How to find statutory instruments
This guide explains how to find statutory instruments (SIs) and statutory rules and orders (SR&Os) in our library and online.
Statutory instruments are a form of secondary legislation.
Before 1948, SIs were called SR&Os.
Official series
The official text of SIs and SR&Os, as originally passed, starts in library bay 171. This covers SIs and SR&Os from 1898 onwards.
Government website
A complete collection from 1987 onwards of original unamended SIs is available at legislation.gov.uk. There are also some from before 1987, but the collection is incomplete.
Halsbury's Statutory Instruments
This encyclopaedia is arranged by subject. Each volume includes either the full text or summaries of the SIs in force when that volume was published.
The SIs are published as amended with additional annotations and commentary.
This is held in library bay 62.
Textbooks
Many specialist texts contain SIs which are updated to the date the text went to press, with additional commentary and annotations.
Library search can help you to find relevant texts in our collection.
LexisLibrary and Westlaw UK
Both LexisLibrary and Westlaw UK have updated versions of SIs which are currently in force. Westlaw UK also has historic versions of SIs since 1991.
Both databases are available in our library. Ask library staff for access.
JustisOne
JustisOne contains a complete collection of the original, official full texts of SIs from 1948 onwards. SR&Os from before this date will only appear if they were in force in 1948.
Amendments, revocations and annotations are not included, although there are cross-references to these.
JustisOne is available in our library. Ask library staff for access.
Apart from a few exceptions, we do not hold copies of local SIs in our library.
Published local SIs from 1987 onwards are available on legislation.gov.uk. Since 2009, many unpublished SIs have also been added.
Unpublished SIs may be available from the relevant local authority. Our library staff may be able to help you find other sources for both published and unpublished local SIs.
LexisLibrary and Westlaw UK
Both these subscription services have updated versions of SIs.
Halsbury's Statutory Instruments
Halsbury’s Statutory Instruments contains SIs which are updated to the date the relevant volume went to press.
When you’ve found the correct SI, check the service volume to see if it has been updated since the volume was published.
This is in library bay 62. Ask library staff if you need help using this resource.
Current Law Citator
This lists SIs chronologically from 1947 onwards and notes amendments and revocations.
Start with the volume which contains the year of the SI you want, then check all the subsequent volumes.
This is in library bay F.
LexisLibrary and Westlaw UK
Both these subscription services can be used to find SIs on a subject.
On LexisLibrary, use the commentary and current awareness sections.
On Westlaw UK, use the journals and current awareness sections.
Halsbury's Statutory Instruments
You can use the separate annual index to find SIs by topic. This is in library bay 62.
Textbooks
Textbooks covering the relevant subject area can also be used.
LexisLibrary and Westlaw UK
You can use LexisLibrary and Westlaw UK to find cases on a particular provision in a SI.
Find the provision you want in the SI and select the relevant link to find cases.
Current Law SI Citator
Since 1993, the separate SI Citator has been included in the Current Law Citators.
Find the volume which contains the year of the SI you want to search, and then use all the volumes which follow.
This is in library bay F.
These are some suggestions of resources you can use to find SIs made under a section of a statute.
Some of the updating processes for these resources can be difficult. Ask library staff for help if you’re unsure.
LexisLibrary and Westlaw UK
First, you’ll need to locate the relevant section of the statute.
On LexisLibrary the information on SIs is in the notes at the end of the section.
On Westlaw UK, select ‘Provision Details’.
Current Law Legislation Citator
Beginning in 1947, the Current Law Legislation Citator list statutes and notes, among other things, SIs made under specific sections.
Use the volume which contains the year of the SI you want to search, and then use all the volumes which follow.
This is in library bay F.
Halsbury's Statutes
The annotations often refer to orders made under a specific section of an act. Check the annual cumulative supplement and the service volumes for updates.
This is in library bay 61.
Published and unpublished SIs are indexed in the annual Lists of Statutory Instruments. This is in library bay N.