Volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Overview

You can volunteer during coronavirus (COVID-19) with an organisation or group. You can also help people in your local area by doing things like picking up shopping or medicines.

You may be able to volunteer:

from home

from outside your home

in a workplace

A new COVID-19 variant is spreading in some parts of England. Check what you can and cannot do if you’re in an area where the new variant is spreading.

This guidance is for volunteers in England. There’s different guidance on:

volunteering in Scotland

volunteering in Wales

volunteering in Northern Ireland

If you run an organisation or group, or manage volunteers, find out how to involve volunteers safely.

Where you can volunteer

You should volunteer from home where possible.

Follow guidance on volunteering with other people if you have to volunteer outside your home. Do not leave home if:

you’ve been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace

you’re self-isolating for any other reason

If you’re volunteering in a workplace, it should follow guidance on working safely during COVID-19.

If you’re at high risk from COVID-19

You can volunteer outside your home, if you’re at high risk from COVID-19 (clinically extremely vulnerable), but you should take extra steps to protect yourself. For example, reduce:

your social interactions

the time you spend in places where you cannot social distance

If you have COVID-19 symptoms

Do not volunteer outside your home if you have COVID-19 symptoms or if you’ve tested positive for COVID-19.

You must self-isolate from the date you started having symptoms or from the day you tested positive and for the next 10 full days - whichever is the latest.

If you’re self-isolating your volunteer organisation should not ask you to leave home.

If you need to travel as a volunteer

Find out how to travel safely if you’re volunteering in England.

Check COVID-19 guidance in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland before you travel, if you need to volunteer in one of these countries.

Before volunteering abroad:

check if the country you’re going to is accepting volunteers - read foreign travel advice to find out where you can go

read the guidance on travelling abroad during COVID-19

check if your volunteering role means you’re exempt from travel restrictions

check the rules you must follow when you return to England

Ways to volunteer

You can volunteer during coronavirus (COVID-19) with an organisation or group, for example a charity, the NHS or a local volunteer-run group.

Find out about volunteering with a charity or voluntary organisation.

Check if your local council has volunteering opportunities.

You should choose your volunteering activity based on your risk of getting seriously ill with COVID-19.

Volunteer with the NHS

If you want to help the NHS as a general volunteer, apply for the NHS volunteer responder scheme. You’ll need to check if the scheme is recruiting in your area.

To volunteer in a hospital, including if you’re a doctor or nurse, contact your local hospital trust.

If you want to give blood, read the guidance about donating blood during COVID-19.

You can also sign up to the NHS COVID-19 vaccine registry if you want to take part in a COVID-19 vaccine research study.

Help people in your local area

You can help others by doing activities like picking up shopping and offering support on the phone. This includes:

family, friends and neighbours who are at high risk from COVID-19 or who prefer not to go out

people who are feeling lonely or isolated

staff and volunteers in key worker roles

You can also join a mutual aid group. A mutual aid group is a local volunteer-run initiative where people come together to help each other.

Protect those you help

If you’re worried about someone’s health, contact the NHS or check NHS COVID-19 advice online.

If you’re helping someone who’s staying at home, you should follow social distancing guidelines if you do have to go indoors.

It may not always be possible to follow social distancing guidelines, for example if you’re providing personal care to someone. You should consider whether the activity is essential and follow working safely guidance.

If you’re helping someone who’s not a friend or family member

You should show identification when you call at their home.

You should not:

ask for their credit or debit card numbers, or other financial information

take their address and phone number, unless you need it to do a task

pressure them into giving you any unnecessary information

You can find out how to help others safely on the British Red Cross website.

Contact the police if you think someone you’re helping is being abused or neglected. Phone 999 in an emergency or 101 if the person is not in immediate danger.

Volunteering with other people

When you volunteer, you can meet in groups of any size from different households, both indoors or outdoors. However, meeting in smaller groups can reduce the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading.

You can also meet in groups for activities like volunteer recruitment and training. This does not include meeting in groups for social activities.

The organisation or group of volunteers running the activities should follow guidance on working safely during COVID-19.

As a volunteer, you should:

follow social distancing guidelines

wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds

wear a face covering indoors

make sure indoor spaces are well ventilated with fresh air

In some volunteering roles, it may not be possible for you to follow social distancing guidelines. For example, driving a vehicle with others in it. You should consider whether the activity is essential before doing it and follow the guidance on working safely during COVID-19.

Volunteering in a support group

You can volunteer in a support group. Support groups should provide mutual aid, therapy or another form of support.

There cannot be more than 30 people in the support group itself. Children under 5 are not included in this limit. There’s no limit to the number of volunteers.

For example, 5 volunteers could support up to 30 people in a group session, to make a group of 35 in total.

Formal support groups must not be run from private homes.

Testing and vaccination

Find out how to get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19).

If you volunteer in an essential role and have COVID-19 symptoms, you’ll be prioritised for a test.

Who can get a vaccine

You can get vaccinated if you’re a volunteer in an eligible group. This includes volunteers in frontline health and social care roles.

If you qualify for a vaccine because of your age or a clinical condition, you’ll be vaccinated at the same time as other people in your area.

The NHS will let you know when you can get a vaccine and how to get it.


Access to Elected Office Fund

Overview

This fund is currently closed. Find out if you can get help with disability-related expenses from the ‘EnAble Fund for Elected Office’ instead.

You could get a grant of between £250 and £40,000 if you’re disabled and standing for election to, or selection as a candidate in, the:

UK Parliament

English local government

Greater London Assembly

mayoral elections (England only)

Police and Crime Commissioner

English parish and town councils

You will not have to pay back any money you receive.

The fund is for disability-related costs you pay as part of standing for election - it does not cover general campaigning costs (like leaflets) or living costs.

What you'll get

You could get between £250 and £40,000 in any calendar year (1 January to 31 December) to cover disability-related costs. For example:

transport needs (if you have difficulty using public transport)

sign language interpreters

extra travel or accommodation costs if you need a carer

You can apply more than once but together the applications must not total more than £40,000 in any calendar year. Your grant can be backdated up to 2 months before the date of your offer letter.

You cannot use the money for general campaigning or living costs. Read guidance on campaign spending and donations from the Electoral Commission website.

How you’re paid

If your application is successful, you must send in any original invoices or receipts for the items you listed in your application. The money will be paid after you provide proof of your spending.

Payments are made on the second and last Friday of every month.

Eligibility

You can apply to the Access to Elected Office Fund if:

you’re eligible to stand for election

you can prove your disability, for example with a letter from a doctor

you can prove you’re involved or interested in civic, community or relevant activities, for example volunteering or student politics

your application is supported by a member of your political party, or an independent referee if you do not have a political party


Avoid and report internet scams and phishing

Report internet scams and phishing

Report misleading websites, emails, phone numbers, phone calls or text messages you think may be suspicious.

Do not give out private information (such as bank details or passwords), reply to text messages, download attachments or click on any links in emails if you’re not sure they’re genuine.

Suspicious emails

Forward the email to report@phishing.gov.uk.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will investigate it.

Text messages

Forward the text message to 7726 - it’s free.

This will report the message to your mobile phone provider.

Adverts

Report scam or misleading adverts to the Advertising Standards Authority. You can report adverts found online, including in search engines, websites or on social media.

You can also report scam or misleading adverts to Google if you found them in Google search results, or report to Bing if you found them in Bing search results.

If you think you’ve been a victim of an online scam or fraud

Contact Action Fraud if you think you’ve lost money or been hacked because of an online scam or fraud. You can:

report online - either sign up for an account or continue as a ‘guest’

call 0300 123 2040

If you’re in Scotland and you think you’ve been the victim of an online scam or fraud, report the crime to Police Scotland.

Avoid misleading government websites, emails and phone numbers

Some websites, emails or phone numbers look like they’re part of an official government service when they’re not, or claim to help more than they actually do. Some make you pay for things that would be free or cheaper if you use the official government service.

Search on GOV.UK to find official government services and phone numbers, for example if you want to apply to the DVLA for a driving licence.

Report HMRC phishing emails, texts and phone call scams

You can report something suspicious to HM Revenue and Customs’s (HMRC) phishing team, for example:

a text message (forward it to 60599 - you’ll be charged at your network rate)

an email (forward it to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk)

a message in an application, for example WhatsApp - take a screenshot and forward as an email

phone calls asking for personal information or threatening a lawsuit (report a phone call)

Your email address and phone number will be shared with other organisations if that’s necessary to close down the scam.

If you’ve given your personal details to someone

Contact the HMRC security team if you think you’ve given any personal information in reply to a suspicious email or text.

Include brief details of what you disclosed (for example name, address, HMRC User ID, password) but do not give your personal details in the email.

Spotting HMRC scams

You’ll never get an email, text message, message in an application (for example WhatsApp) or a phone call from HMRC which:

tells you about a tax rebate or penalty

asks for your personal or payment information

Check HMRC’s guidance on recognising scams if you’re not sure.

