Delegated legislation (sometimes called secondary legislation or subordinate legislation) stems from an enabling Act of Parliament which authorises someone else (i.e. other than Parliament) to make laws on certain matters. Legislative powers are most often delegated to Government ministers, but may also be delegated to local authorities, professional and other public bodies, public utility companies (even after privatisation) and a variety of other organisations and individuals.
Delegated legislation may be known by various names, but the same basic principles apply whatever name it is given.
