Legislative Review: March 2025 in Parliament and What to Watch in April

As we enter a new month, it’s essential for legal professionals, businesses, and engaged citizens to take stock of the evolving legislative landscape. March 2025 was a month of vigorous parliamentary activity, featuring key developments with significant implications for the legal system and society in England and Wales. This post provides a concise but in-depth review of the month’s major legal policy shifts and previews what’s expected on the legislative agenda in April.

March Legislative Highlights

1. Sentencing Council Guidelines Suspended

March opened with considerable debate surrounding the Sentencing Council’s proposed new guidelines, which suggested that mitigating factors such as age, sex, and ethnicity be considered in sentencing decisions. Critics, including senior judiciary and MPs, warned that such proposals risked introducing inconsistency and inequality into the criminal justice system.

The Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, announced that emergency legislation would be introduced to prevent the guidelines from taking effect. In response, the Sentencing Council agreed to suspend implementation pending further consultation. This development underscores ongoing tensions between sentencing transparency, public confidence, and the Council’s remit to reflect contemporary social factors.

2. Renters’ Rights Bill – Mounting Political and Legal Opposition

The government’s Renters’ Rights Bill—designed to strengthen protections for tenants by banning no-fault evictions and placing limits on rent increases—continued its passage through Parliament. However, investigative reports revealed covert efforts by major landlords and senior Tory figures to delay or weaken the bill through amendments or litigation in the House of Lords.

This behind-the-scenes pushback has raised significant questions about lobbying influence and access to justice in the legislative process. The bill’s ultimate trajectory will determine not only the future of tenant rights but also the regulatory landscape of the private rental sector.

3. The Spring Statement 2025 – Economic Measures and Legal Impact

Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her Spring Statement on 26 March, announcing increased defence spending, anti-tax evasion initiatives, and reforms to welfare delivery. From a legal perspective, key takeaways included the introduction of stricter enforcement mechanisms for HMRC and expanded funding for public legal education and consumer rights.

Practitioners in commercial law, finance, and administrative law should closely track secondary legislation implementing these fiscal policies throughout April and beyond.

4. Planning and Infrastructure Bill Advances

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill 2024–25 progressed through its Second Reading in the House of Commons on 24 March. The Bill proposes streamlining the planning application process and revising the National Planning Policy Framework to enable faster infrastructure delivery—particularly in housing, transport, and renewable energy sectors.

This legislation, while welcomed by developers and central government, has prompted concerns among environmental groups and local authorities about reduced local scrutiny. As the Bill moves to committee stage in April, the legal community can expect further debate on its balance between development speed and environmental safeguards.

Coming Up in April

1. Planning and Infrastructure Bill – Committee Stage

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill’s scrutiny in committee will be a key focus of parliamentary activity in April. Legal stakeholders should pay close attention to proposed amendments around environmental impact assessments, local plan authority, and judicial oversight of planning decisions.

2. Product Regulation and Metrology Bill – Key Debates Ahead

This bill, due for debate in early April, will shape the regulatory future of product safety and standards in the UK. As divergence from EU standards becomes more pronounced, the legislation will test the UK’s approach to international trade alignment, consumer protection, and manufacturing compliance post-Brexit.

Solicitors advising clients in manufacturing, retail, or import/export sectors should prepare for new statutory obligations and enforcement powers likely to be introduced in this bill.

3. Implementation of Spring Statement Measures

Several financial and regulatory measures outlined in March’s Spring Statement are due to be implemented via statutory instruments in April. These include tax rule changes, benefit reforms, and new funding allocations. Legal professionals involved in public law, finance, and tax should monitor these closely for implications on clients and case law development.

Conclusion

March saw Parliament tackle fundamental issues across sentencing, housing, infrastructure, and fiscal policy—each with material consequences for the legal framework of England and Wales. April promises continued scrutiny and refinement of these key legislative initiatives, alongside the implementation of new financial laws.

Staying ahead of these developments isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for lawyers, business leaders, and policymakers navigating the fast-shifting legal environment.