VAT for charities

Overview

As a charity you do not pay VAT when you buy some goods and services.

Community amateur sports clubs (CASCs) do not qualify for the same VAT reliefs as charities.

How to get VAT relief

You must prove to the person who’s selling the goods or services to you that you’re eligible for relief. You do not need to be registered for VAT.

When you must register for VAT

You must register for VAT if your charity’s VAT taxable turnover (the total value of everything you sell that isn’t exempt from VAT) is more than £85,000.

You can choose to register if it’s below this (£85,000), for example if you want to reclaim VAT on your supplies.

Get help with VAT

Contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you have questions about VAT for your charity.

What qualifies for VAT relief

Charities pay VAT on all standard-rated goods and services they buy from VAT-registered businesses. They pay VAT at a reduced rate (5%) or the ‘zero rate’ on some goods and services.

What qualifies for the reduced rate (a reduced rate (5%))

Your charity pays 5% VAT on fuel and power if they’re for:

residential accommodation (for example, a children’s home or care home for the elderly)

charitable non-business activities (for example, free daycare for disabled people)

small-scale use (up to 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a month or a delivery of 2,300 litres of gas oil)

If less than 60% of the fuel and power is for something that qualifies, you’ll pay the reduced rate of VAT (a reduced rate (5%)) on the qualifying part and the standard rate (20%) on the rest.

Qualifying fuel and power includes gases, electricity, oils and solid fuels (such as coal). It does not include vehicle fuel.

What qualifies for the zero rate (the ‘zero rate’)

Find out about the conditions you must meet so that your charity pays no VAT (the zero rate) when you buy:

advertising and items for collecting donations

aids for disabled people

construction services

drugs and chemicals

equipment for making ‘talking’ books and newspapers

lifeboats and associated equipment, including fuel

medicine or ingredients for medicine

resuscitation training models

medical, veterinary and scientific equipment

ambulances

goods for disabled people

motor vehicles designed or adapted for a disability

rescue equipment

VAT-free goods from outside the UK

Charities do not pay VAT on goods imported from outside the UK as long as they’re benefiting people in need by providing:

basic necessities

equipment and office materials to help run your organisation for the benefit of people in need

goods to be used or sold at charity events

You can check which goods you can claim VAT relief for, as well as how to claim.

How to claim VAT relief

To get VAT relief you must give your supplier:

evidence that you’re a charity

a written declaration or ‘certificate’ confirming that you’re eligible for the relief

Evidence of charitable status

This (Evidence of charitable status) can be either your:

Charity Commission registration number

letter of recognition from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

Scottish and Northern Irish charities must provide their letter of recognition from HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Written declaration

You must give your supplier an eligibility declaration or certificate when they sell you goods or services at zero rate VAT. There are examples of declarations and certificates for different goods.

If you’re buying building or construction services at zero VAT, the certificate must follow a set format.

The written declaration or certificate (an eligibility declaration or certificate) should be separate from the order form or invoice for the goods or services your charity is buying.

Charities and VAT registration

As a charity, you must register for VAT with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) (HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if your VAT taxable turnover is more than £85,000.

You can choose to register if it (your VAT taxable turnover)’s below this, for example to reclaim VAT on your supplies.

If you’re registered for VAT you must send a return every 3 months.

Work out your taxable turnover

To work out your VAT taxable turnover (your taxable turnover) add up the total value of everything you sell in a 12-month period that is not:

exempt from VAT

outside the scope of VAT

Check what VAT rate applies to your charity’s activities.

Exempt from VAT

You cannot charge VAT on exempt goods and services (such as the provision of welfare services). You cannot normally reclaim VAT on any goods and services purchased in relation to an exempt business activity.

You cannot register for VAT if all your business activities are exempt from VAT.

Outside the scope of VAT

Income from non-business activities is ‘outside the scope’ of VAT (you cannot charge or reclaim VAT on them). This includes:

donations where nothing is given in return

grant funding given to support your charitable activities where nothing is given in return

activities where your organisation does not make a charge

Read more about what counts as a business activity.

Charging VAT

Once you’ve registered you must charge VAT at the correct rate on everything you supply.

Reclaiming VAT

If you’re registered you may be able to reclaim VAT when you file your VAT Return.

You can reclaim the VAT you were charged on goods and services relating to your taxable business activities.

Exports outside the UK

If you supply goods outside the UK free of charge (for example as aid), you can treat this as a zero-rate business activity (0% VAT) so you can reclaim the VAT on any associated costs.


Access to Elected Office Fund

Overview

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

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

UK Parliament

English local government

Greater London Assembly

mayoral elections (England only)

Police and Crime Commissioner

English parish and town councils

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

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

What you'll get

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

transport needs (if you have difficulty using public transport)

sign language interpreters

extra travel or accommodation costs if you need a carer

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

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

How you’re paid

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

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

Eligibility

You can apply to the Access to Elected Office Fund (This fund) if:

you’re eligible to stand for election

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

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

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


The electoral register and the 'open register'

Get on the electoral register

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

Use the register to vote service to:

get on the electoral register

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

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

What happens if you do not register

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

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

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

When you can register in more than one place

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

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

Register to vote twice if you live at 2 addresses.

The annual canvass

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

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

Canvass 2021 in Northern Ireland

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

Opt out of the 'open register'

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

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

How to opt out of the open register (the 'open register)

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

To opt out, either:

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

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

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

Opting out does not affect your right to vote.

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

The full version (the 'open register) and what it (the 'open register) can be used for

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

The full version of the register (the 'open register) (the electoral register) can only be used for:

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

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

preventing and detecting crime

checking applications for loans or credit

jury summoning in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

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

View the electoral register (the 'open register)

Contact:

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

Search historical versions of the electoral register

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


Appeal a magistrates’ court decision

What you can appeal

You can appeal to the magistrates’ court against your:

sentence, if you pleaded guilty

conviction and sentence, if you pleaded not guilty

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

Ask the court to reconsider a decision

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

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

If you did not know about your court case

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

Change the amount you’ve been fined

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

your financial circumstances have changed

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

Ask the court to reconsider a decision

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

give proper reasons for its (the court) decision (a decision), or back up the decision (a decision) with facts

apply the law properly

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

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

How to get a decision reconsidered

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

You must include:

information about your conviction, sentence or court order

why you think the decision should change

what the conviction, sentence or order (your conviction, sentence or court order) should be changed to

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

The court (a magistrates’ court) will decide if a hearing is needed.

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

If the court (a magistrates’ court) accepts your declaration (a statutory declaration) they (a magistrates’ court) will start the proceedings again. Your conviction or sentence will no longer apply.

When to make your declaration (a statutory declaration)

You must give your completed declaration to the court (a magistrates’ court) within 21 days of finding out about your case (your court case).

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

Making a statutory declaration

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

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

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

Sign and date your form (a statutory declaration).

Give your declaration (a statutory declaration) to the court (a magistrates’ court) or ask your solicitor to do it.

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

Get a fine reviewed

You can ask the court (a magistrates’ court) to change a fine if:

the court (a magistrates’ court) did not know your income when they (a magistrates’ court) convicted you

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

How to ask for a review

Write to the court (a magistrates’ court) or go to your court hearing with evidence of your income and living expenses.

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

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

What happens next

The court (a magistrates’ court) will decide if the decision should be reconsidered.

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

Appeal to the Crown Court

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

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

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

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

When to appeal

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

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

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

The court hearing

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

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

The hearing (a hearing) is usually held at your nearest Crown Court.

What happens at the hearing (a hearing)

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

The judge might also ask you questions during the hearing (a hearing).

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

Stopping your appeal

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

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

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

If you win your appeal

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

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

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

If you lose your appeal

Your original sentence or conviction might change.

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


Appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Tax and Chancery)

Overview

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

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

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

General Regulatory Chamber - for cases about charities

The tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Tax and Chancery Chamber)) is independent of government and will listen to both sides of the argument before making a decision.

Financial services cases

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

Financial Conduct Authority

Prudential Regulation Authority

Pensions Regulator

Bank of England

HM Treasury

Ofgem

Decisions by the Secretary of State or Trade Remedies Authority

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

Help you can get

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

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

You can get free advice from:

Citizens Advice

TaxAid

TaxHelp for Older People, if you’re over 60

Call or email the tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Tax and Chancery Chamber)) if you have any questions about the process. The tribunal (the Upper Tribunal (Tax and Chancery Chamber)) cannot give you legal advice.

