Local Government Legislation

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

The Grants to the Churches Conservation Trust Order 2025

The Grants to the Churches Conservation Trust Order 2025, approved by the House of Commons, authorizes grants totaling up to £3,123,614 to the Churches Conservation Trust between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026 for the preservation of historically significant churches in England and Wales.

The Order revokes the 2022 order and specifies the funding period under the Redundant Churches and other Religious Buildings Act 1969.

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The Legal Officers (Annual Fees) Order 2025

The Legal Officers (Annual Fees) Order 2025 sets annual fees for diocesan and provincial registrars in the Church of England for 2025.

It details fees payable by diocesan boards of finance and diocesan bishops/archbishops, specifying the professional services covered in Schedule 2.

The order also revokes the 2023 order and clarifies additional remuneration possibilities, travel expenses, and Value Added Tax implications.

It takes effect the day after parliamentary approval.

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The Street Works (Charges for Occupation of the Highway) (East Sussex County Council) Order 2025

This order approves East Sussex County Council's lane rental scheme, enabling them to charge for street works that occupy the highway in specific locations and times.

This authority is granted under the Street Works (Charges for Occupation of the Highway) (England) Regulations 2012.

The scheme aims to manage traffic disruption and generate revenue for highway improvements, with provisions for discounts or waivers in certain circumstances.

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The Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications, Deemed Applications, Requests and Site Visits) (England) (Amendment and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2025

These regulations amend the 2012 Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications, Deemed Applications, Requests and Site Visits) (England) Regulations.

Several fees are increased, including those for prior approval applications, confirmation of compliance with planning conditions, and section 73 applications.

A new three-tiered fee structure for section 73 applications is introduced.

Transitional provisions ensure that the amendments do not apply to applications or requests made before the regulations' commencement date (April 1, 2025), while delaying the application of the annual fee increase provided for in regulation 18A to April 1, 2026.

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The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Order 2025

The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Order 2025 grants the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Company permission to operate and maintain its railway, including a level crossing, and establishes procedures for its potential transfer.

The order specifies details regarding the railway, its maintenance, and the required safety protocols at its level crossing.

It also details processes for transferring ownership or lease of the railway.

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The Non-Domestic Rating (Levy and Safety Net) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Thu 13th Mar 25

The Non-Domestic Rating (Levy and Safety Net) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 2013 regulations governing the calculation of retained rates income for local authorities in England and Wales.

Key changes include adjustments to formulas for calculating retained rates income for the year beginning April 1st, 2025, specifically for authorities with 100% business rates retention and the Greater London Authority.

The regulations also correct the retained rates income calculation for North Northamptonshire, addressing an error in the 2022 regulations.

These amendments aim to improve the accuracy of calculations and ensure fair distribution of funds.

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The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Humber Bridge to Easington) Order 2025

The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Humber Bridge to Easington) Order 2025 sets March 26, 2025, as the end date for the access preparation period for coastal margin land between the Humber Bridge and Easington.

This follows the Secretary of State's approval of Natural England's report proposing a coastal access path in this area, based on the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

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The Shropshire (Electoral Changes) (Amendment) Order 2025

Published: Wed 12th Mar 25

The Shropshire (Electoral Changes) (Amendment) Order 2025 amends the Shropshire (Electoral Changes) Order 2025.

It changes the name of an electoral division from “Sutton & Reabrook” to “Oteley & Reabrook” to align electoral boundaries with parish boundary changes made by the Shropshire (Reorganisation of Community Governance) Order 2025.

The amendment was made possible by the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 and avoids any foreseen impact on the public, private, or voluntary sectors.

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