Universities and College Estates Act 1925 (1925 c. 24)

1 Universities and Colleges to which the Act applies.

The universities and colleges to which this Act applies are the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Durham, and the colleges or halls in those universities, and the Colleges of Saint Mary of Winchester, near Winchester, and of King Henry the Sixth at Eton, and for the purposes of this Act the Cathedral or House of Christ Church in Oxford shall be considered to be a college in the University of Oxford.

General power over land

[F1] S. 1A and cross-heading inserted (19.5.2025) by Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(2), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

1A General power over land

(1) A university or college has in relation to land belonging to the university or college all the powers of an absolute owner.

(2) The power conferred by subsection (1) is subject to—

(a) any restriction, condition or limitation imposed by, or arising under, any enactment,

(b) any rule of law or equity, or

(c) the statutes regulating the university or college.

Sale and Exchange

2 Powers of sale and exchange.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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3 Regulations respecting sales.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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4 Regulations respecting exchanges.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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5 Payment to Minister of money payable on sale or exchange.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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Leasing Powers

6 Powers to lease for building or mining or ordinary purposes.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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7 Regulations respecting leases generally.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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8 Leasing powers for special objects.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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9 Regulations respecting building leases.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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10 Regulations respecting mining leases.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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11 Variation of building or mining lease according to circumstances of district.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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12 Application of mineral rents, &c.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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Surrenders and Regrants

13 Surrenders and regrants.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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Miscellaneous Powers

14 Power to grant water rights to statutory bodies.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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15 Power to grant land for public and charitable purposes.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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16 Dedication for streets, open spaces, &c.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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17 Power to compromise claims and release restrictions, &c.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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18 Power to vary leases and grants.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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19 Power to apportion rents.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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20 Provisions as to consideration.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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21 General power to effect any transaction under an order of the Minister.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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22 Separate dealing with surface and minerals, with or without wayleaves, &c.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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23 Power to grant options.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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24 Power to enter into contracts.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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25 Exercise of powers; limitation of provisions, &c.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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Investment or other application of Capital Money

26 Modes of investment or application of capital money.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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27 Provisions as to money in court.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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28 Provision as to money payable into court or to trustees.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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29 Application of money paid for lease or reversion.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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Power of raising Money

30 Power to raise money with consent of the Minister for improvements.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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31 Power to raise money by way of compensation for loss of fines on non-renewal of leases.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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32 Provision for the discharge of money borrowed on mortgage.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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Special Provisions as to Advowsons, & c.

33 Power to sell advowsons, &c.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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34 Power to purchase advowsons, &c.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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35 Power to substitute lands, &c. for rents, &c. as endowments of benefices.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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36 Severances of benefices from headships of colleges.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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37 Power to transfer advowsons, &c. gratuitously.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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Provisions as to the Minister

38 Provisions as to consents by Minister.

[F2] Ss. 2-38 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F3] S. 39 repealed by Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1963 (c. 11), s. 16(8), Sch. Pt. II

Supplemental Provisions

40 Power to transfer to the university or college lands vested in individual members thereof.

When any lands are vested in any person being a member of a university or college in trust or for the benefit of the university or college, or the head or any other member thereof, it shall be lawful for such person ... to convey and transfer such lands in such manner as that the same may be vested in the university or college in its corporate capacity, upon the trusts nevertheless affecting the same lands respectively.

[F4] Words in s. 40 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(4), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

41 Land to which Act applies and mode of exercise of powers.

(1) The powers and provisions of this Act relating to land belonging to a university or college shall extend and be applicable not only to land vested in the university or college, or in any body constituted for holding land belonging to the university or college, and held as the property or for the general purposes of the university or college, but also to land so vested which may be held upon any trusts, or for any special endowment or other purposes, connected with the university or college.

(2) The power conferred by this Act on a university or college may as respects each particular university or college be exercised by such body and in such manner as may be provided by the statutes regulating that university or college.