How to appeal

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

Ask the tribunal that made the decision (another tribunal) (the decision of another tribunal) for permission within:

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

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

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

Read the guidance on appealing.

If you’re refused permission

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

You must include a copy of:

the first-tier tribunal’s (another tribunal) full decision

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

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

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

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

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

The tribunal (another tribunal) hearing

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

The tribunal (another tribunal) will decide which party wins the case.

You’ll normally be told the outcome of the case within 3 months of the hearing (The tribunal (another tribunal) hearing).

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

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

Preparing for the hearing (The tribunal (another tribunal) hearing)

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

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

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

Decisions without hearings

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

Getting a time extension

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

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

If you lose your case

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

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

Ask for permission

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

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

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

The Court of Appeal in England and Wales

The Court of Session in Scotland

The Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland

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

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

If you’re refused permission

You can ask the relevant higher court for permission.

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

Legislation and previous decisions

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

Previous decisions

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

Legislation

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

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


Being taken to an employment tribunal

Overview

You can be taken to an employment tribunal by an employee or someone else (for example a job applicant or trade union) over various issues, including:

pay

dismissal

discrimination

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

The tribunal (an employment tribunal) is independent of government and will listen to you (the ‘respondent’) and the other party (the ‘claimant’) before making a decision.

You may have to pay compensation or reinstate the claimant (the other party (the ‘claimant’)) if you lose the case.

Solve the dispute without a hearing

You’ll be contacted by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) if someone wants to make a claim against you. They’ll offer to work with you and the claimant to try to solve the problem (the dispute) without it (the dispute) going to a tribunal - this is called ‘conciliation’.

Call Acas (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas)) for help and advice.

Respond to a claim

The tribunal (an employment tribunal) will send you a letter (known as a ‘response pack’) if a claim has been made against you and conciliation has not worked. You can respond either:

online

by filling out and returning the response pack you’re sent

by downloading and filling in the response form and sending it to the tribunal office dealing with the case

Read the response guidance before you fill in the form (the response form).

You must respond to the claim (a claim) within 28 days.

You may be able to get more time to respond - ask the tribunal (an employment tribunal). If you’re late or do not respond, the tribunal (an employment tribunal) may make a decision against you without a hearing.

Offer the claimant compensation

You can try to settle the case at any time by offering to pay compensation to the claimant (known as a ‘settlement agreement’).

Get help or legal advice

You may want to get legal advice if a claim is made against you.

Call the employment tribunal enquiry line for general guidance on how the process works. They cannot give you legal advice.

If you’re in Northern Ireland

Your case will be dealt with by the Office of Industrial Tribunals and the Fair Employment Tribunal.

Before the hearing

You’ll be given at least 14 days’ notice before the hearing - you’ll get a letter confirming this. You must prepare documents and arrange for witnesses to attend in advance.

‘Preliminary hearing’

You may be asked to go to an initial hearing (called a preliminary hearing) with the judge to decide on things like:

the date and time of a hearing

how long the hearing (a hearing) should take

The tribunal (an employment tribunal) will let you know if you’ll have to give evidence or provide any extra information.

Arrange documents

You can ask the claimant for documents that will help you with the case (Your case), and they (the claimant) can request documents from you.

Examples of documents include:

a contract of employment

pay slips

details of a pension scheme

notes from relevant meetings

Usually the tribunal (an employment tribunal) will issue an order setting out a timetable for when you should exchange documents.

You’ll be sent a letter telling you how many copies of each document to bring to the hearing.

Organise witnesses

You can bring witnesses to the hearing if they can give evidence directly relevant to the case (Your case).

If you ask a witness to attend and they do not want to, you can ask the tribunal (an employment tribunal) to order them to come. You must apply in writing to the tribunal office dealing with the case (Your case), giving:

the name and address of the witness

details of what the witness may be able to say and how it will help the case (Your case)

the reason the witness has refused to attend (if they gave you one)

You’ll most likely be responsible for paying the witness’s (the witness) expenses.

At the hearing

Cases are normally held at the employment tribunal office closest to where you worked.

You must take the documents you’re using to support the case (Your case).

You cannot claim for expenses for going to the hearing.

What happens at the hearing

You’ll present the case (Your case) to the tribunal (an employment tribunal) - someone else can do this for you, such as a lawyer, friend or family member. The claimant will present their case against you.

You may be asked questions by:

the judge

the claimant

2 other tribunal members (only in certain tribunals)

Get a decision

You’ll be sent the decision (a decision) in the post a few days or weeks after the hearing. The decision (a decision) will be published on GOV.UK. In certain cases you may also be given the decision (a decision) at the hearing.

If you win the case

In most cases, you will not be awarded any compensation if you win. However, if the claimant acted unreasonably or if their (The claimant) case (Your case) had no hope of success, you can ask to be awarded costs by the tribunal (an employment tribunal).

If you lose the case

If you lose, the tribunal (an employment tribunal) can order you to do certain things depending on the type of case. Examples include:

giving the claimant their job back

paying compensation if you cannot give the claimant their (the claimant) job (their job) back

paying witness expenses

paying damages or loss of earnings

Pay compensation

Paying compensation is the most common outcome of a tribunal. There can be limits to the amount of money a tribunal can award. There’s no limit in cases of discrimination.

The tribunal (an employment tribunal) usually works out the amount based on the financial loss the person (the claimant) has suffered as a result of your actions.

Interest is calculated from the day the judgment is received, but you will not have to pay interest if you pay the full compensation award within 14 days.

You can be taken to court and forced to pay. You can also be fined and named online by the government if you do not pay.

Pay back state benefits

You might have to pay back any Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support or Employment Support Allowance (ESA) that the claimant claimed while taking their case to the tribunal (an employment tribunal).

This (pay) is to prevent them (The claimant) from getting paid twice.

The tribunal (an employment tribunal) and the Compensation Recovery Unit will tell you what you need to do and how much to pay.

If you disagree with a tribunal decision

You can ask the tribunal (an employment tribunal) to reconsider the decision (a tribunal decision) if you lose the case.

You must write to the tribunal office within 14 days of getting the decision (a tribunal decision), saying why you want it (a tribunal decision) to be reconsidered.

You need to give good reasons, such as:

the tribunal (an employment tribunal) made a mistake in the way it (an employment tribunal) reached its (an employment tribunal) decision

you were not told about the hearing

new evidence has turned up since the hearing

Send your letter to the tribunal office that dealt with the case (the tribunal office).

Appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal

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

Legislation

The Employment Tribunal (an employment tribunal) follows certain rules and processes that you also have to follow.

You can also read other relevant tribunal rules and regulations.

The tribunal (an employment tribunal) has issued guidance and practice directions which provides more information about specific areas, such as postponing hearings and serving documents.

You can also read guidance about specific cases.


Drink-drive rehabilitation courses

When you can take a course

You can be offered a rehabilitation course to reduce your driving ban if:

you’re found guilty of a drink-drive offence

your ban (your driving ban) is for 12 months or more

You have to pay to take the course (a course). It (a course) can cost up to £250.

Reducing the length of your ban (your driving ban)

Your ban (your driving ban) will be reduced if you complete the course (a course) within a certain time. The ban (your driving ban) is usually reduced by a quarter.

Deciding to take a course

You have to decide in court if you want to take a course or not. You cannot change your mind later.

There’s a different process for taking a drink-drive course in Northern Ireland.

Choose a course

Before you go to court, find a drink-drive course that you want to take if you’re found guilty and offered a course.

The court (court) will send your details to the course provider. They’ll then send you details of:

the available course dates

when you must complete your course by

You’re responsible for completing the course (a course) by the deadline.

Changing courses

You can change to another course with a different provider at any point before you book. It’s free to change your course.

Ask the provider of the course you’d originally chosen (the course provider) to arrange this (change).

How the course works

The course aims to stop you from drink-driving again. They:

are face-to-face

take place over 16 hours (usually run on 3 days spread over 3 weeks)

will have other drink-drive offenders at them

The course syllabus tells you more about what’s covered during the course.

After the course

You’ll get a ‘certificate of course completion’ from the course provider when you complete the course. They (the course provider)’ll also send a copy to the court that sentenced you (court).

