Legislation Published May 2025

UK legislation and statutory instruments introduced in May 2025.

Summary

  • 30th May 25 The 2025 regulations amended the 2019 Higher Education (Registration Fees) (England) Regulations, increasing registration fees for English higher education institutions by 3.9%, effective August 1st, 2025. View
  • 29th May 25 The Immingham Open Cycle Gas Turbine Order 2020 was amended to clarify definitions, land acquisition processes, and certified documents. View
  • 27th May 25 Section 17 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 was brought into force in two phases, starting on 1st June 2025 for the purpose of making regulations and on 1st October 2025 for all other purposes. View
  • 22nd May 25 The regulations amended the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021, increasing the compensation amounts for whiplash injuries based on injury duration, effective May 31st, 2025. View
  • 22nd May 25 A temporary prohibition of heavy goods vehicles (over 7.5 tonnes) was implemented on parts of the M48 Severn Bridge to mitigate public safety risks and road damage. View
  • 22nd May 25 The regulations amended the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 to clarify the driving licence requirements for zero-emission vehicles in Great Britain. View
  • 21st May 25 This document amended the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 and related secondary legislation to update and expand access to legal aid in relation to cases involving domestic abuse. View
  • 21st May 25 The 2025 Order amended the 2014 Public Interest Disclosure Order to include sanctions-related functions of the Secretaries of State for Business and Trade, Transport, and the Treasury within the scope of whistleblower protection. View
  • 21st May 25 The 2025 regulations amended the 2017 Apprenticeships (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations, reducing the minimum duration for apprenticeship practical periods and training from 12 to 8 months. View
  • 21st May 25 The regulations brought into force various provisions of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2025, transferring functions and property to the Secretary of State and abolishing the Institute. View
  • 20th May 25 The 2025 regulations amended UK legislation to remove Dechlorane Plus and UV-328 from the list of controlled persistent organic pollutants. View
  • 20th May 25 The Folkestone Harbour Revision Order (Amendment) Order 2025 amended the 2017 order to remove the statutory maximum fine limit from articles 12(2), 14(2), and 15(2). View
  • 19th May 25 The Cornwall Council (Adult Education Functions) Regulations 2025 transferred specified adult education functions from the Secretary of State to Cornwall Council, amending relevant legislation to reflect the change. View
  • 19th May 25 The regulations transferred certain adult education functions from the Secretary of State to the East Midlands Combined County Authority, with conditions and modifications to existing legislation. View
  • 19th May 25 The Order transferred certain adult education functions from the Secretary of State to the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, modifying relevant sections of the 2009 Act to reflect the change. View
  • 19th May 25 The Price Marking (Amendment) Order 2025 amended the 2024 Order, updated its effective date, and revised legal references related to price marking of goods. View
  • 19th May 25 The Childcare (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amended the annual fee arrangements for certain early years providers, extending their applicability until September 1, 2027. View
  • 19th May 25 The Manston Airport Development Consent Order 2022 was amended to extend the compulsory land acquisition time limit from one to five years. View
  • 19th May 25 The 2025 regulations amended the 2002 Medical Devices Regulations by removing certain EU law revocation dates. View
  • 15th May 25 The regulations increased penalties for late tax payments under Schedule 26 of the Finance Act 2021, raising the first penalty from 2% to 3% and the second from 4% to 10%. View
  • 15th May 25 Specific sections of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 relating to precision-bred plants were brought into force in England, Wales, and Scotland. View
  • 15th May 25 The 2025 regulations amended the 2012 Wireless Telegraphy (Spectrum Trading) and (Register) Regulations to update license transfer processes and frequency band information for various wireless licenses, removing some license classes from transfer eligibility. View
  • 14th May 25 The Companies and Limited Liability Partnerships (Annotation) Regulations 2025 granted the registrar new powers to annotate company and LLP registers to increase transparency and clarify information for register inspectors. View
