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UK Parliament

Deregulation Bill becomes law

26 March 2015

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The Deregulation Bill received royal assent on Thursday 26 March.

Catch up on the bill's journey through Parliament.

Lords consideration of amendments: Monday 16 March

Members of the Lords discussed plans for an independent review of the TV licence enforcement regime. The government confirmed its commitment to carry out the review and to ensure it reports by June 2015. It also agreed that any changes recommended as a result of the review will not come into force before 1 April 2017.

Lords third reading: Wednesday 4 March

Members of the Lords discussed short term letting, and a group of changes covering the details of short term lettings went to a vote, with 145 for and 182 against, so they were not made.  

Peers continued onto a proposed change to remove changes to the waste disposal penalty charge system in London from the bill. This went to a vote with 87 for and 145 against so the change was not made. 

Lords report stage day three: Wednesday 11 February

Members of the Lords began by discussing the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). A change proposing to exclude the EHRC from the list of regulators the bill applies to went to a vote with 197 for and 208 against, so it was left in the bill.

Peers then discussed a change looking at which organisations the growth duty outlined in the bill could be applied to. This also went to a vote, with 158 for and 222 against, so the change was not made.

Lords report stage day two: Thursday 5 February

Peers began by discussing an amendment on the TV licence fee enforcement system. A proposal to delay plans to decriminalise non-payment until the current licence fee settlement expires in April 2017 was taken to a vote. Members voted 178 in favour and 175 against, so the change was made.

An amendment to increase government responsibility for the regulation and quality of care offered by outsourced social work services was also taken to a vote. Members voted 127 in favour and 163 against, so the change was not made.

Lords report stage day one: Tuesday 2 February 

Peers considered a proposal to preserve employment tribunals' current powers to make wider recommendations following a finding of unlawful discrimination. Members voted 190 in favour and 259 against, so the change was not made.

The second vote concerned subcontracting of private hire vehicles. Members voted 190 in favour and 259 against a proposal to require the consent of the hirer before a booking can be passed on. The change was not made.

Lords committee stage day eight: Thursday 20 November 

Lords committee stage day seven: Tuesday 18 November

Lords committee stage day six: Tuesday 11 November

Lords committee stage day five: Thursday 6 November

Lords committee stage day four: Tuesday 4 November

Lords committee stage day three: Thursday 30 October

Lords committee stage day two: Tuesday 28 October

Lords committee stage day one: Tuesday 21 October

Peers began by discussing health and safety at work. An amendment to exempt self-employed persons (apart from those working for the Secretary of State in regulations) from the requirements of Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 went to a vote, with 253 for and 175 against, so the amendment was made.

Members considered a section of the bill seeking to remove the power of employment tribunals to make recommendations to employers where there has been a finding of unlawful discrimination, harassment or victimisation, and where the successful claimant no longer works for the company. The section was left in the bill after a vote, with 234 for and 194 against.

Finally, Lords discussed private hire vehicles, and voted on whether a section on sub-contracting of private hire vehicles between operators should remain in the bill, with 221 for and 175 against.

Second reading: Monday 7 July

Lord Wallace of Saltaire (Liberal Democrat), government spokesperson for the Cabinet Office, introduced the bill as one which seeks to improve the regulatory regime in the UK in a wide range of areas. 

Deregulation Bill summary

The Deregulation Bill provides for the removal or reduction of regulatory burdens on businesses, civil society, individuals, public sector bodies and the taxpayer. It includes measures relating to:

  • general and specific areas of business
  • companies and insolvency
  • the use of land
  • housing
  • transport
  • communications
  • the environment
  • education and training
  • entertainment
  • public authorities and the administration of justice.

The Bill also focuses on promoting economic growth and will repeal legislation that is no longer of any practical use.  

Further information

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