The Home Office is continuing to work with the security industry and the Security Industry Authority on the development of regulation for the private security industry.

In December 2014, the Home Office said the Government expects the introduction of the statutory licensing of private security businesses to come into force as soon as possible during the next Parliamentary session, which starts in May 2015.

Business licensing is subject to Ministerial and Parliamentary approval and the approval of Ministers in the devolved administrations in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Scottish Government and Department of Justice for Northern Ireland have indicated that they are supportive of a consistent, UK-wide regulatory regime.

We will provide information on likely timings once these are agreed with the Home Office.

https://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/business-licensing.aspx