Report visa and immigration scams

You’ll never be asked to pay for a visa using:

cash

money transfer

Contact Action Fraud to report visa and immigration scams. You should include:

a copy of the suspicious email you received, the sender’s email address and the date and time it was received

details of what you sent in a reply, if you replied - for example whether you sent your bank details, address or password

You can also report suspicious emails, letters or telephone calls to the police through Action Fraud.


Challenge an election result

When you can make a challenge

You may be able to challenge the result of an election if you think it was not run properly, for example the votes were not counted correctly or a candidate broke the law.

You can challenge a UK Parliament election if either of the following apply:

you had the right to vote in it

you were a candidate

You can challenge a local government election if either:

you’re part of a group of at least 4 people who had the right to vote in the election

you were a candidate

The deadline

You must usually apply within 21 days of when:

the result of the UK Parliament election was returned to the Clerk of the Crown in Chancery

the local government election was held

A judge might let you apply after 21 days if:

you think there have been corrupt or illegal practices, for example bribery

your complaint is about election expenses, for example you think the winner spent more than they were allowed

How to make a challenge

To challenge an election you must apply to the Election Petitions Office. This is called issuing an election petition.

You’ll need to send:

an election petition

The Election Petitions Office will stamp the petition before you send (‘serve’) it to the people you’re complaining about (‘the respondents’). You can then apply to set a date for a hearing.

What to include in the petition

Your petition must say:

why you’re allowed to challenge the election result

the date and result of the election

the reason you’re challenging the result, for example you think the votes were counted incorrectly

what you would like to happen, for example a recount

For a UK Parliament election, you must also give the date the result was given to the Clerk of the Crown in Chancery. The person who oversaw the election (the ‘returning officer’) can tell you this.

You can use a template to help you write the petition.

You must sign the petition. You cannot ask a solicitor to sign it for you. If you’re part of a group, you must all sign.

Application for ‘security for costs’

You’ll need to make an application to pay ‘security for costs’. This covers the cost of going to court.

Fill in form N244 (the ‘application notice’) and send it with your petition.

Send your challenge

Send your petition and your application to pay ‘security for costs’ to the Election Petitions Office, along with your fees. The fees are:

£528 to issue a petition

£100 to apply for ‘security for costs’

Make your cheque or postal order payable to ‘HM Courts and Tribunals Service’.

The Election Petitions Office must receive your petition by the last day you’re allowed to apply.

You can also hand in your petition in person. The Election Petitions Office is open on weekdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm.

On the last day you’re allowed to apply, you can apply any time before midnight. Put your petition in the letterbox outside room E110 if the office is closed.

Call the Royal Courts of Justice if you need to get access to the letterbox.

You must make a statement (‘swear an affidavit’) the next working day in front of a solicitor or a notary public. Your statement must confirm the day and time when you put the petition in the letterbox.

Pay 'security for costs'

After you apply, the Election Petitions Office will tell you how much to pay for ‘security for costs’. The maximum is:

£5,000 for a UK Parliament election

£2,500 for a local government election

£1,500 for a parish council election

You can sometimes get help with court fees if you have little or no savings, are on certain benefits or have a low income.

You can pay cash or give the names of up to 4 people (‘sureties’) who will guarantee to pay. You must do this within 3 working days of handing in the petition.

You’ll usually get the ‘security for costs’ back if you win the case.

You might have to pay more if you lose the case or you decide to stop it.

Serve your election petition

You should only contact the people you’re complaining about (‘the respondents’) once the Elections Petitions Office has stamped your petition. You must give (‘serve’) them the petition within 5 working days of paying the ‘security for costs’.

The person who won the election must be one of the respondents, even if you do not think they’ve done anything wrong.

What you must send

Send each respondent copies of:

a letter (‘notice of presentation’) from your solicitor if you have one

the petition you sent to the Election Petitions Office

the letter from the Election Petitions Office showing the amount of ‘security for costs’ and how you’re paying (cash or guarantees)

promises (‘affidavits’) from the people who guarantee to pay (‘sureties’) if relevant

You must also send copies to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

You can send your documents:

in person

by first class post

through a solicitor

The court will consider documents to be served 2 days after they were posted if that’s a working day, or the next working day if it is not.

What happens at the hearing and trial

Contact the Election Petitions Office to set the date for the hearing. You should do this within 28 days of your petition being stamped.

If you do not apply to set a date for the hearing, the respondents will have 28 days to apply themselves. They can also make other requests, for example to cancel (‘set aside’) your petition.

A judge will set a date for the hearing if you and the respondents do not apply to set one.

At the hearing and trial

At the hearing a judge can appoint a commissioner to manage your complaint. The commissioner will look at the evidence, for example by checking the voting slips.

If the commissioner thinks there should be a trial, it will normally be at a court in the constituency where you’re challenging the result.

At the trial you and the respondents will each present your cases to the commissioner. Both sides can call witnesses to give evidence.

It usually takes several weeks to get a judgment. You’ll be called to a meeting with the commissioner to hear the decision.

You cannot appeal the decision.


How to vote

Overview

You need to be registered to vote before you can vote in UK elections or referendums.

If you’re eligible, you can vote in person on the day of the election at a named polling station. You can also apply for a postal or proxy vote instead.

Find out about voting safely during coronavirus (COVID-19).

Ways of voting

You can vote:

in person at a polling station

by post

by asking someone else to vote for you (voting by proxy)

You cannot vote online in any elections.

Eligibility to vote

You can vote when you’re:

18 years old in England and Northern Ireland

16 years old in Scottish Parliament and local elections (and other elections when you’re 18)

16 years old in Welsh Parliament elections (and other elections when you’re 18)

Elections you can vote in

Different elections have different rules on who can vote.

Voting and coronavirus (COVID-19)

Elections and referendums are going ahead during coronavirus (COVID-19), though you may see changes to some processes. You can still vote in person at a polling station.

If you’re self-isolating, clinically extremely vulnerable, or do not want to go to the polling station, you can vote by post or vote by proxy.

You may also be able to get an emergency proxy vote at short notice if you need to self-isolate shortly before or on election day.

At the polling station

Because of COVID-19, there will be safety measures in place at polling stations to help you vote safely (for example, a one-way system or restrictions on the number of people allowed in).

If you choose to vote in person, make sure you:

wear a face covering (unless you’re exempt)

bring your own pen or pencil (there will be clean pencils available at the polling station if you forget to bring your own)

use the hand sanitiser provided when entering and leaving the polling station

keep to social distancing guidelines

If you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been asked to self-isolate

Do not visit the polling station. Apply for an emergency proxy vote instead. Your proxy can also apply if they develop symptoms.

You can apply until 5pm on election day. There are different forms to:

apply for an emergency proxy vote in England

apply for an emergency proxy vote in Scotland

apply for an emergency proxy vote in Wales

Voting in person

You vote in person at a polling station (usually in a public building, such as a school or local hall).

Your poll card

You’ll be sent a poll card just before an election telling you when to vote and at which polling station. You can only vote at the polling station location on your card.

If you have not received a poll card but think you should, contact your local Electoral Registration Office.

You can still vote if you’ve lost your card.

When you can vote

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on the day of an election (‘polling day’).

When you get to the polling station

Give your name and address to the staff inside the polling station when you arrive.

You’ll be given a ballot paper containing a list of the people, parties or options you can vote for.

ID you need to bring

If you live in England, Wales or Scotland you do not need to bring any identification to vote.

You will need to show photo ID to vote in Northern Ireland (your passport, driving licence, Electoral Identity Card or certain kinds of Translink Smartpass).

You do not have to take your poll card with you.

Filling in your ballot paper

Follow the instructions on the notices in the polling booth and on the top of the ballot paper to vote.

Voting if you have a disability

If you have a disability, your local Electoral Registration Office can tell you about:

physical access, for example wheelchair ramps and disabled parking spaces

low-level polling booths

equipment for voters with a visual impairment

Every polling station must provide at least one large print display version of the ballot paper and a special tactile voting device (TVD) to help people with sight loss.

Voting by post

You must apply for a postal vote if you want to vote by post, for example if:

you’re away from home

you’re abroad and want to vote in England, Scotland or Wales

You do not need to give a reason unless you’re voting in Northern Ireland.

Apply for a postal vote

You can apply to vote by post for one of the following:

a single election on a specific date

permanently

Arrange to vote by proxy if there are under 2 weeks until election day and you have not made arrangements.

There’s a different form to apply to vote by post in Northern Ireland.

Change where your postal vote card is sent

Make a new application for a postal vote if you move house or you’ll be away from home when the postal vote is sent out.

There’s a different form for Northern Ireland.

Completing and returning your postal vote

When voting by post, you should:

mark your vote on your ballot paper in secret

fill in the postal voting statement

put the ballot and statement in the envelope provided

seal the envelope yourself

Post your ballot back as quickly as possible to make sure it’s counted.

If you’re too late to post your ballot paper

Take it to your local polling station by 10pm on election day, or Electoral Registration Office before they close.

