Legislation.gov.uk: The Official Database of UK Statute Law
Accessing the laws of the United Kingdom was once a slow and complicated process. For decades, finding the exact text of a law—and determining its current meaning—presented significant hurdles for the public and legal professionals alike. To solve this, the UK government developed legislation.gov.uk, the official web-accessible database of UK statute law.
Hosted by The National Archives, this comprehensive resource serves as the definitive point of access for both primary and secondary legislation, ensuring that the laws governing the United Kingdom are transparent and available to all.
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Key Facts
- Owner: The National Archives, UK Government.
- Scope: Primary legislation from 1267 and secondary legislation from 1823.
- Availability: Free public access in English and Welsh.
- Content: Approximately 80,000 texts.
- Status: Active and official government source.
The Evolution of the Statute Law Database
Early Development (1991–2000)
The journey toward a digital law database began in 1991. The government contracted Syntegra (a BT company) to create a database of public Acts and amendments. Initially, this was not intended for the internet; it was designed as an electronic version of Statutes in Force to be distributed via CD-ROM to legal practitioners, public libraries, and Citizens Advice Bureaux.
Throughout the late 1990s, the project faced several delays. While pilot versions were available to limited government users, the general public did not have open access during this period.
Modernization and Public Launch (2001–2006)
Between 2004 and 2006, the system underwent a major overhaul. The Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) replaced the editorial database and implemented a content management system called TSO ActiveText, which stores legislation in XML (Extensible Markup Language)—a standardized format that allows for better data structure and searchability.
Despite initial intentions to charge for "historical law," public pressure and campaigns for open data led the government to make the system free. The database was officially launched to the general public on December 20, 2006.
Integration with The National Archives (2008–Present)
In December 2008, responsibility for the database transferred to The National Archives. This move allowed for the merger of the Statute Law Database (SLD) and the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) website. The goal was to eliminate duplication and create a single, user-friendly portal for all UK legislation.
Understanding the Database Content
Primary Legislation
Primary legislation refers to the main laws passed by a legislative body. The database includes a vast array of records, such as:
- Acts of the English Parliament (1267–1706) and the Parliament of Great Britain (1707–1800).
- Acts of the Scottish Parliament (1999–present) and Senedd Cymru/Welsh Assembly (2007–present).
- Acts of the Parliament of Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Assembly.
- Church of England measures (1920–present).
Secondary Legislation
Secondary legislation (or delegated legislation) allows the government to make more detailed rules under the authority of a primary Act. The database includes updated records for:
- Statutory instruments (from 1948).
- Welsh, Scottish, and Northern Ireland statutory rules/instruments (from 1991 or 1999).
- Church of England instruments (from 1991).
Summary of Database Coverage
| Legislation Type | Start Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Legislation | 1267 | Revised up to 2002; updated since. |
| Secondary Legislation | 1823 | Mostly updated. |
| Repealed Legislation | 1991 | Not included if fully repealed prior to 1991. |
User Features and Technical Capabilities
The modern interface of legislation.gov.uk provides several tools to help users navigate complex legal texts:
- Version Switching: Users can toggle between the "as enacted" version (the law as it was first passed) and the "revised" version (the law as it stands after amendments).
- Timeline of Changes: A dedicated timeline allows users to view legislation as it existed at specific points in time.
- Unapplied Effects: The site incorporates "Tables of Legislative Effects," allowing users to see outstanding amendments at the provision level without searching through yearly tables.
- Geographical Extent: A toggle button allows users to show or hide the specific regions where a piece of legislation applies.
Current Limitations
While comprehensive, the database has specific gaps. It does not include byelaws, Orders in Council made under the royal prerogative, or most local acts from before 1991. Additionally, while the database is continuously updated, some primary legislation may not yet reflect the most recent amendments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is legislation.gov.uk the official source for UK law?
Yes, it is the official web-accessible database of the statute law of the United Kingdom, hosted by The National Archives.
Can I find laws from before the 19th century?
Yes, the database contains primary legislation dating back to 1267, though secondary legislation only begins from 1823.
What is the difference between "as enacted" and "revised" versions?
The "as enacted" version is the original text of the law when it was first passed. The "revised" version incorporates changes and amendments made to the law over time.
Is there a cost to use the database?
No, the database is free to use for the general public, following a government decision to provide open access to the law.
Does the database include all repealed laws?
No, it does not include legislation that was fully repealed prior to 1991.