Culture and Sport Legislation

Legislative framework governing cultural institutions, media broadcasting, sports regulation, arts funding, and heritage protection.

The Communications Act 2003 (Restrictions on the Advertising of Less Healthy Food) (Effective Date) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Tue 3rd Jun 25

These regulations amend the Communications Act 2003, delaying the implementation of restrictions on the advertising of less healthy food and drink.

The effective date is pushed back from October 1, 2025, to January 5, 2026.

The changes affect several sections of the Act, specifically those outlining the objectives for such advertisements and the prohibition of paid advertising for less healthy food and drink.

An explanatory note references a full impact assessment conducted previously, explaining the lack of a new assessment for this amendment.

The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (St Mawes to Cremyll) Order 2025

Published: Tue 3rd Jun 25

The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (St Mawes to Cremyll) Order 2025 sets June 4th, 2025, as the end of the access preparation period for coastal land between St Mawes and Cremyll in Cornwall.

This follows the Secretary of State's approval of Natural England's plans for a long-distance coastal path, as outlined in several reports submitted in 2019 and 2020.

The order references the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, and clarifies the legal framework for public access to this section of the proposed path.

The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Newquay to Penzance) (No. 2) Order 2025

Published: Tue 3rd Jun 25

This order establishes June 4th, 2025, as the end of the access preparation period for the coastal margin section of the England Coast Path between Newquay and Penzance.

This decision follows the Secretary of State's approval of Natural England's proposals, detailed in several reports submitted in 2019 and 2020.

The order cites the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 as its legal basis.

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

Published: Fri 9th May 25

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

Published: Thu 8th May 25

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 Ivory Prohibitions (Exemptions) (Process and Procedure) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Thu 24th Apr 25

These regulations amend the Ivory Prohibitions (Exemptions) (Process and Procedure) Regulations 2022 to add three national museums—in Merseyside, Northern Ireland, and Wales—to the list of institutions authorized to advise the Secretary of State on applications for exemption certificates under the Ivory Act 2018.

The amendment aims to improve the expertise and geographic reach of advice provided.

The Gambling Act 2005 (Gaming Tables in Casinos) (Definitions) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Thu 24th Apr 25

These regulations amend the Gambling Act 2005 by redefining "gaming table" in casinos.

The changes clarify that only apparatus designed or adapted for real games of chance and requiring staff operation count toward the ratio determining the permissible number of gaming machines.

This impacts casino licensing and affects the number of gaming machines allowed in casinos based on the number of qualifying gaming tables.

The regulations apply to England, Wales, and Scotland, coming into force on July 22, 2025.

The Relief for Creative Industries (Additional Information Requirements and Miscellaneous Amendments) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Tue 25th Mar 25

These regulations amend the 2024 regulations on tax relief for creative industries.

They clarify definitions, add information requirements for connected party transactions and visual effects vendors, and update the specified information in Table 1 of the Schedule.

The amendments are effective for claims made on or after April 15, 2025, and aim to improve clarity, transparency, and efficiency in processing tax relief claims.

The Grants to the Churches Conservation Trust Order 2025

Published: Fri 21st Mar 25

The Grants to the Churches Conservation Trust Order 2025, approved by the House of Commons, authorizes grants totaling up to £3,123,614 to the Churches Conservation Trust between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026 for the preservation of historically significant churches in England and Wales.

The Order revokes the 2022 order and specifies the funding period under the Redundant Churches and other Religious Buildings Act 1969.

The Legal Officers (Annual Fees) Order 2025

Published: Thu 20th Mar 25

The Legal Officers (Annual Fees) Order 2025 sets annual fees for diocesan and provincial registrars in the Church of England for 2025.

It details fees payable by diocesan boards of finance and diocesan bishops/archbishops, specifying the professional services covered in Schedule 2.

The order also revokes the 2023 order and clarifies additional remuneration possibilities, travel expenses, and Value Added Tax implications.

It takes effect the day after parliamentary approval.

