Derecognise a union

Overview

Trade unions can be recognised to represent groups of employees in a company in negotiations over pay, holidays and working conditions through either:

a voluntary agreement with the employer

a declaration by the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC).

Three years after a CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) declaration of recognition, employers and workers can apply to the CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) to have a union derecognised.

If the application (apply) is successful, the union (a union) will cease to represent the workforce in negotiations with the employer.

When employers can apply

Where recognition has been declared by the CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)), you can apply to have a union derecognised in any of the following situations:

the number of people employed by the company has fallen to less than 21

workers in the bargaining unit no longer support the union

the number of union members in the bargaining unit has fallen to below 50%

When workers can apply

You can apply to have a union derecognised if workers in the bargaining unit no longer support the union and don’t want to be represented by the union.

You can apply to have a non-independent union derecognised if the majority of workers do not support it.

Employers: reduced workforce

As an employer, you can apply to the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) to have a trade union derecognised if both of the following are true:

you’ve employed less than 21 people for a continuous 13-week period

it is more than 3 years since recognition was declared by the CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC))

You must give written notice to the union (a trade union) asking for the union (a trade union) to be derecognised.  Notice must be given within 5 days of the end of the relevant 13-week period (a continuous 13-week period).

Your letter must include the following details:

the specific 13-week period during which you had less than 21 workers

the number of workers you employed in that time

the current bargaining arrangements

the date you want the arrangements (the current bargaining arrangements) to end - this must be at least 35 working days after the request was made

You must give a copy of the letter (Your letter) to the CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)). The CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) will tell you within 10 days if the notice you gave the union (a trade union) was valid.

Your notice (the notice you gave the union (a trade union)) is valid

The union (a trade union) will be derecognised and you won’t have to negotiate with them (a trade union) anymore, unless they (a trade union) make an application to the CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) because they (a trade union) believe that:

the 13-week period (a continuous 13-week period) was within 3 years of them (a trade union) gaining recognition

your company employed 21 or more workers during that time

Your notice (the notice you gave the union (a trade union)) isn’t valid

You must continue with the current collective bargaining arrangements.

Employers: union loses support

You can try to get a union derecognised if the workers in the bargaining unit no longer support it and don’t want it to negotiate on their behalf.

Ask the union (a trade union) to voluntarily derecognise

You must send a written request to the union (a trade union), stating:

that you wish to end the bargaining arrangements because you believe that the union (a trade union) no longer has the support of the workers

what the current arrangements (the bargaining arrangements) are

that the request (the notice you gave the union (a trade union)) is made under Schedule A1 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992

The union (a trade union) has 10 working days to respond to your request (the notice you gave the union (a trade union)).

You can end the bargaining arrangements and derecognise the union (a trade union) if they (a trade union) accept your request (the notice you gave the union (a trade union)).

The union (a trade union) agrees to negotiate

If they (a trade union) reject your request (the notice you gave the union (a trade union)) but agree to negotiate, you’ll have another 20 working days to come to an agreement about derecognition.

Within this period (another 20 working days), either side can ask  the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) to help with negotiations. You may extend this period (another 20 working days) if the union (a trade union) agrees.

The union (a trade union) doesn’t respond or rejects your request (the notice you gave the union (a trade union))

You can apply to the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) to hold a secret ballot of workers to see if they support derecognition.

You can only apply if both of these are true:

the union (a trade union) has been recognised for longer than 3 years

there haven’t been any applications to CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) for derecognition in the previous 3 years

Provide evidence (eg letters supporting your application (the notice you gave the union (a trade union)), workplace surveys) for both of the following:

at least 10% of the workers in the bargaining unit want the union (a trade union) to be derecognised

a majority of workers in the bargaining unit are likely vote for derecognition

Send the completed form and your supporting documents to CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)). Send a copy to the union (a trade union).

What happens next

CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) has 10 working days to consider your application (the notice you gave the union (a trade union)).

You may be asked to attend a hearing if CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) needs more information before deciding whether  to grant your application (the notice you gave the union (a trade union)).

The CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) will arrange a secret ballot of workers if your application (the notice you gave the union (a trade union)) is successful.

You’ll have to continue negotiating with the union (a trade union) if your application (the notice you gave the union (a trade union)) fails.

Employers: union membership is less than 50%

If the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) declared recognition without a ballot more than 3 years ago, a union can be derecognised if the level of union membership in the bargaining unit falls below 50%.

Apply to the CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) to hold a secret ballot of employees on whether collective bargaining should be ended.

You can only apply if:

the CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) declared recognition without a ballot more than 3 years ago

Ask the union (a trade union) to voluntarily derecognise

You must send a written request to the unions, stating:

that fewer than 50% of the workers in the bargaining unit are union members

what the current bargaining arrangements are, eg how many workers are in the bargaining unit, where they (employees) work

that the request is made under Schedule A1 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992

The union (a trade union) has 10 working days to respond to your request (the notice you gave the union (a trade union)).

You can end the bargaining arrangements (the current bargaining arrangements) and derecognise the union (a trade union) if they (a trade union) accept your request (the notice you gave the union (a trade union)).

The union (a trade union) rejects your request (the notice you gave the union (a trade union)) but is willing to negotiate

You have 10 days to negotiate an agreement about derecognition. You can extend this period if the union (a trade union) agrees.

The union (a trade union) doesn’t respond or rejects your request (the notice you gave the union (a trade union))

Apply to CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) to hold a secret ballot of workers to see if they support derecognition.

You can’t apply if there have been any applications to CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) for an end to bargaining arrangements in the previous 3 years.

Provide evidence (eg letters supporting your application, workplace surveys) that less than 50% of the bargaining unit are union members.

Send the completed form and your supporting documents to CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)). You must send copies of the form and evidence to the union (a trade union).

What happens next

CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) has 10 working days to consider your application.

You may be asked to attend a hearing if CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) needs more information before deciding whether to grant your application.

The CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) will arrange for a secret ballot of the workers to be held if your application is successful.

You will have to continue negotiating with the union (a trade union) if your application fails.

Workers: union (a trade union) loses support

You can apply to the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) for a secret ballot on derecognition if you believe the union (a trade union) no longer has the support of the bargaining unit.

You can only apply if both of these are true:

the union (a trade union) has been recognised for longer than 3 years

there haven’t been any applications to CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) for derecognition in the previous 3 years

Provide evidence (eg letters supporting your application, workplace surveys) for both of the following (both of these):

at least 10% of the workers in the bargaining unit want the union (a trade union) to be derecognised

a majority of workers in the bargaining unit are likely vote for derecognition

Send the completed form and your evidence to both the union (a trade union) and the CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)).

What happens next

You may be asked to attend a hearing if CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) needs information to support your application, eg evidence of levels of union support.

Your application will either be:

rejected and the union (a trade union) will continue to represent the bargaining unit

accepted and you’ll enter a negotiation period of 20 working days

Taking part in negotiations

CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) will try to help everyone involved reach an agreement. They (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) may extend the 20-day negotiation period if everyone agrees.

The outcome of the negotiations will be one of the following:

you withdraw your application and the union (a trade union) continues to represent the bargaining unit

the union (a trade union) agrees to end the arrangements and is derecognised

no agreement is reached and CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) arranges a secret ballot

Workers: derecognise a non-independent union

An employee or group of workers can apply to the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) to derecognise a non-independent union that the employer recognised voluntarily.

A non-independent union represents employees but has not been given a certificate of independence by the Certification Officer. You can check this on the Certification Officer’s website.

You can apply any time after the union (a non-independent union that the employer recognised voluntarily) has been recognised by the employer.

Apply for a secret ballot

Apply to CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) to hold a secret ballot of workers to find out if they want the union (a non-independent union that the employer recognised voluntarily) derecognsied.

The form must be completed and signed by an employee in the bargaining unit.

Provide evidence (eg letters supporting your application, workplace surveys) for both of the following:

at least 10% of the workers in the bargaining unit want the union (a non-independent union that the employer recognised voluntarily) to be derecognised

a majority of employees in the bargaining (the bargaining unit) are likely to favour an end to the bargaining arrangements (the arrangements)

Send the completed form (The form) plus your documents to CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)). Send a signed copy of the form and evidence to the union (a trade union) and your employer (the employer).

What happens next

CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) has 10 working days to consider your application.

Your application will either be:

rejected and the union (a trade union) will continue to represent the bargaining unit

accepted and you’ll enter a negotiation period of 20 working days

Taking part in negotiations

The outcome of the negotiations will be one of the following:

you withdraw your application and the union (a trade union) continues to represent the bargaining unit

the union (a trade union) agrees to end the arrangements and is derecognised

no agreement is reached and CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) arranges a secret ballot

Holding a derecognition ballot

When employers, workers and the union (a trade union) have tried to reach agreement about derecognition but failed, the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) will hold a secret ballot.

CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) will write to everyone involved, saying that they (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) intend to hold a ballot to allow workers in the bargaining unit to vote on derecognition.

How the ballot works

CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) will appoint a qualified independent person (QIP) who will aim to conduct the ballot within 20 working days of their appointment. The CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) may extend this period (the 20-day negotiation period) if necessary.

The QIP will provide an estimate for the cost of running the ballot. The arrangements for the ballot will be decided by the CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) after consulting the employer and the union (a trade union).

The final cost of the ballot will be split equally between the employer and the union (a trade union).

The employer and the union (a trade union) must follow the Code of Practice on Access and Unfair Practices during Ballots for Trade Union Recognition or Derecognition.

Complain when someone doesn’t co-operate

Complain to CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) any time before the ballot is held if you feel someone isn’t co-operating.

The union (a trade union) can complain to the CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) if the employer is not fulfilling their (the employer) duties during the ballot.

CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) will investigate and can issue a ‘remedial order’ demanding that all duties are carried out properly.

If that order is ignored CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) can cancel the ballot or declare that the union (a trade union) be derecognised.

Complain about unfair practices

Complain to the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) if you feel that another party is using unfair practices to influence the ballot, eg bribery or threats.

To make a complaint fill in the unfair practices application form and send it to CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)). The address is on the form.

Complaints can be made at any time up to the end of day after the ballot closes.

Where CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) finds that unfair practices were used they (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) may:

reschedule the ballot

cancel the ballot and declare that the union (a trade union) is derecognised

cancel the ballot and refuse the application for derecognition

The Code of Practice on Access and Unfair Practices during Ballots for Trade Union Recognition or Derecognition has more information.

After the ballot

You’ll usually find out the result of the vote 48 hours after the ballot closes.

For a union to be derecognised the majority of those voting, and at least 40% of the workers in the bargaining unit, must vote in favour of ending the bargaining arrangements.

The Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) will declare the union (a trade union) as derecognised or will refuse the application for derecognition.

Paying for the ballot

The employer and the union (a trade union) will each receive a demand from the qualified independent person (QIP) for their (the employer and the union (a trade union)) share of the cost of running the ballot.

This must be paid in 15 days. If either party wishes to dispute the amount they (the employer and the union (a trade union)) can appeal to an employment tribunal.

What you must do

As an employer, you no longer have to work with a union that’s been derecognised.

You must continue to work with a union if the CAC (the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC)) have refused the application for derecognition. You cannot reapply for the union to be derecognised for 3 years.


Your rights if your employer is insolvent

Overview

Your employer is insolvent if it cannot pay its debts.

They (Your employer) might:

make you redundant

ask you to keep working

transfer you to a new employer (if the business has been sold)

There are different types of insolvency:

administration

liquidation

bankruptcy

receivership

company voluntary arrangement

individual voluntary arrangement

debt relief order

Check if your employer is insolvent.

Depending on your situation, you can apply to the government for:

a redundancy payment

holiday pay

outstanding payments like unpaid wages, overtime and commission

money you would have earned working your notice period (‘statutory notice pay’)

You may be eligible for unemployment benefits if you lose your job. If you do not apply for benefits after you lose your job, you might get less money in your statutory notice pay payment.

Your rights

You have different rights depending on whether your employer:

makes you redundant (dismisses you)

asks you to keep working

transfers you to a new employer (if the business has been sold)

Your employer must have a consultation about why redundancies are happening and if there are any alternatives - they (your employer) do not have to consult you directly.

If you’re made redundant

You’re made redundant if you’re dismissed from your job.

The person who is dealing with the insolvency (the ‘insolvency practitioner’ or ‘official receiver’) must tell you how your job is affected and what to do next.

They’ll also give you a:

RP1 fact sheet

‘CN’ (case reference) number to use when you apply for money you’re owed

You can apply to the government for:

a redundancy payment

holiday pay

Businesses can go through more than one insolvency. You cannot claim outstanding payments between the day of the first insolvency and the day you were dismissed, even if you did not know about the previous insolvency.

You can also apply to the court for compensation if you think you were dismissed unfairly or not consulted properly.

Compensation because you were dismissed unfairly

You can make a claim to the employment tribunal if:

you were dismissed unfairly (‘basic award’)

there was not a consultation about your redundancy (‘protective award’)

You’ll be claiming against the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and your former employer (‘the respondents’).

If you continue working after the insolvency

You might be asked to continue working for your employer after they become insolvent.

You’ll still be eligible to claim for redundancy pay and other money you’re owed if you’re made redundant at a later date.

You cannot claim holiday pay, wages, bonuses or commission that you’re owed between the day of the insolvency and the day you were dismissed.

If you’re transferred to a new employer

You cannot claim any money from the government if you were transferred before your former employer (your employer) became insolvent.

If you were transferred afterwards, you can apply for redundancy pay, statutory notice pay and outstanding payments such holiday pay, wages, commission and bonuses.

What you can get

What money you’re entitled to depends on:

how long you were employed

what was in your employment contract

your age

Payments are capped.

Redundancy pay

You’re normally entitled to redundancy pay if you:

have been made redundant

were an employee

were continuously employed by the insolvent business for 2 years or more

You’ll get:

half a week’s pay for each full year you were employed and under 22 years old

one week’s pay for each full year you were employed and between 22 and 40 years old

one and half week’s pay for each full year you were employed and 41 or older

Redundancy payments are capped at £544 a week (£538 if you were made redundant before 6 April 2021).

You can get a payment for a maximum of 20 years that you were employed at the business (the insolvent business).

Calculate your redundancy pay (redundancy pay).

Wages and other money you’re owed

You can apply for unpaid wages and other money you’re owed by your employer, for example bonuses, overtime and commission.

You’re only entitled to money that’s in your employment contract.

You’ll get up to 8 weeks of money you’re owed. It counts as a week even if you’re only owed money for a few days.

Payments for wages and other money you’re owed are capped at £544 a week (£538 if you were made redundant before 6 April 2021).

You pay income tax and National Insurance when you get unpaid wages and other money you’re owed. You might be able to claim a tax refund if you’ve paid too much.

Holiday pay

You can get paid for:

holiday days owed that you did not take (‘holiday pay accrued’)

holiday days you took but were not paid for (‘holiday pay taken’)

You’re only paid for holidays you took or accrued in the 12 months before your employer became insolvent.

You’ll only get payments for up to 6 weeks of holiday days. Holiday pay is capped at £544 per week (£538 per week if your employer went insolvent before 6 April 2021).

You pay income tax and National Insurance on your holiday payment. You might be able to claim a tax refund if you’ve paid too much.

Statutory notice pay

You’re entitled to a paid notice period when you’re made redundant, even if it is not in your contract.

You can claim for statutory notice pay if you:

did not work a notice period

worked some of your notice period (a notice period)

worked an unpaid notice period

Your statutory notice pay (Statutory notice pay) is worked out as one week’s notice for every year you were employed, up to a maximum of twelve weeks.

Payments are capped at £544 per week (£538 if you were made redundant before 6 April 2021).

Pension contributions

Contact the insolvency practitioner or official receiver if you’re missing contributions to your pension.

Apply for money you're owed

You’re eligible to apply if:

you were an employee

you’re a UK or EEA national (or a foreign national with permission to work in the UK)

If you’re not eligible (for example you’re a contractor) register as a creditor instead.

Apply for redundancy, unpaid wages and holiday within 6 months of being dismissed. You request to claim for loss of notice pay (‘statutory notice pay’) in your application.

If you requested to claim statutory notice pay, you’ll get sent a letter telling you when you can apply.

Claiming for redundancy, unpaid wages and holiday pay

You can apply as soon as you’ve been made redundant. The person dealing with the insolvency (the ‘insolvency practitioner’ or ‘official receiver’) will give you a ‘CN’ (case reference) number. You cannot claim without the CN number.

You must apply for redundancy pay within 6 months of being dismissed.

The application will ask if you want to apply for statutory notice pay. Choosing ‘Yes’ does not mean you’ve applied. You’ll be told when to apply.

Apply for redundancy, unpaid wages and holiday online.

Claiming for loss of notice pay (‘statutory notice pay’)

You need an ‘LN’ reference number (a ‘CN’ (case reference) number) to make a claim. It (a ‘CN’ (case reference) number)’ll be sent after your notice period would have ended. This is usually no more than 12 weeks after you’re dismissed.

You must apply for redundancy first - even if you’re not owed any money.

Employees at the same business can have different notice periods.

Once you have the LN reference number (a ‘CN’ (case reference) number), claim online for loss of notice.

Money you get (or could have got) by claiming benefits will be deducted from your payment.

Help completing the online forms

Contact the Redundancy Payments Service if you have queries about completing the online forms. You’ll need your case reference number or National Insurance number.

