Justice Legislation
Laws relating to criminal justice, court procedures, legal services, law enforcement, and judicial administration.
The Barnsley (Electoral Changes) Order 2025
The Barnsley (Electoral Changes) Order 2025 implements recommendations from the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, abolishing existing wards in the borough of Barnsley and establishing 21 new ones.
The order details the new ward boundaries, specifies that each ward will elect three councillors, and sets out the schedule for elections and councillor retirements, with staggered terms to avoid full council elections every year.
It also provides rules for resolving ties in elections.
The Wakefield (Electoral Changes) Order 2025
The Wakefield (Electoral Changes) Order 2025 implements changes to the electoral arrangements for the city of Wakefield and associated parishes, based on recommendations from the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.
The order abolishes existing wards and establishes 21 new wards for the city, along with revised parish ward structures.
It outlines the timelines for elections, including initial elections in 2026 and subsequent staggered retirements of councilors to a system of thirds.
The changes ensure future elections adhere to legal requirements while aiming to improve representation and governance.
The Civil Proceedings and Magistrates’ Courts Fees (Amendment) Order 2025, effective the day after its enactment, amends fee schedules in the Civil Proceedings Fees Order 2008 and the Magistrates’ Courts Fees Order 2008 for England and Wales.
Specifically, it updates fees related to ship/goods sales in the High Court's Admiralty jurisdiction and liability orders/warrants of entry in Magistrates' Courts, with each fee's value restated.
This action was undertaken with the consent of the Treasury and following parliamentary approval, in accordance with the Courts Act 2003 and the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
The Power to Award Degrees etc. (College of Legal Practice Limited) (Amendment) Order 2025 extends the College of Legal Practice Limited's authorization to award degrees until April 29, 2028.
The Office for Students, after reviewing the quality of the College's programs and adhering to statutory procedures, amended the 2021 order to reflect this extension.
The amendment does not include an impact assessment as it was deemed to not affect businesses, civil society, or the public sector.
The Victim Support (Specified Roles) Regulations 2025
The Victim Support (Specified Roles) Regulations 2025, enacted under the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, specify the roles of independent domestic violence advisors, independent sexual violence advisors, and independent stalking advocates.
These regulations mandate the Secretary of State to provide guidance on these roles, aiming to enhance support services for victims of crime. The regulations have a staggered implementation, with most provisions coming into force on May 9th, 2025, and one specific regulation effective February 2nd, 2026.
The legislation clarifies the responsibilities of these support roles, drawing existing legal definitions from the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
The Maidstone (Electoral Changes) (Amendment) Order 2025
The Maidstone (Electoral Changes) (Amendment) Order 2025 corrects errors in the 2025 Order regarding electoral boundaries in Maidstone, England.
The amendment ensures that the boundary changes accurately reflect recommendations from the Maidstone Borough Council, resolving a discrepancy originating from a failure to correctly implement those recommendations.
The Order specifies implementation dates for various purposes, and its scope extends to England and Wales but applies only in England.
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.
The Horizon Shortfall Scheme Appeals (Tax Exemptions and Relief) Regulations 2025
The Horizon Shortfall Scheme Appeals (Tax Exemptions and Relief) Regulations 2025, effective April 28, 2025, grant tax exemptions and relief to recipients of compensation payments from the Department for Business and Trade’s independent appeals process.
The regulations exempt these payments from income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, and corporation tax.
Additionally, it exempts from income and capital gains tax relevant onward payments made by companies relating to these appeal payments.
All exemptions are rooted in the Finance Act 2020.