What is secondary legislation commonly known as?

Secondary legislation is commonly referred to as delegated legislation. This type of legislation is made by an individual or body under powers given to them by an Act of Parliament, which is known as primary legislation.

The term "delegated" indicates that the authority to create legal rules has been transferred from the legislature to another entity, often for the purpose of allowing detailed regulations to be developed where the primary law is too broad or general. This allows for a more flexible and efficient legislative process, as complex technical details can be filled in by the delegated authorities without needing to pass a new Act.

This is a crucial aspect of lawmaking, as it enables the government to respond more quickly to changing circumstances or specific policy areas without the need for lengthy parliamentary procedures every time a small adjustment is required. The other terms highlighted do not accurately capture the nature of secondary legislation in the same way that "delegated legislation" does. Statutory direction and enabling legislation may refer to other specific legal contexts, while local legislation usually pertains to laws applicable in a specific locality rather than a broader legal framework shaped by delegated authority.