What is Delegated Legislation?
Think of delegated legislation as Parliament's way of sharing its law-making homework. Parliament creates a 'parent Act' (called an Enabling Act) that gives specific people or groups the power to make detailed laws on their behalf.
There are three main types you need to know. Statutory Instruments are made by government ministers and civil servants - they handle the nitty-gritty details like Police Codes of Practice under PACE or minimum wage reviews. Orders in Council come from the Privy Council and Queen, perfect for urgent situations when Parliament isn't sitting, like reclassifying cannabis as a Class C drug.
By-laws are made by local authorities like councils, railway companies, or even the National Trust. These apply to limited areas and cover things like public behaviour rules at train stations or airports.
Quick Tip: Remember the acronym SOB - Statutory instruments, Orders in council, By-laws!
