Updated regulations for measuring noise from outdoor equipment - like compressors, chainsaws, tower cranes and generators - have been laid in Parliament and come into force on 13 April 2026.  These bring in new methods for measuring airborne noise emissions, aligning with technical progress and simplifying procedures for manufacturers. They also bring UK regulations in line with updates to EU Directive 2000/14/EC, incorporating changes from Directive (EU) 2024/2839.

The government are inviting views and evidence on proposals for a review of the licensing system which focuses on pubs, restaurants, clubs, music and entertainment venues licensed under the Licensing Act 2003.  The licensing system plays a part in managing noise impacts on communities. This review includes questions covering pavement licensing, Temporary Event Notices for eg festivals, and giving more weight to the Agent of Change principle, which puts the responsibility on a developer for mitigating potential noise problems for any development near an existing business.

On Tuesday 7th October 2025, members of the UK acoustics community gathered at the Royal Academy of Engineering for the launch of the Sound Economics 2 (SE2) report. Hosted by the UK Acoustics Network, the event brought together researchers, consultants, policymakers, and industry leaders to reflect on the scale, impact, and future of acoustics in the UK.