Statutory Instrument Practice
Statutory Instruments (SIs) are the commonest form of subordinate legislation (also known as secondary or delegated legislation). They are made by or under powers conferred by or under statute on Her Majesty in Council or on a Minister, the National Assembly for Wales or other body or person, and provide the detailed regulations which implement Acts of Parliament. As such they must always be intra vires, that is, they must be within the scope of the enabling power in the parent Act.
This page provides links not only to Statutory Instrument Practice but also to a number of documents which are of interest to those who are considering the need for or are involved in the preparation of secondary legislation.
Statutory Instrument Practice
Statutory Instrument Practice provides guidance on the preparation and making of statutory instruments and the parliamentary procedures relating to them. It is a guide to practice, not a textbook of the law.
Although it generally refers to all Statutory Instruments, those made by the National Assembly for Wales under powers devolved by the Government of Wales Act 1998 are the subject of different procedures and parliamentary control.
A series of Statutory Instrument Practice Circulars are also available to download.
For further information on Statutory Instrument Practice please read the Circulars or contact the SI Registrar.
Statutory Instrument Practice (Word - 1.9 MB)
2008 Circulars
2007 Circulars
2006 Circulars
- Circular 4 (PDF - 89 KB)
- Circular 3 (PDF - 76 KB)
- Circular 2 (PDF - 169 KB)
- Circular 1 (PDF - 75 KB)
2005 Circulars
- Circular 5 (PDF - 66 KB)
- Circular 4 (PDF - 140 KB)
- Circular 3 (PDF - 81 KB)
- Circular 2 (PDF - 101 KB)
- Circular 1 (PDF - 101 KB)
2004 Circulars
- Circular 6 (PDF - 28 KB)
- Circular 5 (PDF - 12 KB)
- Circular 4 (PDF - 44 KB)
- Circular 3 (PDF - 37 KB)
- Circular 2 (PDF - 39 KB)
- Circular 1 (PDF - 23 KB)
2003 Circulars
- Circular 5 (PDF - 23 KB)
- Circular 4 (PDF - 32 KB)
- Circular 3 (PDF - 28 KB)
- Circular 2 (PDF - 25 KB)
- Circular 1 (PDF - 22 KB)
Other key guidance
- Administrative Burdens - Routes to Reduction (guidance issued by the Better Regulation Executive)
- Consultation (guidance issued by the Better Regulation Executive)
- Impact Assessments (guidance issued by the Better Regulation Executive)
- Transposition Guide: how to implement European directives effectively (guidance issued by the Better Regulation Executive) (PDF - 287 KB)
- Common commencement dates guidance for co-ordinators and officials (guidance issued by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Enterprise Directorate)