The court (court) will tell DVLA so that your driving ban is reduced.

Your driving ban will not be reduced if you do not complete the course or do not pay for your course.

If you’re a ‘high risk offender’

You need to reapply for a driving licence and take a medical if you’re classified as a ‘high risk offender’. Check with your course provider if you’re not sure if you are.

Complain about a course

Complain to the course provider if you’re not happy with the course (a course).

Contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVLA) if you cannot sort out the problem with the course provider.


Legal aid

Overview

Legal aid can help meet the costs of legal advice, family mediation and representation in a court or tribunal.

You’ll usually need to show that:

your case is eligible for legal aid

the problem is serious

you cannot afford to pay for legal costs

You could for example get legal aid if:

you or your family are at risk of abuse or serious harm, for example domestic violence or forced marriage

you’re at risk of homelessness or losing your home

you’ve been accused of a crime, face prison or detention

you’re being discriminated against

you need family mediation

you’re adding legal arguments or bringing a case under the Human Rights Act

You’ll usually need to show that you cannot afford to pay for this help (legal aid). You may have to pay some money towards the legal costs of your case or pay costs back later.

Check if you can get legal aid to get help with civil cases. Your legal adviser will usually apply for legal aid on your behalf.

Legal aid rules are different in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

What you can get

You could get help with the costs of legal advice or getting someone to speak or negotiate for you.

You may have to pay some money towards the legal costs of your case.

If your problem is covered by legal aid and you qualify you could get:

advice on your rights and options

help with negotiations and paperwork

help if you’re accused of a crime, for example advice at a police station

a solicitor or barrister to get your case ready and speak on your behalf in court and some tribunals

What you can get legal aid for

You might be able to get legal aid for problems like:

homelessness or losing your home, or if it (your home)’s in serious disrepair

protecting yourself or your child from abuse or harassment, for example domestic violence or forced marriage

poor quality care you or a family member are getting due to age, disability or special educational needs

needing advice on finances, children or divorce if you’ve been in an abusive relationship

a child in your family being at risk of being taken into care

family mediation, for example if you’re separating or getting a divorce

discrimination

challenging the way the government has made a decision about you

seeking asylum or if you’ve been the victim of human trafficking

being arrested, charged or questioned by the police

needing representation at a mental health tribunal or inquest

appealing a decision made by the social security tribunal about your benefits to the Upper Tribunal, Court of Appeal or Supreme Court

Exceptional case funding

You may be able to get legal aid in other exceptional cases, if you can show that being refused legal aid would infringe:

your rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)

your EU rights to legal representation

Get advice from a legal adviser about whether you’re eligible and how to apply.

You can also apply directly to the Exceptional Case Funding team at the Legal Aid Agency.

Eligibility

Whether you qualify for legal aid will depend on:

the type of case

your financial circumstances

Civil (non-criminal) cases

Civil cases include things like debt, family or housing problems. To get legal aid, you usually need to show you cannot afford to pay for legal costs and your problem is serious.

You’ll usually have to give details and evidence of your income, benefits, savings and property, and those of your partner. If you’re under 18, you may need to give information about your parents’ or guardians’ income.

Your financial situation is not taken into account for cases about:

mental health tribunals

children in care

child abduction

You may also have to provide evidence about your problem, for example in a divorce case by providing a court order or GP letter showing that you or your child have been a victim of abuse.

Check if you qualify for legal aid to get help with civil cases.

Paying the costs of your case

Legal aid might not cover all the costs of your case (the costs of your case). You may have to:

pay some of the costs (the costs of your case) upfront

pay back some of the cost if you win money or property from your case

Read about paying for legal aid.

The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) (the Legal Aid Agency) will make a charge or claim – known as the ‘statutory charge’ – on any money or property you win. If this is your home, payment can be deferred and the debt placed as a charge on your home (similar to a mortgage).

Your legal adviser will explain how this works.

Contact the LAA’s (the Legal Aid Agency) Secured Debt Team to discuss how to pay.

If legal aid is withdrawn, you may have to repay the full legal costs.

Criminal cases

You have the right to free legal advice if you’re questioned at a police station.

You’ll automatically get legal aid for legal representation in court if you’re under 16 (or under 18 and in full-time education) or on certain benefits.

Alternatives to legal aid

If you cannot get legal aid, you may be able to get free advice from:

the Law Centres Network

Citizens Advice

AdviceNow

You can also pay for advice from a local legal adviser or solicitor.

How to claim

Check if you can get legal aid in England or Wales.

Search for a legal aid solicitor if you’re in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Your legal adviser or family mediator will apply for legal aid on your behalf. If you qualify, the government will pay their costs directly.

Getting legal aid in an emergency

You can get emergency help if you need urgent representation in court, for example to keep you and your children safe from domestic abuse.

Your legal adviser will apply for Emergency Legal Representation to cover any immediate action. You still need to apply for legal aid in the normal way for any ongoing work.

Criminal cases

A police custody officer will help you get legal aid if you’ve been arrested and held at a police station. You’ll be offered free advice:

by telephone (if the offence is less serious)

from the police station’s (a police station) duty solicitor

from your own legal adviser

If you’re charged or go to court

A solicitor will check if you qualify for legal aid if you’re charged with a crime or have to go to court. You can then:

get advice from the same organisation that helped you at the police station

ask to speak to the court duty solicitor (the police station’s (a police station) duty solicitor)

find your own criminal legal aid solicitor

What you need to bring to your legal adviser

You’ll need to give information about the following for both yourself and your partner:

benefits - including benefits statements

income, savings and spending - including pay slips and bank statements

National Insurance numbers

You’ll also need copies of evidence relating to your case, eg:

court documents

marriage and birth certificates (for family cases)

relevant letters

Tell your legal adviser if any of your financial circumstances change.

Domestic abuse or violence

You might be able to get legal aid if you have evidence that you or your children have been victims of domestic abuse or violence and you cannot afford to pay legal costs.

You do not have to get evidence before talking to a legal aid solicitor or Civil Legal Advice (CLA), but they’ll need to see it before deciding whether you can get legal aid.

What counts as domestic abuse for legal aid

You or your children must have been victims of either:

domestic abuse or violence

financial control, for example being stopped from accessing a joint bank account

What counts as evidence

You’ll usually need to show that you or your children were at risk of harm from an ex-partner.

You can ask for evidence from:

the courts

the police

a multi-agency risk assessment conference (MARAC)

social services

a health professional, for example a doctor, nurse, midwife, psychologist or health visitor

a refuge manager

a domestic violence support service

your bank, for example credit card accounts, loan documents and statements

your employer, or education or training provider

the provider of any benefits you’ve received

How to get evidence

You can download and print a sample letter to send to the police, courts, or medical and social services.

This helps you get the proof you need, depending on whether:

you’ve been a victim

your children have been victims

Give the letter to the person you’re asking to provide evidence. They’ll be able to fill in the details for you.

You might have to pay a fee for this.

When you have the evidence

Show the evidence to your legal aid solicitor or CLA adviser.

Legal problems abroad

You can apply for legal aid in:

Albania

Austria

Azerbaijan

Belgium

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bulgaria

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Georgia

Greece

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Montenegro

Netherlands

North Macedonia

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Serbia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Turkey

Ukraine

You can get help with your application from a publicly funded solicitor, including getting documents translated.

Contact the embassy or consulate of that country or the Legal Aid Agency to find out how to apply.


Represent yourself in court

Overview

You have the right to speak for yourself in court without a solicitor or other legal professional.

You may choose to do this (speak) because:

you think it’s better to talk directly to the judge, jury or magistrates yourself

you cannot afford to pay legal fees

If you’re considering representing yourself because you cannot afford legal costs, check if you can get legal aid instead.

You’ll be known as a ‘litigant in person’ if you represent yourself. You’ll also be known as an ‘applicant’, ‘respondent’ or ‘defendant’ depending on whether your case is heard in a family, civil or criminal court.

Read Advicenow’s guides to going to court for advice on how to conduct your case.

There are different courts and rules in Scotland.

Someone with you in court

You may be allowed to have someone to help you in court by taking notes and giving advice, but they (Someone with you in court) cannot:

speak for you

interfere with proceedings

sign documents on your behalf

This person (Someone with you in court) is known as a ‘McKenzie friend’.

