Update on the Crown Estate Bill

The Crown Estate Bill, introduced into Parliament on 25 July 2024, is currently making its way through the House of Lords. The Bill includes proposals to modernise The Crown Estate’s investment and borrowing powers in line with its strategy and core duties, as well as increasing the number of Board Commissioners from eight to twelve. 

The Bill has concluded Report stage in the House of Lords on 5 November 2025 with the amendments outlined below supported by the Government. These amendments aim to further strengthen The Crown Estate’s ability to deliver benefit for the whole of the UK, both now and for the long term. 

The next milestone will be the Third Reading in the House of Lords on 18 November 2025, before entering the House of Commons where further amendments may be introduced as well as refinement to those outlined below.  

The final wording of the Bill, and any amendments, will be confirmed only once the Bill has passed into legislation. 

High-level summary of amendments supported by Government in the House of Lords Report Stage.  

Please note these are not final until the Bill passes into legislation at a later date. Further detail can be found on the Parliament website.

1. Three new Commissioners with responsibility to provide advice on conditions in Wales, Northern Ireland or England. 

The Board is accountable for ensuring that The Crown Estate fulfils its duties to act in the long-term national interest as set out in the Crown Estate Act. This includes the interests of Wales, Northern Ireland and England given its ownership and remit.  

This amendment requires the addition of three new Commissioners who have a special responsibility to give advice on conditions in Wales, Northern Ireland and England. 

2. Sustainable development  

This amendment requires The Crown Estate to keep its activities on the achievement of sustainable development under review.  

The sustainable development goals are those recognised by the United Nations, the Commonwealth and other bodies and refer to human development that aims to meet the economic, environmental and social needs of the present while also ensuring the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. 

3. Reporting on the partnership with Great British Energy 

This amendment requires The Crown Estate to include in its annual reports and accounts a summary of its activity on behalf of the Great British Energy: The Crown Estate partnership and the benefits derived from it.