund) Regulations 2025 extended the application of specified sections of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 to unauthorized co-ownership AIFs that were or are RIFs, with modifications. View
  • 26th Feb 25 The regulations exempted Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance from income tax by amending the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003. View
  • 26th Feb 25 The Order officially designated 'Majeed Brigade' as another name for the proscribed organization 'Baluchistan Liberation Army'. View
  • 26th Feb 25 The regulations established transitory provisions for moving goods from Northern Ireland to Great Britain and amended related legislation concerning the definition of qualifying Northern Ireland goods. View
  • 26th Feb 25 Amendments were made to the Energy Bill Relief Scheme and Energy Bills Discount Scheme regulations, clarifying supplier discount duties and dispute resolution, and a timeframe was altered in the Energy Prices Act 2022. View
  • 25th Feb 25 Established tax framework for Reserved Investor Funds while amending Co-ownership Authorised Contractual Schemes regulations, including qualifying conditions, reporting requirements, and enforcement mechanisms. View
  • 25th Feb 25 Amendments were made to regulations governing child benefit and guardian's allowance, simplifying administration, modernizing eligibility criteria, and removing outdated provisions. View
  • 25th Feb 25 The 2025 Order designated numerous public and local government bodies to submit financial information to the Treasury for compiling Whole of Government Accounts for the 2024-2025 financial year. View
  • 25th Feb 25 Amendments were made to several UK armed forces pension schemes to improve clarity, correct errors, and ensure consistency in the calculation of pension entitlements. View
  • 25th Feb 25 Sections 4 and 5 of the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 were brought into force. View
  • 24th Feb 25 The Statutory Neonatal Care Pay (Administration) Regulations 2025 established administrative procedures for statutory neonatal care pay, including employer reimbursement, record-keeping, and dispute resolution. View
  • 24th Feb 25 The Statutory Neonatal Care Pay (Persons Abroad and Mariners) Regulations 2025 extended statutory neonatal care pay eligibility to persons abroad, mariners, and those working on the continental shelf, clarifying specific conditions and time limits. View
  • 24th Feb 25 Made extensive amendments to 29 different regulations to incorporate neonatal care leave and pay provisions into existing UK employment and benefits legislation. View
  • 24th Feb 25 The 2025 regulations amended the 2014 Care and Support (Charging and Assessment of Resources) Regulations by increasing several financial thresholds for care recipients. View
  • 21st Feb 25 Designated areas in England and Wales were established for local retention of non-domestic rates, calculation rules were instituted for non-domestic rating income and baseline amounts, and the Non-Domestic Rating (Designated Areas etc) Regulations 2017 were amended. View
  • 21st Feb 25 The 2025 regulations amended the 2014 Electricity Capacity Regulations, introducing new capacity agreement durations, clarifying eligibility criteria, and updating administrative procedures related to the Capacity Market. View
  • 21st Feb 25 The Order of Council approved amendments to veterinary registration fees, increasing them by approximately 4% and replacing Part 4 of the 2014 Regulations. View
  • 19th Feb 25 The Armed Forces (Court Martial) (Amendment) Rules 2025 amended the 2009 rules to specify minimum ranks for court martial presidents based on the defendant's rank. View
  • 18th Feb 25 The 2025 regulations amended the 2003 Income and Corporation Taxes (Electronic Communications) Regulations by removing an obsolete definition, expanding their scope to cover Finance Act 2021 penalties, and clarifying electronic information delivery conditions. View
  • 17th Feb 25 The Media Act 2024 (Commencement No. 2 and Transitional and Saving Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 revoked a saving provision concerning community and small-scale radio, aligning legislation with the Community Radio Order 2025. View
  • 17th Feb 25 Updated procurement thresholds, amended international obligations, modified primary and secondary legislation, and established transitional provisions for the implementation of the Procurement Act 2023. View
  • 14th Feb 25 The 2025 Order extended the Universal Credit In-Work Pilot Scheme for twelve months, continuing a program to assess the effect of work-related requirements on employed claimants. View