In Northern Ireland, take it to your local Area Electoral Office before they close.

Replace a lost or damaged ballot paper

Your ballot paper needs to clearly display your details and voting choice. If it has been damaged you need to get another one.

You can either:

ask your local Electoral Registration Office to post a replacement

collect a replacement from your local Electoral Registration Office up to 5pm on election day (or the day before in Northern Ireland)

You cannot vote at a polling station if you registered to vote by post but your ballot paper was lost or damaged.

Voting by proxy

If you’re unable to vote in person you can ask someone to vote on your behalf. This is called a proxy vote.

You can only apply for a proxy vote under certain circumstances, including:

being away on polling day

having a medical issue or disability

not being able to vote in person because of work or military service

Your proxy should be someone you trust to vote on your behalf. You’ll need to tell them which candidate (or referendum outcome) you want to vote for.

How to apply for a proxy vote

Apply for a proxy vote using a paper form. You need to send it to your local Electoral Registration Office.

Usually, you need to apply for a proxy vote at least 6 working days before election day if you want to vote in England, Scotland or Wales.

There’s a different form to apply to vote by proxy in Northern Ireland. Apply at least 14 working days before election day.

Apply for an emergency proxy vote

If the proxy vote deadline has passed you may be able to apply for an emergency proxy vote if you both:

cannot vote in person because of your employment or a disability

became aware of this reason after the proxy deadline

You can apply until 5pm on the day of the election. Fill in a paper form to:

apply to vote by emergency proxy based on your employment

apply to vote by emergency proxy based on your disability

An ‘appropriate person’ (for example your employer or a doctor) must sign the application form. Send it to your local Electoral Registration Office.

You can also apply for an emergency proxy vote if you or your proxy need to self-isolate because of COVID-19.

How long your proxy vote is for

You can apply to vote by proxy:

for a single election on a specific date

for a specific period if you want to vote in England, Scotland or Wales

permanently

Who can act as a proxy

You can ask anyone to act as your proxy - as long as they:

are registered to vote

are allowed to vote in the type of election taking place

can vote in the polling station stated on your poll card

If they cannot get to your polling station, they will need to contact your local Electoral Registration Office to arrange to cast their proxy vote by post.

Change or cancel your proxy vote

To change who acts as your proxy or to start voting in person, contact your local Electoral Registration Office.

If you want to vote by post instead, complete a postal vote application.

Voting from abroad

How you vote when you’re abroad depends on:

whether you’ll be abroad temporarily or living abroad

where you want to vote

If you’ll be abroad temporarily

You can vote by post or proxy if you’ll be abroad temporarily on election day, for example on holiday or a work trip.

Voting in England, Scotland or Wales

You can arrange:

to vote by post

for someone else to vote for you (vote by proxy)

If you’re abroad on election day you need to make arrangements in advance. Apply to vote by proxy if the election is less than 2 weeks away and you have not made arrangements yet.

Your postal ballot will be sent to the address you’ve chosen no earlier than 16 days before the election. You need to return your ballot before 10pm on polling day.

Voting in Northern Ireland

There’s a different process to apply to vote by post or proxy if you live in Northern Ireland and will be abroad temporarily on election day.

If you will not have time to receive and return your postal ballot in Northern Ireland before going abroad you’ll need to vote by proxy. You cannot apply to have your postal vote sent outside the UK.

If you’re moving or living abroad

You can only vote in UK Parliament elections. You may be able to vote in referendums. Each referendum has different rules on who can vote in it.

You need to register as an overseas voter.

You can vote by post or proxy, if you’re eligible. You’ll be asked to make this choice when you register.

You’ll then need to apply by filling in and posting one of the following:

the paper form to apply for a postal vote

the paper form to apply for a proxy vote

You can also ask for the form to be emailed or posted to you when you register online.

If you’re registered in Northern Ireland, you cannot vote by post from abroad.

Get help voting

You can contact your Electoral Register Office to find out when postal votes might be sent. This could help you decide whether to vote by proxy or by post.


The electoral register and the 'open register'

Get on the electoral register

The electoral register (sometimes called the ‘electoral roll’) lists the names and addresses of everyone who’s registered to vote.

Use the register to vote service to:

get on the electoral register

update your details (for example change your name or address)

To check whether you’re already on the register, contact:

What happens if you do not register

You must register to vote if you’re asked to do so and you meet the conditions for registering, for example you’re 16 or over and you’re British or a national of an EU or Commonwealth country.

If you’re asked to register and do not, you could be fined.

You will not be fined if you have a valid reason for not registering, for example a long stay in hospital, or you have severe learning difficulties.

When you can register in more than one place

It’s sometimes possible to register at 2 addresses (though you can only vote once in any election).

For example, if you’re a student with different home and term-time addresses, you may be able to register at both.

Register to vote twice if you live at 2 addresses.

The annual canvass

From July each year Electoral Registration Offices (EROs) contact households to check if the details on the electoral register are correct. This is called the annual canvass.

You will be contacted by post, email, phone or by someone knocking on your door.

Canvass 2021 in Northern Ireland

From 1 July 2021, the electoral register in Northern Ireland will be renewed as part of the national canvass. If you want to vote in future elections, you must register to vote after 1 July, even if you’ve registered before.

Opt out of the 'open register'

There are 2 versions of the electoral register - the full version and the ‘open register’ (known as the ‘edited register’ in Northern Ireland).

If you registered to vote anonymously your details will not appear on either version of the electoral register. You will still be able to vote.

How to opt out of the open register

You can opt out of the open register. This is the version of the register that’s available to anyone who wants to buy a copy.

To opt out, either:

use the register to vote service (even if you’re already registered)

contact your local Electoral Registration Office if you live in England, Scotland or Wales

contact the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland (EONI) if you live in Northern Ireland

Opting out does not affect your right to vote.

When you opt out of the open register, your details will still appear on the full version of the electoral register.

The full version and what it can be used for

Everyone’s name and address goes on the full version of the electoral register, and you cannot opt out. This is the version of the register that’s used for elections and referendums.

The full version of the register can only be used for:

electoral administration purposes (such as sending out poll cards before elections)

campaigning activities (for example, candidates and political parties sending election communications to voters, surveying opinions or fundraising)

preventing and detecting crime

checking applications for loans or credit

jury summoning in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

You can find out more about the difference between the open register and the electoral register.

View the electoral register

Contact:

They will tell you where you can view the current electoral register (it’s often available in libraries). The register will list everyone who’s registered to vote in the local area.

Search historical versions of the electoral register

You can find out about historical versions of the electoral register - for example, if you want to research local or family history.


Types of election, referendums, and who can vote

General election

General elections (elections to the UK Parliament) usually take place every 5 years.

To vote in a general election you must:

be registered to vote

be a British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizen

be resident at an address in the UK (or a British citizen living abroad who has been registered to vote in the UK in the last 15 years)

not be legally excluded from voting

There are 650 Members of Parliament (MPs) in the UK Parliament.

MPs are elected using the First Past the Post system. You vote once for a candidate in your constituency and the candidate with the most votes becomes your MP.

You can find your local MP.

Read more about general elections on The Electoral Commission website.

Local government

Local government elections take place at least every 4 years. Not all local government elections take place at the same time.

Your local government will do one of the following:

elect all the local councillors every 4 years

elect half the local councillors every 2 years

elect one third of the local councillors every year for 3 years and hold no elections in the 4th year

To vote in a local government election you must:

be registered to vote

be 18 or over on the day of the election (‘polling day’) (16 or over in Scotland)

be registered at an address in the area you want to vote in

not be legally excluded from voting

You must also be one of the following:

a British citizen

an Irish or EU citizen

a qualifying Commonwealth citizen

a citizen of another country living in Scotland or Wales who has permission to enter or stay in the UK, or who does not need permission

Local government councillors in England and Wales are elected using the First Past the Post system. You vote for one candidate in your local area and the candidate with the most votes wins.

In Scotland and Northern Ireland, councillors are elected using the Single Transferable Vote system. You rank the candidates in order of preference.

When you can vote in more than one local election

If you live in 2 different local authority areas (for example because you’re a student), you may be able to vote in both areas.

You must register to vote in both areas. The local Electoral Registration Offices will check each application and tell you if you can register in both areas.

Read more about local government elections on The Electoral Commission website.

Scottish Parliament

There are 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs).

To vote in Scottish Parliament elections you must:

be registered to vote at an address in Scotland

be 16 or over on the day of the election (‘polling day’)

not be legally excluded from voting

You must also be one of the following:

a British citizen

an Irish citizen

a citizen of another country living in Scotland who has permission to enter or stay in the UK, or who does not need permission

MSPs are elected using the Additional Member system. You vote once for your constituency MSP and once for an MSP to represent the wider region.

Read more about the Scottish Parliament elections on The Electoral Commission website.

