Economy Legislation
Regulations governing economic policy, monetary matters, taxation, public spending, and market regulation.
The Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations 2025
These regulations, issued under the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, bring into effect sections 3 and 5 of that Act on June 23, 2025.
This specifically mandates water and sewerage undertakers in England to create and publish annual pollution reduction plans, and incorporate nature-based solutions into their drainage and sewerage management plans.
The regulations include enforcement measures for non-compliance.
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (Commencement No. 5) Regulations 2025
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (Commencement No. 5) Regulations 2025 bring into effect sections 194 and 195 of the Act on June 18, 2025.
These sections address strategic litigation against public participation (SLAPPs) by requiring the Lord Chancellor to create Civil Procedure Rules enabling courts to dismiss SLAPP claims before trial and to make specific cost orders.
The regulations aim to deter SLAPPs, protecting free speech and streamlining legal processes.
The Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes (Amendment) Order 2025
The Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes (Amendment) Order 2025 amends the 2023 and 2024 Orders to clarify the calculation of vehicle emissions targets for manufacturers.
It specifies that vehicles first registered in either the UK or EU are to be included in these calculations, using the EU Regulation (EU) 2019/631 as a basis for calculation for both a UK specific and EU specific target.
The manufacturer's final target is the higher of the two calculated in this way.
The Order ensures consistency and clarity in application, supporting the UK's climate change goals while considering the implications of Brexit and retaining UK control and clarity over emission reduction targets.
The Order takes effect on 2nd October 2025 and applies across the UK.
The Free Zone (Customs Site No. 2 Thames) Designation Order 2025
The Free Zone (Customs Site No. 2 Thames) Designation Order 2025 designates a specific area at the Thames Freeport as a free zone for a 10-year period.
Cosco Shipping Crystal Logistics (UK) Company Limited was appointed as the responsible authority, subject to conditions encompassing record-keeping, security, access for HMRC officers, and health and safety.
The order leverages existing legislation to establish the free zone and aims to benefit trade and economic growth within the designated area.
The Wireless Telegraphy (Mobile Spectrum Trading) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Wireless Telegraphy (Mobile Spectrum Trading) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective July 7, 2025, amend the 2011 regulations to include a new license class, 'Spectrum Access High Density,' and two new frequency bands (25100–27500 MHz and 40500–43500 MHz).
These changes aim to increase mobile spectrum availability, potentially boosting network capacity, promoting technological advancements, and fostering economic growth.
OFCOM followed due process before enacting these amendments, and a regulatory impact assessment is publicly available.
The Wireless Telegraphy (Limitation of Number of Licences) Order 2025
The Wireless Telegraphy (Limitation of Number of Licences) Order 2025, issued by OFCOM, limits the number of wireless telegraphy licenses granted for use in the 25.1 to 27.5 gigahertz and 40.5 to 43.5 gigahertz frequency bands.
OFCOM will use a defined procedure outlined in the Wireless Telegraphy (Licence Award) Regulations 2025 to determine the number of licenses and their recipients.
The order came into force on July 7, 2025, and does not apply to the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
The Infrastructure Planning (Onshore Wind and Solar Generation) Order 2025
The Infrastructure Planning (Onshore Wind and Solar Generation) Order 2025 amends the Planning Act 2008 to redefine nationally significant infrastructure projects.
It removes the exclusion of onshore wind from this designation and sets a capacity threshold of over 100 megawatts for onshore wind and solar projects to fall under this act.
Transitional provisions address applications and decisions made before the order's effective date (December 31, 2025), ensuring ongoing projects aren't disrupted.
The Payment Services and Payment Accounts (Contract Termination) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Payment Services and Payment Accounts (Contract Termination) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective April 28, 2026, amend existing regulations to enhance consumer protection regarding payment service contract terminations.
Key changes include increased notice periods (90 days for contracts made on or after April 28, 2026), requirements for more detailed explanations of contract refusals and terminations, and specific exceptions for situations involving money laundering, serious crime, or immigration requirements.
These amendments aim to improve transparency and fairness in the termination of payment service contracts.