  • 14th Feb 25 * This document granted development consent for and authorized the construction, operation, and maintenance of a new liquid bulk import terminal at Immingham Port, along with associated developments and works; incorporated provisions from several existing acts; outlined land acquisition and possession procedures in tandem with compensation and protective provisions for concerned parties; included stipulations for environmental management and marine compliance; specified operational and decommissioning actions. View
  • 14th Feb 25 BIMM University Limited was authorized to grant taught awards for a fixed term, and the Office for Students conducted relevant consultations to inform the decision. View
  • 14th Feb 25 The Community Radio Order 2025 consolidated existing legislation, redefined community radio services, amended the Broadcasting Act 1990 and the Communications Act 2003, revoked prior orders, and established transitional provisions for existing licenses. View
  • 14th Feb 25 Established new decarbonisation readiness requirements for power stations in England through mandatory technical assessments and feasibility studies for environmental permits. View
  • 14th Feb 25 The Order established 20 new electoral wards in Walsall, abolished existing wards, and set the schedule for future council elections. View
  • 13th Feb 25 The 2025 Order restated and varied the Elections (Policy Development Grants Scheme) Order 2006, allocating £2 million annually to eligible political parties based on regional electorate proportions and party representation. View
  • 13th Feb 25 Updated student financial support regulations, modified fee structures, and expanded eligibility criteria for the 2025/26 academic year in England. View
  • 13th Feb 25 This order implemented boundary changes for county electoral divisions and borough wards in Maidstone, England, based on recommendations from Maidstone Borough Council, making these changes effective for elections from 2025 and 2028. View
  • 13th Feb 25 The Shropshire (Electoral Changes) Order 2025 effected alterations to county electoral division boundaries based on recommendations from Shropshire Council, aligning with parish boundary changes under the Shropshire (Reorganisation of Community Governance) Order 2025. View
  • 13th Feb 25 The Order established 24 new electoral wards for Canterbury, abolished existing wards, and specified the number of councillors per ward, based on a Local Government Boundary Commission for England recommendation. View
  • 13th Feb 25 The Separation of Waste (England) Regulations 2025 exempted the combined collection of certain recyclable waste streams and exempted micro-firms from specific waste collection requirements. View
  • 12th Feb 25 The 2025 Airports Slot Allocation Regulations amended UK airport slot allocation rules, increasing the threshold for 'new entrant' airlines and creating provisions for handling public health emergency situations. View
  • 12th Feb 25 The 2025 Order amended the 2006 Naval, Military and Air Forces (Disablement and Death) Service Pensions Order, updating payment rates and eligibility criteria for various benefits. View
  • 12th Feb 25 Split the 2026-2030 allocation period, modified free allocation processes, and enhanced transparency requirements for the UK Emissions Trading Scheme. View
  • 12th Feb 25 The 2025 Order postponed local council elections for nine English councils from 2025 to 2026, adjusted councillor terms, and modified casual vacancy procedures. View
  • 11th Feb 25 The 2025 regulations revoked the emergency restrictions on unmanned aircraft flights near Burghfield. View
  • 11th Feb 25 The 2025 Order amended the 2024 Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon Extensions Offshore Wind Farm Order, updating several specifications and documentation requirements. View
  • 11th Feb 25 The 2025 regulations amended Schedule 4A of the Social Security (Contributions) Regulations 2001, requiring employers to report the workplace postcode of employees benefiting from zero-rate National Insurance contributions in freeports and investment zones. View
  • 11th Feb 25 The regulations amended the Merchant Shipping (Safety of Navigation) Regulations 2020 and the Merchant Shipping (Fees) Regulations 2018 to implement international safety standards for ship navigation, creating exemptions for certain vessel types. View
  • 11th Feb 25 The 2025 order corrected errors and omissions in the Associated British Ports (Immingham Eastern Ro-Ro Terminal) Development Consent Order 2024. View
  • 10th Feb 25 The regulations amended the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 to extend driving licence validity for Ukrainian nationals under specific visa schemes based on application dates and further leave applications. View
