My friend is planning to build a new home . He wants to invest in a sewage system for domestic use that releases the sewage to surface water. The expected amount of discharge is 7,000 litres per day What are the general binding rules that he need to follow for a new septic tank?

The sewage must:

Septic tanks and treatment plants: permits and general binding rules

Overview

If your house or business is not connected to the mains sewer, your sewage will go to one of the following:

a septic tank - an underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground

a small sewage treatment plant (also known as a package treatment plant) - a part-mechanical system that treats the liquid so it’s clean enough to go into a river or stream

a cesspool (also called a cesspit) - a sealed tank that collects the sewage

a non-standard system, such as a reed bed or trench arch system

There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You have a non-standard system

You must contact the Environment Agency to find out if you need a permit.

You have a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant

As the ‘operator’ of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant you must check you meet the general binding rules. You must apply for a permit if you do not.

You’re an operator if any of the following is true:

you own the property that uses the system

you own a property that shares the system with other properties - each property owner is an operator, and you’re jointly responsible for complying with the general binding rules

you have a written agreement with the property owner that says you’re responsible for the system’s maintenance, for example you’re renting and it’s in your tenancy agreement

Contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure whether you’re an operator.

The general binding rules

You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.

The sewage must:

be domestic in nature, for example from a toilet, bathroom, shower or kitchen of a house, flat or business (such as a pub, hotel or office) - contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure if the sewage is domestic in nature

not cause pollution - find out how to check for pollution

There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing this sewage:

to the ground, for example in your back garden

to a surface water, for example a river or stream

Ask your local installation or maintenance company if you’re not sure what sort of system you have.

Releasing to the ground

You must use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).

You must apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):

to a well, borehole or other deep structure

more than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day

in a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1)

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to the ground.

Calculate how much sewage you discharge

For sewage from a residential property, use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

For commercial properties (such as a hotel, restaurant or office) or holiday accommodation (such as a cottage or chalet), use British Water’s flows and loads guidance or contact the Environment Agency for advice.

Work out if you’re in a groundwater source protection zone 1 (SPZ1)

An SPZ1 can be either:

the area around a commercial water supply shown on the map of protected zones - check whether your discharge is in the inner zone (Zone 1) or ask the Environment Agency

any area within 50 metres of a private water supply for human consumption - ask your neighbours if they have a spring, well or borehole, and how far it is from your drainage field

Releasing to a surface water

You must use a small sewage treatment plant. You must apply for a permit if you’re discharging more than 5 cubic metres (5,000 litres) per day. Use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to a surface water.

Installing a new system

You must have building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

Check with your local council.

If you did not get permission and approval

You must apply retrospectively for building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

If your system was installed before 1 January 2015, you should contact your local council for advice.

Apply for a permit

You’ll need a permit if you do not meet the general binding rules.

The form you need to fill in depends on:

where you discharge the sewage

how much you discharge

If you discharge sewage to ground

There are different forms depending on whether you’re in a groundwater protection zone (SPZ1).

Outside an SPZ1

There are different forms if you discharge:

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

Inside an SPZ1

If you discharge less than 2 cubic metres per day there are different forms:

for systems in use before 1 January 2015

for those installed on or after 1 January 2015

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

If you discharge sewage to a surface water

If you discharge between 5 and 20 cubic metres per day, check if you can apply for a standard rules permit.

If you cannot get a standard rules permit, you’ll need a permit to discharge:

up to 20 cubic metres

over 20 cubic metres

Before you start

You need:

the 8-figure grid reference for your septic tank or treatment plant and the point where it discharges

to calculate the largest amount you’re likely to discharge - use one of the calculators in the chapter on the general binding rules

to provide a suitable site plan – see an example site plan

Application fees

Your application fee depends on whether your site is a domestic household, charity or another type of organisation.

You’re discharging to ground

The application fee for domestic households and charities to discharge up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) per day is £125.

The fees are different for other organisations.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £2,708

Over 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £5,699

Any volume that contains specific substances | £6,052

You’re discharging to a surface water

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) | £2,534

Between 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) and 50,000 litres (50 cubic metres) | £4,170

Any volume that contains specific substances | £7,649

Annual fees

There’s an annual subsistence fee for sites that are not domestic households or charities.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres | £251

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £823

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres | £890

Between 20,000 litres and 50,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £1,310

How long it takes

You should get a decision on your application within 13 weeks.