  • 14th May 25 The regulations ensured compatibility between specified UK domestic legislation and assimilated EU direct legislation in the area of social security coordination. View
  • 14th May 25 The 2025 Value Added Tax (Amendment) Regulations amended the 1995 Value Added Tax Regulations to grant the Commissioners of His Majesty's Revenue and Customs the power to extend the deadline for final VAT returns. View
  • 13th May 25 The Transfer of Functions (Digital Government) Order 2025 transferred digital government functions from the Minister for the Cabinet Office to the Secretary of State and the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, amended existing legislation accordingly, and transferred related property, rights and liabilities. View
  • 13th May 25 The 2025 Order transferred responsibilities for fire and rescue services from the Home Secretary to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, along with related assets and ongoing processes. View
  • 13th May 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. View
  • 13th May 25 The regulations established commencement dates for several provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 and revoked or repealed specific sections of prior legislation. View
  • 12th May 25 The Marine Management Organisation extended the Blyth Harbour limits to include Ash Barge Dock, amending the Blyth Harbour Act 1986 and protecting Trinity House and Crown rights. View
  • 12th May 25 The 2025 regulations reduced delinked payments to English farmers based on a tiered percentage system, modifying existing regulations concerning payments under the Agriculture Act 2020. View
  • 12th May 25 This Order abolished existing electoral wards in Newcastle upon Tyne and Woolsington, establishing 26 new city wards and four new Woolsington parish wards, defining their boundaries, and specifying election timelines and councillor retirement schedules. View
  • 12th May 25 The 2025 Order established 25 new electoral wards in Sunderland, scheduled elections, and altered Hetton parish ward boundaries. View
  • 12th May 25 The order established 23 new electoral wards for the borough of Kirklees, abolished existing wards, and set election schedules for 2026 and beyond. View
  • 9th May 25 The Tribunal Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2025 amended several tribunal procedure rules to clarify the power to set aside decisions and mandated written notification of such actions, resulting in improved consistency and procedural fairness within the UK tribunal system. View
  • 9th May 25 The 2025 regulations amended the 2015 marriage registration and 2005 civil partnership registration regulations to include specific information on detained person's sentences in marriage and civil partnership notices. View
  • 9th May 25 The 2025 order amended the 2015 Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order, modifying permitted development rights related to electric vehicle charging and air source heat pumps. View
  • 8th May 25 The regulations amended Annexes 2, 2A, 4, 5, 7, and 11 of the Phytosanitary Conditions Regulation, updating pest lists and import requirements for plants and plant products. View
  • 8th May 25 The Licensing Act 2003 (Victory in Europe Day Licensing Hours) Order 2025 extended licensing hours for on-premises alcohol sales and specified activities in England and Wales for VE Day 2025. View
  • 7th May 25 These regulations amended the Police Regulations 2003, Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020, Police (Performance) Regulations 2020, Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2020, and Police Appeals Tribunals Rules 2020, primarily to streamline procedures, improve communication methods, and clarify definitions related to police conduct, performance, and complaints. View
  • 7th May 25 The Order appointed two new His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education, Children’s Services and Skills. View
  • 6th May 25 The 2025 Order amended the 2021 Order to update descriptions of accredited financial investigators regarding cryptoassets for civil recovery processes. View
  • 6th May 25 The Treasury specified fourteen gilt-edged securities as exempt from capital gains tax. View
  • 6th May 25 The UK government revoked the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland’s recognition as a recognised professional body for insolvency practitioners. View
  • 2nd May 25 The Rivenhall Generating Station Extension (Correction) Order 2025 corrected errors in the 2024 order regarding definitions within Article 2(1) by removing references to the Companies Act 2006. View
  • 1st May 25 The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 (Commencement No. 3) Regulations 2025 established specific duties regarding free speech for higher education entities, commencing certain provisions of the Act on August 1st, 2025. View