  • 10th Feb 25 The 2025 regulations amended the 2009 RTM Companies (Model Articles) Regulations, clarifying the definition of 'lease' and capping landlord voting power in RTM companies. View
  • 10th Feb 25 The 2025 regulations amended the 2012 Early Years Foundation Stage (Welfare Requirements) Regulations to reflect a revised Qualifications Document related to early years provider training and qualifications. View
  • 10th Feb 25 Specific sections of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 concerning the right to manage were brought into force. View
  • 10th Feb 25 Abolished existing electoral wards in Thurrock and established 20 new wards with revised councilor allocations, effective from the 2025 local elections. View
  • 10th Feb 25 Increased TV license fees and adjusted payment schemes across UK territories, raising the standard color TV license to £174.50 and black and white license to £58.50 from April 2025. View
  • 10th Feb 25 Transferred environmental assessment and planning data powers from UK Secretary of State to Scottish Ministers for renewable energy projects, while maintaining concurrent authority. View
  • 7th Feb 25 The Excise Duties (Miscellaneous Amendments and Revocations) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amended the 2024 regulations by omitting regulation 10. View
  • 7th Feb 25 Established a new combined county authority for Greater Lincolnshire with an elected mayor and devolved powers over transport, housing, economic development, and planning. View
  • 7th Feb 25 Established the Lancashire Combined County Authority as a statutory body with powers over transport, housing, regeneration and economic development across Lancashire, Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen. View
  • 6th Feb 25 The regulations transferred employment of specified Ministry of Defence Police personnel to the Civil Nuclear Police Authority, safeguarding their employment rights and pension provisions. View
  • 6th Feb 25 - Amended the Valuation Tribunal for England (Membership and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2009 to raise the mandatory retirement age for members from 72 to 75. View
  • 6th Feb 25 The Carriage by Air (Revision of Limits of Liability under the Montreal Convention) Order 2025 updated the liability limits for air carriers under the Montreal Convention in line with ICAO's revised figures. View
  • 6th Feb 25 The Order appointed Sir Ian Bauckham as Chief Regulator of Qualifications and Examinations, effective February 6th, 2025. View
  • 6th Feb 25 The Order designated the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands as a superior court for purposes of the Judicial Committee Amendment Act 1895. View
  • 6th Feb 25 The Order designated St Mary's University, Twickenham as an exempt charity, limiting the Charity Commission's oversight. View
  • 6th Feb 25 Established the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority with powers over transport, housing, regeneration, and economic development, effective February 5th, 2025. View
  • 6th Feb 25 Reformed the UK Emissions Trading Scheme's rules on installation closures, free allocation adjustments, and decarbonization provisions through amendments to primary and delegated legislation. View
  • 6th Feb 25 Established the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority as a statutory body with mayoral governance, transport powers, and economic development functions covering Kingston upon Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire. View
  • 5th Feb 25 Designated three areas in the East Midlands as special tax sites to enhance capital allowances and provide stamp duty land tax relief, effective February 26, 2025. View
  • 5th Feb 25 Restrictions were placed on unmanned aircraft flights near Donnington Park during the 2025 Download Festival to ensure public safety. View
  • 4th Feb 25 The 2025 rules amended the 2022 Payment and Electronic Money Institution Insolvency (Scotland) Rules to correct drafting errors and improve the content of administrator notices. View
  • 4th Feb 25 A temporary traffic prohibition order was implemented on sections of the M6 Toll Motorway to facilitate roadworks, with exemptions for emergency services and related vehicles. View
  • 4th Feb 25 A temporary flight restriction was imposed near Stonehenge during the Summer Solstice of 2025 to ensure public safety during a large gathering. View
  • 4th Feb 25 Amended official controls regulations to modernize UK import procedures, expand enforcement options, and update technical requirements for animal, food, and plant imports. View