The judge will decide whether you can have a McKenzie friend with you in court.

Read guidance on what a McKenzie friend can and cannot do.

Get legal advice

You can still get legal advice to help you with your case, even if you choose to represent yourself in court.

Find a solicitor.

Read advice on what you should consider before going to court for a debt, dispute or personal injury claim.

Divorce and separation involving children

You’ll be referred to as the ‘applicant’ if you brought the case, for example you filed the divorce papers.

You’ll be known as the ‘respondent’ if you’ve received divorce papers or a request for a separation, or a contact order or residence order for a child.

Before you go to court

You must normally go to mediation before you go to court.

The court will not hear your case until you send them a C100 form.

Read guidance about whether you should take your case to court.

Read the ‘Guide for Separated Parents: Children and the Family Courts’.

Find out more about:

how to apply for a court order

the types of court order you can apply for or respond to

what the court does after you apply for a court order

getting free and independent help with forms and documents

Divorce and separation: money and property

You’ll be referred to as the:

‘applicant’ if you brought the case, for example you filed a divorce petition

‘respondent’ if someone else has brought the case

Find out what you must do before you go to court if you’re divorcing or separating and you’ve a dispute about money or property.

You must normally consider mediation before you go to court.

The court will not hear your case until you send them (The court) a C100 form.


Prison life

Arriving at prison

When someone arrives at prison they have at least one interview and assessment with a qualified professional so they:

know what their (someone) rights are

get help with their (someone) physical and mental health, for example with sexual health or drug and alcohol problems

are told what courses they (someone) can do in prison

understand prison rules and procedures

The prisoner (someone) gets a prisoner number and their (someone) property is recorded and put somewhere safe until they (someone)’re released.

Security categories

Prisoners are given a security category based on:

how likely they (Prisoners) are to try to escape

their (Prisoners) risk of causing harm to other prisoners and prison staff

A prisoner (Prisoners) may be transferred to another prison with a different security category at any time.

Prisoner privileges and rights

Prisoners who follow rules can earn privileges. This is called the ‘Incentives and Earned Privileges Scheme’. A prisoner may be able to:

get more visits from family or friends

be allowed to spend more money each week

Privileges are different in each prison - staff can explain to the prisoner (A prisoner) how the scheme works.

Rights

Prisoners have rights, including:

protection from bullying and racial harassment

being able to get in contact with a solicitor

healthcare - including support for a mental health condition

All prisoners should be able to spend between 30 minutes and an hour outside in the open air each day.

Punishments

A prisoner who breaks prison rules is normally punished. They can be:

kept in their (A prisoner who breaks prison rules) cell for up to 21 days

given up to 42 extra days in prison on top of their (A prisoner who breaks prison rules) original sentence

The prison can take away privileges, for example removing a TV from a cell.

Healthcare in prison

Prisoners get the same healthcare and treatment as anyone outside of prison.

Treatment is free but has to be approved by a prison doctor or member of the healthcare team.

Prisons do not have hospitals, but many have in-patient beds.

Most problems are dealt with by the healthcare team. If they (the healthcare team) cannot, the prison may:

get an expert to visit the prison

arrange for treatment in an outside hospital

The healthcare team can ask the prisoner’s family doctor for their records, but only if the prisoner agrees to it.

Special help and support

Prisoners can get specialist support, for example if they:

have drug or alcohol problems

have HIV or AIDS

are disabled or have a learning difficulty

Refusing medical treatment

A prisoner can refuse treatment. However, the healthcare team may choose to give treatment if the prisoner (the prisoner’s) is not capable of making decisions themselves (the prisoner’s) (for example they (the prisoner’s) have a mental health condition).

Wherever possible, the healthcare team will discuss this with the prisoner’s family first.

Vulnerable prisoners

Staff are trained to spot prisoners at risk of bullying, suicide or self-harm. The prisoner may get their own case manager who will make sure they:

are asked about their (The prisoner) mental health, for example if they (The prisoner)’re feeling depressed

get regular support from a health specialist

Most prisons also have ‘listener schemes’ that offer emotional support in confidence - normally from fellow prisoners.

Psychiatric hospitals

A prisoner can be moved to a secure psychiatric hospital for their own safety. This only happens if they meet certain conditions under the Mental Health Act.

Once the prisoner (A prisoner) gets better, they (A prisoner) return to prison.

If you’re worried about a prisoner

If you’re worried about a prisoner:

tell a member of prison staff when you visit

contact the prison’s ‘Safer Custody Team’

Some prisons run confidential Safer Custody hotlines where you can leave a message explaining your concerns. Find a prison and check the contact section for details.

Pregnancy and childcare in prison

Women who give birth in prison can keep their baby for the first 18 months in a mother and baby unit.

A prisoner with a child under 18 months old can apply to bring their child to prison with them.

Social Services arrange for children over 18 months to be cared for (for example by the prisoner’s parents, or fostering).

Applying for a place in a mother and baby unit

The prisoner (children over 18 months) can apply for a space in a mother and baby unit when they (children over 18 months) enter prison.

An admissions board will decide if it’s the best thing for the child (a child under 18 months old).

If there are no places in the prison the mother first goes to, they may be offered a place in another unit.

If there are no spaces in any unit, arrangements must be made for the child to be cared for outside prison.

If the mother is refused a place they (the mother) can appeal - the prison will explain how.

Separation plans are made when the mother enters prison if the child will reach 18 months before her (the mother) sentence is over.

For prisoners with sentences of 18 months or over, arrangements are normally made for the child to be cared for outside prison.

Prisons with mother and baby units

The following prisons have mother and baby units:

Bronzefield

Eastwood Park

Styal

New Hall

Peterborough

Askham Grange

Education and work in prison

Courses are normally available to help prisoners get new skills, for example learning to read and write, use computers and do basic maths. Most prisoners get an Individual Learning Plan listing courses and training.

Qualifications and skills

Most courses lead to qualifications that are recognised by employers outside prison, for example GCSEs or NVQs. Prisoners may be able to do a distance learning course, for example Open University.

A prisoner can learn skills, for example woodwork, engineering or gardening.

Working in prison

Many prisoners get the chance to work while carrying out their sentence, for example making clothes and furniture or electrical engineering.

This (work) is done in prison workshops and is normally paid work.

Prisoners can also work around the prison itself, for example in kitchens and laundries.

A ‘low-risk’ prisoner may be allowed to work in the community.

You can find out what education and work
opportunities each prison offers.


After a crime: your rights

Your rights

You have the right to contact the police and be kept informed about the investigation if you’re:

the victim of a crime

You have different rights if you’re the victim of a crime in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

When you report the crime

The police must give you:

written confirmation of the crime you’ve reported

a crime (the crime) reference number

contact details for the police officer dealing with your case

They (the police) must also:

tell you clearly what will happen next

tell you how often they (the police)’ll give you an update on their (the police) investigation (the investigation)

carry out a ‘needs assessment’ to find out what support you should get

ask a victim support organisation to contact you within 2 days

They (the police) must also ask if you want to write a statement about how the crime has affected you. This is called a ‘victim personal statement’. It can be used later when the court is deciding on a punishment.

During the police investigation (the investigation)

The police must give you updates on their (the police) investigation (the investigation), and tell you within 5 days when a suspect is:

arrested or charged

set free or released on bail

given a caution, reprimand, final warning, or penalty notice

When the police have finished their (the police) investigation, they (the police) can pass the information to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) who then decide if there’s enough evidence to take the case (your case) to court.

If the police or the CPS decide to drop the charge, they must tell you within 5 days. You can ask for a review if you disagree with their decision.

Privacy

The police might give some information about the crime to the media to help with the investigation. They (the police)’ll normally ask your permission before they (the police) do this.

If you’ve been the victim of a sexual assault or rape, it’s against the law for anyone to publish your name, photo or anything else that could identify you.

If the case (your case) goes to court

Your local Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) must tell you immediately where and when the trial will be.

If you’re asked to give evidence, the police will pass your details to a Witness Care Officer who will support you before and during the trial.

If the defendant is found guilty, you may be able to read your victim personal statement (a statement about how the crime has affected you) to them.

