1. A statutory instrument (SI) is the principal form in which delegated legislation is made in Great Britain. They are used to put into effect parts of an Act of Parliament that require detailed regulation.
2. UK statutory instruments are governed by the Statutory Instruments Act 1946. Until 2011 the Act also governed Scottish statutory instruments made under Acts of the Scottish Parliament.
3. They are the most common form of secondary legislation and are often the detailed regulations and orders needed to bring an Act of Parliament into effect.
4. There are three main types of UK Statutory Instrument: ‘Orders’, ‘Regulations’, and ‘Rules’. However, there is no limit imposed on the descriptions that may be used.