You’ll be told if your application may take longer, for example because of planning issues.

Your application is refused

If your application is refused, you’ll be told:

the reasons for refusal

how you can appeal

Complying with your permit

See the guidance on how to comply with your permit, including maintenance, record keeping and pollution reporting requirements.

Get help

You can ask the Environment Agency for help with your application.

You have a cesspool

You do not have to comply with the general binding rules or apply for a permit.

You must maintain your cesspool and make sure it:

is emptied regularly (for example once a month) by a registered waste carrier

does not leak or overflow

The Environment Agency or your local council can make you repair or replace your cesspool if it’s in poor condition.

If you install a new cesspool

You must:

get planning permission and building regulations approval

make sure it has a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres per 2 users (plus another 6,800 litres per each extra user)

Contact

Overview

If your house or business is not connected to the mains sewer, your sewage will go to one of the following:

a septic tank - an underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground

a cesspool (also called a cesspit) - a sealed tank that collects the sewage

a non-standard system, such as a reed bed or trench arch system

There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You have a non-standard system

You must contact the Environment Agency to find out if you need a permit.

You have a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant

You’re an operator if any of the following is true:

you own the property that uses the system

Contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure whether you’re an operator.

The general binding rules

You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.

The sewage must:

not cause pollution - find out how to check for pollution

There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing this sewage:

to the ground, for example in your back garden

to a surface water, for example a river or stream

Ask your local installation or maintenance company if you’re not sure what sort of system you have.

Releasing to the ground

You must use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).

You must apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):

to a well, borehole or other deep structure

more than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day

in a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1)

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to the ground.

Calculate how much sewage you discharge

For sewage from a residential property, use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

Work out if you’re in a groundwater source protection zone 1 (SPZ1)

An SPZ1 can be either:

Releasing to a surface water

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to a surface water.

Installing a new system

You must have building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

Check with your local council.

If you did not get permission and approval

You must apply retrospectively for building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

If your system was installed before 1 January 2015, you should contact your local council for advice.

Apply for a permit

You’ll need a permit if you do not meet the general binding rules.

The form you need to fill in depends on:

where you discharge the sewage

how much you discharge

If you discharge sewage to ground

There are different forms depending on whether you’re in a groundwater protection zone (SPZ1).

Outside an SPZ1

There are different forms if you discharge:

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

Inside an SPZ1

If you discharge less than 2 cubic metres per day there are different forms:

for systems in use before 1 January 2015

for those installed on or after 1 January 2015

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

If you discharge sewage to a surface water

If you discharge between 5 and 20 cubic metres per day, check if you can apply for a standard rules permit.

If you cannot get a standard rules permit, you’ll need a permit to discharge:

up to 20 cubic metres

over 20 cubic metres

Before you start

You need:

the 8-figure grid reference for your septic tank or treatment plant and the point where it discharges

to calculate the largest amount you’re likely to discharge - use one of the calculators in the chapter on the general binding rules

to provide a suitable site plan – see an example site plan

Application fees

Your application fee depends on whether your site is a domestic household, charity or another type of organisation.

You’re discharging to ground

The application fee for domestic households and charities to discharge up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) per day is £125.

The fees are different for other organisations.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £2,708

Over 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £5,699

Any volume that contains specific substances | £6,052

You’re discharging to a surface water

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) | £2,534

Between 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) and 50,000 litres (50 cubic metres) | £4,170

Any volume that contains specific substances | £7,649

Annual fees

There’s an annual subsistence fee for sites that are not domestic households or charities.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres | £251

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £823

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres | £890

Between 20,000 litres and 50,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £1,310

How long it takes

You should get a decision on your application within 13 weeks.

You’ll be told if your application may take longer, for example because of planning issues.

Your application is refused

If your application is refused, you’ll be told:

the reasons for refusal

how you can appeal

Complying with your permit

See the guidance on how to comply with your permit, including maintenance, record keeping and pollution reporting requirements.

