Economy Legislation

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

The Merchant Shipping (Light Dues) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Fri 21st Mar 25

These regulations amend the Merchant Shipping (Light Dues) Regulations 2025, taking effect on March 31st, 2025.

Key changes include correcting a typographical error in the definition of "light dues" and replacing the length-based exemption criteria for certain vessels with a weight-based criteria.

This aims to improve clarity, accuracy, and potentially, simplify the application of light dues.

The Street Works (Charges for Occupation of the Highway) (East Sussex County Council) Order 2025

This order approves East Sussex County Council's lane rental scheme, enabling them to charge for street works that occupy the highway in specific locations and times.

This authority is granted under the Street Works (Charges for Occupation of the Highway) (England) Regulations 2012.

The scheme aims to manage traffic disruption and generate revenue for highway improvements, with provisions for discounts or waivers in certain circumstances.

The Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (Indexation of Annual Chargeable Amounts) Order 2025

Published: Wed 19th Mar 25

This order, made by the UK Treasury, sets the annual chargeable amounts for the annual tax on enveloped dwellings, effective from April 1st, 2025.

The amounts are determined according to a table referencing the taxable value of the interest, and these amounts are indexed to reflect a 1.7% increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) since September 2024.

This indexation is mandated by Section 101(5) of the Finance Act 2013.

The Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications, Deemed Applications, Requests and Site Visits) (England) (Amendment and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2025

These regulations amend the 2012 Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications, Deemed Applications, Requests and Site Visits) (England) Regulations.

Several fees are increased, including those for prior approval applications, confirmation of compliance with planning conditions, and section 73 applications.

A new three-tiered fee structure for section 73 applications is introduced.

Transitional provisions ensure that the amendments do not apply to applications or requests made before the regulations' commencement date (April 1, 2025), while delaying the application of the annual fee increase provided for in regulation 18A to April 1, 2026.

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (Commencement No. 4) Regulations 2025

Published: Fri 14th Mar 25

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (Commencement No. 4) Regulations 2025 establish commencement dates for several sections of the Act.

Key provisions brought into force include sections relating to identity verification, unique identifiers for companies, and a new offence of failing to prevent fraud.

The regulations also amend previous commencement regulations and update references to commencement dates in related legislation to reflect the actual dates provisions came into force, correcting an error regarding the required publication of guidance.

The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Order 2025

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 Statutory Maternity Pay (Compensation of Employers) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

These regulations, effective April 6th, 2025, amend the 1994 Statutory Maternity Pay regulations concerning compensation for small employers.

They increase the additional payment small employers receive from 3% to 8.5% of statutory maternity pay.

This change applies across the UK, with specific provisions for Northern Ireland.

The amendment is based on a pre-determined formula and is projected to have minimal impact on the private, voluntary, or community sectors.

The Persistent Organic Pollutants (Amendment) Regulations 2025

The Persistent Organic Pollutants (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants.

Key changes include updated concentration limits and exemptions for several substances in Annexes 1, 4, and 5, reflecting changes to the Stockholm Convention and international best practices.

The amendments add new substances, including Dechlorane Plus, Methoxychlor, and UV-328, to Annex 1 and update waste management provisions and derogations for several substances in Annexes 4 and 5.

A de minimis assessment indicates minimal overall economic impact.