Northern Ireland Assembly

There are 90 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

To vote in Northern Ireland Assembly elections you must:

be registered to vote

be a British, Irish, qualifying Commonwealth or EU citizen

not be legally excluded from voting

MLAs are elected by the Single Transferable Vote system.

Read more about the Northern Ireland Assembly elections on The Electoral Commission website.

Welsh Parliament

There are 60 Members of the Senedd Cymru: Welsh Parliament (MSs).

To vote in Welsh Parliament elections you must:

be registered to vote

live in Wales

not be legally excluded from voting

MSs are elected using the Additional Member system. You vote once for your constituency MS and once for an MS to represent the wider region.

Read more about the Welsh Parliament on The Electoral Commission website.

Local mayors, Mayor of London and London Assembly

Elected local mayors

In some areas of England voters elect a mayor.

Check if your mayor is elected on your local council website.

Mayors are elected using the Supplementary Vote system. You make a first and second choice when you vote.

If no candidate gets more than 50% of the first choice votes, all except the top 2 candidates are eliminated. If your first choice candidate is eliminated, and your second choice is for one of the top 2, then your second choice is counted.

To vote for a local mayor, you must be eligible to vote in local elections.

Mayor of London and London Assembly

The Mayor of London makes decisions on behalf of the people of London. The 25 London Assembly Members make sure the Mayor’s decisions are in the interests of the public.

To vote in the London Mayor and London Assembly elections you must:

be registered to vote

be resident at an address in Greater London

not be legally excluded from voting

The Mayor of London is elected using the Supplementary Vote system. You make a first and second choice when you vote.

If no candidate gets more than 50% of the first choice votes, all except the top 2 candidates are eliminated. If your first choice candidate is eliminated, and your second choice is for one of the top 2, your second choice is counted.

London Assembly members are elected using the Additional Member system. You vote once for your constituency member and once for a London-wide representative.

There are 14 constituency members and 11 London-wide members.

Read more about the Mayor of London and London Assembly elections on The Electoral Commission website.

Police and Crime Commissioner

There are 41 Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in England and Wales who are elected to make sure the police are run properly. There is no elected PCC for London.

To vote in a PCC election you must:

be registered to vote

be resident at an address in England or Wales (excluding London)

not be legally excluded from voting

PCCs are elected using the Supplementary Vote system. You make a first and second choice when you vote.

Read more about Police and Crime Commissioner elections on The Electoral Commission website.

Referendums

A referendum is a vote on a single issue.

Each referendum has different rules on who can vote in it.

To vote in a referendum you must:

be registered to vote

be 18 or over on the day of the referendum (‘polling day’)

be a British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen

be resident at an address in the UK or Gibraltar (or a British citizen living abroad who has been registered to vote in the UK in the last 15 years)

not be legally excluded from voting

You make one choice between 2 options. Votes are counted for the whole of the UK, not by constituency.


Appeal a call up to the reserve forces

Overview

You can appeal to the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals (RFAT) if:

you’re in the UK reserve forces and your request for exemption from service has been turned down

you employ a reservist and your request for their exemption from service has been turned down

The tribunal must receive your appeal within 5 days of you getting the decision letter or your application will be rejected.

If you’re going to miss the deadline and have a valid reason, say why when you appeal. Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances.

The tribunal is independent of government. A judge will listen to both sides of the argument before making a decision.

Help you can get

Contact RFAT or your legal representative if you have any questions about appealing. RFAT cannot give you legal advice.

You can find legal advice, including from a lawyer.

Appeal to the tribunal

Write a letter called a ‘notice of appeal’ to the Secretary of Tribunals.

Your letter must include:

your name, address and telephone number

a statement that it’s a ‘notice of appeal’

the grounds for appealing the decision

what you want the tribunal to decide (known as the ‘determination’)

whether you want to attend the hearing

whether you’ll be legally represented

the names and addresses of any witnesses you’d like to give evidence at the hearing

You’ll need to include:

a copy of the decision you’re appealing

all documents that were part of your application for exemption

any relevant documents that were not part of your original application - and the reasons why they were not included

Send your letter

You can email, fax, post or deliver your notice of appeal in person to:

After you send your application

You’ll be told straight away when your appeal has been received.

You’ll also be given:

a case name

a case number

an address for sending any further letters and documents to the tribunal

a hearing date - it’ll usually be within 28 days of the tribunal getting your appeal

You’ll normally find out within a week of sending your appeal:

whether the tribunal will consider your case

whether the Reserve Forces opposes the appeal and why

if the tribunal needs more information

You’ll get another letter a few days before the hearing telling you what documents to bring with you, or send by post in advance.

Witnesses

The tribunal may suggest witnesses. You must contact them and make sure they appear at the hearing.

The tribunal can force witnesses to appear at the hearing if you’re unable to do it yourself - the tribunal will tell you how.

What happens at the hearing

You (or your legal representative) will present your case to the tribunal. An ‘adjudication officer’ will represent the Reserve Forces.

Both sides can give evidence, call witnesses, question witnesses and make statements to the tribunal.

If neither side wants to attend a hearing, a decision will be made without a hearing. This is called a ‘paper hearing’.

You and any witnesses who attend a hearing may be able to claim for expenses you have, for example accommodation or travel.

Hearings are usually held in public.

The tribunal’s decision

You may get a decision at the end of the hearing. You’ll also get a written copy sent to you.

If a decision’s not made at the hearing, you’ll get a letter telling you the decision within 1 month. This is known as a ‘reserved’ decision.

If you're unhappy with the decision

You cannot appeal if you lose the case.

In exceptional circumstances, you may be able to ask for the tribunal to review its decision, for example if:

new evidence becomes available

the Secretary of Tribunals made a mistake in the proceedings

someone had the right to attend the hearing but could not, and had a valid reason for doing so

something else has gone wrong that’s made the process or decision unfair (known as a review ‘in the interests of justice’)

You can get legal advice, including from a lawyer if you need help.

Write to the Secretary of Tribunals within 5 days of getting the decision.

What happens next

The tribunal can:

‘set aside’ the decision - this means you’ll have another hearing

change the decision

Legislation

The tribunal must follow the rules and process in:

the Reserve Forces Appeal Tribunals Rules 1997

Part IX of the Reserve Forces Act 1996

The tribunal will make a decision based on the Reserve Forces (Call-out and Recall) (Exemptions Etc.) Regulations 1997.


Appeal a decision by the immigration and asylum tribunal

Overview

You can appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) if you think there’s a legal mistake with a decision made by the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber).

The tribunal is independent of government and will listen to both sides of the argument before making a decision.

Help you can get

You can get legal advice (including from a solicitor), or help from a regulated immigration adviser.

You can also contact Citizens Advice.

You may be able to get legal aid.

Read the guide on representing yourself if you’re not going to have a legal representative.

You may be able to get asylum support, for example housing and money, while you’re waiting to find out if you’ll be given asylum.

Contact the tribunal if you have any questions about your appeal. The tribunal can not give you legal advice.

How to appeal

You must be able to make a case for why the decision was legally wrong. For example, if the tribunal:

did not apply the correct law or wrongly interpreted the law

did not follow the correct procedures

had no evidence or not enough evidence to support its decision

Ask for permission to appeal

You must ask the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) for permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal.

You’ll be given the form to ask permission from the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) when you get your decision. Send it with a copy of the decision to the address on the form.

Deadlines for asking the First-tier Tribunal for permission to appeal

You must ask for permission to appeal within a certain period of time of getting your decision. When you must appeal by depends on whether you’re inside or outside the UK.

| When you must appeal by

You’re inside the UK | 14 days after the date on the written reasons for the decisions

You’re outside the UK | 28 days after the date on the written reasons for the decisions

Fees

There is no fee to appeal to the tribunal.

If you’re refused permission to appeal

You can apply to the Upper Tribunal for permission to appeal if the First-tier Tribunal refuses, or only gives your permission to appeal on limited grounds.

Download and fill in the Upper Tribunal permission request form and send it with the appropriate documents to the address on the form.

You must also say whether you want a hearing or not.

If your case was heard at either the Yarl’s Wood or the Harmondsworth hearing centre as a Detained Immigration Appeal, send your application to the Harmondsworth hearing centre.

Deadlines for asking the Upper Tribunal for permission to appeal

How long you have depends on where you are and how you received your refusal letter from the First-tier Tribunal.

| When you must appeal by

You’re inside the UK | 14 days after the date on the decision

You’re outside the UK | 1 month after the date on the decision

Documents you must send with your application

Include copies of the following documents with your form:

the decision by the First-tier Tribunal

the ‘notice of refusal of permission to appeal’ by the First-tier Tribunal or the ‘refusal to admit the application for permission’

a statement clearly setting out your reasons for why you think the First-tier Tribunal  made a mistake

any other relevant documents that you sent to the First-tier Tribunal

You also need to include any written evidence that shows why you think the First-tier Tribunal made a legal mistake.

If your application is late, you must explain in writing why it is late. The tribunal will then decide if it can review your application.

