The Social Security Revaluation of Earnings Factors Order 2025, effective April 6, 2025, increases earnings factors for specified tax years (1978-1979 to 2024-2025).

These adjustments apply to calculations of additional pensions in long-term benefits, guaranteed minimum pensions, and other calculations under the Pension Schemes Act 1993.

The order ensures that these factors maintain their value relative to the general level of earnings, fulfilling a legal requirement outlined in the Social Security Administration Act 1992, and aims to protect the value of pension payouts.

The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Exemption) (Amendment) Order 2025, effective March 31, 2025, amends the 2001 Exemption Order.

It expands the exemption from the general prohibition on unregulated financial activities to include National Wealth Fund Limited.

This is achieved by inserting a new Article 3A granting a general exemption and creating a Part 1A to the Schedule, listing exempted entities, while removing the fund from the previous list.

This Order approves amendments to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) rules.

The amendments increase various registration and scrutiny fees, reflecting updated operational costs, and allow the HCPC to conduct meetings and hearings using audio or video conferencing technology improving efficiency and access.

The fee increases affect registration, renewal, readmission, and restoration fees, as well as scrutiny fees for UK and international applicants.

The changes to procedures affect multiple sets of HCPC procedural rules, specifically those concerning the Investigating, Conduct and Competence, Health, and Registration Appeals Committees.

The HCPC consulted with relevant bodies and stakeholders before implementing these changes.

The Wildlife Licence Charges (England) Order 2025, effective March 28, 2025, establishes new fees for wildlife licenses issued by Natural England under various Acts and Regulations.

It details fixed and variable charges based on application complexity and time spent processing the application, outlining exceptions for public safety, serious damage prevention, certain conservation purposes and development projects.

The Order also revokes the 2018 equivalent, maintaining the previous order's standards for applications submitted before the effective date.

This order extends the Excise Duties (Surcharges or Rebates) (Hydrocarbon Oils etc.) Order 2022 until March 22, 2026.

The 2022 Order adjusts excise duty liabilities and rebates for hydrocarbon oils.

This extension ensures continued regulatory stability and predictable tax revenue while maintaining existing legal frameworks.

It builds upon previous continuation orders issued in 2023 and 2024.

This Order amends the Enterprise Act 2002 (Bodies Designated to make Super-complaints) Order 2004 by adding the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute to the list of designated consumer bodies.

The Secretary of State confirmed the Institute represents consumer interests and meets all specified criteria, enabling it to file super-complaints with the Competition and Markets Authority regarding market practices harming consumers.

The amendment enhances consumer protection, specifically within the mental health sector, effective from April 6, 2025, and applies across the whole of the UK.

The Protection of Trading Interests (Authorisation) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 2021 Regulations by extending an existing authorization for Three Crowns (Services) LLP to comply with Council Regulation (EC) No 2271/96 until March 31, 2027.

The regulations came into force on February 28, 2025, and apply across the UK. A full impact assessment was deemed unnecessary due to the lack of anticipated effects on the public or private sectors.

These regulations amend the Gambling Act 2005 (Operating Licence Conditions) Regulations 2007 to introduce maximum stake limits for online slots games.

The maximum stake is £2 for individuals under 25 and £5 for those 25 and over.

A six-week transitional period applies, and the Secretary of State must review the regulations within five years, publishing a report on the findings.