Act
The term ‘Act’ refers to an Act of Parliament that either creates a new law or changes in some way an existing one. The government is responsible for enforcing new laws once they have been passed by Parliament. Acts of Parliament comprise the UK’s statute law.
An Act is different from a Bill in that it has been approved by both chambers – the House of Commons and House of Lords – and is given Royal Assent.
Once it has been passed, an Act can either come into force with immediate effect, or at a specified future date, or it can be introduced in stages.
To change an existing law, another Act or delegated legislation must be passed, or an Act can be repealed so that it no longer applies.
Almost all current Acts of Parliament are available to read on the Legislation.gov.uk website.
Some of the most relevant Acts realting to construction and the built environment include:
- Clean Air Act.
- Energy act of 2011.
- Environmental Protection Act.
- Flood and Water Management Act.
- Growth and Infrastructure Act 2013.
- Housing Act 1996.
- Housing Act 2004.
- Housing and Planning Act 2016
- Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act HGRA.
- Law of Property Act 1925 Receiver.
- Local Democracy Economic Development Act 2009.
- Localism Act.
- Party Wall Act.
- Planning Act 2008.
- Planning and Compensation Act 1991.
- Town and Country Planning Act.
- Unfair contract terms act.
- Wildlife and Countryside Act.
For more information see: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Category:Other_legislation
NB Hybrid bills mix the characteristics of public and private Bills. The provisions in a
hybrid bill would affect the general public, but would also have particular effects on
specific individuals or groups.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.