The Higher Education (Registration Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Fri 30th May 25

The Higher Education (Registration Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective July 1st, 2025, amend the 2019 regulations to increase registration fees for English higher education institutions by 3.9%, aligning with inflation.

The new fees, payable from August 1st, 2025, are based on the number of full-time equivalent students and are determined by a revised fee schedule.

The regulations are supported by the Higher Education and Research Act 2017 and Treasury consent, aiming to fund the Office for Students' oversight of higher education in England.

The Immingham Open Cycle Gas Turbine (Amendment) (No. 3) Order 2025

This order amends the Immingham Open Cycle Gas Turbine Order 2020 to incorporate non-material changes.

The Secretary of State approved the changes following an application under the Infrastructure Planning (Changes to, and Revocation of, Development Consent Orders) Regulations 2011.

Key amendments include modifications to definitions of ‘book of reference’ and ‘Order land,’ alterations to compulsory land acquisition provisions, and revisions to schedules detailing land rights and certified documents.

These changes aim for greater clarity and efficiency in the project’s implementation.

The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 (Commencement No. 6) Regulations 2025

The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 (Commencement No. 6) Regulations 2025 bring into force section 17 of the 2024 Act.

This section invalidates any agreement preventing victims from disclosing crime-related information to specified bodies like law enforcement and victim support services.

The regulations establish a two-stage commencement: June 1st, 2025 for the purpose of making further regulations, and October 1st, 2025 for all other purposes.

The regulations also note prior commencement of other sections of the 2024 Act.

The Whiplash Injury (Amendment) Regulations 2025

The Whiplash Injury (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective May 31st, 2025, amend the 2021 regulations governing compensation for whiplash injuries from road traffic accidents in England and Wales.

The amendments introduce two new tables specifying increased damage amounts based on injury duration.

Table 1 applies to cases arising before May 31st, 2025, and Table 2 applies to those arising on or after that date.

The changes reflect adjustments to damage amounts, likely linked to inflation, and were approved by Parliament.

The M48 Motorway (Severn Bridge) (Temporary Prohibition of Heavy Goods Vehicles) Order 2025

Published: Thu 22nd May 25

This order temporarily bans heavy goods vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes on specified sections of the M48 Severn Bridge, effective May 27th, 2025, for up to 18 months.

The ban addresses the potential for public danger and significant road damage.

Exemptions are in place for emergency vehicles and those with police permission.

The order is based on the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, with consideration given to alternative routes.

The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025

Published: Thu 22nd May 25

The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025 amend the 1999 Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations.

Specifically, they revise the rules concerning the types of zero-emission vehicles that can be driven under certain licence categories in Great Britain.

The changes primarily relax restrictions on the maximum authorized mass of zero-emission vehicles that category B licence holders (standard car licence) can operate, allowing for larger vehicles and trailer combinations, with some stipulations on age and experience in certain cases.

The regulations also address the age restrictions for driving some medium-sized goods vehicles specified within the updated regulations, setting a single legal age of 17.

This legislation revokes and replaces previous regulations largely based on assimilated EU law.

The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (Legal Aid: Domestic Abuse) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2025

This Order modifies the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 to expand legal aid access for domestic abuse cases.

It broadens the definition of 'domestic abuse,' replaces outdated terms like 'domestic violence' with the modern terminology, and extends coverage to encompass numerous procedures connected to domestic abuse protection orders.

Furthermore, the Order adjusts related civil and criminal legal aid regulations to ensure consistency and effectiveness in providing aid.

The Public Interest Disclosure (Prescribed Persons) (Amendment) Order 2025

This Order modifies the Public Interest Disclosure (Prescribed Persons) Order 2014 to extend whistleblower protection to individuals disclosing information about sanctions-related activities undertaken by the Secretaries of State for Business and Trade, Transport, and the Treasury.

This expansion ensures greater accountability and transparency within the government's sanctions regime.

The Apprenticeships (Miscellaneous Provisions) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

The Apprenticeships (Miscellaneous Provisions) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective August 1st, 2025, amend the 2017 regulations to shorten the minimum duration of practical training periods for English apprenticeships from 12 to 8 months.

This applies to both standard and alternative apprenticeship arrangements.

The regulations were made by the Minister of State at the Department for Education and extend to England and Wales.

No significant impact on the public, private, or voluntary sectors is anticipated.

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2025 (Commencement) Regulations 2025

These regulations set the commencement dates for the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2025.

Key provisions, including the transfer of the Institute's property, rights, and liabilities to the Secretary of State, come into effect the day after the regulations are made.