After the trial ends, your Witness Care Officer (the defendant) must tell you:

the verdict - within 24 hours

what sentence the offender gets - if they’re found guilty

if the offender appeals their (the offender) conviction or sentence

You can also:

claim compensation - if the crime was violent

get free help and advice from the Victims’ Information Service or Victim Contact Scheme

meet the offender (‘restorative justice’) - contact your local victim support organisation to arrange this

If the crime was serious or you're vulnerable

You may get extra support if you:

are the victim of a serious crime

are under 18

have a mental health condition or lack mental capacity

have a disability

are a close relative of someone who died because of a crime - for example their partner, child or sibling

have been a victim of crime repeatedly - for example you’re being targeted, harassed or stalked

Serious crimes

You’re the victim of a serious crime if it was:

arson with intent to endanger life

attempted murder

domestic abuse

kidnapping or false imprisonment

a hate crime

human trafficking

a sexual offence

terrorism

wounding or grievous bodily harm with intent

What support you’ll get

You’re entitled to:

get information quicker - usually within 24 hours

protection in court if you need to give evidence

specialist help and advice

a Family Liaison Officer - if you’re a close relative of the victim

Contact the police officer dealing with your case or your local Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) about getting this extra help (extra support).

Make a complaint

You can complain if you’ve been:

treated unprofessionally, disrespectfully or insensitively

discriminated against

The Victim’s Code has full details of how the police, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and other organisations should treat you if you’re the victim of crime.

Make your complaint (a complaint) to the organisation you want to complain about. For example:

the police

the CPS or your Witness Care Officer

the court

The organisation (the organisation you want to complain about) must confirm they (the organisation you want to complain about)’ve received your complaint (a complaint) within 10 days.

If you do not agree with the decision

You can complain to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman if you do not agree with the decision about your complaint (the decision) (a complaint).


Get an injunction if you've been the victim of domestic abuse

How to apply

You can apply for an ‘injunction’ if you’ve been the victim of domestic abuse. An injunction is a court order that either:

protects you or your child from being harmed or threatened by the person who’s abused you - this is called a ‘non-molestation order’

decides who can live in the family home or enter the surrounding area - this is called an ‘occupation order’

The person named in the injunction (An injunction) can be arrested if they break it (An injunction).

Get advice on applying for an injunction from a charity, for example Refuge, Women’s Aid, Citizens Advice or the Men’s Advice Line.

You may be able to get free legal representation.

If you’re in immediate danger of being abused or have been abused, report it to the police.

Apply online

You can use the RCJ Citizens Advice CourtNav service to prepare an injunction application online.

You’ll need to:

create an online account

explain what happened to you

include the name and address of the person who’s abused you (The person named in the injunction (An injunction))

As part of your application (an injunction application), you can choose a law firm to review it (an injunction application).

If you’re unable to get legal aid or pay for legal advice, your application (an injunction application) can be sent back to a legal adviser at RCJ Citizens Advice to check for free.

The legal adviser (a legal adviser at RCJ Citizens Advice) will tell you if you need to make a court application and how to submit one.

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19), your hearing may take place over a video or phone call. If you need a face-to-face hearing, you’ll need to explain why in your application.

Apply by email or post

Follow these steps to apply for an injunction by email or post.

Check if you’re eligible to apply for a non-molestation order or an occupation order.

Download and fill in the application form (form FL401) and make 2 copies.

Write your witness statement telling the court what has happened and asking for the relevant order.

At the bottom of the witness statement (the application form (form FL401)) write a statement of truth. Use the following words: “I believe that the facts stated in this witness statement are true.” Sign and date the statement of truth.

Download and fill in form C8 if you want to keep your address and telephone number private.

Email or send all the documents to a court which deals with domestic abuse cases - there’s no fee.

Many courts are closed because of coronavirus (coronavirus (COVID-19)). You’ll need to check that the court (a court which deals with domestic abuse cases) is open and staffed before you send in your application.

Emergency orders

If you need protection immediately, ask for an emergency order when you apply. You do not have to tell the person you want protection from that you’re applying so it’s known as a ‘without notice’ or ‘ex-parte’ application.

The court will hold a hearing which you must attend. It (the court) may issue an order at the hearing.

You’ll still have to tell that person (the person you want protection from that you’re applying) about your application after the order (an order) has been issued.

An emergency order will usually last until your hearing (a hearing which you must attend).

If you’re 17 or under

If you’re under 16 you’ll need permission to apply from the High Court (the court).

If you’re 16 or 17 you’ll need to appoint a ‘litigation friend’ to represent you in court – this is usually a parent, family member or close friend.

After you’ve applied

After you’ve applied you must arrange for the person you’re applying to get an injunction against (the person you want protection from that you’re applying) to be told about your application.

Who can apply: non-molestation order

You can usually apply if you’re a victim of domestic abuse and the person you want to be protected from (‘the respondent’) is:

someone you’re having or have had a relationship with

a family member

someone you’re living or have lived with

Check the following lists to make sure you can apply.

If you’re under 16 you need permission from the High Court (the court) to apply.

Husband, wife, civil partner or other relationship

You can apply if you’re a victim of domestic abuse and the respondent is your:

husband, wife or civil partner

former husband, former wife or former civil partner

fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner

former fiancé, former fiancée or former proposed civil partner – if your engagement or agreement to form a civil partnership ended less than 3 years ago

boyfriend, girlfriend, partner or a person you’re in or have been in a relationship with for more than 6 months

If you were engaged to or had agreed to form a civil partnership with the respondent, you’ll need to provide evidence, such as a ring or statement from a witness who attended a ceremony or celebration.

Family member

You can apply if the respondent is a close family member, for example a parent, brother, sister, aunt or uncle.

People who have parental responsibility for your child or grandchild

You can apply if you have a child or grandchild (your child or grandchild) and the respondent is the child’s (your child or grandchild) parent or person you share parental responsibility with.

If your child (or grandchild) has been adopted, you can also apply to get an injunction against their (your child or grandchild):

adoptive parent

anyone who has applied to adopt them (your child or grandchild)

anyone the child (your child or grandchild) has been placed with for adoption

You can also apply for an order against the child or grandchild (your child or grandchild) if they (your child or grandchild)’ve been adopted.

You can report anyone who abuses you to your neighbourhood police team.

Who can apply: occupation order

You can apply for an occupation order (occupation order) if you’re a victim of domestic abuse and meet the requirements. The order (occupation order) will say who can live in the family home or enter the surrounding area.

You can apply if:

you own or rent the home and it is, was, or was intended to be shared with a husband or wife, civil partner, cohabitant, family member, person you’re engaged to or parent of your child

you do not own or rent the home but you’re married or in a civil partnership with the owner and you’re living in the home (known as ‘matrimonial home rights’)

your former husband, wife or civil partner is the owner or tenant, and the home is, was, or was intended to be your shared matrimonial home

the person you cohabit or cohabited with is the owner or tenant, and the home is, was, or was intended to be your shared home

After you submit your application

You’ll be given a document called a ‘Notice of Proceedings’ by the court. This tells you when your court hearing will take place.

Telling people about your application

The court will send you back a sealed copy of your application. You must arrange for the sealed copy and your witness statement to be ‘served’ on the person named in the application (your application). This means making sure they get a copy of the documents in person.

Your solicitor will do this (arrange) if you’re using one or you can ask the court to serve the documents (the sealed copy and your witness statement) for free.

Do not serve the documents (the sealed copy and your witness statement) yourself.

Your court hearing

Your hearing (your court hearing) will be held in private (sometimes called ‘in chambers’). In most cases only you and the person you’re applying for an injunction against (the person named in the application (your application)), and any legal representatives, can attend. Read about what to expect when you go to a court hearing.

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19), your hearing (your court hearing) may take place over a video or phone call.

The court will provide an interpreter if you asked for one when you applied for the injunction. They can translate what happens during the hearing (your court hearing) but they cannot represent you or give you legal advice.

Contact the court before the hearing (your court hearing) if you need support or extra protection.

The judge may make a decision without a hearing if, for example:

you’re self-isolating because of coronavirus (coronavirus (COVID-19))

the person you’re applying for an injunction against (the person named in the application (your application)) lives with you

This is called ‘on paper’.