Get help

You can ask the Environment Agency for help with your application.

You have a cesspool

You do not have to comply with the general binding rules or apply for a permit.

You must maintain your cesspool and make sure it:

is emptied regularly (for example once a month) by a registered waste carrier

does not leak or overflow

The Environment Agency or your local council can make you repair or replace your cesspool if it’s in poor condition.

If you install a new cesspool

You must:

get planning permission and building regulations approval

make sure it has a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres per 2 users (plus another 6,800 litres per each extra user)

Contact

not cause pollution - find out how to check for pollution

Overview

If your house or business is not connected to the mains sewer, your sewage will go to one of the following:

a septic tank - an underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground

a cesspool (also called a cesspit) - a sealed tank that collects the sewage

a non-standard system, such as a reed bed or trench arch system

There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You have a non-standard system

You must contact the Environment Agency to find out if you need a permit.

You have a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant

You’re an operator if any of the following is true:

you own the property that uses the system

Contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure whether you’re an operator.

The general binding rules

You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.

The sewage must:

not cause pollution - find out how to check for pollution

There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing this sewage:

to the ground, for example in your back garden

to a surface water, for example a river or stream

Ask your local installation or maintenance company if you’re not sure what sort of system you have.

Releasing to the ground

You must use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).

You must apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):

to a well, borehole or other deep structure

more than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day

in a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1)

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to the ground.

Calculate how much sewage you discharge

For sewage from a residential property, use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

Work out if you’re in a groundwater source protection zone 1 (SPZ1)

An SPZ1 can be either:

Releasing to a surface water

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to a surface water.

Installing a new system

You must have building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

Check with your local council.

If you did not get permission and approval

You must apply retrospectively for building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

If your system was installed before 1 January 2015, you should contact your local council for advice.

Apply for a permit

You’ll need a permit if you do not meet the general binding rules.

The form you need to fill in depends on:

where you discharge the sewage

how much you discharge

If you discharge sewage to ground

There are different forms depending on whether you’re in a groundwater protection zone (SPZ1).

Outside an SPZ1

There are different forms if you discharge:

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

Inside an SPZ1

If you discharge less than 2 cubic metres per day there are different forms:

for systems in use before 1 January 2015

for those installed on or after 1 January 2015

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

If you discharge sewage to a surface water

If you discharge between 5 and 20 cubic metres per day, check if you can apply for a standard rules permit.

If you cannot get a standard rules permit, you’ll need a permit to discharge:

up to 20 cubic metres

over 20 cubic metres

Before you start

You need:

the 8-figure grid reference for your septic tank or treatment plant and the point where it discharges

to calculate the largest amount you’re likely to discharge - use one of the calculators in the chapter on the general binding rules

to provide a suitable site plan – see an example site plan

Application fees

Your application fee depends on whether your site is a domestic household, charity or another type of organisation.

You’re discharging to ground

The application fee for domestic households and charities to discharge up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) per day is £125.

The fees are different for other organisations.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £2,708

Over 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £5,699

Any volume that contains specific substances | £6,052

You’re discharging to a surface water

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) | £2,534

Between 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) and 50,000 litres (50 cubic metres) | £4,170

Any volume that contains specific substances | £7,649

Annual fees

There’s an annual subsistence fee for sites that are not domestic households or charities.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres | £251

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £823

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres | £890

Between 20,000 litres and 50,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £1,310

How long it takes

You should get a decision on your application within 13 weeks.

You’ll be told if your application may take longer, for example because of planning issues.

Your application is refused

If your application is refused, you’ll be told:

the reasons for refusal

how you can appeal

Complying with your permit

See the guidance on how to comply with your permit, including maintenance, record keeping and pollution reporting requirements.

Get help

You can ask the Environment Agency for help with your application.

You have a cesspool

You do not have to comply with the general binding rules or apply for a permit.

You must maintain your cesspool and make sure it:

is emptied regularly (for example once a month) by a registered waste carrier

does not leak or overflow

The Environment Agency or your local council can make you repair or replace your cesspool if it’s in poor condition.

