Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994

The Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 (c. 40) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It introduced wide-ranging measures aiming to cut government expenditure and bureaucracy. An example is the abolition of the licensing system for employment agencies under the Employment Agencies Act 1973.

Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994

Act of Parliament
Long title	An Act to amend, and make provision for the amendment of, statutory provisions and rules of law in order to remove or reduce certain burdens affecting persons in the carrying on of trades, businesses or professions or otherwise, and for other deregulatory purposes; to make further provision in connection with the licensing of operators of goods vehicles; to make provision for and in connection with the contracting out of certain functions vested in Ministers of the Crown, local authorities, certain governmental bodies and the holders of certain offices; and for purposes connected therewith.
Citation	1994 c. 40
Dates
Royal assent	3 November 1994
Other legislation
Relates to	Regulatory Reform Act 2001
Status: Amended
Text of statute as originally enacted
Text of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk.

It also contained so called Henry VIII clauses, which meant ministers could amend previous primary legislation through order (i.e. drafted by the Secretary of State without a vote in Parliament).

The Act was largely repealed and replaced by the Regulatory Reform Act 2001.