The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Order 2025

Published: Fri 14th Mar 25

The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Order 2025 grants the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Company permission to operate and maintain its railway, including a level crossing, and establishes procedures for its potential transfer.

The order specifies details regarding the railway, its maintenance, and the required safety protocols at its level crossing.

It also details processes for transferring ownership or lease of the railway.

The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Humber Bridge to Easington) Order 2025

Published: Wed 12th Mar 25

The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Humber Bridge to Easington) Order 2025 sets March 26, 2025, as the end date for the access preparation period for coastal margin land between the Humber Bridge and Easington.

This follows the Secretary of State's approval of Natural England's report proposing a coastal access path in this area, based on the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

The Football Spectators (2025 FIFA Club World Cup Control Period) Order 2025

Published: Tue 11th Mar 25

The Football Spectators (2025 FIFA Club World Cup Control Period) Order 2025 establishes a control period from June 9th to July 13th, 2025, under the Football Spectators Act 1989, for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the USA. This enables the use of summary measures to detain and refer individuals to court for banning orders, passport surrender requirements, and specific bail conditions.

The order applies to England and Wales.

The Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Estimates and Accounts) Order 2025

Published: Thu 6th Mar 25

The Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Estimates and Accounts) Order 2025 designates numerous central government bodies as 'designated bodies' for the financial year ending 31 March 2026.

This designation is for their inclusion in the supply estimates and resource accounts of their respective government departments.

The order covers various government departments and agencies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

It is based on powers granted by the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 and includes consultations with devolved administrations.

The Whole of Government Accounts (Designation of Bodies) Order 2025

Published: Tue 25th Feb 25

The Whole of Government Accounts (Designation of Bodies) Order 2025 designates numerous public and local government bodies to provide financial information to the Treasury for the 2024-2025 financial year.

This data is used to compile the Whole of Government Accounts, aiming to improve transparency and accountability in public spending.

The Order came into force on March 18, 2025, and applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The Treasury consulted with Welsh Ministers where deemed appropriate.

The Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 (Commencement) Regulations 2025

Published: Tue 25th Feb 25

These regulations, enacted on February 25th, 2025, bring into force sections 4 and 5 of the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022.

Section 4 permits the use of languages other than English in legal proceedings, repealing the 1737 Act requiring English-only proceedings.

Section 5 mandates the Northern Ireland Department of Education to promote Ulster Scots in education.

The regulations apply only to Northern Ireland.

A full impact assessment was deemed unnecessary due to an expected lack of significant impact on the public, private, or voluntary sectors.

The Media Act 2024 (Commencement No. 2 and Transitional and Saving Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Mon 17th Feb 25

These regulations amend the Media Act 2024 (Commencement No. 2 and Transitional and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2024 by revoking a saving provision related to community and small-scale radio.

This action streamlines legislation and ensures consistency with the Community Radio Order 2025, which addresses the relevant amendments made by the Media Act 2024.

The regulations come into force on April 1st, 2025.

The Community Radio Order 2025

Published: Fri 14th Feb 25

The Community Radio Order 2025, effective April 1, 2025, consolidates and amends existing legislation governing community radio in the UK. It defines community radio services, focusing on their non-commercial, community-beneficial nature and the obligations on licensees, such as promoting social gain and accountability to the served community.

The order modifies relevant sections of the Broadcasting Act 1990 and the Communications Act 2003, revokes previous related orders, and includes transitional provisions for existing licences.

The focus is on fostering participation from community members, and ensuring that services are provided primarily for social gain.

The Communications (Television Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Mon 10th Feb 25

The Communications (Television Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 implements changes to UK television license fees effective April 1, 2025.

The regulations increase the standard color TV license fee from £169.50 to £174.50 and the black and white license fee from £57.00 to £58.50.

Various installment payment schemes are adjusted accordingly, with updates to premium, budget, easy entry, and simple payment plans.

The regulations apply across the UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, with certain provisions for specific territories.