Economy Legislation

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

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

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 Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

The Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 2019 Syria sanctions regulations.

Key changes include updating the definition of the 'Assad regime', revising the regulations' stated purposes to include promoting Syrian peace and accountability for human rights abuses, and altering designation criteria for sanctioned individuals and entities.

The amendments also significantly reduce the scope of sanctions, particularly those limiting trade, financial services, and the aviation sector, to facilitate economic recovery in Syria.

The regulations remove obsolete provisions related to previous sanctions on the Syrian regime and replace references to 'Syrian regime person' with references to a newly defined 'Governing Authority of Syria'.

The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2025

The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2025, effective May 15, 2025, amend the 1999 Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations.

They clarify fees for large vehicle off-road manoeuvres tests, specifying different rates depending on whether the test is conducted by a DVSA examiner or a private provider.

The regulations also mandate that fees for tests conducted by private providers be paid directly to and retained by those providers.

The Secretary of State consulted relevant organizations and obtained Treasury approval for the fee changes.

The Free Zone (Customs Site No. 7 Liverpool) Designation Order 2025

This order designates Customs Site No. 7 in Liverpool as a free zone for a 10-year period, appointing John K Philips Group Limited as the responsible authority.

The order details specific conditions the responsible authority must meet, including maintaining detailed records, providing access for HMRC officers, ensuring safe working conditions, and taking measures to prevent unauthorized activities within the free zone.

The authority is subject to comprehensive reporting and inspection provisions.

Failure to meet any condition may result in revocation of the designation.

The Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2025

These regulations amend existing legislation in Northern Ireland to incorporate the latest EU ecodesign requirements for energy-related products and energy labelling.

The changes, implemented under the Windsor Framework, update the lists of products and their associated regulations, ensuring compliance with EU law.

Specific products covered include tumble dryers, space heaters, and smartphones, with staggered implementation dates.

The Environment Act 2021 (Commencement No. 10) Regulations 2025

The Environment Act 2021 (Commencement No. 10) Regulations 2025, effective May 1, 2025, implement several sections of the Environment Act 2021 concerning biodiversity net gain.

These sections, primarily impacting planning permissions in England, introduce a condition within the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to ensure that all new developments contribute towards increasing biodiversity.

The regulations clarify specific parts of the relevant legislation that come into effect and explain the integration of these additions into existing planning processes.

While no independent cost impact assessment was deemed necessary for these regulations, reference is made to a broader impact assessment on the Environment Act 2021.

The River Tyne (Tunnels) (Revision of Toll) Order 2025

The River Tyne (Tunnels) (Revision of Toll) Order 2025, effective May 1st, 2025, revises tolls for the Tyne Tunnel.

The North East Combined Authority now sets the tolls, as specified in the Schedule.

The order revokes the previous 2024 toll revision order.

The new tolls increase the cost for cars, vans, and buses, with motorcycle tolls remaining at £0.

The Companies Act 2006 (Recognition of Third Country Qualifications and Practical Training) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Thu 3rd Apr 25

The Companies Act 2006 (Recognition of Third Country Qualifications and Practical Training) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the Companies Act 2006 to clarify the recognition of third-country audit qualifications and relax restrictions on practical training providers.

The amendments aim to improve clarity, streamline processes, promote international standards, and increase the flexibility of the regulatory framework by aligning with current best practices and the Professional Qualifications Act 2022.

Specific changes include substituting subsections within Section 1221 and Schedule 11 to enhance the criteria for qualification recognition and practical training provisions.