If you install a new cesspool

You must:

get planning permission and building regulations approval

make sure it has a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres per 2 users (plus another 6,800 litres per each extra user)

Contact

There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing this sewage:

Overview

If your house or business is not connected to the mains sewer, your sewage will go to one of the following:

a septic tank - an underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground

a cesspool (also called a cesspit) - a sealed tank that collects the sewage

a non-standard system, such as a reed bed or trench arch system

There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You have a non-standard system

You must contact the Environment Agency to find out if you need a permit.

You have a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant

You’re an operator if any of the following is true:

you own the property that uses the system

Contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure whether you’re an operator.

The general binding rules

You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.

The sewage must:

not cause pollution - find out how to check for pollution

There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing this sewage:

to the ground, for example in your back garden

to a surface water, for example a river or stream

Ask your local installation or maintenance company if you’re not sure what sort of system you have.

Releasing to the ground

You must use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).

You must apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):

to a well, borehole or other deep structure

more than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day

in a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1)

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to the ground.

Calculate how much sewage you discharge

For sewage from a residential property, use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

Work out if you’re in a groundwater source protection zone 1 (SPZ1)

An SPZ1 can be either:

Releasing to a surface water

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to a surface water.

Installing a new system

You must have building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

Check with your local council.

If you did not get permission and approval

You must apply retrospectively for building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

If your system was installed before 1 January 2015, you should contact your local council for advice.

Apply for a permit

You’ll need a permit if you do not meet the general binding rules.

The form you need to fill in depends on:

where you discharge the sewage

how much you discharge

If you discharge sewage to ground

There are different forms depending on whether you’re in a groundwater protection zone (SPZ1).

Outside an SPZ1

There are different forms if you discharge:

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

Inside an SPZ1

If you discharge less than 2 cubic metres per day there are different forms:

for systems in use before 1 January 2015

for those installed on or after 1 January 2015

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

If you discharge sewage to a surface water

If you discharge between 5 and 20 cubic metres per day, check if you can apply for a standard rules permit.

If you cannot get a standard rules permit, you’ll need a permit to discharge:

up to 20 cubic metres

over 20 cubic metres

Before you start

You need:

the 8-figure grid reference for your septic tank or treatment plant and the point where it discharges

to calculate the largest amount you’re likely to discharge - use one of the calculators in the chapter on the general binding rules

to provide a suitable site plan – see an example site plan

Application fees

Your application fee depends on whether your site is a domestic household, charity or another type of organisation.

You’re discharging to ground

The application fee for domestic households and charities to discharge up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) per day is £125.

The fees are different for other organisations.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £2,708

Over 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £5,699

Any volume that contains specific substances | £6,052

You’re discharging to a surface water

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) | £2,534

Between 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) and 50,000 litres (50 cubic metres) | £4,170

Any volume that contains specific substances | £7,649

Annual fees

There’s an annual subsistence fee for sites that are not domestic households or charities.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres | £251

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £823

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres | £890

Between 20,000 litres and 50,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £1,310

How long it takes

You should get a decision on your application within 13 weeks.

You’ll be told if your application may take longer, for example because of planning issues.

Your application is refused

If your application is refused, you’ll be told:

the reasons for refusal

how you can appeal

Complying with your permit

See the guidance on how to comply with your permit, including maintenance, record keeping and pollution reporting requirements.

Get help

You can ask the Environment Agency for help with your application.

You have a cesspool

You do not have to comply with the general binding rules or apply for a permit.

You must maintain your cesspool and make sure it:

is emptied regularly (for example once a month) by a registered waste carrier

does not leak or overflow

The Environment Agency or your local council can make you repair or replace your cesspool if it’s in poor condition.

If you install a new cesspool

You must:

get planning permission and building regulations approval

make sure it has a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres per 2 users (plus another 6,800 litres per each extra user)

Contact

to a surface water, for example a river or stream

Overview

If your house or business is not connected to the mains sewer, your sewage will go to one of the following:

a septic tank - an underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground

a cesspool (also called a cesspit) - a sealed tank that collects the sewage

a non-standard system, such as a reed bed or trench arch system

There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You have a non-standard system

You must contact the Environment Agency to find out if you need a permit.

