Local Government Legislation

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

The Communications (Television Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

The Communications (Television Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 implements changes to UK television license fees effective April 1, 2025.

The regulations increase the standard color TV license fee from £169.50 to £174.50 and the black and white license fee from £57.00 to £58.50.

Various installment payment schemes are adjusted accordingly, with updates to premium, budget, easy entry, and simple payment plans.

The regulations apply across the UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, with certain provisions for specific territories.

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The Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) Order 2025

The Order transfers specific environmental assessment and planning data functions from the UK Secretary of State to Scottish Ministers, granting them concurrent powers over renewable energy projects.

It enables Scottish Ministers to make regulations regarding environmental outcomes reports and planning data for generating stations in Scotland and the Scottish Renewable Energy Zone, while requiring consultation with the Secretary of State.

The Order extends existing devolved powers to include offshore renewable energy developments and maintains coordination between UK and Scottish authorities.

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The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority Regulations 2025

The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority Regulations 2025 establish a new combined county authority for Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, and North East Lincolnshire. The regulations create a directly elected mayoral position and grant significant powers over economic development, transport, housing, and planning.

The authority receives functions previously held by the Homes and Communities Agency, along with powers to establish development corporations, implement transport schemes, and coordinate strategic planning across the region.

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The Lancashire Combined County Authority Regulations 2025

The Lancashire Combined County Authority Regulations 2025 establish a new combined county authority covering Lancashire, Blackpool, and Blackburn with Darwen.

The regulations grant the authority significant powers over transport, housing, regeneration, and economic development.

The authority will be governed by appointed council members with specific voting requirements for key decisions.

It receives powers to coordinate transport planning, deliver housing and regeneration projects, and conduct strategic economic assessments across the region.

The regulations also establish funding mechanisms and transitional arrangements for the new authority's operations.

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The Valuation Tribunal for England (Membership and Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Thu 6th Feb 25

These regulations, effective April 1st, 2025, amend the Valuation Tribunal for England (Membership and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2009.

Specifically, they increase the mandatory retirement age for Tribunal members from 72 to 75 years old, extending to England and Wales.

The changes are based on powers granted by the Local Government Finance Act 1988 and are claimed to have minimal impact on the public, private, or voluntary sectors.

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The Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority Regulations 2025

The Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority Regulations 2025 establish a new combined authority covering Devon and Torbay, granting it significant powers over transport, housing, regeneration, and economic development.

The authority gains concurrent powers with existing councils in areas including highway management, public transport, and strategic planning, while becoming the primary authority for local transport planning.

The regulations ensure democratic accountability through a carefully structured voting system and require consent from constituent councils for key decisions, particularly those involving financial commitments or compulsory land acquisition.

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The Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority Order 2025

The Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority Order 2025 establishes a new combined authority covering the areas of Kingston upon Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire, with an elected mayor taking office from May 2025.

The order grants significant powers over transport, housing, regeneration, and economic development, while establishing clear governance structures and funding mechanisms.

The combined authority will have the ability to exercise functions previously held by constituent councils and other public bodies, aimed at improving economic, social, and environmental wellbeing across the region.

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The Designation of Special Tax Sites (East Midlands Investment Zone) Regulations 2025

These regulations, enacted under the Finance Act 2021, designate three areas in the East Midlands as 'special tax sites' to boost economic activity within the East Midlands Investment Zone.

This designation provides enhanced capital allowances for plant, machinery, structures, and buildings, along with stamp duty land tax relief, for qualifying companies and investments within these zones.

The designated sites are explicitly defined by maps, and the regulations took effect on February 26, 2025.

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