Finance Legislation

Laws governing financial services, banking regulation, insurance, investment, and securities trading.

The Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Estimates and Accounts) Order 2025 designates numerous central government bodies as 'designated bodies' for the financial year ending 31 March 2026.

This designation is for their inclusion in the supply estimates and resource accounts of their respective government departments.

The order covers various government departments and agencies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

It is based on powers granted by the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 and includes consultations with devolved administrations.

The Recognition of Overseas Qualifications (Charges) (England and Wales and Northern Ireland) Regulations 2025

These regulations establish the fee structure for services related to recognizing overseas qualifications in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

They detail charges for statements of comparability, qualification reference statements, bundle services (standard and refugee-focused), and subscription packages to a qualification database.

Payment is made to the Secretary of State or a designated organization, with provisions for refunds.

These regulations replace the 2024 regulations, addressing drafting errors and incorporating feedback from devolved governments.

The Social Security Revaluation of Earnings Factors Order 2025

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

Published: Wed 5th Mar 25

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.

The Public Service Pensions Revaluation Order 2025

The Public Service Pensions Revaluation Order 2025 sets the revaluation percentages for public service pensions for the period from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.

It specifies a 1.7% increase based on price changes and a 4.5% increase based on earnings changes.

The order takes effect on April 1, 2025, but for certain specified schemes, it comes into effect on April 6, 2025.

The order covers England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and is made under the powers granted by the Public Service Pensions Act 2013.

The Council Tax (Discount Disregards and Exempt Dwellings) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2025

These regulations, effective March 25th, 2025, modify existing council tax legislation in England.

They expand the categories of individuals eligible for council tax discounts and exempt dwellings to include those participating in the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme and those entitled to a government thank you payment under associated guidance.

The changes apply to both discount disregards and exempt dwelling definitions, ensuring consistent treatment of Ukrainian arrivals within the council tax system.

The Wildlife Licence Charges (England) Order 2025

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.

The Excise Duties (Surcharges or Rebates) (Hydrocarbon Oils etc.) Order 2022 (Continuation) Order 2025

Published: Fri 28th Feb 25

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.