Ask for a hearing

You can ask on your application for a decision to be made either:

just on the information in your application

at a hearing that you or your representative can go to

The tribunal can decide to have a hearing even if you do not ask for one. You’ll be told if this is the case and invited to attend if you’re in the UK.

If they do not hold a hearing, a judge will decide your case based on your application.

Withdrawing your appeal

Only you or your representative can withdraw your appeal. Contact the tribunal in writing if you want to withdraw your appeal - include your appeal number. The tribunal will decide whether to give you permission to withdraw, or if the hearing will go ahead.

If your hearing is less than 7 days away, contact the hearing centre where your appeal is scheduled.

If you have a hearing

You or your representative will be told when and where your hearing will take place. You can check the daily courts lists on the day of your hearing to find out if anything has changed.

You may need to attend a pre-hearing first, where the tribunal will check that you’re ready for the full hearing to take place.

Bring copies of all the documents that you gave to the tribunal.

You can bring a friend to represent you - ask the judge at the beginning of the hearing if this is the case.

Special requirements

Write to the Customer Enquiry Unit at least 2 weeks before your hearing if you need any special help, for example wheelchair access.

Private hearings or hearings by video

Hearings are usually carried out in public. If you have an important need (for example you think you’ll be put in danger if you go to the hearing), you can ask:

for your name not to appear on any tribunal documents or court lists

for the tribunal to be private and not open to the public

to attend the hearing by video link

Asking for a male or female judge

You can ask for a male or female judge if you think there are issues in your appeal that make it appropriate. The tribunal will decide if it can do this.

Make your request as soon as possible when your apply, and no later than 7 days before the hearing.

If you cannot attend the hearing

You must attend the hearing yourself if you’re in the UK. You can also bring a solicitor or regulated immigration adviser with you.

If you’re not in the UK, you can ask a solicitor, regulated immigration adviser or the person who supported your application (your ‘sponsor’) to attend the hearing in your place.

You can only be represented at the hearing by a solicitor or regulated immigration adviser, your sponsor can not act on your behalf.

Your sponsor can not represent you at the hearing, they can only be:

told the tribunal’s decision

given information over the phone

You must write to the tribunal to tell them if your sponsor will be attending the hearing in your place. Include the case reference number of your appeal.

Children at the hearing

You can not take children into the hearing room with you. If you need to bring them to the tribunal, you’ll need to bring someone to look after them.

If your appeal can not be resolved at the hearing

If your appeal is not held on its scheduled day for any reason (for example there is not a judge available) it’ll be ‘adjourned’ and rescheduled for another day.

Your hearing may also be adjourned as ‘part heard’ if there is not enough time to finish it, or it can not be resolved on the day, for example because more evidence is needed.

The tribunal will arrange another hearing with the same people present.

The tribunal's decision

You’ll normally get your decision in writing in 28 days.

If you win your appeal

If the Upper Tribunal decides that a mistake was made it can:

overrule the decision and make its own judgement

order the First-tier Tribunal to hear the case again

The Home Office can appeal the decision of the tribunal.

If you lose your appeal

You may be able to appeal to a higher court if you think there was a legal mistake made by the tribunal.

Get legal help or advice if you’re not sure about this.

Ask for permission

You must write to the upper tribunal and ask for permission before you appeal. How long you have to do this depends on where you are and how you received your decision.

| Refusal letter by post | Refusal by email or delivered personally

You’re inside the UK | 12 working days | 10 working days

You’re outside the UK | 38 days | 10 days

Once you have permission, you should appeal to the relevant higher court:

The Court of Appeal in England and Wales

The Court of Session in Scotland

The Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland

You must do this within:

28 days of being given permission (England and Wales)

42 days of being given permission (Scotland)

21 days of being given permission (Northern Ireland)

You may have to pay court fees and the other party’s costs.

If you’re refused permission

You can ask the relevant higher court for permission.

You must do this within:

28 days of being refused permission (England and Wales)

42 days of being refused permission (Scotland)

21 days of being refused permission (Northern Ireland)

Legislation and previous decisions

Read the rules the tribunal must follow and its decisions on previous cases.

Legislation

The Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) must follow the rules and process in the The Tribunal Procedure (Upper Tribunal) Rules 2008.

The tribunal has issued additional guidance on certain issues:

practice statements

practice directions

The tribunal will make a decision based on legislation, including the:

Immigration Act 1971

Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002

Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006

Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007

UK Borders Act 2007

Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009

Immigration Rules

Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006

Previous decisions

You can search for decisions made in other cases.


Appeal a magistrates’ court decision

What you can appeal

You can appeal to the magistrates’ court against your:

sentence, if you pleaded guilty

conviction and sentence, if you pleaded not guilty

You should talk to your legal representative (if you have one) or get help from a legal adviser before you appeal.

Ask the court to reconsider a decision

If you think the decision was wrong, you can ask the court to reconsider a sentence or conviction. For example, if there was a serious mistake or the court did not follow the right steps.

If you disagree with the decision but there has been no mistake you will normally need to appeal to the Crown Court.

If you did not know about your court case

If you did not know about your case before a decision was made, you can make a statutory declaration to a magistrates’ court to reopen your case.

Change the amount you’ve been fined

You can ask the court to change the amount you’ve been fined if:

your financial circumstances have changed

the court did not know your income at the time of your conviction

Ask the court to reconsider a decision

You can ask the court to reconsider your conviction, sentence or court order if you think the decision was wrong for a legal reason, for example if the court did not:

give proper reasons for its decision, or back up the decision with facts

apply the law properly

This is different to making an appeal to the Crown Court.

If you pleaded guilty, you cannot ask the court to reconsider your conviction.

How to get a decision reconsidered

Submit your request as early as possible by writing to the magistrates’ court where you had your hearing.

You must include:

information about your conviction, sentence or court order

why you think the decision should change

what the conviction, sentence or order should be changed to

Send a copy of your application to the prosecutor’s office (you can find the address of the prosecutor by contacting
the magistrates’ court where you were convicted).

The court will decide if a hearing is needed.

If you did not know about your case

If a magistrates’ court convicted you without you knowing, you can make a statutory declaration before a magistrates’ court or to a commissioner for oaths (for example a solicitor).

If the court accepts your declaration they will start the proceedings again. Your conviction or sentence will no longer apply.

When to make your declaration

You must give your completed declaration to the court within 21 days of finding out about your case.

If you want to give a declaration after 21 days, you’ll have to ask the court if they’ll accept it.

Making a statutory declaration

Download a statutory declaration (called an ignorance of proceedings form) or ask for a copy at your local magistrates’ court.

Fill out the form telling the court when and how you heard about your court case. You’ll need to provide details of your case, including where your hearing was held and on what date.

Arrange an appointment to make your statutory declaration before a solicitor or any magistrates’ court.

Sign and date your form.

Give your declaration to the court or ask your solicitor to do it.

If your case was decided by a magistrate without a hearing, you’ll need to give a written plea (or a completed single justice procedure notice if you have one) to the court or your solicitor along with your statutory declaration.

Get a fine reviewed

You can ask the court to change a fine if:

the court did not know your income when they convicted you

Your original conviction or record of your offence will not change.

How to ask for a review

Write to the court or go to your court hearing with evidence of your income and living expenses.

If your income has changed since you were sentenced you need to also provide your income on the date you were sentenced.

You can ask your legal adviser if you’re not sure what documents you need.

What happens next

The court will decide if the decision should be reconsidered.

You may need to attend court for another hearing. They’ll let you know when the hearing will take place.

Appeal to the Crown Court

If you disagree with a decision but there has been no mistake you can appeal to the Crown Court.

Download and fill in the ‘Appeal to the Crown Court’ form that relates to your crime or sentence. Send the form by post or email. The address is on the form.

If you were convicted at a magistrates’ court but sentenced at a Crown Court, follow the rules for appealing a Crown Court decision.

If you pleaded guilty, you can only appeal against your sentence.

When to appeal

You must appeal within 21 days of the date you were sentenced.

If you want to appeal after 21 days, you’ll have to ask the Crown Court for permission before you can appeal. The magistrates’ court where you were sentenced will tell you how to do this.

Talk to your legal representative (if you have one) or get help from a legal adviser before you appeal.

The court hearing

The Crown Court will make a decision on your appeal at a hearing.

You’ll get a letter within 80 days of making your appeal to let you know when and where the hearing will take place.

The hearing is usually held at your nearest Crown Court.

What happens at the hearing

You’ll have the chance to present your case to the judge and magistrates. Representatives from the prosecution will present the case against you.

The judge might also ask you questions during the hearing.

You’ll be told whether you’ve won your appeal at the hearing. You’ll also be sent a copy of the judge’s decision by post.

Stopping your appeal

You can apply to stop your appeal before the hearing. Your appeal cannot be restarted once it’s been stopped.

Send a ‘notice of abandonment of appeal’ to the magistrates’ court where you sent your appeal and the Crown Court where your hearing will take place.