Get a decision

At the end of the hearing (your court hearing) the court will make one of the following decisions:

the person you’ve applied for an injunction against (the person named in the application (your application)) must make an ‘undertaking’ (a promise) to do or not do something

you must provide more information - the court may issue a short-term order (an ‘interim order’) to protect you while you get this information

it (the court) will issue an order - when that ends they (the court) may hold another hearing to decide whether to renew the order

You’ll get a copy of the order (an order) if the court issues one. It (an order) will say what the respondent (the person named in the application (your application)) can and cannot do.

If your order (an order) expires and you still want protection, you’ll have to apply again.

After the hearing (your court hearing)

You must arrange for the order (an order) to be ‘served’ on the respondent (the person named in the application (your application)). This means making sure they (the person named in the application (your application)) get a copy of the order (an order) in person.

If you have a solicitor, they will arrange for the documents to be served. If you do not have a solicitor you can:

ask the court to serve the documents - you will not need to pay for this

hire a professional process server to serve the documents

Do not serve the documents yourself.

The court will send the order (an order) and the statement of service to the officer in charge of your neighbourhood police station or the police station named in the court order.

If the person named in your injunction (the person named in the application (your application)) does not follow the court order (an order), you can call the police.

Complaints and appeals

You can complain to the court where you had the hearing (the court) if you’re unhappy with the service they (the court) provided.

You may be able to make an appeal about the decision if you think there’s been a serious mistake. You’ll have to get permission to make the appeal and there’s usually a fee. Read the guidance on how to make an appeal.


Youth crime prevention programmes

Overview

There are various prevention programmes that work to keep young people away from crime. They are run within local communities, and can involve parents and families.

Young people are placed on these programmes if:

they (Young people) have been in trouble with the police

they (Young people)’re ‘at risk’ of committing a crime

they (Young people)’re involved in anti-social behaviour

Attending one of these programmes is voluntary. The young person and their parents or carers have to be happy with everything before it starts.

Many programmes are run by the council’s local youth offending team or by other local organisations like youth charities.

To find out about youth crime prevention programmes in your area, contact your local youth offending team.

How young people are put on a programme

Young people are usually sent - or ‘referred’ - to one of these programmes by the police or the youth offending team (the council’s local youth offending team).

However, they (Young people) can also be referred by a teacher, social worker or parent.

Assessment - making sure it’s the right programme

Before anything happens, the youth workers running the prevention programme will assess the young person to:

make sure a prevention programme will help

decide which type of support will be most suitable

The young person will be involved in the assessment (assess) and will be asked questions about their (the young person) life and background.

What these programmes are and how they work

Youth crime prevention programmes have different names and do different things, but they all involve activities to help keep young people away from crime. Young people can also learn new skills or get advice about school or jobs.

Some are run in groups while others are for just one young person supervised by an adult.

Two of the main prevention programmes are ‘youth inclusion programmes’ and ‘youth inclusion and support panels’, although there are many others.

Youth inclusion programmes

These (‘youth inclusion programmes’) are for 8 to 17 year-olds and usually last for set lengths of time, eg 6 months. Sometimes a young person can attend for longer if they need to, if they find the activities helpful.

Youth inclusion and support panels

These panels - made up of people like local youth or social workers - work with 8 to 13 year-olds to make sure they get access to local services that will help them stay out of trouble. These services could be things like getting extra help at school, or treatment for health or mental health problems.

Both these programmes (Two of the main prevention programmes) use something called an ‘intervention plan’ that everyone must agree on, including the young person and their family. This plan describes what the young person is expected to do, as well as what support the young person will get.

Young people can also be mentored, and sometimes their families can also be involved.

Mentoring

A mentor is a specially trained volunteer who spends time helping someone.

They (A mentor) can help a young person with things like:

doing better at school

coping with bullying

applying for jobs or colleges

Sometimes this personal help (help) can be more effective than sending a young person on a group activity. A mentoring programme doesn’t usually have a set time limit - a young person can be mentored for as long as is helpful.

Mentors are not connected to the police or a school.

Involving parents and families

Usually, parents and families will be involved in helping a young person on a crime prevention programme. This could mean anything from attending classes with their child, to just making sure the young person does what they (someone) are asked.

Parenting programmes

If a young person gets into trouble with the law, their parents or carers might be asked to go on a parenting programme. Usually, they will be asked to attend voluntarily, but sometimes they will have to go.

This (a parenting programme) can be part of a youth crime prevention programme, and sometimes it (a parenting programme) will be separate.

How these programmes work will change from person to person, and will be planned in a way that’s right for the young person and their family. They could involve:

improving parenting skills

making sure nothing at home is causing the young person to commit crime


Disability rights

Overview

As a disabled person, you have rights to protect you from discrimination. These rights cover most areas including:

employment

education

dealing with the police

The Equality Act 2010 and the United Nations (UN) Convention on disability rights help to enforce, protect and promote your rights.

Employment

It’s against the law for employers to discriminate against you because of a disability. The Equality Act 2010 protects you and covers areas including:

application forms

interview arrangements

aptitude or proficiency tests

job offers

terms of employment, including pay

promotion, transfer and training opportunities

dismissal or redundancy

discipline and grievances

Reasonable adjustments in the workplace

An employer has to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to avoid you being put at a disadvantage compared to non-disabled people in the workplace. For example, adjusting your working hours or providing you with a special piece of equipment to help you do the job.

Recruitment

An employer who’s recruiting staff may make limited enquiries about your health or disability.

You can only be asked about your health or disability:

to help decide if you can carry out a task that is an essential part of the work

to help find out if you can take part in an interview

to help decide if the interviewers need to make reasonable adjustments for you in a selection process

to help monitoring

if they (An employer) want to increase the number of disabled people they (An employer) employ

if they (An employer) need to know for the purposes of national security checks

You may be asked whether you have a health condition or disability on an application form or in an interview. You need to think about whether the question is one that is allowed to be asked at that stage of recruitment.

Redundancy and retirement

You can’t be chosen for redundancy just because you’re disabled. The selection process for redundancy must be fair and balanced for all employees.

Your employer cannot force you to retire if you become disabled.

Education

It’s against the law for a school or other education provider to treat disabled students unfavourably. This includes:

direct discrimination, for example refusing admission to a student or excluding them because of disability

indirect discrimination, for example only providing application forms in one format that may not be accessible

discrimination arising from a disability, for example a disabled pupil is prevented from going outside at break time because it takes too long to get there

harassment, for example a teacher shouts at a disabled student for not paying attention when the student’s disability stops them from easily concentrating

victimisation, for example suspending a disabled student because they’ve complained about harassment

Reasonable adjustments

An education provider has a duty to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to make sure disabled students are not discriminated against. These changes could include providing extra support and aids (like specialist teachers or equipment).

Schools are not subject to the reasonable adjustment duty to make alterations to physical features, like adding ramps. They must make the buildings accessible for their disabled pupils as part of their overall planning duties.

Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

All publicly funded pre-schools, nurseries, state schools and local authorities must try to identify and help assess children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

If a child has an an education, health and care (EHC) plan or a statement of special educational needs, these must be reviewed annually. From year 9 the child will get a full review to understand what support they will need to prepare them for adulthood.

Higher education

All universities and higher education colleges should have a person in charge of disability issues that you can talk to about the support they (Schools) offer.

You can also ask local social services for an assessment to help with your day-to-day living needs.

Police

If you’re being questioned or interviewed at a police station you have certain rights depending on your impairment.

Deaf, hearing-impaired or speech difficulties

The police should arrange for an interpreter to be present with you. The police can interview you without an interpreter if a delay would result in harm to people, property or evidence.

Learning disabilities

The police should only interview someone who has a learning disability when a responsible person (referred to as an ‘appropriate adult’) is present. The appropriate adult should not work for the police and should have experience of people with learning disabilities. The police can interview you without an appropriate adult if a delay would result in harm to people, property or evidence.

Right to medical treatment

If you’re being kept in a police cell, you have the right to a medical examination by a healthcare worker. A healthcare worker may be a paramedic, nurse or a police surgeon (sometimes referred to as a ‘Forensic Medical Examiner’).

If you do not want to be examined by the healthcare worker provided, you could be examined by a general practitioner (GP) that you choose - if they’re available. You may have to pay for this, and this payment will be noted down.