You cannot currently call the Redundancy Payments Service.

After you apply

It usually takes up to 6 weeks to get your payment but can take longer.

Your information will be checked against the employer’s records, for example how much holiday you had accrued. You’ll only get a payment if the records show you’re owed money.

Any benefits you’re eligible to claim will be deducted from your statutory notice payment (even if you did not claim them).

If your application is rejected

Contact the Redundancy Payments Service - they (the Redundancy Payments Service)’ll explain why your claim was rejected.

You can make a claim to the employment tribunal if you disagree with the decision. You’ll be claiming against the Secretary of State for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy and your former employer (‘the respondents’).

Help and advice

Contact the Redundancy Payments Service if you need help. You’ll need your case reference number or National Insurance number.

Help finding a new job

Contact your local Jobcentre Plus and ask for their Rapid Response Service for help finding a new job.

You’ll be able to use the service (their Rapid Response Service) for up to 13 weeks after you’re made redundant.  You must have started your notice period to be eligible.

Get help to find a new job, improve your skills and claim benefits.


Appeal a hedgerow notice

When you can appeal

Your council makes decisions about hedgerow notices.

You can appeal a decision if they (Your council)’ve sent you either:

a retention notice, saying you cannot remove a hedgerow

a replacement notice, telling you to replace a hedgerow you’ve already removed

Only the person who made the application can appeal.

There’s no fee for appealing.

Deadline for appealing

You must appeal within 28 days of the date on the council’s (Your council) notice.

When you can expect a decision

Once your appeal is validated, you’ll normally get a decision within 31 weeks.

How to appeal

Fill in a hedgerow appeal form.

You also need:

a copy of your original application

the reason for your appeal

a copy of the local planning authority’s decision notice

any other documents that directly support your appeal

Email these documents with your completed appeal form to the council who made the decision (Your council) (a decision) and the Planning Inspectorate.

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you cannot currently appeal by post.

Comment on an appeal

Anyone can comment on a hedgerow appeal.

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you cannot currently comment by post. You can still comment by email.

After you appeal

The Planning Inspectorate will check your appeal to make sure it (your appeal)’s valid. They (the Planning Inspectorate)’ll tell you what happens next and how long your appeal may take.

The Planning Inspectorate will then consider your appeal. You’ll normally get a decision within 31 weeks.

If anyone behaves unreasonably

You can apply for an ‘award of costs’ if anyone involved in your appeal has cost you money by behaving unreasonably, for example missing deadlines. However, you might have to pay another party’s costs too.

You can complain about how the Planning Inspectorate handled your appeal. There’s no time limit for complaints.

If you disagree with the appeal decision (a decision)

You can challenge the decision (a decision) in the High Court if you think the Planning Inspectorate made a legal mistake.

Get advice from a lawyer if you’re unsure about this.


Buy a rod fishing licence

When you need a licence

You must have a rod fishing licence for England and Wales if you’re fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel with a rod and line in:

England (except the River Tweed)

Wales

the Border Esk region, including the parts of the river that are in Scotland

You can get a fine of up to £2,500 if you’re fishing in these areas and cannot show a valid rod fishing licence when asked.

There are different rules for fishing in the rest of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Children under 13 do not need a licence.

Licences for children aged between 13 and 16 are free. You’ll still need to get a junior licence.

Other permissions and licences you may need

You also need:

permission from the landowner to fish on private land

an additional licence to fish in locks or weirs on the River Thames

You must follow national and local rules (byelaws) when freshwater fishing with a rod and line in England and Wales. There may be more rules on private land.

Types of licences and rod limits

Trout, coarse fish and eel licence

This lets you fish non-migratory trout and all freshwater fish.

You must use your licence in one of the following ways. You can choose to fish with:

1 rod for non-migratory trout in rivers, streams, drains and canals

up to 2 rods for non-migratory trout in reservoirs, lakes and ponds

up to 2 rods for freshwater fish

You can also buy a 12-month licence that lets you use 3 rods for freshwater fish.

The place where you fish may have additional rules about how many rods you can use there.

Salmon and sea trout licence

This lets you fish salmon, sea trout, non-migratory trout and all freshwater fish.

You must use your licence in one of 3 ways. You can choose to fish with:

1 rod for salmon, sea trout and non-migratory trout in rivers, streams and canals

up to 2 rods for salmon, sea trout and non-migratory trout in reservoirs, lakes and ponds

up to 3 rods for freshwater fish

You must report a catch return every year even if you did not fish.

Rods that are not affected by licence limits

The following rods are not affected by licence limits unless they have hooks attached:

spod rods (used to propel bait into water)

marker rods (used to mark out lines)

Buy a rod fishing licence for England and Wales

You can buy a 1-day, 8-day or 12-month licence online.

You’ll need:

a debit or credit card

your Blue Badge or National Insurance number, if you have a disability and you’re applying for a 12-month licence

the other person’s details (such as date of birth), if you’re buying for someone else

Your licence can start on any date within 30 days of the day you buy it.

Licence prices depend on the type of fish you are fishing for and the number of rods you use.

Licence type | Trout and coarse up to 2-rod | Trout and coarse 3-rod | Salmon and sea trout

1-day | £6 | Not available | £12

8-day | £12 | Not available | £27

12-month | £30 | £45 | £82

12-month - over 65 or disabled | £20 | £30 | £54

12-month - junior (13 to 16) | Free | Free | Free

There are no discounted prices for a 1-day or an 8-day licence.

You need different permissions or licences to fish in most of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Buy now

Eligibility for disabled licences

You can get a discounted 12-month disabled licence if you have a Blue Badge or get Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment (any rate).

If you’re under 16 and have a disability you can choose to have the fact you are disabled noted on your junior rod licence. This may help you prove your eligibility for discounts or assisted access at fisheries.

Give your Blue Badge or National Insurance number (or child reference number if you’re under 16) when you apply.

Other ways to buy a licence

You can also buy adult licences:

at a Post Office

by calling the Environment Agency

You cannot get a junior licence at the Post Office (a Post Office) or over the phone. You must apply online.

If you have not received your 12-month licence

Contact the Environment Agency if you do not get your licence (your 12-month licence) within 15 working days.

Extend a licence

To change a 1-day or 8-day licence to a 12-month licence, call the Environment Agency within 14 days of buying it (a licence). You’ll need to buy a new licence but you’ll get a refund for the first one you bought.

Replace a licence or update your details

Contact the Environment Agency:

if you have questions about your licence

to replace a licence

to update your details if you’ve changed your name or address

Fishing in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Fishing in Scotland

You do not need a licence to fish with rod and line anywhere in Scotland apart from in the Border Esk region.

You only need permission from the landowner or an angling club.

As the Border Esk (Border Esk) flows into England you need to buy a rod fishing licence for England and Wales to fish any part of it (Border Esk), including the parts of the river and its tributaries that are in Scotland.

Fishing in Northern Ireland

You must have a rod licence and angling permit from a Northern Irish agency to fish in Northern Ireland.


Electrical waste: retailer and distributor responsibilities

Your responsibilities

You have certain responsibilities if you sell electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).

You must provide a way for your customers to dispose of their old household electrical and electronic equipment when you sell them a new version of the same item.

The waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations apply regardless of how you sell the products, whether direct or by internet, mail order or telephone.

You must either:

provide a free, in store, take back service to your customers

set up an alternative, free take back service

If you do not have your own take back service, you must join the Distributor Takeback Scheme (DTS).

You can be prosecuted if you do not comply with the regulations.

Tell your customers which service you provide

You must provide free written information to your customers on:

which take back service you provide, including collect on delivery

how they (your customers) can reuse and recycle electrical and electronic equipment

why this waste needs to be separated from other waste

the damaging effects of not recycling electrical and electronic equipment

the meaning of the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol

Shops

You can provide this information by, for example:

displaying posters in your store about which service you provide

including information leaflets with the electrical and electronic equipment you sell

Online retailers

You must publish this information on your website. You can download free customer information if you offer a take back service. DTS (the Distributor Takeback Scheme (DTS)) members can get these from the scheme (the Distributor Takeback Scheme (DTS)).

You have other responsibilities if you’re a ‘producer’ - for example you make and sell EEE under your own brand, or sell it in UK from abroad.

Take back waste in store

You must offer to take back waste of the same type as the item your customers buy from you, regardless of:

whether they (your customers) buy in-store, online or by mail order

the brand of the item (the item your customers buy from you)

You must also take back items that have the same function. For example, you would:

take back a customer’s old kettle when they buy a new one

take back a video player if the customer (a customer’s) buys a DVD player

You must:

offer the in-store service for free - but you can charge to cover transport costs if you’re collecting items from customers’ homes

give customers at least 28 days to bring back their waste item

take back all types of electrical and electronic equipment that you sell - you can choose to extend your service (the in-store service) to cover all kinds of electrical and electronic waste

Small electronic equipment

‘Very small WEEE’ are items of waste electrical and electronic equipment that are less than 25cm on their longest side.

