(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations are made in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 8(1), and paragraph 21 of Schedule 7 to the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (c. 16) in order to address failures of retained EU law to operate effectively and other deficiencies (in particular under section 8(2)(d)(ii) of that Act) arising from the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union.
Regulation 2 amends the entry dealing with passports in the list of voter identification documents permitted at Northern Ireland local elections at rule 34(6) of Schedule 5 to the Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1962 (1962 c. 14 (N.I.)) so that it also includes passports issued by the Government of the United Kingdom. Regulation 3 makes an equivalent amendment to S.I. 2001/2599 in respect of elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly.
A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.