Statutory instruments
Statutory instruments (SIs), also known as delegated, secondary or subordinate legislation, allow the UK government to alter or bring the provisions of an Act into force without needing Parliament to pass a new Act. Primarily governed by the Statutory Instruments Act 1946, SIs are effectively devices that enable government to progress legislation through Parliament more quickly. SIs are typically in the form of Orders in Council, regulations, and rules.
For example, if the government wishes to amend a law on payments to include payment notices, an SI can be used to do so more quickly and easily than if it were to introduce a new piece of legislation.
Similarly, an Act may set out a broad framework, while SIs provide details that may be too lengthy or complex to be included in the Act itself.
In Scotland, SIs are governed by the Interpretation and Legislative Reform (Scotland) Act 2010. In Northern Ireland, statutory rules organise delegated legislation rather than SIs.
SIs have come under criticism for being un-democratic, particularly following the 2016 EU referendum and the publication of the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill. Referring to ‘Henry VIII powers’, critics have focused on the powers given to government ministers to bypass Parliament using SIs when repatriating legislation from the EU.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- All party parliamentary group APPG.
- Appeals against urgent works notices.
- Combined authorities.
- Modifying clauses in standard forms of construction contract.
- Planning legislation.
- Scheme for Construction Contracts.
- Select committee.
- Statutory authorities.
- Statutory obligations.
- Statutory undertakers.
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.