The Equality Act 2010 and UN Convention

The Equality Act 2010 protects you from discrimination. It (The Equality Act 2010) provides legal rights for you in the areas of:

employment

education

access to goods, services and facilities

buying and renting land or property

The Equality Act 2010 also protects your rights if you have an association with a disabled person, for example a carer or parent.

Get more information about the Equality Act 2010.

United Nations (UN) Convention on disability rights (UN Convention)

The UN Convention on disability rights (UN Convention) has been agreed by the UK to protect and promote the rights of disabled people.

Get more information about the UN (UN Convention) Convention on disability rights (UN Convention) from the Office for Disability Issues.

Further help and advice

Check if you can get legal aid to help with your legal costs if you think you’ve been discriminated against. You can get advice from Civil Legal Advice if you’re eligible.

You can get advice and information on your rights from:

Equality Advisory Support Service

Disability Rights UK (the UK)

Advicenow

Citizens Advice


Medical conditions, disabilities and driving

Telling DVLA about a medical condition or disability

You must tell DVLA if you have a driving licence and:

you develop a ‘notifiable’ medical condition or disability

a condition or disability (a ‘notifiable’ medical condition or disability) has got worse since you got your licence

Notifiable conditions are anything that could affect your ability to drive safely. They can include:

diabetes or taking insulin

syncope (fainting)

heart conditions (including atrial fibrillation and pacemakers)

sleep apnoea

epilepsy

strokes

glaucoma

How to tell DVLA

Check if you need to tell DVLA about your condition to find the forms or questionnaires you need. The address you need is on the forms.

If you’re in Northern Ireland you must contact the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA).

There are different forms for different conditions and disabilities.

Contact DVLA if you’re not sure what to do.

You could be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA about a condition that might affect your ability to drive safely. You could also be prosecuted if you have an accident.

Surrendering your licence

You must surrender your licence to DVLA if any of the following are true:

your doctor tells you to stop driving for 3 months or more

your medical condition affects your ability to drive safely and lasts for 3 months or more

you do not meet the required standards for driving because of your medical condition

You can apply to get your licence back when you meet the medical standards for driving again.

First licence or renewal if you’re 70 or over

You must also tell DVLA about notifiable conditions if you:

apply for your first licence (First licence)

renew your licence (if you’re 70 or over)

You’ll be asked for this information in your application form. You do not need to contact DVLA separately.

What happens after you tell DVLA

You’ll usually get a decision within 6 weeks. You’ll get a letter from DVLA if it’s going to take longer.

DVLA might:

contact your doctor or consultant

arrange for you to be examined

ask you to take a driving assessment, or an eyesight or driving test

You can usually keep driving while DVLA are considering your application.

If you’ve told DVLA about a condition when applying to renew your licence, follow the guidance about driving that’s in the form.

Contact DVLA if you need advice or to check on your case.

What DVLA will decide

DVLA will assess your medical condition or disability and decide if:

you need to get a new driving licence

you can have a shorter licence - for 1, 2, 3 or 5 years

you need to adapt your car by fitting special controls

you must stop driving and give up your licence

You need to adapt your vehicle

If you’ve been told that you must adapt your car (your vehicle), you get an independent assessment of your adaptation needs through Driving Mobility.

Find out more about adapting your vehicle and where to get special controls fitted through the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers.

You must stop driving

You’ll be given a medical reason why you must stop driving, and be told if and when you can reapply for your licence.

If you disagree with DVLA’s (DVLA) decision

You can write to DVLA if you disagree with the decision to stop you driving (DVLA’s (DVLA) decision). You must be able to provide relevant information that was not included in the original assessment.

You must also include:

proof that you meet the required standards for driving (these are explained in the decision letter DVLA sent you)

the reference number from your decision letter (the decision letter DVLA sent you)

You can also appeal the decision (DVLA’s (DVLA) decision) if you contact your local magistrate’s court within 6 months, or your local sheriff’s court in Scotland within 21 days.

You may want to get legal advice before you appeal - you might be able to get legal aid to pay for it.

You must tell DVLA in writing if you choose to appeal.

Make a complaint

You can make a complaint if you’re unhappy with the service you get from DVLA.

Renewing or reapplying for your licence

How you reapply for or renew your licence depends on if you had to give up your licence, or if you have a short-term licence.

You’ve got a short-term licence

DVLA will send you a renewal letter 90 days before your 1, 2, 3 or 5-year licence is due to expire.

Renew your licence online, or send the renewal reminder (a renewal letter) back by post.

You gave up your licence and stopped driving

The letter DVLA sends you when your licence is taken away tells you if you have to wait before you can reapply.

You must check with your doctor that you’re fit to drive before you reapply for your licence, if it was taken away because of a medical condition.


Towing with a car

What you can tow

The rules on what you can tow are different depending on when you passed your driving test.

View your driving licence information to see if you’re allowed to tow.

Licences issued from 1 January 1997

If you passed your car driving test on or after 1 January 1997 you can:

drive a car or van up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM

tow a trailer over 750kg MAM as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 3,500kg

MAM is the limit on how much the vehicle can weigh when it’s loaded.

You have to pass the car and trailer driving test if you want to tow anything heavier.

Licences issued before 1 January 1997

If you passed your car test before 1 January 1997 you’re usually allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg MAM. View your driving licence information to check.

You’re also allowed to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg MAM.

Towing heavier combinations

Follow these steps if you want to tow heavier combinations.

Apply for provisional licence for a medium-sized lorry and trailer (category C1+E).

Pass the lorry theory test.

Pass the C1+E driving test.

You need to take extra Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) tests if driving the medium-sized lorry is the main part of your job.

Once you’ve done this you can drive vehicles and trailers with a combined weight of up to 12,000kg MAM.

Towing weight and width limits

Most cars have a maximum weight they can tow. It’s usually listed in the handbook or specification sheet.

Alternatively the vehicle’s ‘gross train weight’ may be listed on the vehicle identification number (VIN) plate on the car. This is normally under the bonnet or inside the driver’s door.

The gross train weight (the vehicle’s ‘gross train weight’) is the weight of the fully-loaded car plus fully-loaded trailer and must not be exceeded.

If your VIN plate doesn’t list a train weight, you should not use your vehicle for towing.

Width and length

The maximum trailer width for any towing vehicle is 2.55 metres.

The maximum length for a trailer towed by a vehicle weighing up to 3,500kg is 7 metres. This length does not include the A-frame.

Trailers, caravans and towing equipment

The equipment you use with your trailer or caravan must:

meet certain safety standards

be used correctly

You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition.

Carry out safety checks to make sure you’re using the trailer and equipment legally.

Towing bars

If you get a tow bar for your car, it needs to be ‘type approved’. This means it meets EU regulations and is designed for your car.

Type-approved tow bars have a label with:

an approval number

details of the vehicles it’s approved for

If your car was first used before 1 August 1998, your tow bar doesn’t need to be type-approved.

Towing mirrors

You must have an adequate view of the road behind you.

Fit suitable towing mirrors if your trailer or caravan is wider than the rear of your car.

You can be fined up to £1,000 and get 3 penalty points for towing without proper towing mirrors.

Trailer or caravan brakes

Your trailer must have a working brake system if it weighs over 750kg when it’s loaded.

Some smaller trailers also have brakes, but these are optional.

Any brakes must be in good working order.

You must use a breakaway cable or secondary coupling in case the trailer becomes detached from your car.

Number plates

You must display the same number plate on your trailer as on your towing car.

If you tow more than one trailer at a time, fix the number plate to the trailer at the back.

Towing an American caravan or trailer

American trailers and caravans don’t always meet European safety regulations.

If you want to use an American caravan or trailer in the UK or the EU, you must first check that it’s legal.

Read more about brakes and couplings for American caravans and trailers.


Vehicle tax rates

Cars registered on or after 1 April 2017

You need to pay tax when the vehicle (Cars registered on or after 1 April 2017) is first registered, this covers the vehicle (Cars registered on or after 1 April 2017) for 12 months.

You’ll then pay vehicle tax every 6 or 12 months at a different rate.

First tax payment when you register the vehicle

You’ll pay a rate based on a vehicle’s CO2 emissions the first time it’s registered.

This also applies to some motorhomes.

You have to pay a higher rate for diesel cars that do not meet the Real Driving Emissions 2 (RDE2) standard for nitrogen oxide emissions. You can ask your car’s manufacturer if your car meets the RDE2 standard.

