Local Government Legislation

Legislative framework for local authority powers, council operations, municipal services, and community governance.

The Cornwall Council (Adult Education Functions) Regulations 2025

These regulations transfer responsibility for certain adult education functions from the UK Secretary of State to Cornwall Council.

Specifically, the transfer includes functions related to education and training for those aged 19 and over, including the provision of facilities and tuition fees.

However, some functions, such as those related to apprenticeships, adult detention, and regulatory powers remain with the Secretary of State, and others are to be exercised concurrently with the Council.

The regulations also amend existing legislation concerning financial resources and information sharing related to adult education.

The transfer is contingent on Cornwall Council's consent and a belief that it will improve the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of Cornwall residents.

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (Adult Education Functions) Regulations 2025

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (Adult Education Functions) Regulations 2025 transfer specific adult education functions from the Secretary of State to the East Midlands Combined County Authority, effective August 1, 2025.

These functions, primarily related to education and training for individuals aged 19 and over, include provision of facilities, payment of tuition fees and financial resource provisions; however, functions relating to apprenticeships, individuals in adult detention, and the power to create regulations are excluded.

The regulations ensure the Combined County Authority operates under guidance and directions from the Secretary of State, and a report explaining the regulations' impact was submitted to Parliament.

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2025

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2025 transfers specified adult education functions from the Secretary of State to the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The transfer, effective August 1, 2025, covers functions under sections 86-88 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009, excluding apprenticeship training and those concerning persons in adult detention.

Section 90 and section 100(1) and (1B) functions will be exercised concurrently.

The Combined Authority must adhere to Secretary of State guidance and directions regarding eligibility rules for awards.

The Order also modifies relevant sections of the 2009 Act to reflect the change in responsibilities.

The Transfer of Functions (Digital Government) Order 2025

The Transfer of Functions (Digital Government) Order 2025, effective June 3rd, 2025, transfers specified digital government functions from the Minister for the Cabinet Office to the Secretary of State and the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology.

This includes functions under the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 and sections of the Digital Economy Act 2017.

The order also transfers related property, rights, and liabilities, and includes supplementary provisions to address ongoing processes and legal implications.

Consequential amendments are made to relevant legislation to reflect the functional changes.

The Transfer of Functions (Fire and Rescue Services) Order 2025

The Transfer of Functions (Fire and Rescue Services) Order 2025 transfers the responsibility for fire and rescue services from the Home Secretary to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, effective June 3, 2025.

This includes the transfer of all associated property, rights, liabilities, and ongoing processes.

The order clarifies the effective continuation of any ongoing actions and the use of existing documentation after this transfer of responsibilities.

Existing legislation is adjusted to reflect these changes, and the order makes clear that nothing in this order interferes with the activities of the devolved nations.

The Blyth (Extension of Limits) Harbour Revision Order 2025

The Blyth (Extension of Limits) Harbour Revision Order 2025, enacted by the Marine Management Organisation, extends the Blyth Harbour limits to encompass Ash Barge Dock.

The order amends the Blyth Harbour Act 1986 to reflect this change, defining "Ash Barge Dock" and incorporating it into the harbour's jurisdictional boundaries.

The order also protects the rights of Trinity House and safeguards Crown interests.

It came into force on June 2nd, 2025, and applies to England and Wales.

The Newcastle upon Tyne (Electoral Changes) Order 2025

Published: Mon 12th May 25

The Newcastle upon Tyne (Electoral Changes) Order 2025 implements recommendations from the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, restructuring the city's electoral wards.

Existing wards are abolished, and 26 new ones are created, each electing three councillors.

The order sets out the phased implementation of these changes, including the timeline for elections and the retirement of existing councillors.

Consequential changes are also made to the parish wards of Woolsington.

The order aims to improve electoral representation in line with the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009.

The Sunderland (Electoral Changes) Order 2025

Published: Mon 12th May 25

The Sunderland (Electoral Changes) Order 2025 modifies Sunderland's electoral arrangements, abolishing existing wards and introducing 25 new ones based on Local Government Boundary Commission for England recommendations.

It sets forth a schedule for council elections, including staggered retirements of councillors, and outlines procedures for resolving any vote ties.

The order also alters parish wards in Hetton, aligning them with the city's changes.

These adjustments aim for improved representation and electoral efficiency.