You must take back all items of ‘very small WEEE’ in store if your electrical and electronic equipment sales area is greater than 400 square metres including aisle, display and shelf space.

You must provide this service (take) to everyone for free, regardless of whether they’ve bought anything from your store.

You’re exempt if you’ve joined the Distributor Takeback Scheme (DTS) or an assessment shows you already have an effective system.

Store waste

Check the conditions to see if you can store the waste temporarily before you dispose of it.

Dispose of waste

To dispose of the waste you’ve collected you can do one of the following.

Producer compliance schemes

Contact a producer compliance scheme (PCS).

The PCS (a producer compliance scheme (PCS)) will arrange for the waste (the waste you’ve collected) to be recycled or prepared for re-use at an Approved Authorised Treatment Facility (AATF).

You may be charged for the collection and transportation of the waste (the waste you’ve collected) to the AATF (an Approved Authorised Treatment Facility (AATF)) or the PCS collection point.

Transport the waste (the waste you’ve collected) yourself

You can transport the waste (the waste you’ve collected) to an AATF or PCS collection point yourself.

You need to register as a waste carrier in:

England

Wales

Scotland

Northern Ireland

You may also need to follow the rules on transporting hazardous waste in:

England and Wales

Scotland

Northern Ireland

Keep records

You must keep records of all electrical and electronic waste that you collect and dispose of - you can use a template.

Include the number of units you’ve received through take back and say how many of these were returned to a PCS.

You need to keep all documentation you make, or are given by the PCS (a producer compliance scheme (PCS)) or the AATF (an Approved Authorised Treatment Facility (AATF)), when you dispose of electrical and electronic waste.

You also need to keep records of how you tell customers about your take back scheme.

Keep all your records for 4 years.

Set up an alternative take back service

You can set up a ‘designated collection facility’ (DCF) where your customers can take all types of electrical and electronic waste.

You can do this (set) on your own or with other distributors.

You must follow the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations, other waste management legislation and local planning requirements when managing a DCF.

You must agree with a producer compliance scheme (PCS) to return the electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) direct to an Approved Authorised Treatment Facility (AATF).

Use the Distributor Takeback Scheme

You can use the Distributor Takeback Scheme (DTS) instead of providing a takeback service, if either of the following apply:

your business sells less than £100,000 of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) per year

you only sell online

If your business sells £100,000 or more of EEE per year and has physical stores, you cannot use the DTS (the Distributor Takeback Scheme) after 31 December 2020. You’ll need to take back waste in store or set up an alternative collection point instead.

How the scheme works

You pay a fee that covers your waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) obligations until 31 December 2021. The amount you pay depends on:

the size of your business

whether you only sell online

how much EEE you sell

This money goes towards supporting the recycling centres run by local authorities.

You’ll need to keep a record of what information you give to your customers about where they should take their WEEE.

If you do not comply

If you fail to comply with the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations, you can be prosecuted and fined up to £5,000 at a magistrates’ court, or get an unlimited fine from a Crown Court.

You may sometimes get warning letters and formal cautions before a prosecution.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards enforces these regulations (the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations). You can contact them online, call or write to them.


Deposit protection schemes and landlords

Overview

You must place your tenants’ deposit in a  tenancy deposit protection (TDP) scheme if you rent out your home on an assured shorthold tenancy that started after 6 April 2007.

If you receive a valuable item as a deposit instead of money (for example a car or watch), you do not have to put it in a TDP.

These government-backed schemes ensure your tenants will get their deposit back if they:

meet the terms of your tenancy agreement

do not damage the property

pay the rent and bills

You (or your letting agent) must put your tenants’ deposit in the scheme within 30 days of getting it (your tenants’ deposit).

Available schemes

You can use any of the following schemes if your property is in England or Wales:

Deposit Protection Service

MyDeposits

Tenancy Deposit Scheme

There are separate TDP schemes in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

All TDP schemes (These government-backed schemes) offer you 2 options:

the scheme hold the deposit (their deposit) for free - known as a ‘custodial’ scheme

you or the agent holds the deposit (their deposit) and you pay the scheme to insure it (their deposit) - known as an ‘insured’ scheme

At the end of the tenancy

The deposit (their deposit) must be returned to your tenants within 10 days of you both agreeing how much they’ll get back.

If you’re in a dispute with your tenants

The deposit is protected in the scheme until the issue is settled.

If you’re in an ‘insured’ scheme, you or the agent must give the deposit (their deposit) to the TDP scheme (the scheme). They (you or the agent) will hold it (their deposit) until the issue is settled.

Holding deposits

If you’ve received a holding deposit from your future tenants (money to ‘hold’ a property before an agreement is signed), you do not have to protect it. Once they become tenants the holding deposit becomes a deposit, and you must protect it.

Deposits made by a third party

You must use a TDP scheme even if the deposit is paid by someone else, like a rent deposit scheme or a tenant’s parents.

Information you must give to your tenants

Within 30 days of getting their (your tenants) deposit, you must tell your tenants:

the address of the rented property

how much deposit they (your tenants)’ve paid

how the deposit (their (your tenants) deposit) is protected

the name and contact details of the tenancy deposit protection (TDP) scheme and its dispute resolution service

your (or your letting agency’s) name and contact details

the name and contact details of any third party who paid the deposit

why you would keep some or all of the deposit (their (your tenants) deposit) - for example, because your tenants (your future tenants) damaged the property (the rented property) and you need to fix it (the rented property)

how to apply to get the deposit (their (your tenants) deposit) back at the end of the tenancy

what to do if they (your future tenants) cannot get hold of you at the end of the tenancy

what to do if there’s a dispute over the amount of deposit to be returned at the end of the tenancy

If you do not protect your tenants' deposit (their (your tenants) deposit)

Your tenants (your tenants') can apply to a county court if you do not use a tenancy deposit protection (TDP) scheme when you have to. They (your tenants') can do this at any time during the tenancy.

If the court finds you have not protected the deposit (their (your tenants) deposit), it can order you to either:

repay it (their (your tenants) deposit) to your tenants (your tenants')

pay it (their (your tenants) deposit) into a custodial TDP scheme’s bank account within 14 days

The court may also order you to repay your tenants (your tenants') up to 3 times their (your tenants') original deposit within 14 days of making the order.

At the end of the tenancy

The court may also decide that your tenants (your tenants') do not have to leave the property (the rented property) when the tenancy ends if you did not use a TDP scheme when you should have.

Disputes

Use your tenancy deposit protection (TDP) scheme’s free dispute resolution service if you disagree with your tenants about how much deposit should be returned.

Contact your TDP scheme for more information on the dispute resolution service. The schemes are:

Deposit Protection Service

MyDeposits

Tenancy Deposit Scheme

Help and advice

You can get more help and advice from:

your local Citizens Advice Bureau

a solicitor


Renting out your property

Landlord responsibilities

You’re a landlord if you rent out your property. As a landlord you must:

keep your rented properties safe and free from health hazards

make sure all gas and electrical equipment is safely installed and maintained

provide an Energy Performance Certificate for the property (your property)

protect your tenant’s deposit in a government-approved scheme

check your tenant has the right to rent your property if it’s in England

give your tenant a copy of the How to rent checklist when they start renting from you (you can email it to them)

There are different rules if you rent out property in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and your responsibilities

Your responsibilities as a landlord have not changed because of coronavirus (Coronavirus (COVID-19)). However, you should follow the government’s coronavirus (Coronavirus (COVID-19)) advice.

Read the coronavirus (Coronavirus (COVID-19)) and renting guidance for tenants and landlords.

Fire safety

It’s your responsibility to:

fit and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms

follow fire safety regulations for property in a purpose-built block of flats or for houses and property adapted into flats

Health and safety inspections

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is used by your council to make sure that properties in its area are safe for the people who live there.
This involves inspecting your property for possible hazards, such as uneven stairs.

If you own a property and rent it out, the council (your council) may decide to do an HHSRS (The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)) inspection because:

your tenants have asked for an inspection

the council (your council) has done a survey of local properties and thinks your property might be hazardous

HHSRS (The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)) hazard ratings

Inspectors look at 29 health and safety areas and score each hazard they find as category 1 or 2, according to its seriousness.

You must take action on enforcement notices from your council. You also have the right to appeal enforcement notices.

The council (your council) can do any of the following if they (your council) find a serious hazard:

issue an improvement notice

fix the hazard (a serious hazard) themselves (your council) and bill you for the cost

stop you or anyone else from using part or all of the property

Financial responsibilities

You have to pay:

Income Tax on your rental income, minus your day-to-day running expenses

Class 2 National Insurance if the work you do renting out property counts as running a business

If you only occasionally rent out your property or part of your home (for example through short-term rental apps), check if you need to tell HMRC about this income.