You have a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant

You’re an operator if any of the following is true:

you own the property that uses the system

Contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure whether you’re an operator.

The general binding rules

You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.

The sewage must:

not cause pollution - find out how to check for pollution

There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing this sewage:

to the ground, for example in your back garden

to a surface water, for example a river or stream

Ask your local installation or maintenance company if you’re not sure what sort of system you have.

Releasing to the ground

You must use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).

You must apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):

to a well, borehole or other deep structure

more than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day

in a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1)

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to the ground.

Calculate how much sewage you discharge

For sewage from a residential property, use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

Work out if you’re in a groundwater source protection zone 1 (SPZ1)

An SPZ1 can be either:

Releasing to a surface water

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to a surface water.

Installing a new system

You must have building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

Check with your local council.

If you did not get permission and approval

You must apply retrospectively for building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

If your system was installed before 1 January 2015, you should contact your local council for advice.

Apply for a permit

You’ll need a permit if you do not meet the general binding rules.

The form you need to fill in depends on:

where you discharge the sewage

how much you discharge

If you discharge sewage to ground

There are different forms depending on whether you’re in a groundwater protection zone (SPZ1).

Outside an SPZ1

There are different forms if you discharge:

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

Inside an SPZ1

If you discharge less than 2 cubic metres per day there are different forms:

for systems in use before 1 January 2015

for those installed on or after 1 January 2015

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

If you discharge sewage to a surface water

If you discharge between 5 and 20 cubic metres per day, check if you can apply for a standard rules permit.

If you cannot get a standard rules permit, you’ll need a permit to discharge:

up to 20 cubic metres

over 20 cubic metres

Before you start

You need:

the 8-figure grid reference for your septic tank or treatment plant and the point where it discharges

to calculate the largest amount you’re likely to discharge - use one of the calculators in the chapter on the general binding rules

to provide a suitable site plan – see an example site plan

Application fees

Your application fee depends on whether your site is a domestic household, charity or another type of organisation.

You’re discharging to ground

The application fee for domestic households and charities to discharge up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) per day is £125.

The fees are different for other organisations.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £2,708

Over 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £5,699

Any volume that contains specific substances | £6,052

You’re discharging to a surface water

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) | £2,534

Between 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) and 50,000 litres (50 cubic metres) | £4,170

Any volume that contains specific substances | £7,649

Annual fees

There’s an annual subsistence fee for sites that are not domestic households or charities.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres | £251

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £823

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres | £890

Between 20,000 litres and 50,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £1,310

How long it takes

You should get a decision on your application within 13 weeks.

You’ll be told if your application may take longer, for example because of planning issues.

Your application is refused

If your application is refused, you’ll be told:

the reasons for refusal

how you can appeal

Complying with your permit

See the guidance on how to comply with your permit, including maintenance, record keeping and pollution reporting requirements.

Get help

You can ask the Environment Agency for help with your application.

You have a cesspool

You do not have to comply with the general binding rules or apply for a permit.

You must maintain your cesspool and make sure it:

is emptied regularly (for example once a month) by a registered waste carrier

does not leak or overflow

The Environment Agency or your local council can make you repair or replace your cesspool if it’s in poor condition.

If you install a new cesspool

You must:

get planning permission and building regulations approval

make sure it has a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres per 2 users (plus another 6,800 litres per each extra user)

Contact

Overview

If your house or business is not connected to the mains sewer, your sewage will go to one of the following:

a septic tank - an underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground

a cesspool (also called a cesspit) - a sealed tank that collects the sewage

a non-standard system, such as a reed bed or trench arch system

There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You have a non-standard system

You must contact the Environment Agency to find out if you need a permit.

You have a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant

You’re an operator if any of the following is true:

you own the property that uses the system

Contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure whether you’re an operator.

The general binding rules

You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.

The sewage must:

not cause pollution - find out how to check for pollution

There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing this sewage:

to the ground, for example in your back garden

to a surface water, for example a river or stream

Ask your local installation or maintenance company if you’re not sure what sort of system you have.

Releasing to the ground

You must use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).

You must apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):

to a well, borehole or other deep structure

more than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day

in a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1)

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to the ground.