CO2 emissions | Diesel cars (TC49) that meet the RDE2 standard and petrol cars (TC48) | All other diesel cars (TC49) | Alternative fuel cars (TC59)

0g/km | £0 | £0 | £0

1 to 50g/km | £10 | £25 | £0

51 to 75g/km | £25 | £115 | £15

76 to 90g/km | £115 | £140 | £105

91 to 100g/km | £140 | £160 | £130

101 to 110g/km | £160 | £180 | £150

111 to 130g/km | £180 | £220 | £170

131 to 150g/km | £220 | £555 | £210

151 to 170g/km | £555 | £895 | £545

171 to 190g/km | £895 | £1,345 | £885

191 to 225g/km | £1,345 | £1,910 | £1,335

226 to 255g/km | £1,910 | £2,245 | £1,900

Over 255g/km | £2,245 | £2,245 | £2,235

This payment covers your vehicle for 12 months.

Rates for second tax payment onwards

Fuel type | Single 12 month payment | Single 12 month payment by Direct Debit | Total of 12 monthly payments by Direct Debit | Single 6 month payment | Single 6 month payment by Direct Debit

Petrol or diesel | £155 | £155 | £162.75 | £85.25 | £81.38

Electric | £0 | N/A | N/A | £0 | N/A

Alternative | £145 | £145 | £152.25 | £79.75 | £76.13

Alternative fuel vehicles include hybrids, bioethanol and liquid petroleum gas.

Vehicles with a list price of more than £40,000

You have to pay an extra £335 a year if you have a car or motorhome with a ‘list price’ (the published price before any discounts) of more than £40,000. You do not have to pay this if you have a zero emission vehicle.

You only have to pay this rate (an extra £335 a year) for 5 years (from the second time the vehicle is taxed).

Check the list price with your dealer so you know how much vehicle tax you’ll have to pay.

Petrol or diesel | £490 | £490 | £514.50 | £269.50 | £257.25

Alternative | £480 | £480 | £504 | £264 | £252

Cars registered between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017

The rate of vehicle tax is based on fuel type and CO2 emissions.

CO2 emission details are shown on the car’s V5C registration certificate, or you can find emission details online.

Petrol car (TC48) and diesel car (TC49)

Band and CO2 emission | Single 12 month payment | Single 12 month payment by Direct Debit | Total of 12 monthly instalments by Direct Debit | Single 6 month payment | Single 6 month payment by Direct Debit

A: Up to 100g/km | £0 | £0 | N/A | N/A | N/A

B: 101 to 110g/km | £20 | £20 | £21 | N/A | N/A

C: 111 to 120g/km | £30 | £30 | £31.50 | N/A | N/A

D: 121 to 130g/km | £130 | £130 | £136.50 | £71.50 | £68.25

E: 131 to 140g/km | £155 | £155 | £162.75 | £85.25 | £81.38

F: 141 to 150g/km | £170 | £170 | £178.50 | £93.50 | £89.25

G: 151 to 165g/km | £210 | £210 | £220.50 | £115.50 | £110.25

H: 166 to 175g/km | £250 | £250 | £262.50 | £137.50 | £131.25

I: 176 to 185g/km | £275 | £275 | £288.75 | £151.25 | £144.38

J: 186 to 200g/km | £315 | £315 | £330.75 | £173.25 | £165.38

K*: 201 to 225g/km | £340 | £340 | £357 | £187 | £178.50

L: 226 to 255g/km | £585 | £585 | £614.25 | £321.75 | £307.13

M: Over 255g/km | £600 | £600 | £630 | £330 | £315

*Includes cars with a CO2 figure over 225g/km but were registered before 23 March 2006.

Alternative fuel car (TC59)

A: Up to 100g/km | £0 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A

B: 101 to 110g/km | £10 | £10 | £10.50 | N/A | N/A

C: 111 to 120g/km | £20 | £20 | £21 | N/A | N/A

D: 121 to 130g/km | £120 | £120 | £126 | £66 | £63

E: 131 to 140g/km | £145 | £145 | £152.25 | £79.75 | £76.13

F: 141 to 150g/km | £160 | £160 | £168 | £88 | £84

G: 151 to 165g/km | £200 | £200 | £210 | £110 | £105

H: 166 to 175g/km | £240 | £240 | £252 | £132 | £126

I: 176 to 185g/km | £265 | £265 | £278.25 | £145.75 | £139.13

J: 186 to 200g/km | £305 | £305 | £320.25 | £167.75 | £160.13

K*: 201 to 225g/km | £330 | £330 | £346.50 | £181.50 | £173.25

L: 226 to 255g/km | £575 | £575 | £603.75 | £316.25 | £301.88

M: Over 255g/km | £590 | £590 | £619.50 | £324.50 | £309.75

Cars and light goods vehicles registered before 1 March 2001

The rate of vehicle tax is based on engine size.

Private or light goods (TC11)

Engine size (cc) | Single 12 month payment | Single 12 month payment by Direct Debit | Total of 12 monthly instalments by Direct Debit | Single 6 month payment | Single 6 month payment by Direct Debit

Not over 1549 | £170 | £170 | £178.50 | £93.50 | £89.25

Over 1549 | £280 | £280 | £294 | £154 | £147

Motorhomes

The rate of vehicle tax is based on the vehicle’s revenue weight (also known as maximum or gross vehicle weight).

Private or light goods (TC11)

Private or light goods vehicles have a revenue weight of 3,500kg or less.

Private heavy goods (TC10)

Private heavy goods vehicles have a revenue weight that’s over 3,500kg.

£165 | £165 | £173.25 | £90.75 | £86.63

If your motorhome was registered between 1 April 2017 and 11 March 2020

You’ll pay a different rate of tax if both of the following apply to your motorhome:

it (your motorhome)’s in the M1SP category - check with your dealer if you’re not sure

its (your motorhome) CO2 emissions are included on the ‘type approval certificate’ (this might be called a ‘certificate of conformity’ or ‘individual vehicle approval’)

Other vehicle tax rates

Light goods vehicles (TC39)

Registered on or after 1 March 2001 and not over 3,500kg revenue weight (also known as maximum or gross vehicle weight).

£275 | £275 | £288.75 | £151.25 | £144.38

Euro 4 light goods vehicles (TC36)

Registered between 1 March 2003 and 31 December 2006, Euro 4 compliant and not over 3,500kg revenue weight.

£140 | £140 | £147 | £77 | £73.50

Euro 5 light goods vehicles (TC36)

Registered between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2010, Euro 5 compliant and not over 3,500kg revenue weight.

£140 | £140 | £147 | £77 | £73.50

Motorcycle (with or without sidecar) (TC17)

Engine size (cc) | Single 12 month payment | Single 12 month payment by Direct Debit | Total of 12 monthly instalments by Direct Debit | Single 6 month payment | 6 months by Direct Debit

Not over 150 | £21 | £21 | £22.05 | N/A | N/A

151-400 | £45 | £45 | £47.25 | N/A | N/A

401-600 | £69 | £69 | £72.45 | £37.95 | £36.23

Over 600 | £96 | £96 | £100.80 | £52.80 | £50.40

Tricycles (not over 450kg unladen) (TC50)

Tricycle not over 150 | £21 | £21 | £22.05 | N/A | N/A

All other tricycles | £96 | £96 | £100.80 | £52.80 | £50.40

Trade licences

You can get trade licences for between 6 and 12 months, depending on the month you apply.

Month you apply | When the licence expires | How long it’s valid for | Rate of duty for all vehicles | Rate of duty for bicycles and tricycles

January (6 month licence) | June | 6 months | £93.50 | £52.80

January (12 month licence) | December | 12 months | £170 | £96

February | December | 11 months | £170 | £96

March | December | 10 months | £155.85 | £88

April | December | 9 months | £140.25 | £79.20

May | December | 8 months | £124.65 | £70.40

June | December | 7 months | £109.10 | £61.60

July | December | 6 months | £93.50 | £52.80

August | June | 11 months | £170 | £96

September | June | 10 months | £155.85 | £88

October | June | 9 months | £140.25 | £79.20

November | June | 8 months | £124.65 | £70.40

December | June | 7 months | £109.10 | £61.60