The year 2023 has already seen a raft of law changes, with many more on the way. However, let’s look back at what legal changes have happened so far and how those changes could affect you or your business. If you need legal advice for your business they try Darwin Gray.
End of the road for Help to Buy
The home ownership loan scheme which helped countless first-time buyers purchase their first homes ended on 31 March. Despite pressure from various places, it seems there are no plans to replace or extend the scheme.
No more energy payments help
These ended on 31 March. The scheme had helped see households through the winter months but will now come to an end. A new and different scheme has been rolled out, but will be means tested and people will have to apply for it. With the old scheme, households were automatically enrolled on it.
Council tax hikes
From 1 April, almost 75% of councils across England and Wales are reported to have increased council taxes. Most of these increased are reported to be at around the 5% mark, but increases have varied across the board. Check your council tax band online click here.
The minimum wages goes up
In April, the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage increased quite significantly. The National Living Wage saw an almost 10% increase up to £10.42. The National Minimum Wage also went up. For 21-22 year olds it went up over 10% to £10.18. For 18-20 year olds, it went up almost 10% to £7.49. For 16-17 years olds, it went up almost 10% to £5.28. The apprentice rate also went up almost 10% to £5.28.
Water bills up
In April, lots of households experienced the biggest hike in their water bills for almost 20 years/ Average UK water bills are now up to £448 a year. This is an average increase for customers of around £31 compared to last year.
Other bills also go up
Broadband and mobile phone customers saw their bills increase by an average of 14% in April. Most providers link their annual price hikes to the consumer price index or retail price index. Since these increased considerably (10.5% and 13.4% respectively), providers have passed additional cost on to customers.
Maternity, paternity and sick pay increase
Statutory sick pay has gone up to £109.40 per week, whilst statutory maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave went up to £172.48 per week.
Income tax up
From 6 April, more higher earners will pay higher tax. With the personal allowance frozen, that also means that more people will end up paying income tax.
ID needed to vote
From 4 May’s local elections, voters have now needed to show ID before they can cast a vote at an election. The theory is that this is intended to prevent voter fraud, although some point out that digital fraud is a much greater risk to elections than people turning up and voting on behalf of other people at ballot stations.
New stamps on the way
On 31 July, traditional classic stamps will be replaced by digital barcoded versions instead.
The Brexit Bonfire Bill
The so-called Brexit Bonfire Bill had caused much concern. It’s now been revised significantly so that most EU laws will remain the same in the UK, unless they are repealed or replaced.