Review Clause - Project Open Gov

A provision requiring a law or power to be reviewed after a certain period or in certain circumstances.

Also used as: review clauses

Source / explainer: Browse the UK Parliament glossary

Last reviewed: 3 August 2026

A review clause is a provision in legislation requiring the operation or effect of a law, scheme, or power to be reviewed after a certain period or in specified circumstances. Review clauses do not necessarily cause the law to expire, but they are intended to ensure later reconsideration and accountability.

Related terms

AmendmentA proposed change to the wording of a bill, motion, or other parliamentary text.BillA proposed law that must pass through Parliament before it can become an Act.Statutory GuidanceOfficial guidance issued under legal authority, which public bodies may be required to follow or take into account.Sunset ClauseA provision causing part of a law to expire automatically at a set time unless renewed.