Legislation evolves with time.  Simplifi record amendments to Statutory Instruments (SIs), but do not add them to the website in their own right.  Amendments to the text of original SIs are made as soon after the amendments are published as possible.  The process used is to highlight the amended text in a specific colour and refer to the amendment, in the same colour  in the Recent Amendments box.  A link is provided to guidance of the substance of the amendment.

Over time the number of amendments can increase significantly.  Take, for example, The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (SI 2015/596).  This SI has been subject to four hundred and eighty-seven amendments, brought about by thirty-five amending SIs.  The colouring scheme, in this sort of case, has, obviously, become unsustainable.

However, The National Archives publish revised versions of legislation with textural amendments provided with hyperlinks. In cases where the colouring scheme has been deemed to become confusing, such as in the example above, Simplifi will re-start the amendment process, using the revised version of the SI from a specific date.  The date for this re-start will be shown clearly in the brief commentary supporting the legislation on the Simplifi website.  Amendments made, after that date, will, again, be shown in colour and listed in the Recent Amendments box.

In our January newsletter we present three new Statutory Instruments covering EU Retained Law, Higher Risk Buildings and Bio-diversity Net Gain. We list three SIs which amend The Town and Country Planning Act (A 1990 c.8).  There are commencements for The Energy Act 2023 (A 2023 c.52), The Online Safety Act 2023 (A 2023 c.50) and The Building Safety Act 2022 (2022 c.30).  For The Republic of Ireland, we have amendments to regulations covering waste (household food and bio-waste) and hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.  There is nothing of relevance from the EU.

We bring to your attention consultations on reforms to increase levels of WEEE reuse and recycling, updates to the UK Standard Industrial Classification (UK SIC) framework, amendments to Contracts for Difference, revised charges for the National Residues Control Programme and changes to guidance on new train protection systems. In the news have been three items from the HSE. They have updated their vibration webpages and resources, launched a campaign on asbestos and have reminded companies who import or export PIC listed chemicals that they must complete returns for 2023 by 31st March.  We have prosecutions of note following the catastrophic collapse of a crane boom and an employee suffering a brain injury after an uncontrolled entry into a manhole

In our February newsletter we present one new piece of legislation covering on line safety and six pieces of amending legislation on the supply of gas and electricity, railway safety, misuse of drugs, greenhouse gas trading, packaging waste (Scotland) and landfill tax (Scotland).  For The Republic of Ireland, we have legislation on drinks containers.  For the EU we have legislation on fluorinated greenhouse gases.

We bring to your attention consultations on changes to planning regulations for brown field developments and managing rail staff fatigue. We have prosecutions of note following deaths at a waste management facility and on a farm.

In the Simplifi newsletter for March 2024  we present three new piece of legislation concerning fees payable to the Oil and Gas Authority, merchant shipping safety and support for energy intensive industries.  During the month amendments were made to twelve Statuary Instruments covering compensation for industrial diseases, fees payable for health and safety, infrastructure planning, waste management, countryside stewardship and renewable energy. For The Republic of Ireland, we have an amendment to an SI on marine pollution.  For the EU we have legislation on substances which deplete the ozone layer.

There were no relevant consultations raised this month.   In the news was a report by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and an announcement about changes to guidance in support of the First Aid at Work Regulations.  We have prosecutions of note following deaths on a waste management facility and a steel fabrication works, four accidents resulting in serious injuries and a pollution incident.