Further provisions, including the transfer of functions and the abolition of the Institute, take effect on June 1st, 2025, at 2:00 a.m.

The regulations aim to streamline governance and clarify responsibilities, but potential negative consequences such as increased bureaucracy or disruption to existing structures are possible.

The Persistent Organic Pollutants (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2025

The Persistent Organic Pollutants (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2025 amend Regulation (EU) 2019/1021, removing Dechlorane Plus and UV-328 from Annex 1's list of controlled substances.

The regulations were enacted by the Secretary of State with consent from the Scottish and Welsh Ministers and came into force immediately upon enactment.

An impact assessment is available online.

The Folkestone Harbour Revision Order (Amendment) Order 2025

The Folkestone Harbour Revision Order (Amendment) Order 2025 corrects an error in the 2017 order.

It removes the phrase “not exceeding the statutory maximum” from articles 12(2), 14(2), and 15(2), thereby removing the upper limit on fines for non-compliance with regulations concerning navigation safety and lighting.

This change reflects the removal of such limits in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012.

The order applies to England and Wales and took effect on June 10, 2025.

The Cornwall Council (Adult Education Functions) Regulations 2025

These regulations transfer responsibility for certain adult education functions from the UK Secretary of State to Cornwall Council.

Specifically, the transfer includes functions related to education and training for those aged 19 and over, including the provision of facilities and tuition fees.

However, some functions, such as those related to apprenticeships, adult detention, and regulatory powers remain with the Secretary of State, and others are to be exercised concurrently with the Council.

The regulations also amend existing legislation concerning financial resources and information sharing related to adult education.

The transfer is contingent on Cornwall Council's consent and a belief that it will improve the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of Cornwall residents.

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (Adult Education Functions) Regulations 2025

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (Adult Education Functions) Regulations 2025 transfer specific adult education functions from the Secretary of State to the East Midlands Combined County Authority, effective August 1, 2025.

These functions, primarily related to education and training for individuals aged 19 and over, include provision of facilities, payment of tuition fees and financial resource provisions; however, functions relating to apprenticeships, individuals in adult detention, and the power to create regulations are excluded.

The regulations ensure the Combined County Authority operates under guidance and directions from the Secretary of State, and a report explaining the regulations' impact was submitted to Parliament.

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2025

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2025 transfers specified adult education functions from the Secretary of State to the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The transfer, effective August 1, 2025, covers functions under sections 86-88 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009, excluding apprenticeship training and those concerning persons in adult detention.

Section 90 and section 100(1) and (1B) functions will be exercised concurrently.

The Combined Authority must adhere to Secretary of State guidance and directions regarding eligibility rules for awards.

The Order also modifies relevant sections of the 2009 Act to reflect the change in responsibilities.

The Price Marking (Amendment) Order 2025

The Price Marking (Amendment) Order 2025 amends the 2024 Order, postponing its effective date to April 6, 2026.

Key changes include updated references to the Weights and Measures Act 1985, the Weights and Measures (Packaged Goods) Regulations 2006, and EU Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011, concerning food information for consumers.

The amendment to article 9 provides greater flexibility regarding price reduction announcements for businesses.

The Childcare (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

The Childcare (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 2008 regulations, extending the annual fees for certain early years providers registered on the early years register until September 2027.

The amendment delays any review of these fees until after that date.

The regulations were made by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Education.

The Manston Airport Development Consent (Amendment) Order 2025

The Manston Airport Development Consent (Amendment) Order 2025 amends the 2022 order to extend the time limit for compulsory land acquisition from one to five years.

This amendment, made under the Planning Act 2008, addresses potential delays in the airport development project.

The order was signed by Kayla Marks, Head of the Transport and Works Act Orders Unit at the Department for Transport, on May 19, 2025 and comes into effect May 20, 2025.

The Medical Devices (Amendment) (Great Britain) Regulations 2025

The Medical Devices (Amendment) (Great Britain) Regulations 2025 amend the 2002 Medical Devices Regulations by removing specific revocation dates for assimilated EU laws.

This action maintains the existing regulatory framework for medical devices in Great Britain, ensuring public health safety, by removing now unnecessary dates for the revocation of several EU regulations.