You must also send a copy to any other parties involved in the case, for example a prosecutor.

If you win your appeal

If you win your appeal against your conviction, your sentence will no longer apply. You might be able to apply to get compensation.

If you win your appeal against your sentence, it will be reduced.

The court might decide you can get some of your legal costs paid back, for example your solicitor’s fee.

If you lose your appeal

Your original sentence or conviction might change.

Check with your legal adviser if you can appeal again. You might have to pay extra costs if you do.


Appeal against a visa or immigration decision

Overview

You can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) if the Home Office has decided to:

refuse your protection claim (also known as ‘asylum claim’ or ‘humanitarian protection’)

revoke your protection status

refuse your human rights claim

refuse you a residence document or deport you under the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2016

revoke your British citizenship

refuse or revoke your status, vary the length or condition of your stay, or deport you under the EU Settlement Scheme

refuse or revoke your travel permit or family permit under the EU Settlement Scheme or restrict your rights to enter or leave the UK under those permits

refuse or revoke your permit, or deport you if you’re a frontier worker

refuse or revoke your leave, or deport you if you’re an S2 healthcare visitor

The tribunal is independent of government. A judge will listen to both sides of the argument before making a decision.

If you do not have the right to appeal, you might be able to ask the Home Office for an administrative review.

How to appeal

How you appeal depends on whether you’re applying for yourself or if you’re a legal professional appealing on behalf of a client.

If you’re a solicitor or an immigration adviser

For most cases, you must appeal online using the MyHMCTS service. You’ll need to create an account first if you do not have one.

You must only appeal using a paper form if your client is in detention or has been refused settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

If you’re appealing for yourself without a solicitor or immigration adviser

Find out how to appeal from:

within the UK

outside the UK

There’s a different way to appeal if you made your application before 6 April 2015.

Help you can get

You can get help and advice from a solicitor or an immigration adviser.

You can also contact Citizens Advice.

Read the guide on representing yourself if you’re not going to have a legal representative.

You may be able to get asylum support (such as housing and money) if you’ve been refused asylum.

Contact the tribunal if you have any questions about your appeal. The tribunal cannot give you legal advice.

Urgent appeal applications

You need to write to the tribunal with:

the reason why your case should be heard urgently

evidence of compelling or compassionate grounds, for example letters from a doctor or hospital

You should write ‘expedite requests’ on the top of any documents you send with your application.

A judge will review your evidence and decide whether your application should be heard sooner than usual.

Your application will only be reviewed if you’ve paid your tribunal fee (if you need to pay one).

Where to send your application

Send your reasons for the urgent appeal and evidence to the tribunal.

Contact the tribunal to check if your application has been received.

If your EU Settlement Scheme, frontier worker or S2 healthcare visitor application is unsuccessful

You can apply again for the EU Settlement Scheme, Frontier Worker permit or S2 Healthcare Visitor visa for free if you have new evidence to submit.

Or you can ask the Home Office for an administrative review. This costs £80. You’ll usually get a decision within 28 days. Your decision letter will tell you if you can apply.

You can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). This costs £80 without a hearing and £140 with a hearing.

You can only appeal a decision if you made your application after:

11pm on 31 January 2020, for the EU Settlement Scheme

10 December 2020, for a Frontier Worker permit

11pm on 31 December 2020, for a S2 Healthcare Visitor visa

Appeal from within the UK

You can only appeal to the tribunal if you have the legal right to appeal - you’ll usually be told if you do in your decision letter.

Talk to a solicitor or an immigration adviser if you’re not sure.

Read the guide on representing yourself if you’re not going to have a legal representative.

Your decision letter will usually tell you if you can apply for an administrative review if you do not have the right to appeal.

The administrative review process is different if you applied for the EU Settlement Scheme, a Frontier Worker permit, or an S2 Healthcare Visitor visa.

How to appeal

If you’re a solicitor or an immigration adviser

If you’re appealing for yourself without a solicitor or immigration adviser

You have 14 days to appeal from the date the decision was sent.

If you apply after the deadline, you must explain why - the tribunal will decide if it can still hear your appeal.

You can appeal later if your administrative review was unsuccessful for a EU Settlement Scheme, frontier worker or S2 healthcare visitor application. Your administrative review decision will tell you how to appeal.

Apply online if you can - online appeals are quicker than post or fax appeals.

What you’re appealing | How you can appeal

A decision to refuse your human rights claim or protection claim while you’re in the UK | Online or by post or fax with form IAFT-5

A decision to revoke your protection status | Online or by post or fax with form IAFT-5

A decision to refuse you a residence document or deport you, under the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2016 | Online or by post or fax with form IAFT-5

A decision to refuse or revoke your status, vary the length or condition of your stay, or deport you under the EU Settlement Scheme | Online or by post or fax with form IAFT-5

A decision to refuse or revoke your family permit or travel permit under the EU Settlement Scheme | Online or by post or fax with form IAFT-5

A decision to refuse or revoke your permit, or deport you if you’re a frontier worker | Online or by post or fax with form IAFT-5

A decision to refuse or revoke your leave, or deport you if you’re on a S2 Healthcare Visitor visa | Online or by post or fax with form IAFT-5

A decision where you’ve been detained in an Immigration detention centre and your decision letter was sent by the Home Office | By post or fax with form IAFT-DIA

A decision where you’ve been detained in prison and your decision letter was sent by the Home Office. | Online or by post or fax with form IAFT-5

A decision to remove your British citizenship | Online or by post or fax with form IAFT-5

Certain decisions about applications submitted before 6 April 2015 | Online or by post or fax with the relevant form

If you’re appealing by post or fax, download and fill in the relevant form. Send or fax it with copies of the documents that support your appeal to the address on the form.

Ask for an oral hearing

You can ask on your appeal form for a decision to be made either:

just on the information in your appeal form and any documents supplied to the tribunal

at a hearing that you and your representative can attend

The tribunal can decide to have a hearing even if you do not ask for one. You’ll be told if this is the case and invited to attend.

If the tribunal does not hold a hearing, a judge will decide your case based on your appeal form and the documents.

Hearings are carried out in public. You can ask for it to be held in private or to attend by video link, but you must have a reason, for example a public hearing would put you in danger.

You can ask for a male or female judge if you think there are issues in your appeal that make it appropriate. The tribunal will decide if it can do this.

Special requirements

Contact the Customer Enquiry Unit before your hearing if you need any special help, for example you need wheelchair access.

Fees

It costs:

£80 without a hearing

£140 with a hearing

You may not have to pay if you:

get asylum support

get legal aid

get services from your local council and you’re under 18

You can also get help with court fees if any of the following apply:

you have little or no savings

you’re on certain benefits

you have a low income

Read the tribunal fees guidance for more information.

Contact the tribunal if you’re unsure if you have to pay a fee.

How to pay

You can pay your fee with a credit or debit card when you make your appeal online or by including your details on your appeal form.

If you’ve already made your appeal you can also pay your fee online.

If your EU Settlement Scheme, frontier worker or S2 healthcare visitor application is unsuccessful

If you have new evidence to submit, you can:

apply for the EU Settlement Scheme

apply for a Frontier Worker permit

apply for a S2 Healthcare Visitor visa

It’s free to apply.

You can only appeal a decision if you made your application after:

11pm on 31 January 2020, for the EU Settlement Scheme

10 December 2020, for a Frontier Worker permit

11pm on 31 December 2020, for a S2 Healthcare Visitor visa

Appeal from outside the UK

If you’ve been refused a tier 1, 2, 4 or 5 visa you will be able to ask for the decision to be reviewed at an administrative review - your refusal letter will usually tell you if you can.

Talk to a solicitor or an immigration adviser if you’re unsure whether you can appeal.

Read the guide on representing yourself if you’re not going to have a legal representative.

How to appeal

If you’re a solicitor or an immigration adviser

For most cases, you must appeal online using the MyHMCTS service. You’ll need to create an account first if you do not have one.

If you’re appealing for yourself without a solicitor or immigration adviser

You have 28 days to appeal after you get your decision. If you have to leave the country before you’re allowed to appeal, you have 28 days to appeal once you’ve left the country.

If you apply after the deadline, you must explain why - the tribunal will decide if it can still hear your appeal.

Apply online if you can - online appeals are quicker than post or fax appeals.

What you’re appealing | How you can appeal

A decision to refuse a human rights claim for entry clearance | Online or by post or fax with form IAFT-6

A decision to refuse a human rights claim or protection claim (where you can only apply after you’ve left the country) | Online or by post or fax with form IAFT-7

A decision to refuse or revoke your status, vary the length or condition of your stay, or deport you under the EU Settlement Scheme | Online or by post or fax with form IAFT-6

A decision to refuse or revoke your family permit or travel permit under the EU Settlement Scheme | Online or by post or fax with form IAFT-6

Certain decisions about applications submitted before 6 April 2015 | Online or by post or fax with the relevant form

Ask for an oral hearing

You can ask on your appeal form for a decision to be made either:

just on the information in your appeal form and any documents supplied to the tribunal

at a hearing that your representatives can attend

The tribunal can decide to have a hearing even if you do not ask for one. You’ll be told if this is the case.

