Economy Legislation

Regulations governing economic policy, monetary matters, taxation, public spending, and market regulation.

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.

The A282 Trunk Road (Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Charging Scheme) (Variation) Order 2025

This order, effective September 1, 2025, increases charges at the Dartford Crossing.

It amends the 2013 charging scheme by raising the charges by 40% across all categories.

The legal basis for the variation is cited, and an explanatory note clarifies that a full impact assessment wasn't conducted due to the nature of the amendment.

The Thames Estuary Cockle Fishery (No. 2) (Variation) Order 2025

The Thames Estuary Cockle Fishery (No. 2) (Variation) Order 2025 modifies the 2024 Order, altering article 5(12) regarding licence eligibility.

Specifically, it makes individuals who were shareholders or officers of certain companies ineligible for licenses or renewals until December 2031.

The order, enacted under the Sea Fisheries (Shellfish) Act 1967, aims to improve the regulation of cockle fishing in the Thames Estuary.

The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Markets in Financial Instruments) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Tue 15th Jul 25

The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Markets in Financial Instruments) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 2017 regulations, expanding the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) ability to request information and intervene in matters concerning commodity derivatives to encompass 'applicable OTC commodity derivatives'.

The amendments extend the FCA's powers to include options, futures, and contracts for difference relating to commodities traded on UK trading venues, but which are not classified as financial instruments.

These changes came into effect immediately after relevant paragraphs in Schedule 2 of the 2023 Financial Services and Markets Act were enacted, applying to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The Childcare Payments (Eligibility) (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2025

The Childcare Payments (Eligibility) (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2025 amend the 2015 regulations to synchronize the application window for childcare top-up payments with the Free Childcare for Working Parents scheme.

These changes modify eligibility requirements regarding qualifying paid work, specifically adjusting the timeframe for declaring eligibility and defining the 'applicable period.' Transitional provisions are included to manage the shift between the old and new systems for applications between October 16, 2025, and January 31, 2026.

The Bank Recovery and Resolution (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Tue 15th Jul 25

The Bank Recovery and Resolution (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 2014 Order to allow the Bank of England to set transitional periods and minimum requirements for own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL) for financial institutions.

This provides flexibility for banks to meet MREL requirements over time while maintaining effective supervision, drawing upon the Bank of England's Statement of Policy, and considering the potential availability of recapitalisation payments.

The regulations also clarify the inclusion of transitional MREL in the definition of minimum own funds and eligible liabilities, and remove a power for the Bank relating to technical standards.

The Bank Resolution (Recapitalisation) Act 2025 (Commencement) Regulations 2025

Published: Tue 15th Jul 25

The Bank Resolution (Recapitalisation) Act 2025 (Commencement) Regulations 2025, enacted by the Treasury, bring sections 1 to 7 of the Bank Resolution (Recapitalisation) Act 2025 into effect on July 16th, 2025.

These sections cover recapitalisation payments, reporting requirements, notification to parliamentary committees, reimbursement procedures, a code of practice, and amendments to the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and the Banking Act 2009.

The regulations aim to provide a timely and effective framework for addressing the financial stability of banks.

The Postal Services (Universal Postal Service) (Amendment) Order 2025

This Order amends the 2012 Postal Services (Universal Postal Service) Order to update definitions, reflecting the UK's departure from the European Union.

It also modifies delivery and collection service requirements, specifying separate standards for priority and standard letters, while outlining revised routing time calculations.

These changes aim to improve service standards and are made after a user needs review and a public consultation process.