If you have a mortgage on the property you want to rent out (a property), you must get permission from your mortgage lender.

Regulated tenancies

There are special rules for changing rents and terms for regulated tenancies (usually private tenancies starting before 15 January 1989).

Making repairs

You must keep your property in good condition, and any gas or electrical systems must meet specified safety standards.

When doing repairs in your property, make sure you keep you and your tenants safe from coronavirus (COVID-19).

There is more information about doing repairs and maintenance in section 3 of the coronavirus and renting guidance for tenants and landlords.

There are different rules around making repairs if you rent out property in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

When you can enter the property

You have a legal right to enter your property (the property) to inspect it (the property) or carry out repairs. You must give your tenants at least 24 hours’ notice, although immediate access may be possible in emergencies. Your tenants have the right to stay in the property during the repairs.

You’re normally responsible for repairs to:

the structure of your property

basins, sinks, baths and other sanitary fittings

heating and hot water systems

anything you damage through attempting repairs

If your property is seriously damaged by a fire, flood or other similar incident, you do not have to rebuild or renovate it (the property). However, if you do, you cannot charge your tenants for any repairs made.

Common areas

If you own a block of flats, you’re usually responsible for repairing common areas, like staircases. Councils can ask landlords to fix problems in common areas, or to repair a tenant’s flat that’s been damaged by another tenant.

What happens if repairs are not done properly

If you refuse to carry out repairs, tenants can:

start a claim in the small claims court for repairs under £5,000

in some circumstances, carry out the repairs themselves (tenants) and deduct the cost from their (tenants) rent

If you do not make repairs to remove hazards, your tenants can ask the council to inspect the property under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and to take any action that is necessary.

If the council finds serious hazards, it (the council) must take enforcement action to make sure the hazard is removed.

If the property is temporarily unfit to live in

You can ask tenants to move out during major repairs. Before this happens, you should agree in writing:

how long the works (major repairs) will last

the tenants’ (tenants) right to return

details of any alternative accommodation

You cannot repossess a property to do repairs. However, if you’re planning substantial works, or want to redevelop the property, you can apply to the courts for an order for your tenants to leave. The courts are more likely to grant this if you provide alternative accommodation.

Repairs and charging rent

If the repairs are very disruptive, your tenants may be able to claim a reduction on their (tenants) rent known as a ‘rent abatement’. This will depend on how much of the property (a property) is unusable.

You may have the right to increase the rent after carrying out repairs and improvements, depending on the tenancy agreement.

Rent increases

The tenancy agreement should include how and when you’ll review the rent.

There are special rules for increasing regulated tenancy rents.

When you can increase rent

For a periodic tenancy (rolling on a week-by-week or month-by-month basis) you can usually only increase the rent (rent) once a year.

For a fixed-term tenancy (running for a set period) you can only increase the rent (rent) if your tenancy agreement permits this. Otherwise, you can only raise the rent (rent) when the fixed term ends.

How you can increase the rent

If a fixed-term tenancy agreement says how the rent can be increased, you must stick to this.

For a periodic tenancy, you can:

agree a rent increase (increase) with your tenants and produce a written record of the agreement that you both sign (the tenancy agreement)

use a ‘Landlord’s notice proposing a new rent’ form, giving your tenant at least a month’s notice

There are different rules around increasing rent if you rent out property in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

The rent increase (increase) must be fair and realistic - that is, in line with reasonable rents on the open market.

If your tenants do not agree

If your tenants think the rent increase (increase) is unfair, they (your tenants) can ask the First Tier Property Tribunal to decide the right amount.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and rent

Tenant responsibilities have not changed because of coronavirus. Your tenant should continue to pay rent if they can.

If your tenant is unable to pay their rent, you can agree a different way to pay. For example, you can agree to accept a lower rent payment for a set amount of time and they pay off the rent arrears later.

Read the coronavirus and renting guidance for tenants and landlords.

You and your tenant can get advice from Shelter, Citizens Advice and the Money Advice Service.

Settling disputes

You can often sort out disputes with your tenants without going to court:

Speak to your tenants about your concerns.

If this (Speak) does not work, write a formal letter setting out the problem.

Use a mediation service, which is usually cheaper and quicker than going to court.

As a last resort, you can take your tenants to court.

There are different rules for settling disputes if you rent out property in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Going to court

If you take legal action, the case may go to a small claims court. Small claims cases are those worth less than £10,000 (or £1,000 if the case is about repairs to a property).

The courts provide a free mediation service for small claims cases, which can take place over the phone.

If you want to get your property back because your tenants owe you rent money, you can make a possession claim online.

You must follow specific rules if you want to evict tenants.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and possession claims

The court process for possession claims is different because of coronavirus (Coronavirus (COVID-19)).

You must tell the court if your tenant and their dependants have been affected by coronavirus (Coronavirus (COVID-19)). For example, if they lost income because of coronavirus (Coronavirus (COVID-19)), which meant they were not able to pay your rent.

Free advice for disputes

You can get free advice about disputes or housing problems from Citizens Advice or Shelter.

In Wales, you can contact Shelter Cymru.

You might be able to get free and confidential legal advice from Civil Legal Advice (CLA) as part of legal aid, if you’re in England and Wales.

A solicitor can also help you, but they might charge a fee.

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

If you let your property to several tenants who are not members of the same family, it may be a ‘House in Multiple Occupation’ (HMO).

The rules about HMOs are different in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Your property is an HMO if both of the following apply:

at least 3 tenants live there, forming more than one household

toilet, bathroom or kitchen facilities are shared

A household consists of either a single person or members of the same family who live together. It includes people who are married or living together and people in same-sex relationships.

If someone in an HMO becomes ill with coronavirus (COVID-19), you do not have to find alternative accommodation for the other tenants. You also cannot make someone leave their home because they have coronavirus. Read the coronavirus and renting guidance for tenants and landlords.

Licences

An HMO must have a licence if it is occupied by 5 or more people. A council can also include other types of HMOs for licensing.

Find out if you need an HMO licence from your council.

Risk assessment

The council (your council) has to carry out a Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) risk assessment on your HMO within 5 years of receiving a licence application. If the inspector finds any unacceptable risks during the assessment (Risk assessment), you must carry out work to eliminate them.

Reporting changes

You must tell the council (your council) if:

you plan to make changes to an HMO

your tenants make changes

your tenants’ (your tenants) circumstances change (for example they (your tenants) have a child)

Paying tax and National Insurance

When you rent out property you may have to pay tax.

Running a property business

You have to pay Class 2 National Insurance if your profits are £6,515 a year or more and what you do counts as running a business, for example if all the following apply:

being a landlord is your main job

you rent out more than one property

you’re buying new properties to rent out

If your profits are under £6,515, you can make voluntary Class 2 National Insurance payments, for example to make sure you get the full State Pension.

You do not pay National Insurance if you’re not running a business - even if you do work like arranging repairs, advertising for tenants and arranging tenancy agreements.

Property you personally own

The first £1,000 of your income from property rental is tax-free. This is your ‘property allowance’.

Contact HMRC if your income from property rental is between £1,000 and £2,500 a year.

You must report it (your income from property rental) on a Self Assessment tax return if it (your income from property rental)’s:

£2,500 to £9,999 after allowable expenses

£10,000 or more before allowable expenses

Register for Self Assessment

If you do not usually send a tax return, you need to register by 5 October following the tax year you had rental income.

Register now

Declaring unpaid tax

You can declare unpaid tax by telling HMRC about rental income from previous years. If you have to pay a penalty it’ll be lower than if HMRC find out about the income themselves (HMRC).

You’ll be given a disclosure reference number. You then have 3 months to work out what you owe and pay it.

Do not include the £1,000 tax-free property allowance for any tax years before 2017 to 2018.

Property owned by a company

Count the rental income the same way as any other business income.

Costs you can claim to reduce tax

There are different tax rules for:

residential properties

furnished holiday lettings

commercial properties

Residential properties

You or your company must pay tax on the profit you make from renting out the property, after deductions for ‘allowable expenses’.

Allowable expenses are things you need to spend money on in the day-to-day running of the property, like:

letting agents’ fees

legal fees for lets of a year or less, or for renewing a lease for less than 50 years

accountants’ fees

buildings and contents insurance

interest on property loans

maintenance and repairs to the property (but not improvements)

utility bills, like gas, water and electricity

rent, ground rent, service charges

Council Tax

services you pay for, like cleaning or gardening

other direct costs of letting the property, like phone calls, stationery and advertising

Allowable expenses do not include ‘capital expenditure’ - like buying a property or renovating it beyond repairs for wear and tear.

