Benefits and Welfare Legislation
Legislative framework for social security, welfare benefits, universal credit, pension schemes, and support systems for vulnerable populations.
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations 2025
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations 2025 bring into force various sections of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, effective August 20, 2025.
These sections cover aspects such as access to customer and business data, amendments to the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, the establishment of the Information Commission, and provisions related to online safety, eIDAS regulations, copyright, and AI. The regulations specify which subsections of each section come into force, and their geographical extent across the UK.
The Firearms (Amendment) Rules 2025
The Firearms (Amendment) Rules 2025, effective August 5th, 2025, amend the Firearms Rules 1998 in England, Wales, and Scotland.
Key changes include increasing the required number of referees for shotgun certificate applications from one to two, and updating the application forms for firearm/shotgun certificates and firearms dealer registrations.
These new forms request information about neuro-developmental conditions and time spent abroad.
Transitional arrangements allow the use of older forms until September 5th, 2025.
The School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions (England) Order 2025
The School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions (England) Order 2025, effective September 1st, 2025, sets the pay and working conditions for school teachers in England.
It incorporates recommendations from the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB), a process mandated by the Education Act 2002.
The order references a separate document detailing the specific pay and conditions and revokes the 2024 order.
The order extends to England and Wales, applying specifically to teachers in England.
The Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (England) and Persons Subject to Immigration Control (Housing Authority Accommodation and Homelessness) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend existing UK legislation to ensure that British nationals returning from government-advised evacuations are eligible for housing and homelessness assistance in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
The amendments waive the habitual residence test for a six-month period following evacuation, allowing immediate access to housing for those who meet specific criteria defined by the regulations.
These criteria include possessing leave to enter or remain in the UK, not being subject to a 'no recourse to public funds' condition, and not being sponsored under certain visa schemes
The Social Security (Contributions) (Amendment No. 6) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend the 2001 Social Security (Contributions) Regulations to exclude compensation payments made under the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme from National Insurance Contribution calculations.
This applies to individuals whose Horizon System-related convictions have been quashed, those cautioned, or those who received alternatives to prosecution in Scotland, even if the alternative to prosecution was purported rather than formal.
The amendment ensures that such compensation payments do not impact the individuals' National Insurance liability.
The Combined Authorities (Adult Education Functions) (Amendment) Order 2025
This order amends existing orders governing nine Combined Authorities in England, granting them powers under the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 to provide financial resources for approved technical education qualifications and steps towards occupational competence.
These powers are not applicable to apprenticeships or individuals under 19 or under 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan.
The order received approval from each House of Parliament and involved prior public consultation.
The Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (Amendment) and Grenfell Support (Restorative Justice) Programme (Income Tax Exemption) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme to expand its eligibility criteria for compensation, encompassing convictions quashed by courts or legislation, cautions, and alternative-to-prosecution outcomes related to the Horizon system.
The amendments also provide income tax exemptions for payments made under the Grenfell Support (Restorative Justice) programme to victims of the Grenfell Tower fire. Both changes have retrospective application.
The Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) (Threshold Amount) (Amendment) Order 2025
This order amends the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, increasing the money laundering threshold from £1,000 to £3,000 for transactions under section 339A(2) and (6A).
This affects banks and firms handling accounts, and businesses in the regulated sector returning property to customers.
The increase aims to reduce administrative burdens on businesses while preserving the focus on significant money laundering activities.
The amendment followed parliamentary review and approval.