Calculate how much sewage you discharge

For sewage from a residential property, use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

Work out if you’re in a groundwater source protection zone 1 (SPZ1)

An SPZ1 can be either:

Releasing to a surface water

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to a surface water.

Installing a new system

You must have building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

Check with your local council.

If you did not get permission and approval

You must apply retrospectively for building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

If your system was installed before 1 January 2015, you should contact your local council for advice.

Apply for a permit

You’ll need a permit if you do not meet the general binding rules.

The form you need to fill in depends on:

where you discharge the sewage

how much you discharge

If you discharge sewage to ground

There are different forms depending on whether you’re in a groundwater protection zone (SPZ1).

Outside an SPZ1

There are different forms if you discharge:

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

Inside an SPZ1

If you discharge less than 2 cubic metres per day there are different forms:

for systems in use before 1 January 2015

for those installed on or after 1 January 2015

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

If you discharge sewage to a surface water

If you discharge between 5 and 20 cubic metres per day, check if you can apply for a standard rules permit.

If you cannot get a standard rules permit, you’ll need a permit to discharge:

up to 20 cubic metres

over 20 cubic metres

Before you start

You need:

the 8-figure grid reference for your septic tank or treatment plant and the point where it discharges

to calculate the largest amount you’re likely to discharge - use one of the calculators in the chapter on the general binding rules

to provide a suitable site plan – see an example site plan

Application fees

Your application fee depends on whether your site is a domestic household, charity or another type of organisation.

You’re discharging to ground

The application fee for domestic households and charities to discharge up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) per day is £125.

The fees are different for other organisations.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £2,708

Over 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £5,699

Any volume that contains specific substances | £6,052

You’re discharging to a surface water

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) | £2,534

Between 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) and 50,000 litres (50 cubic metres) | £4,170

Any volume that contains specific substances | £7,649

Annual fees

There’s an annual subsistence fee for sites that are not domestic households or charities.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres | £251

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £823

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres | £890

Between 20,000 litres and 50,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £1,310

How long it takes

You should get a decision on your application within 13 weeks.

You’ll be told if your application may take longer, for example because of planning issues.

Your application is refused

If your application is refused, you’ll be told:

the reasons for refusal

how you can appeal

Complying with your permit

See the guidance on how to comply with your permit, including maintenance, record keeping and pollution reporting requirements.

Get help

You can ask the Environment Agency for help with your application.

You have a cesspool

You do not have to comply with the general binding rules or apply for a permit.

You must maintain your cesspool and make sure it:

is emptied regularly (for example once a month) by a registered waste carrier

does not leak or overflow

The Environment Agency or your local council can make you repair or replace your cesspool if it’s in poor condition.

If you install a new cesspool

You must:

get planning permission and building regulations approval

make sure it has a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres per 2 users (plus another 6,800 litres per each extra user)

Contact

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to a surface water.

Overview

If your house or business is not connected to the mains sewer, your sewage will go to one of the following:

a septic tank - an underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground

a cesspool (also called a cesspit) - a sealed tank that collects the sewage

a non-standard system, such as a reed bed or trench arch system

There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You have a non-standard system

You must contact the Environment Agency to find out if you need a permit.

You have a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant

You’re an operator if any of the following is true:

you own the property that uses the system

Contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure whether you’re an operator.

The general binding rules

You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.

The sewage must:

not cause pollution - find out how to check for pollution

There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing this sewage:

to the ground, for example in your back garden

to a surface water, for example a river or stream

Ask your local installation or maintenance company if you’re not sure what sort of system you have.

Releasing to the ground

You must use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).

You must apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):

to a well, borehole or other deep structure

more than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day

in a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1)

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to the ground.

Calculate how much sewage you discharge

For sewage from a residential property, use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

Work out if you’re in a groundwater source protection zone 1 (SPZ1)

An SPZ1 can be either:

Releasing to a surface water

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to a surface water.

Installing a new system

You must have building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

Check with your local council.

If you did not get permission and approval

You must apply retrospectively for building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

If your system was installed before 1 January 2015, you should contact your local council for advice.

Apply for a permit

You’ll need a permit if you do not meet the general binding rules.