You may be able to claim tax relief on money spent on replacing a ‘domestic item’. This is called ‘replacement of domestic items relief’.

Domestic items include:

beds

sofas

curtains

carpets

fridges

crockery and cutlery

You must have only bought the domestic item (a ‘domestic item’) for use by tenants in a residential property and the item you replaced (a ‘domestic item’) must no longer be used in that property.

The replacement of domestic items relief (claim) is available from:

the 2016 to 2017 tax year for individuals and partnerships

1 April 2016 for companies

Furnished residential lettings

You may be able to claim ‘wear and tear allowance’:

for the 2015 to 2016 tax year for individuals and partnerships

on or before 31 March 2016 for companies

Furnished holiday lettings

For furnished holiday homes, you may be able to claim:

plant and machinery capital allowances on furniture, furnishings and so on in the let property, as well as on equipment used outside the property (like vans and tools)

Capital Gains Tax reliefs - Business Asset Rollover Relief, Entrepreneurs’ Relief, relief for gifts of business assets and relief for loans to traders

You can only claim these if all the following apply:

the property is offered to let for at least 210 days a year

it (the property)’s let for more than 105 days a year

no single let is more than 31 days

you charge the going rate for similar properties in the area (‘market value’)

If you own the property personally, your profits count as earnings for pension purposes.

You can download helpsheets to help you with your tax return:

capital allowances

furnished holiday lettings

Commercial properties

You can claim plant and machinery capital allowances on some items if you rent out a commercial property - like a shop, garage or lock-up.

Working out your profit

You work out the net profit or loss for all your property lettings (except furnished holiday lettings) as if it’s a single business. To do this, you:

add together all your rental income

add together all your allowable expenses

take the expenses (all your allowable expenses) away from the income (all your rental income)

Work out the profit or loss from furnished holiday lettings separately from any other rental business to make sure you only claim these tax advantages for eligible properties.

Making a loss

Deduct any losses from your profit and enter the figure on your Self Assessment form.

You can offset your loss against:

future profits by carrying it (your loss) forward to a later year

profits from other properties (if you have them)

You can only offset losses against future profits in the same business.

Changing a regulated tenancy (fair rent)

There are special rules for changing rents and terms for regulated tenancies (sometimes called ‘fair rents’) which usually started before 15 January 1989.

There are different rules for increasing rents in regulated tenancies in Scotland and rent-controlled tenancies in Northern Ireland.

When you can increase rent

You can only increase the rent (rent) up to the maximum set by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) - check the register of rents to find out what it is.

You can ask VOA (the Valuation Office Agency (VOA)) to review the rent (rent) every 2 years, or earlier if something has affected the value, so that it (rent) remains fair. Your rent might increase or decrease.

Download and fill in a fair rent form to get your rent reviewed. Send the completed form to the VOA (the Valuation Office Agency (VOA)) Network Support Office by post.

Email the VOA Network Support Office if you have any questions about increasing your rent.

If the fair rent increases

You must serve a notice of increase of rent on your tenant. You can charge the new rent from the date it’s registered.

Fill in a ‘notice of increase’ form (available from legal stationers) and send it (a fair rent form) to your tenant.

You can backdate your notice of rent increase for up to 4 weeks.

Cancel a registered rent

Download and fill in an application form to cancel a registered rent and send it to the address on the form, for example if the tenancy stops being regulated, or you and the tenant agree to cancel it.

It may take up to 6 weeks to cancel a registered rent.


Council Tax

Working out your Council Tax

You’ll need to know 3 things:

the valuation band for your home in England and Wales or in Scotland

how much your local council charges for that band

whether you can get a discount or exemption from the full bill

You may be able to get Council Tax Reduction (this used to be called Council Tax Benefit) if you’re on a low income or get benefits.

You can challenge your Council Tax band if you think your home is in the wrong valuation band.

Changes that may affect your Council Tax band

Your property (your home) may be revalued and put in a different band in some circumstances, for example if:

you demolish part of your property and do not rebuild it

you alter your property to create 2 or more self-contained units, for example an annexe - each unit will have its own band

you split a single property into self-contained flats

you convert flats into a single property

you start or stop working from home

the previous owner made changes to your property

there are significant changes to your local area, like a new road being built

a similar property in your area (your local area) has its Council Tax band changed

Ask the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) if you want to know if changes to your property will affect your Council Tax band.

Who has to pay

You’ll usually have to pay Council Tax if you’re 18 or over and own or rent a home.

A full Council Tax bill is based on at least 2 adults living in a home. Spouses and partners who live together are jointly responsible for paying the bill.

You’ll get 25% off your bill (A full Council Tax bill) if you count as an adult for Council Tax and either:

you live on your own

no-one else in your home counts as an adult

You’ll usually get a 50% discount if no-one living in your home, including you, counts as an adult.

You will not have to pay any Council Tax if everyone in your home, including you, is a full-time student.

Apply for a Council Tax discount.

Who does not count as an adult?

These people are not counted as adults for Council Tax:

children under 18

people on some apprentice schemes

18 and 19-year-olds in full-time education

full-time college and university students

young people under 25 who get funding from the Skills Funding Agency or Young People’s Learning Agency

student nurses

foreign language assistants registered with the British Council

people with a severe mental impairment

live-in carers who look after someone who is not their partner, spouse, or child under 18

diplomats

Contact your local council if you’re unsure about whether you can get a discount or who’s responsible for paying.

People on apprentice schemes

To show that you do not qualify as an adult for Council Tax, you’ll need a declaration from your employer stating that:

you will not be paid more than £195 a week

the training leads to a qualification accredited by a body recognised by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) or the Scottish Vocational Education Council (SVEC)

If you get a Council Tax discount by mistake

You must tell your council. If you do not, you could get a fine.

The council (your council) may ask you to pay back the discount (a Council Tax discount).

Discounts for full-time students

Households where everyone’s a full-time student do not have to pay Council Tax. If you do get a bill, you can apply for an exemption.

To count as a full-time student, your course must:

last at least 1 year

involve at least 21 hours study per week

If you study for a qualification up to A level and you’re under 20, your course must:

last at least 3 months

involve at least 12 hours study per week

You’ll get a Council Tax bill if there’s someone in your household who’s not a full-time student, but your household might still qualify for a discount.

Discounts for disabled people

People who are severely mentally impaired are not included when working out Council Tax.

You also are not included if you’re a live-in carer looking after someone who is not your partner, spouse, or child under 18.

Apply for a Council Tax discount.

Disabled Band Reduction Scheme

You may be eligible for the scheme (Disabled Band Reduction Scheme) if you live in a larger property than you would need if you or another occupant were not disabled.

You’ll have to show that you’ve either:

an extra bathroom, kitchen or other room that you need for the disabled person

extra space inside the property (a larger property than you would need) for using a wheelchair

The property (a larger property than you would need) must be the main home of at least 1 disabled person. This can be an adult or a child - it does not have to be the person responsible for paying the Council Tax.

Check if you qualify for the scheme (Disabled Band Reduction Scheme).

Second homes and empty properties

You may be able to get a discount if you have a second home or an empty property - it’s up to your council to decide.

Councils can charge extra Council Tax for empty properties.

Second homes

You may pay less Council Tax for a property you own or rent that’s not your main home.

Councils can give furnished second homes or holiday homes a discount of up to 50%. Contact your council to find out if you can get a discount - it’s up to them how much you can get.

Empty properties

You’ll usually have to pay Council Tax on an empty home, but your council can decide to give you a discount - the amount is up to them. Contact your council to ask about a discount.

You can be charged up to double your Council Tax if your home has been empty for 2 years or more (unless it’s an annexe or you’re in the armed forces).

The rules are different in Scotland.

When you do not pay Council Tax

If you’re selling a property on behalf of an owner who’s died, you won’t need to pay Council Tax until after you get probate as long as the property remains empty. After probate is granted, you may be able to get a Council Tax exemption for another 6 months if the property is both:

unoccupied

still owned and in the name of the person who died (an owner who’s died)

Some homes do not get a Council Tax bill for as long as they stay empty. They include homes:

of someone in prison (except for not paying a fine or Council Tax)

of someone who’s moved into a care home or hospital

that have been repossessed

that cannot be lived in by law, for example if they’re derelict

that are empty because they’ve been compulsory purchased and will be demolished

You may get a discount if your home is undergoing major repair work or structural changes, for example your walls are being rebuilt.

If your property’s been refurbished

Your council will tell you when you have to start paying Council Tax if you’ve been carrying out major home improvements on an empty property or building a new property.

You’ll get a ‘completion notice’ that tells you the date you must start paying Council Tax.