If the tribunal does not hold a hearing, a judge will decide your case based on your appeal form and documents.

Special requirements

Contact the Customer Enquiry Unit before your hearing if any special help is needed, for example someone attending on your behalf needs wheelchair access.

Fees

It costs:

£80 without a hearing

£140 with a hearing

You may not have to pay if you get legal aid.

Read the tribunal fees guidance for more information.

Contact the tribunal if you’re not sure if you have to pay a fee.

How to pay

If you’ve already made your appeal you can also pay your fee online.

If your EU Settlement Scheme, frontier worker or S2 healthcare visitor application is unsuccessful

If you have new evidence to submit, you can:

apply for the EU Settlement Scheme

apply for a Frontier Worker permit

apply for a S2 Healthcare Visitor visa

It’s free to apply.

You can only appeal a decision if you made your application after:

11pm on 31 January 2020, for the EU Settlement Scheme

10 December 2020, for a Frontier Worker permit

11pm on 31 December 2020, for a S2 Healthcare Visitor visa

Applications made before 6 April 2015

You might be able to appeal against a decision made by the Home Office if you submitted your application before 6 April 2015 and it was refused.

Tier 1, 2 or 5 migrants and family members

You can make an appeal if you applied for leave to remain as a Tier 1, 2 or 5 migrant or family member before 2 March 2015 and your application was refused on or after 6 April 2015.

You can only do this if your application being refused means you do not have permission (‘leave’) to enter or remain in the UK.

Appeal online or by post or fax with:

form IAFT-1 if you’re in the UK

form IAFT-3 if you’ve left the UK

Tier 4 migrants and family members

You can make an appeal if you applied for permission to remain as a Tier 4 migrant or family member before 20 October 2014 and your application was refused on or after 6 April 2015.

Appeal online or by post or fax with:

form IAFT-1 if you’re in the UK

form IAFT-3 if you’ve left the UK

Other decisions

You can appeal against certain other Home Office decisions if you applied before 6 April 2015 and your application was refused on or after the same date.

You can only do this if the Home Office’s decision did not include refusing an asylum or human rights claim.

Leave to enter

You can appeal online if your application for leave to enter was refused.

You can also appeal by post or fax with:

form IAFT-1 if you’re in the UK

form IAFT-3 if you’ve left the UK

Vary your leave to enter or remain

You can appeal online if your application to change (‘vary’) the length and conditions of your stay in the UK was refused. You can only do this if your application being refused means you do not have permission (‘leave’) to enter or remain in the UK.

form IAFT-1 if you’re in the UK

form IAFT-3 if you’ve left the UK

Entry clearance

You can appeal online if your application for entry clearance was refused.

You can also appeal by post or fax with form IAFT-2.

Certificate of entitlement

You can appeal online if your application for a certificate of entitlement to prove you have a right of abode in the UK was refused.

form IAFT-1 if you’re in the UK

form IAFT-3 if you’ve left the UK

If there's a hearing

You’ll get a letter or email with details of how to attend your hearing. You may be asked to attend in person at a tribunal building, or asked to attend remotely by a video link or by phone.

If you’ll be attending remotely, the letter or email will tell you how to prepare for this.

You can check the daily courts lists on the day of your hearing to find out if anything has changed.

If you cannot attend yourself you can ask someone to represent you and ask witnesses to attend.

You may have to give evidence at the hearing and answer questions.

You may need to take part in a ‘pre-hearing’, where the tribunal will check that you’re ready for a full hearing.

The hearing will normally be attended by:

a judge, sometimes with other tribunal members

a clerk and other tribunal staff, to help run the hearing

your representative, if you have one

a Home Office ‘presenting officer’, who will argue the case for the Home Office

any witnesses called to give evidence

an interpreter, if you’ve asked for one

It can also normally be attended by:

your sponsor, if you have one

members of the public

the press or media

If your appeal cannot be resolved at the hearing

If your appeal is not held on its scheduled day for any reason (for example there is not a judge available) it’ll be rescheduled for another day.

Your hearing may also be adjourned as ‘part heard’ if there is not enough time to finish it, or it cannot be resolved on the day. The tribunal will arrange another hearing with the same people present.

Get a decision

You’ll be given a decision in person or by post.

The tribunal will either decide to:

allow your appeal - this does not automatically mean you’ll be able to enter or stay in the country and may simply mean the Home Office has to reconsider its decision

dismiss your appeal and uphold the Home Office’s original decision

You’ll usually get a copy of the tribunal’s decision within 4 weeks of the hearing.

Both you and the Home Office can appeal the decision of the tribunal.

The tribunal can order either you or the Home Office to pay the other’s costs if either of you has acted unreasonably.

If you win your appeal

The Home Office will change (‘revise’) its decision if you win your appeal. The Home Office may reconsider your entire application if your circumstances have changed since you first made your appeal.

The judge may order the Home Office to pay you a ‘fee award’ if you win your appeal, up to the amount you paid for your tribunal fee.

Email the Home Office if you do not get your fee award after 60 days.

Include the following information:

your Home Office reference number

your appeal reference number

the date of the tribunal decision letter

If you lose your appeal

You can ask for permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) if you lose your case and you think there’s a legal mistake with the tribunal’s decision.

For example, you think the tribunal:

got the law wrong

do not apply the correct law

do not follow the correct procedures, which affected the decision

had no evidence to support its decision

Legislation and previous decisions

Read the rules the tribunal must follow and the guidance it’s issued.

All parties must follow the rules and process in the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) Rules 2014.

The tribunal will make a decision based on legislation, including the:

Immigration Act 1971

Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002

Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006

Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007

UK Borders Act 2007

Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009

Immigration Rules

Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2016

The tribunal fees are set out in the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) Fees Order 2011.

The president of the tribunal has issued guidance which provides more detail on certain issues.

There are also older guidance notes for the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal which still apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber).

Check the decisions database to see how previous decisions on appeals have been made by the Immigration and Asylum Chamber.


Appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT)

Overview

You can appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) if you think a legal mistake was made in an employment tribunal case.

For example, you could appeal if it:

got the law wrong

did not apply the correct law

did not follow the correct procedures and this affected the decision

had no evidence to support its decision

was unfairly biased towards the other party

Get legal advice if you’re unsure about this.

EAT is independent of government and will listen to both sides of the argument before making a decision.

Before you appeal

Ask the employment tribunal to send you the reasons for the decision, if you do not already have them. You can continue your appeal while you wait for them.

Help with your appeal

Read the rules that EAT follows when making decisions.

You can also get free legal advice from Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland.

Contact EAT

Contact the enquiry line for more information.

EAT public enquiry line
Telephone: 020 7273 1041 (England and Wales)
Telephone: 0131 225 3963 (Scotland)
Find out about call charges

How to appeal

Read the full practice direction and appeal guidance.

Fill in the notice of appeal form.

Send the form, with the supporting documents listed on it, to the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) office.

You do not have to pay a fee to make an appeal.

Deadline for appealing

You must appeal within 42 days of the date that either:

the decision was sent to you

the reasons were sent to you (but only if the Employment Tribunal did not provide reasons at the hearing or you asked for the reasons within 14 days of the decision being sent to you)

Your appeal must arrive by 4pm on the final day.

You can ask for an appeal to be considered even if it’s late, but extensions are rarely given, and you must have a good reason.

Where to send your appeal

You can send it by email. You must send any documents as attachments, and the email must be 10MB or less.

You can also send your appeal by fax or post.

For cases in England and Wales

For cases in Scotland

After you appeal

EAT will decide if your case can go ahead. If it can, you may be asked to attend a hearing to present your case.

If your appeal cannot go ahead, you’ll be sent a letter explaining why and whether you can appeal further.

The tribunal hearing

You may have to attend a hearing where you (or your representative) will present your case.

The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) will decide if your appeal has been successful.

You’ll be told the outcome of the case either at the end of the hearing or afterwards by letter.

Preparing for the hearing

You’ll usually be asked when you’re available to attend a hearing. In certain cases you may be told when a hearing will take place, but you’ll be told at least 14 days beforehand. Hearings can be held sooner than this under exceptional circumstances.

You’ll be told what documents you need to send to EAT and to other parties.

You may be able to get free advice immediately before the hearing if you do not have a representative - ask EAT for details.

You cannot claim any expenses for going to a hearing.

What happens at the hearing

You’ll present your case - someone else can do this for you, for example a lawyer, friend or family member. The other party will present the case against you. You may be asked questions about your case.

If you lose your case

You may be able to appeal to a higher court if you think there was a legal problem with the Employment Appeal Tribunal’s (EAT’s) decision.

Get legal help or advice if you’re not sure about this.

Ask permission to appeal

You must ask for permission before you appeal. You can either ask EAT or the higher court directly.

