Justice Legislation

Laws relating to criminal justice, court procedures, legal services, law enforcement, and judicial administration.

The Whole of Government Accounts (Designation of Bodies) Order 2025 designates numerous public and local government bodies to provide financial information to the Treasury for the 2024-2025 financial year.

This data is used to compile the Whole of Government Accounts, aiming to improve transparency and accountability in public spending.

The Order came into force on March 18, 2025, and applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The Treasury consulted with Welsh Ministers where deemed appropriate.

The Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 (Commencement) Regulations 2025

These regulations, enacted on February 25th, 2025, bring into force sections 4 and 5 of the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022.

Section 4 permits the use of languages other than English in legal proceedings, repealing the 1737 Act requiring English-only proceedings.

Section 5 mandates the Northern Ireland Department of Education to promote Ulster Scots in education.

The regulations apply only to Northern Ireland.

A full impact assessment was deemed unnecessary due to an expected lack of significant impact on the public, private, or voluntary sectors.

The Statutory Neonatal Care Pay (Administration) Regulations 2025

These regulations outline the administrative procedures for the UK's statutory neonatal care pay.

They detail employer entitlement to reimbursement (92% of payments, or 100% for small employers), application processes for funding, authorized deductions from employer payments to HMRC, procedures for handling overpayments, employer record-keeping requirements, and information provisions for employees.

The regulations also cover inspection of employer records by HMRC officers, dispute resolution mechanisms and information requests related to entitlement.

The Armed Forces (Court Martial) (Amendment) Rules 2025

Published: Wed 19th Feb 25

These rules amend the Armed Forces (Court Martial) Rules 2009, specifying the required rank of the president of a court martial board relative to the defendant's rank.

If the defendant is an officer of rank OF-6 or above, the president must also be OF-6 or above.

For defendants of rank OF-5 or below, the president must hold a superior rank.

The rules define OF-5 and OF-6 ranks, clarifying the president's required rank according to the defendant's, and further ensuring fairness and maintaining chain of command within the court martial system.

The changes came into effect on February 20, 2025, and apply to England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, and British overseas territories (excluding Gibraltar).

The Income and Corporation Taxes (Electronic Communications) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

The Income and Corporation Taxes (Electronic Communications) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective March 11, 2025, amend the 2003 Regulations.

Key changes include removing an outdated definition, broadening the regulations to encompass penalties under the Finance Act 2021, and adding new provisions specifying conditions for valid electronic information delivery.

These amendments aim to improve efficiency, clarify procedures, and modernize tax communication processes.

The Media Act 2024 (Commencement No. 2 and Transitional and Saving Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

These regulations amend the Media Act 2024 (Commencement No. 2 and Transitional and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2024 by revoking a saving provision related to community and small-scale radio.

This action streamlines legislation and ensures consistency with the Community Radio Order 2025, which addresses the relevant amendments made by the Media Act 2024.

The regulations come into force on April 1st, 2025.

The Procurement Act 2023 (Consequential and Other Amendments) Regulations 2025

The Procurement Act 2023 (Consequential and Other Amendments) Regulations 2025 implements crucial updates to UK procurement law, including revised threshold amounts for contract values, amendments to international trade obligations, and comprehensive changes to primary and secondary legislation.

The regulations modernize procurement processes, strengthen security measures, and establish transitional provisions while ensuring alignment with international agreements.

The Associated British Ports (Immingham Green Energy Terminal) Order 2025

This Order grants development consent and authorises the construction, operation, and maintenance of a multi-user marine terminal at Immingham Port for importing and exporting bulk liquids.

It incorporates relevant provisions of the Harbours, Docks, and Piers Clauses Act 1847, addresses street works, land acquisition (including compulsory purchase powers), and temporary land possession, outlining compensation procedures and protective measures for various stakeholders.

The order also includes stipulations for environmental management, decommissioning, and compliance with maritime regulations, along with detailed operational and general provisions.