If your property’s derelict

Your property’s only considered derelict if it:

is not possible to live in it (your property), for example because it (your property)’s been damaged by weather, rot or vandalism

would need major structural works to make it (your property) ‘wind and watertight’ again

You can challenge your Council Tax band if you think a derelict property should be removed from the Council Tax valuation list.

Paying your bill

Your Council Tax bill tells you:

how much you have to pay for the year

how that amount has been worked out

the dates you have to pay

The cost is usually split into 10 monthly payments. Contact your council immediately if you’re having trouble paying - they can help you, for example by spreading your payments over 12 months instead of 10.

The council (your council) can take action to reclaim any debts you owe if you get behind with your payments.

Ways to pay

You can usually pay your Council Tax online.

You can also use ‘Paypoint’, ‘Payzone’ or ‘Quickcards’ for cash payments at post offices, banks, newsagents and convenience stores.

Check your bill to find out which other payment methods you can use.

If you’ve overpaid

Contact your local council if you’ve paid too much Council Tax and have not received an automatic refund.


Right to Buy: buying your council home

Overview

Right to Buy allows most council tenants to buy their council home at a discount. Use the eligibility checker on the Own Your Home website to find out if you can apply.

There are different rules for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

You can apply to buy your council home if:

it (your council home)’s your only or main home

it (your council home)’s self-contained

you’re a secure tenant

you’ve had a public sector landlord (for example, a council, housing association or NHS trust) for 3 years - it does not have to be 3 years in a row

Joint applications

You can make a joint application with:

someone who shares your tenancy

up to 3 family members who’ve lived with you for the past 12 months (even if they do not share your tenancy)

Ex-council homes

If your home used to be owned by the council, but they sold it to another landlord (like a housing association) while you were living in it, you may have the Right to Buy. This is called ‘Preserved Right to Buy’.

Ask your landlord if this (the Right to Buy) applies to you.

Other ways to buy your home

If you were not living in your home when it (your home) was sold by the council you may still be able to buy it (your home) through the Voluntary Right to Buy pilot.

Discounts

You can get a discount on the market value of your home when you buy it if you qualify for Right to Buy.

The maximum discount (a discount on the market value of your home) is £84,600 across England, except in London boroughs where it (a discount on the market value of your home) is £112,800. It (a discount on the market value of your home) will increase each year in April in line with the consumer price index (CPI).

The discount (a discount on the market value of your home) is based on:

how long you’ve been a tenant with a public sector landlord

the type of property you’re buying - a flat or house

the value of your home

If you’re buying with someone else, you count the years of whoever’s been a public sector tenant the longest.

You’ll usually have to repay some or all your discount if you sell your home within 5 years.

You might get a smaller discount if you’ve used Right to Buy in the past.

Working out the discount

Use the Right to Buy calculator to find out how much discount you could get.

There are different discount levels for houses and flats.

Houses

You get a 35% discount if you’ve been a public sector tenant for between 3 and 5 years.

After 5 years, the discount (a discount on the market value of your home) goes up 1% for every extra year you’ve been a public sector tenant, up to a maximum of 70% or £84,600 across England and £112,800 in London boroughs (whichever is lower).

Flats

You get a 50% discount if you’ve been a public sector tenant for between 3 and 5 years.

After 5 years, the discount (a discount on the market value of your home) goes up by 2% for each extra year you’ve been a public sector tenant, up to a maximum of 70% or £84,600 across England and £112,800 in London boroughs (whichever is lower).

If your landlord has spent money on your home

Your discount will be less if your landlord has spent money building or maintaining your home:

in the last 10 years - if your landlord built or acquired your home before 2 April 2012

in the last 15 years - if you’re buying your home through Preserved Right to Buy (Right to Buy), or if your landlord acquired your home after 2 April 2012

You will not get any discount if your landlord has spent more money than your home is now worth.

Applying

Fill in the Right to Buy application form (RTB1 notice).

Send it (the Right to Buy application form (RTB1 notice)) to your landlord.

Your landlord must say yes or no within 4 weeks of getting your application (8 weeks if they’ve been your landlord for less than 3 years). If your landlord says no, they must say why.

If your landlord agrees to sell, they (Your landlord)’ll send you an offer. They (Your landlord) must do this within 8 weeks of saying yes if you’re buying a freehold property, or 12 weeks if you’re buying a leasehold property.

Your landlord's offer

If your landlord (Your landlord's) agrees to sell, their (Your landlord) offer (an offer) will tell you:

the price they (Your landlord) think you should pay for the property and how it was worked out

your discount and how it was worked out

a description of the property and any land included in the price

estimates of any service charges (for a flat or maisonette) for the first 5 years

any known problems with the property’s (the property) structure, for example, subsidence

Deciding to buy

You have 12 weeks after you get your landlord’s offer (an offer) to tell them (Your landlord) you still want to buy.

The landlord (your landlord’s) will send you a reminder if you do not reply to the offer (an offer). You have 28 days to reply to the reminder, or the landlord (your landlord’s) could drop your application.

You can pull out of the sale and continue to rent at any time.

If you disagree with the landlord’s (your landlord’s) offer (an offer)

Contact your landlord (your landlord’s) and tell them (your landlord’s) why.

If you think your landlord has set your home’s market value too high, you must write to them (your landlord’s) within 3 months of getting the offer (an offer) and ask them (your landlord’s) for an independent valuation.

A district valuer from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will then visit your home (your home’s) and decide how much it (the property)’s worth. You have 12 weeks to accept their valuation (an independent valuation) or pull out of the sale.

Appeals

You can appeal to a tribunal if you’re stopped from buying your home because it’s suitable for housing elderly people.

You must appeal within 56 days of the council turning down your application.

Delays

Your landlord must complete parts of your Right to Buy application within set time limits.

You could get a reduction in the sale price if they (Your landlord) do not.

Applying for a reduction because of a delay

Fill in the ‘Initial notice of delay’ form (RTB6) and send it (your Right to Buy application) to your landlord.

Your landlord must then either move the sale along within 1 month or send you a ‘counter notice’. The counter notice will say that they’ve already replied or explain why they cannot speed things up.

If your landlord does not reply within a month of getting the RTB6 (your Right to Buy application), fill in the ‘Operative notice of delay’ form (RTB8). This means that any rent you pay while you’re waiting to hear from your landlord could be taken off the sale price.

You can do this each time your landlord is late getting back to you.

Selling your home

If you sell your home within 10 years of buying it (your home) through Right to Buy, you must first offer it (your home) to either:

your old landlord

another social landlord in the area

The property (your home) should be sold at the full market price agreed between you and the landlord (your landlord).

If you cannot agree, a district valuer will say how much your home is worth and set the price. You will not have to pay for their valuation.

You can sell your home to anyone if the landlord does not agree to buy it within 8 weeks.

Paying back your discount

You’ll have to pay back some or all of the discount you got (your discount) if you sell your Right to Buy home within 5 years of buying it (your home).

You’ll have to pay back all of the discount if you sell within the first year. After that, the total amount you pay back reduces to:

80% of the discount in the second year

60% of the discount in the third year

40% of the discount in the fourth year

20% of the discount in the fifth year

The amount you pay back depends on the value of your home when you sell it.

You may not have to pay back the discount (your discount) if you transfer ownership of your home to a member of your family. You’ll need to agree this first with your landlord and then get a solicitor to do this for you.

Rural homes

Your former landlord may limit who you can sell your home to if your home is in:

a national park

an area of outstanding natural beauty

an area the government says is rural for Right to Buy

For example, you may have to sell your home to someone who’s lived or worked in the area for more than 3 years. This may mean you have difficulty getting a mortgage to buy your home.

Your landlord will tell you if this could apply to your home when you apply for Right to Buy.

Help and advice

You can get free advice about:

how to complete your Right to Buy application

whether the scheme is right for you

how much it (the scheme) will cost you

your eligibility

Ask your landlord about Right to Buy. They may also be able to help you complete the application form.

Right to Buy Agent service

The Right to Buy Agent service (Right to Buy Agent service) offers free advice on things like:

the Right to Buy process

eligibility

filling out your application form

where you can get financial and legal advice

what to do if your application is delayed

Money Advice Service

The Money Advice Service (Money Advice Service) offers free, impartial advice about money, including buying a home and taking out a mortgage.

Other help

Read the Right to Buy summary booklet and the Right to Buy guidance.

You can also get advice on Right to Buy from:

the Own Your Home website

Citizens Advice

Shelter

your local Law Centre


Appeal a householder planning decision

When you can appeal

Your local planning authority makes decisions about householder planning applications.

You can appeal a householder planning decision if you disagree with it.

Householder planning applications cover small projects like extensions and loft conversions. There’s a different process to appeal a full planning decision.

There’s no fee for appealing.

Only the person who made the application can appeal.

Deadline for appealing

If you disagree with a decision, you must appeal within 12 weeks of the date on the decision notice from your local planning authority.