Asking EAT

You must ask within 7 days of receiving the decision (or within 42 days if the employment tribunal whose decision you are appealing was held in Scotland).

You can ask for permission on the day of your hearing (if you receive your decision on the day).

You must provide your grounds for appeal and the legal problem with the decision.

If you’re refused permission, you can ask the higher court directly.

Asking the higher court

You can ask the Court of Appeal for permission. You must do this within 21 days of the date you were told you lost your case or were refused permission by EAT.

If the employment tribunal that made the initial decision was based in Scotland, ask the Court of Session for permission.

Appeal to the higher court

You can appeal to the Court of Appeal once you’ve been given permission.

If the employment tribunal that made the initial decision was based in Scotland, you should appeal to the Court of Session.

Legislation and previous decisions

Read the rules the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) must follow and its decisions on previous cases.

Legislation

EAT must follow the rules and process in the:

Employment Appeal Tribunal Rules 1993 (as amended)

Employment Tribunals Act 1996

EAT has also issued a practice direction that provides more detailed guidance.

Previous decisions

You can search for decisions made in other EAT cases.


Appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber)

Overview

You may be able to appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber) if you think there was a legal mistake with a decision made against you by certain lower tribunals and organisations.

You might be able to appeal if your case was about:

social security or child support

war pensions and armed forces compensation

mental health

special education needs or disabilities

a dispute that was heard by the General Regulatory Chamber

a decision made by the Disclosure and Barring Service

a decision made by the Traffic Commissioner (or the Transport Regulation Unit in Northern Ireland)

There are also other cases that the tribunal deals with.

There’s a different process if your case is about criminal injuries compensation.

The tribunal is independent of government and will listen to both sides of the argument before making a decision.

You’ll need to apply to Northern Ireland commissioners if your case was heard in Northern Ireland and was about social security or war pensions.

Get help with your appeal

You can read more detail about the appeal process.

You may also be able to get free legal advice from Citizens Advice or help from Welfare Rights if you’re in Scotland.

Contact the tribunal

England and Wales

Scotland

Northern Ireland

How to appeal

You may have to ask for permission to appeal - it depends on your case.

If you’re appealing a decision made by another tribunal

You must get permission to appeal.

First ask the tribunal who made the decision for permission to appeal. You usually have to do this within 28 days of the decision - speak to that tribunal to find out the deadline.

Once you have permission, download and fill in the relevant appeal form. Send it to the address on the form within 1 month of getting permission.

If you’re refused permission

You can ask the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber) for permission directly using the relevant permission form. Send it to the address on the form within 1 month of being refused.

If you’re appealing a decision made by an organisation

You will not need to ask for permission to appeal (unless you’re appealing a decision made by Disclosure and Barring Service).

Appeal using the relevant appeal form and send it to the address on the form.

Appealing a Disclosure and Barring Service decision

You’ll need to ask the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber) for permission before you can appeal.

Use the relevant permission form and send it to the address on the form.

How your case will be decided

A judge will make a decision using:

your appeal form

the documents you’ve provided

the documents used by the lower tribunal or organisation that decided your case

The decision will be sent to you by post.

Attending a hearing

In certain cases you may be asked to attend a hearing to present your case. You can also ask for a hearing when you apply - the judge will decide if it’s necessary.

You’ll be told the time and date of the hearing and where it’s being held. You’ll usually be told at least 14 days beforehand if there’s going to be a hearing. Hearings can be held sooner than this under exceptional circumstances or if all parties agree to a shorter notice period.

You’ll be sent instructions on how to prepare and what documents you’ll need to provide.

Getting a time extension

You may be able to get a time extension if you need more time to prepare - ask the judge.

You must have a good reason, for example you’re having problems finding a document or you’re ill.

If you lose your case

You may be able to appeal to a higher court if you think there was a legal mistake made by the tribunal.

Get legal help or advice if you’re not sure about this.

Ask for permission

You must write to the tribunal and ask for permission before you appeal.

You must do this within one month of getting the decision (or 3 months for social security, child support, or war pensions and armed forces cases).

England and Wales

Scotland

Northern Ireland

Once you have permission, you should appeal to the relevant higher court:

The Court of Appeal in England and Wales

The Court of Session in Scotland

The Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland

You must do this within:

28 days of being given permission (England and Wales)

42 days of being given permission (Scotland)

6 weeks of being given permission (Northern Ireland)

You may have to pay court fees and the other party’s costs.

If you’re refused permission

You can ask the relevant higher court for permission.

You must do this within 28 days of being refused permission in England and Wales.

The time limits are different in Scotland and Northern Ireland - contact the relevant tribunal office for details.

Legislation and previous decisions

Read the rules the tribunal must follow and its decisions on previous cases.

Previous decisions

Search the decisions database to see how and why previous decisions have been made.

Legislation

The tribunal must follow the rules and process set out in The Tribunal Procedure (Upper Tribunal) Rules 2008.


Appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Tax and Chancery)

Overview

You may be able to appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Tax and Chancery Chamber) if you think there was a legal mistake with a decision made against you by certain lower tribunals and organisations.

You might be able to appeal if your case was heard by the:

First-tier Tribunal (Tax) - for cases about tax

General Regulatory Chamber - for cases about charities

The tribunal is independent of government and will listen to both sides of the argument before making a decision.

Financial services cases

There’s a different process if you’re challenging a decision made by:

Financial Conduct Authority

Prudential Regulation Authority

Pensions Regulator

Bank of England

HM Treasury

Ofgem

Decisions by the Secretary of State or Trade Remedies Authority

There’s a different way to challenge a decision made by the Secretary of State for International Trade or the Trade Remedies Authority.

Help you can get

You may want to get help and advice before you appeal.

You can represent yourself or find a legal adviser (including a lawyer), tax adviser or accountant to help with your appeal.

You can get free advice from:

Citizens Advice

TaxAid

TaxHelp for Older People, if you’re over 60

Call or email the tribunal if you have any questions about the process. The tribunal cannot give you legal advice.

How to appeal

You must get permission if you want to appeal the decision of another tribunal.

Ask the tribunal that made the decision for permission within:

56 days of the date on the decision letter (for tax cases)

28 days of the date on the decision letter (for charities)

If you’re given permission, download and fill in the relevant appeal form. Send it to the address on the form within one month of the date on the permission letter

Read the guidance on appealing.

If you’re refused permission

You can ask the Upper Tribunal to give you permission if you were refused it, or only given permission on some grounds. Download and fill in the permission form. Send it to the address on the form.

You must include a copy of:

the first-tier tribunal’s full decision

the written decision refusing permission (or only giving you permission on some grounds)

the accompanying letter saying you’ve been refused permission (or only given permission on some grounds)

You must do this within one month of the letter of refusal being sent.

A tribunal judge will read your appeal form and decide if you should be given permission to appeal or permission on additional grounds. You can ask for the decision to be reconsidered at a hearing if you’re refused permission.

You’ll get a letter from the tribunal after the judge has made a decision telling you what to do next.

The tribunal hearing

You usually have to attend a hearing where you (or your representative) and the other parties will present your cases to a judge at the tribunal.

The tribunal will decide which party wins the case.

You’ll normally be told the outcome of the case within 3 months of the hearing.

You’ll most likely have to pay the other party’s costs if you lose, but the other party will be asked to pay your costs if you win.

If you’re appealing a decision about a charity case made by the General Regulatory Chamber, the tribunal can only order you to pay the other party’s costs if they think you acted unreasonably.

Preparing for the hearing

You’ll be sent instructions on how to prepare for the hearing and what documents you’ll need to provide.

You’ll also be told when and where the hearing will be held. Hearings normally take place in London, Edinburgh or Belfast.

You can check the register of cases to find out if anything has changed.

Decisions without hearings

You can ask for a decision to be made without a hearing, but the other party must also agree.

Getting a time extension

You may be able to get a time extension if you need more time to prepare - write to the tribunal.

You must have a good reason, for example you’re having problems finding a document or you’re ill.

If you lose your case

You may be able to appeal to a higher court if you think there was a legal mistake made by the tribunal.

You can get legal advice if you’re unsure about this, including from a lawyer. You can also speak to an accountant or tax adviser.

Ask for permission

You must write to the tribunal and ask for permission before you appeal.

You must do this within one month of the date on the decision letter.

Once you have permission, you should appeal to the relevant higher court:

The Court of Appeal in England and Wales

The Court of Session in Scotland

The Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland

You must do this within 28 days of the date on the permission letter.

You may have to pay court fees and the other party’s costs.

If you’re refused permission

You can ask the relevant higher court for permission.

You must do this within 28 days of the date on the refusal letter.

Legislation and previous decisions

Read the rules the tribunal must follow and its decisions on previous cases.

Previous decisions

Search the decisions database to see how and why previous decisions have been made.

Legislation

The tribunal will make a decision based on The Tribunal Procedure (Upper Tribunal) Rules 2008.

Read the tribunal’s practice directions for more guidance on how the tribunal makes decisions.