42 Saving of existing powers.

Nothing in this Act contained shall restrain a university or college, or other body constituted for holding land belonging to a university or college, from exercising any powers of sale, exchange, purchase, or borrowing, or from granting any leases or making any grants, whether by way of renewal or otherwise, which the university or college might have exercised or granted under the provisions of any Act of Parliament, whether public general or local or private, or under any other authority, or in any other manner whatsoever, in case this Act had not been passed...

[F5] Words in s. 42 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(5), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

43 Definitions.

In this Act ...:—

[F6] Words in s. 43 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(6)(a), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

(i) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(ii) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(iii) “Hereditaments” mean real property which on an intestacy might before the commencement of the Law of Property Act 1922, have devolved on an heir;

[M1] 1922 c. 16.

(iv) “Land” includes land of any tenure, and mines and minerals whether or not held apart from the surface, buildings or parts of buildings (whether the division is horizontal, vertical or otherwise) and all other corporeal hereditaments; also a manor, an advowson, and a rent and all other incorporeal hereditaments, and an easement, right, privilege, or benefit in, over, or derived from land , but not an undivided share in land;

[F9] Words in s. 43(iv) repealed (E.W.) (1.1.1997) by 1996 c. 47, s. 25(2), Sch. 4 (with ss. 24(2), 25(4)(5)); S.I. 1996/2974, art.2

(v) “Lease” includes an agreement for a lease;

(vi) “Manor” includes lordship, and reputed manor or lordship; and “manorial incidents” has the same meaning as in the Law of Property Act 1922;

[M2] 1922 c. 16.

(vii) “Mines and minerals” mean mines and minerals whether already opened or in work or not, and include all minerals and substances in, on, or under the land, obtainable by underground or by surface working; and “mining purposes” include the sinking and searching for, winning, working, getting, making merchantable, smelting or otherwise converting or working for the purposes of any manufacture, carrying away, and disposing of mines and minerals, in or under any land, and the erection of buildings, and the execution of engineering and other works suitable for those purposes; and a “mining lease” is a lease for any mining purposes or purposes connected therewith, and includes a grant or licence for any mining purposes;

[F10] Words substituted by Universities and College Estates Act 1964 (c. 51), Sch. 3 Pt. II

(viii) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(ix) “Rent” includes yearly or other rent, and toll, duty, royalty, or other reservation, by the acre, or the ton, or otherwise; and, in relation to rent, “payment” includes delivery; and “fine” includes premium or fore-gift, and any payment, consideration, or benefit in the nature of a fine, premium, or fore-gift;

(x) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

44 Repeals.

(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . nothing in this repeal shall affect the validity of anything done before the commencement of this Act, or shall affect any consent, order, authority, or direction given under any enactment so repealed; but any such consent, order, authority, or direction shall have effect as if made under the corresponding provisions of this Act.

[F13] Words repealed by Statute Law Revision Act 1950 (c. 6), Sch. 1

(2) References in any document to any enactment repealed by this Act shall be construed as references to this Act or the corresponding provisions of this Act.

45 Short title.

(1) This Act may be cited as the Universities and College Estates Act 1925.

(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F14] S. 45(2), Sch. 2 repealed by Statute Law Revision Act 1950 (c. 6), Sch. 1

SCHEDULES

Part I Improvements for which a University or College may borrow or apply Capital Money

[F15] Sch. 1 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

[F15] Sch. 1 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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Part II Improvements for which a University or College may borrow Money or apply Capital Money subject to special provisions as to replacement thereof

[F15] Sch. 1 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

[F15] Sch. 1 omitted (19.5.2025) by virtue of Charities Act 2022 (c. 6), ss. 24(3), 41(4); S.I. 2024/265, reg. 4, Sch. 2 para. 2

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SECOND SCHEDULE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F16] S. 45(2), Sch. 2 repealed by Statute Law Revision Act 1950 (c. 6), Sch. 1