The deadline’s earlier if you’ve received an enforcement notice. You must appeal within 28 days of the notice (the decision notice from your local planning authority).

When you can expect a decision

You’ll get a decision once your appeal is validated.

How to appeal

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you cannot currently appeal by post. You can still appeal to the Planning Inspectorate online.

If you want to appeal more than one decision you must make a separate appeal for each.

You also need to send a copy of your appeal, including all supporting documents, to your local planning authority. The Planning Inspectorate will tell you how to do this.

Documents you must provide

You’ll need to submit copies of:

your original application

the site ownership certificate

the local planning authority’s decision notice (the decision notice from your local planning authority)

You’ll also need to submit any other documents that directly support your appeal, for example your grounds for appeal.

You can upload these documents (your appeal, including all supporting documents) when you appeal.

Comment on an appeal

No-one can comment on a householder planning appeal.

Your local planning authority must tell anyone who has commented on the original application (‘interested parties’) that there’s an appeal.

They (Your local planning authority) have to do this (tell) within 5 working days of the appeal being started by the Planning Inspectorate.

Read the detailed guidance about taking part in an appeal.

After you appeal

The Planning Inspectorate will check your appeal to make sure it (your appeal)’s valid. They (the Planning Inspectorate)’ll tell you what happens next and how long your appeal may take.

The Planning Inspectorate will then consider your appeal. Check how long planning appeal decisions normally take.

If anyone behaves unreasonably

You can apply for an ‘award of costs’ if anyone involved in your appeal has cost you money by behaving unreasonably, for example missing deadlines. You can have costs awarded against you too.

You can complain about how the Planning Inspectorate handled your appeal. There’s no time limit for complaints.

If you disagree with the appeal decision

You can challenge the decision in the High Court (the appeal decision) if you think the Planning Inspectorate made a legal mistake.

Get advice from a lawyer if you’re unsure about this.


Appeal an enforcement notice

When you can appeal

Your local planning authority may send you an enforcement notice if you’ve built or changed something without planning permission.

You can appeal against an enforcement notice if you own, rent or lawfully occupy the property or land it applies to.

Anyone can comment on an appeal.

There’s no fee for appealing, unless you also apply for planning permission.

Deadline for appealing

Your appeal must be received before the date the enforcement notice (an enforcement notice) takes effect.

When you can expect a decision

You’ll get a decision once your appeal is validated.

How to appeal

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you cannot currently appeal by post. You can still appeal to the Planning Inspectorate online.

If you want to appeal more than one enforcement notice you must make a separate appeal for each. Each person should appeal separately.

You also need to send a copy of your appeal, including all the supporting documents, to your local planning authority. The Planning Inspectorate will tell you how to do this.

Documents you must provide

You’ll need to submit:

a copy of your enforcement notice (an enforcement notice)

a plan (if there is one)

any other documents that directly support your appeal, for example your grounds for appeal

You can upload these documents (Documents you must provide) when you appeal.

Comment on an appeal

Anyone can comment on an enforcement notice appeal. Find the case on the appeals casework portal.

The deadline for comments is 6 weeks after the start date of the appeal (an enforcement notice appeal).

Read the detailed guidance about taking part in an appeal.

After you appeal

The Planning Inspectorate will check your appeal to make sure it (Your appeal)’s valid. They (the Planning Inspectorate)’ll tell you the start date, what happens next and how long your appeal may take.

The Planning Inspectorate will then consider your appeal. Check how long planning appeal decisions normally take.

If anyone behaves unreasonably

You can apply for an ‘award of costs’ if anyone involved in your appeal has cost you money by behaving unreasonably, for example missing deadlines. You can have costs awarded against you too.

You can complain about how the Planning Inspectorate handled your appeal. There’s no time limit for complaints.

If you disagree with the appeal decision

You can challenge the decision (the appeal decision) in the High Court if you think the Planning Inspectorate made a legal mistake.

Get advice from a lawyer if you’re unsure about this.


Getting and using a horse passport

When you need a horse passport

You must have a horse passport (sometimes called an ‘equine passport’) for each animal if you keep any of the following:

horses

ponies

donkeys and asses

zebras

mules, hinnies or other hybrids

The passport is a document that:

describes the animal, for example by breed, colour, species

lists all vaccinations

names the registered owner

You only need a passport for semi-wild ponies on Dartmoor, Exmoor, Wicken Fen or in the New Forest if they’re not free to roam in these areas (for example, if you sometimes keep them enclosed on your land) or you have them treated by a vet.

Use your horse passport

You must keep a valid horse passport with your animal at all times. This includes at its stable or when you move it.

You need to provide your horse’s passport:

when a vet examines or treats your animal - the medication your animal can get depends on how it (your animal)’s categorised on its (your animal) passport (your horse’s passport)

if an animal health inspector, trading standards inspector or other enforcement officer asks to see it (your animal)

when you sell or give the animal (your animal) to someone else

You could get a fine if you cannot show a valid horse passport for an animal in your care.

If you buy a horse

Contact the Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO) within 30 days to update the passport ownership details.

If the seller does not give you the horse’s (a horse) passport (your horse’s passport), contact your local trading standards office for advice.

You might need to take additional steps if you import a horse from outside the UK.

When your horse dies

Within 30 days of the horse’s (your horse) death, return its (your horse) passport (your horse’s passport) to the PIO that issued it (the Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO)) (your horse’s passport). They (the Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO)) will update their (the Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO)) records and invalidate or destroy the passport (your horse’s passport).

If the passport (your horse’s passport) has been invalidated you may be able to get it (your horse’s passport) sent back to you. Ask the PIO (the Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO)) if this is possible.

If your horse was born before July 2009

Check if your horse is microchipped by:

looking at its (your horse) passport (your horse’s passport)

looking at the Digital Stable or the National Chipchecker

asking a vet to scan your horse for a microchip

If your horse does not have a microchip, you must:

get a vet to microchip it

update the passport

In England, you can be fined if your horse is not microchipped.

There are different rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Apply for a horse passport

If you own the horse or related animal, you must get a passport for it before it reaches 12 months of age.

How to apply

Apply through a Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO). If you have a pedigree animal, you need to register through a PIO that manages studbooks.

You need a vet to implant a microchip in your horse before you can apply.

Send your application by whichever date is later:

30 November of the animal’s (the horse or related animal) year of birth

within 6 months of the animal’s (the horse or related animal) birth

Applications can take up to 6 weeks. How much you pay depends on the PIO and type of animal.

A passport issued more than 12 months after birth will be treated as late. It will be issued as a duplicate or replacement passport and the animal (the horse or related animal) cannot be used as food for humans.

There’s no expiry on horse passports - they last an animal’s lifetime.

Update or replace a passport

You need to:

update the passport’s (a passport) details if they change, for example if you have a new microchip put in your horse

replace a passport if it gets lost

Update passport details

Contact the Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO) (a PIO that manages studbooks) to get your horse’s passport updated.

You can make updates through the Digital Stable in some instances.

Replace a lost passport

Contact the PIO that issued the original passport (a PIO that manages studbooks) (a lost passport) to request a duplicate or replacement.

If you do not know which PIO this (a PIO that manages studbooks) is, you can apply for a duplicate or replacement from another PIO. Apply to a PIO that manages studbooks if you have a pedigree.

Your horse will not be used as food when it dies if it’s given a duplicate or replacement passport.

You’re breaking the law if you apply for a replacement or duplicate passport when the original (a lost passport) is not lost.

If you find your original passport (a lost passport)

Send the passport (a lost passport) back to the PIO that issued it (a PIO that manages studbooks) (a lost passport). If the PIO (a PIO that manages studbooks) no longer exists or is not in the UK, then send it (a lost passport) to any appropriate UK PIO.

Import or export a horse or related animal

What you need to do depends on whether you’re importing or exporting the horse or related animal (a horse or related animal).

Importing

Any horse coming into the UK must have an up-to-date horse passport. This can come from:

a UK Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO)

an approved body from another country

If the horse will be in the UK for more than 90 days and does not have a UK horse passport, you must register the foreign passport with a UK PIO. You must apply within 30 days of the horse’s arrival.

Use a PIO that manages studbooks if you have a pedigree.

There are limited circumstances where you do not need to register the foreign passport with a UK PIO. A PIO will tell you if one of those circumstances apply if you contact them.

If you’re in England, Scotland or Wales, read more about the rules for:

importing horses from Northern Ireland, EU countries and Norway

importing horses from any other country

If you’re in Northern Ireland, read more about importing animals.

Exporting

You must keep the passport with the horse and follow the rules for:

exporting horses from England, Scotland or Wales

exporting animals from Northern Ireland

Get help

Contact the Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO) that issued the horse passport if you have any questions.

If you have concerns about the conduct of PIOs

Contact the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

You can also write to them.