The form you need to fill in depends on:

where you discharge the sewage

how much you discharge

If you discharge sewage to ground

There are different forms depending on whether you’re in a groundwater protection zone (SPZ1).

Outside an SPZ1

There are different forms if you discharge:

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

Inside an SPZ1

If you discharge less than 2 cubic metres per day there are different forms:

for systems in use before 1 January 2015

for those installed on or after 1 January 2015

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

If you discharge sewage to a surface water

If you discharge between 5 and 20 cubic metres per day, check if you can apply for a standard rules permit.

If you cannot get a standard rules permit, you’ll need a permit to discharge:

up to 20 cubic metres

over 20 cubic metres

Before you start

You need:

the 8-figure grid reference for your septic tank or treatment plant and the point where it discharges

to calculate the largest amount you’re likely to discharge - use one of the calculators in the chapter on the general binding rules

to provide a suitable site plan – see an example site plan

Application fees

Your application fee depends on whether your site is a domestic household, charity or another type of organisation.

You’re discharging to ground

The application fee for domestic households and charities to discharge up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) per day is £125.

The fees are different for other organisations.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £2,708

Over 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £5,699

Any volume that contains specific substances | £6,052

You’re discharging to a surface water

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) | £2,534

Between 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) and 50,000 litres (50 cubic metres) | £4,170

Any volume that contains specific substances | £7,649

Annual fees

There’s an annual subsistence fee for sites that are not domestic households or charities.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres | £251

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £823

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres | £890

Between 20,000 litres and 50,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £1,310

How long it takes

You should get a decision on your application within 13 weeks.

You’ll be told if your application may take longer, for example because of planning issues.

Your application is refused

If your application is refused, you’ll be told:

the reasons for refusal

how you can appeal

Complying with your permit

See the guidance on how to comply with your permit, including maintenance, record keeping and pollution reporting requirements.

Get help

You can ask the Environment Agency for help with your application.

You have a cesspool

You do not have to comply with the general binding rules or apply for a permit.

You must maintain your cesspool and make sure it:

is emptied regularly (for example once a month) by a registered waste carrier

does not leak or overflow

The Environment Agency or your local council can make you repair or replace your cesspool if it’s in poor condition.

If you install a new cesspool

You must:

get planning permission and building regulations approval

make sure it has a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres per 2 users (plus another 6,800 litres per each extra user)

Contact


I will be attending my CBT course tomorrow in hopes of finally being able to drive the moped my parent bought me for Christmas. I passed the theory test and full moped test last year. I am aware that the course will take me the whole day and my dad suggested he drops me off together with my moped and I drive back once I have my certificate. We have already equipped the vehicle with L plates. The moped I will drive is 50cc. Am I going to be allowed to drive back home on my moped after receiving my certificate of completion?

You can then ride a moped or motorcycle up to 125cc and with a power output of up to 11kW on the road with L plates (L or D plates in Wales).

CBT motorcycle and moped training

Who needs to take training

Compulsory basic training (CBT) is a course you usually have to take before you ride a moped or motorcycle on the road.

The training makes sure you can ride safely on your own while you practise for your full moped or motorcycle test.

CBT is not a test that you pass or fail.

After you’ve completed CBT, you can ride a:

moped if you’re 16 or over

motorcycle up to 125cc and with a power output of up to 11kW if you’re 17 or over

You must use L plates (L or D plates in Wales).

You must pass your full moped or motorcycle test within 2 years, or you have to either take CBT again or stop riding.

You can be fined up to £1,000 and get up to 6 penalty points for riding if you do not have a valid CBT certificate.

When you do not need to take CBT

You do not have to take CBT if you:

want to ride a moped (up to 50cc) and you passed your car driving test before 1 February 2001

want to ride a motorcycle and have a full moped licence from passing a moped test since 1 December 1990

have a full motorcycle licence for one category and want to upgrade to another

live and ride on some offshore islands

want to ride a trial e-scooter

Booking your CBT course

Book your CBT course directly with a motorcycle training school.

The training school sets the course price. The price depends on where you do the training and if you bring your own moped or motorcycle.

The training school can ask you to share your driving licence information with them before the course.