The regulations came into force on May 24, 2025, applying to England, Wales, and Scotland.

The Finance Act 2021 (Increase in Schedule 26 Penalty Percentages) Regulations 2025

Published: Thu 15th May 25

These regulations, effective May 31, 2025, amend Schedule 26 of the Finance Act 2021 to increase penalties for late tax payments.

The first penalty for late payment (after 15 days) rises from 2% to 3%, while the second penalty (after 30 days) increases from 4% to 10%.

The changes apply to most tax payments due on or after May 31, 2025, with exceptions for specific tax years and VAT payments relating to earlier periods.

The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations 2025

These regulations, effective November 13, 2025, activate parts of the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023.

The Act governs the release and sale of precision-bred organisms, specifically focusing on plants within England, Wales, and Scotland.

The regulations specify which sections of the Act come into force, primarily those concerning the release, marketing, risk assessment, and production of food from precision-bred plants, and their enforcement.

The Wireless Telegraphy (Spectrum Trading and Register) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

The Wireless Telegraphy (Spectrum Trading and Register) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective June 2nd, 2025, amend the 2012 Spectrum Trading and Register Regulations.

Key changes include updating the list of frequency bands available for shared access licenses in the 2.3 GHz, 26 GHz, and 40 GHz bands, as well as point-to-point licenses in the 7900-8400 MHz band, and removing Self Contained Links in the 64-66 GHz band from transfer eligibility.

The amendments aim to improve spectrum management, promote innovation, and enhance regulatory clarity for wireless telegraphy licenses.

The Companies and Limited Liability Partnerships (Annotation) Regulations 2025

Published: Wed 14th May 25

These regulations empower the registrar to annotate company and limited liability partnership (LLP) registers with information regarding director disqualifications, non-compliance with information requests, company registration on false bases, and restrictions on public access to registrable person's particulars.

The goal is to improve transparency and clarity for those reviewing the registers, thus aiding better risk assessment and enforcement.

Specific provisions detail how these annotations will be made, clarifying the relevant information to be included and the timing of implementation.

The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (Social Security Co-ordination) (Compatibility) Regulations 2025

The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (Social Security Co-ordination) (Compatibility) Regulations 2025, effective June 4, 2025, ensure the compatibility of UK domestic law with retained EU law concerning social security coordination.

Specifically, it mandates compatibility between several UK insolvency and debt arrangement acts and relevant articles of EU Regulations 883/2004 and 987/2009, preserving international agreements on cross-border social security and debt recovery.

The Value Added Tax (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Wed 14th May 25

The Value Added Tax (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective June 14th, 2025, amend the 1995 VAT Regulations to allow the Commissioners of His Majesty's Revenue and Customs to extend deadlines for final VAT returns.

This power applies to individuals ceasing VAT registration on or after June 14th, 2025, providing additional flexibility in specific circumstances.

The Transfer of Functions (Digital Government) Order 2025

The Transfer of Functions (Digital Government) Order 2025, effective June 3rd, 2025, transfers specified digital government functions from the Minister for the Cabinet Office to the Secretary of State and the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology.

This includes functions under the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 and sections of the Digital Economy Act 2017.

The order also transfers related property, rights, and liabilities, and includes supplementary provisions to address ongoing processes and legal implications.

Consequential amendments are made to relevant legislation to reflect the functional changes.

The Transfer of Functions (Fire and Rescue Services) Order 2025

The Transfer of Functions (Fire and Rescue Services) Order 2025 transfers the responsibility for fire and rescue services from the Home Secretary to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, effective June 3, 2025.

This includes the transfer of all associated property, rights, liabilities, and ongoing processes.

The order clarifies the effective continuation of any ongoing actions and the use of existing documentation after this transfer of responsibilities.

Existing legislation is adjusted to reflect these changes, and the order makes clear that nothing in this order interferes with the activities of the devolved nations.

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

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.

The Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 (Commencement No. 9) Regulations 2025

Published: Tue 13th May 25

These regulations, made under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023, establish commencement dates for various provisions within the Act.