The Elections (Policy Development Grants Scheme) Order 2025

Published: Thu 13th Feb 25

The Elections (Policy Development Grants Scheme) Order 2025 revises the existing scheme for allocating policy development grants to UK political parties.

Effective March 6th, 2025, the order allocates £2 million annually, distributing funds among eligible parties based on a formula considering their representation in different UK regions’ electorates.

The Order replaces previous legislation relating to the same scheme and reflects the Electoral Commission’s recommendations, providing a foundation for transparent and equitable funding for policy development.

The Education (Student Fees, Awards and Support) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

The regulations modify multiple aspects of student financial support in England, updating payment rates and loan amounts for the 2025/26 academic year.

Key changes include introducing lower fees for foundation years, extending support to bereaved partners of Gurkha and Hong Kong military unit veterans, enhancing disabled student allowances, and revising overseas territory definitions.

The amendments affect various existing regulations including student support, postgraduate loans, and fee limit conditions.

The Maidstone (Electoral Changes) Order 2025

Published: Thu 13th Feb 25

The Maidstone (Electoral Changes) Order 2025 alters county electoral division and borough ward boundaries in Maidstone, England.

These changes, effective from 2025 and 2028 respectively, implement recommendations by Maidstone Borough Council, reflecting parish boundary adjustments made in 2023.

The Order ensures election procedures align with updated community governance structures.

The Shropshire (Electoral Changes) Order 2025

Published: Thu 13th Feb 25

The Shropshire (Electoral Changes) Order 2025 alters the boundary between two Shropshire county electoral divisions, namely Severn Valley and Sutton & Reabrook divisions.

This adjustment stems from recommendations made by Shropshire Council and approved by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

The changes, reflecting alterations made to parish boundaries, take effect for election proceedings after the Order's enactment and for all other purposes on the ordinary day of the 2025 councillor elections in England.

The Canterbury (Electoral Changes) Order 2025

Published: Thu 13th Feb 25

The Canterbury (Electoral Changes) Order 2025 alters Canterbury's electoral arrangements.

It abolishes existing wards and creates 24 new ones, defining their boundaries via a map and specifying the number of councillors for each.

The changes, based on recommendations from the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, take effect in October 2026 for preliminary election processes and in 2027 for other purposes, applying only to England despite extending to England and Wales.

The Separation of Waste (England) Regulations 2025

The Separation of Waste (England) Regulations 2025, effective March 31, 2025, establish exemptions to existing regulations regarding waste separation in England and Wales.

These exemptions permit the combined collection of certain recyclable waste streams (metal, glass, plastic) by English waste collection authorities.

Additionally, the regulations exempt micro-firms from certain waste collection requirements until March 31, 2027.

The regulations were drafted in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and following consultation with relevant stakeholders.

The Airports Slot Allocation (Alleviation of Usage Requirements etc.) Regulations 2025

Published: Wed 12th Feb 25

These regulations amend Council Regulation (EEC) No 95/93 concerning airport slot allocation in the UK. Key changes include increasing the threshold for defining a 'new entrant' airline from five to seven slots and introducing a new provision for handling slot allocation adjustments during pandemics or similar public health emergencies.

The changes aim to improve fairness and resilience in the system while simplifying the regulatory framework.

The Naval, Military and Air Forces Etc. (Disablement and Death) Service Pensions (Amendment) Order 2025

The Naval, Military and Air Forces Etc. (Disablement and Death) Service Pensions (Amendment) Order 2025 amends the 2006 Order governing service pensions.

Key changes include updated rates for pensions, gratuities, and allowances for armed forces members disabled or killed in service before April 6, 2005.

The Order also modifies eligibility for mobility supplements, including those receiving the higher rate of the mobility component of Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance, and simplifies the eligibility criteria.

The amendments take effect in March and April 2025, extending across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.