Some provisions, including aspects of the revocation of assimilated law related to financial services and markets along with the repeal of certain sections of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, come into force the day after the regulations are made.

Other provisions, notably the revocation of the Capital Requirements (Capital Buffers and Macro-prudential Measures) Regulations 2014, will commence on July 31, 2025.

The regulations apply across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The Blyth (Extension of Limits) Harbour Revision Order 2025

The Blyth (Extension of Limits) Harbour Revision Order 2025, enacted by the Marine Management Organisation, extends the Blyth Harbour limits to encompass Ash Barge Dock.

The order amends the Blyth Harbour Act 1986 to reflect this change, defining "Ash Barge Dock" and incorporating it into the harbour's jurisdictional boundaries.

The order also protects the rights of Trinity House and safeguards Crown interests.

It came into force on June 2nd, 2025, and applies to England and Wales.

The Agriculture (Delinked Payments) (Reductions) (England) Regulations 2025

The Agriculture (Delinked Payments) (Reductions) (England) Regulations 2025, enacted under the Agriculture Act 2020, mandate reductions to delinked payments for English farmers in 2025.

These reductions are tiered based on the payment amount, with a 76% reduction for payments up to £30,000 and a 100% reduction for amounts above that threshold, impacting several sections of previously enacted Delinked Payments Regulations.

The regulations clarify how these percentages are to be applied and came into effect 21 days after their creation.

The Newcastle upon Tyne (Electoral Changes) Order 2025

Published: Mon 12th May 25

The Newcastle upon Tyne (Electoral Changes) Order 2025 implements recommendations from the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, restructuring the city's electoral wards.

Existing wards are abolished, and 26 new ones are created, each electing three councillors.

The order sets out the phased implementation of these changes, including the timeline for elections and the retirement of existing councillors.

Consequential changes are also made to the parish wards of Woolsington.

The order aims to improve electoral representation in line with the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009.

The Sunderland (Electoral Changes) Order 2025

Published: Mon 12th May 25

The Sunderland (Electoral Changes) Order 2025 modifies Sunderland's electoral arrangements, abolishing existing wards and introducing 25 new ones based on Local Government Boundary Commission for England recommendations.

It sets forth a schedule for council elections, including staggered retirements of councillors, and outlines procedures for resolving any vote ties.

The order also alters parish wards in Hetton, aligning them with the city's changes.

These adjustments aim for improved representation and electoral efficiency.

The Kirklees (Electoral Changes) Order 2025

Published: Mon 12th May 25

The Kirklees (Electoral Changes) Order 2025 implements recommendations from the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, restructuring the borough's electoral wards.

The order abolishes existing wards, establishes 23 new ones detailed in the Schedule, specifies a three-councillor representation for each ward, and outlines a schedule for elections in 2026 and subsequent years, ensuring a phased transition to a system of electing councillors by thirds.

The effective date varies depending on the purpose, with some aspects coming into force immediately and others taking effect in October 2025 and 2026.

The Tribunal Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2025, effective May 30th, 2025, amend several sets of tribunal procedure rules.

Key changes include clarifying that tribunals can set aside decisions on their own initiative or applications by parties, and mandating written notification to all parties when a decision is set aside. Additionally, a specific amendment restores community patient rights regarding hearings in health-related cases.

These amendments improve procedural fairness and address issues identified in past legislation and case law.

The Registration of Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Registration Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

These regulations, effective May 27, 2025, amend the Registration of Marriages Regulations 2015 and the Civil Partnership (Registration Provisions) Regulations 2005.

The changes mandate new forms for marriage and civil partnership registrations, incorporating requirements from the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024.

These additions require the responsible authority statement to specify whether a detained individual is serving a whole life sentence and if subject to a whole life order.

The changes apply to England and Wales, and updated Welsh language forms are also included.

The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) (Amendment) Order 2025

This order amends the 2015 Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order for England.

Key changes include relaxing restrictions on installing electric vehicle charging points and air source heat pumps, streamlining planning processes for these developments.

Specific alterations involve removing certain limitations on the size, location, and number of permitted installations.

A transitional provision allows continued development under previous regulations for a limited time.

The Phytosanitary Conditions (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Thu 8th May 25

These regulations amend the Phytosanitary Conditions Regulation (EU 2019/2072) to update lists of quarantine and non-quarantine pests in Great Britain.

The amendments add *Pseudomonas avellanae* and *Neodiprion abietis* to the quarantine pest list, remove others from both quarantine and provisional quarantine lists, modify host plant lists, and revise import requirements for several plant species and products.

The changes aim to enhance plant health protection and align with international standards, with some provisions coming into effect on May 30th, 2025.

The Licensing Act 2003 (Victory in Europe Day Licensing Hours) Order 2025

This Order, made under the Licensing Act 2003, extends licensing hours for on-premises alcohol sales and related activities in England and Wales from 11 pm on May 8th, 2025, to 1 am on May 9th, 2025, to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

The extension applies only to premises already open during the specified times and excludes off-premises alcohol sales and regulated entertainment, unless served concurrently with on-premises alcohol sales.

Parliament approved a draft of this Order.

The Police (Conduct, Performance and Complaints and Misconduct) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Wed 7th May 25

The Police (Conduct, Performance and Complaints and Misconduct) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend existing UK police regulations.

Key changes include updating probationary service rules for special constables, clarifying gross misconduct definitions, modifying notification and document provision procedures to allow for electronic communication, and streamlining performance review processes.

The amendments also incorporate the Police (Vetting) Regulations 2025 and introduce transitional provisions to manage the transition to the new regulations.

The Inspectors of Education, Children’s Services and Skills (No. 2) Order 2025

Published: Wed 7th May 25

The Inspectors of Education, Children’s Services and Skills (No. 2) Order 2025, effective May 7, 2025, appoints Jacqueline Anne Line and Nicola Mary Lownds as His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education, Children’s Services and Skills.

This order is made under the authority of the Education and Inspections Act 2006.

The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (References to Financial Investigators) (England and Wales and Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Order 2025

This Order amends the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (References to Financial Investigators) (England and Wales and Northern Ireland) Order 2021.

The amendments clarify the descriptions of accredited financial investigators for handling cryptoassets and converted cryptoassets within civil recovery procedures under Chapters 3C, 3D, and 3F of Part 5.

The changes take effect on May 27, 2025, and apply to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The lack of a full impact assessment suggests minimal anticipated effect on the public or private sectors.

The Taxation of Chargeable Gains (Gilt-edged Securities) Order 2025

Published: Tue 6th May 25

The Taxation of Chargeable Gains (Gilt-edged Securities) Order 2025, issued by the Treasury, specifies fourteen gilt-edged securities as exempt from capital gains tax under the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992.

This action simplifies tax administration and supports efficient government borrowing by providing certainty for investors.

The Insolvency Practitioners (Recognised Professional Bodies) (Revocation of Recognition of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland) Order 2025

Published: Tue 6th May 25

This Order, effective June 1st, 2025, revokes the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland's recognition as a professional body for insolvency practitioners.

The revocation is a direct result of a request from the Institute itself and aligns with Section 391N of the Insolvency Act 1986.

The Secretary of State confirmed the appropriateness of the action after consideration of all relevant factors.

A public notice detailing the effective date and reasons has been published.

The Rivenhall Generating Station Extension (Correction) Order 2025

The Rivenhall Generating Station Extension (Correction) Order 2025 amends the 2024 order granting development consent under the Planning Act 2008.

It addresses errors identified in the original order regarding definitions within Article 2(1), specifically removing erroneous references to the Companies Act 2006 concerning "the 2006 Act," "holding company," and "subsidiary." The Secretary of State made the correction following a formal written request, notifying relevant local planning authorities.

The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 (Commencement No. 3) Regulations 2025

These regulations, enacted under the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, bring several key provisions into force in England and Wales (and partially Scotland) on August 1st, 2025.

The regulations detail the duties of registered higher education providers, constituent institutions, and students' unions concerning free speech, along with related amendments to the Higher Education and Research Act 2017 and other legislation.

These actions aim to fully establish legal frameworks for protecting freedom of speech on higher education campuses.