Preparing for your CBT course

Your trainer can stop your compulsory basic training (CBT) course if your basic knowledge of The Highway Code and traffic signs is not good enough for you to ride safely.

You need to know:

the main rules that apply to moped and motorcycle riders

what other road users are likely to do

You can be charged again to retake the course if your trainer stops your training because you are not prepared.

You can buy the guide to learning to ride to help you prepare. You can also buy it from high street and online book shops.

What to take to your course

Take your UK driving licence to your training course.

What you need to wear

You must wear:

a motorcycle helmet that meets British safety standards (unless you’re Sikh and wearing a turban) - check if the training school will provide one

motorcycle boots or other sturdy footwear that supports and protects your ankles

textile or leather motorcycle trousers or heavy denim trousers

a textile or leather motorcycle jacket or a heavy denim jacket with several layers underneath

motorcycle gloves

Your course can be stopped and you can be charged to take it again if you do not wear suitable clothing.

Using your own moped or motorcycle

You cannot ride your own moped or motorcycle to the course unless you already have a CBT certificate - for example, if you’re taking CBT again before your current certificate expires.

How the training works

The CBT course usually lasts a full day. It can take longer depending on how quickly you learn.

There are 5 parts to the course:

introduction and eyesight check

on-site training

on-site riding

on-road training

on-road riding

The CBT course syllabus tells you more about what’s involved in each part.

You move from one part to the next when your trainer is happy you’ve:

learnt the theory

shown the practical skills to a safe basic level

On-road riding

The on-road riding part must last at least 2 hours. Complain to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if the trainer cuts this short.

How many people you’ll train with

You might train with other learners. There’s a maximum number of:

4 learners per trainer for on-site parts

2 learners per trainer for on-road parts

Complain to DVSA if there are more learners than this.

When you complete the course

You’ll get a ‘certificate of completion’ (sometimes called a ‘DL196’) when you successfully complete the course.

You must pass your theory test and full moped or motorcycle test within 2 years otherwise you’ll need to complete CBT again or stop riding.

If you have a car driving licence

You can ride a moped (up to 50cc) without L plates and without taking the moped test in some situations.

You passed your driving test on or after 1 February 2001

You’ll get a full moped licence if you either:

pass your car driving test and then complete a compulsory basic training (CBT) course

complete a CBT course and then pass your car driving test within two years

You can then ride a moped (up to 50cc) without L plates. You do not need to take the full moped test.

You can ride mopeds  for as long as your car driving licence lasts.

You passed your driving test before 1 February 2001

You can ride a moped (up to 50cc) without L plates. You do not need to take a CBT course or take the full moped test.

You must take CBT if you want to ride anything larger than a 50cc moped.

If you ride on offshore islands

You must take compulsory basic training (CBT) to ride in these places:

the Isle of Wight

South Uist

North Uist

Benbecula

Harris

Lewis

mainland Orkney

mainland Shetland

any other island connected to mainland Great Britain by road

You do not need to take CBT to ride on other offshore islands.

Complain about a CBT course

Get help from Citizens Advice if you want to complain about your motorcycle training school’s service, or get a refund from them.

Standard of training

Contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you’re not happy with the standard of training you received, including if:

the on-road riding part did not last at least 2 hours

there were too many learners per trainer

You need to give:

your trainer’s name and the training school name

the address where you took the training

the date and time you took the training

details of why you’re not happy with the training


I am appealing against a decision to deport me on the grounds that I do not have a skilled job here in the UK. I have been here for over ten years from my native Australia and am desperately looking for work but can't find any. The adviser I hired is not helping me at all. This deportation decision was made 18 months ago. I want to make a complaint against my immigration advisor, can I?

You usually cannot make a complaint about something that happened more than 12 months ago - OISC will decide whether or not to investigate depending on the situation.

Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Immigration advisers can help you with most things to do with immigration, including helping you to fill in the right forms and representing you at a tribunal. They do not make immigration decisions.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them.

If you’re an EU citizen and you were living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living here after 30 June 2021. If you want to move to the UK from 1 January 2021, you may need to apply for a visa.

Find a registered immigration adviser

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

All immigration advisers must be registered with OISC or be a member of an approved professional body, for example The Law Society.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they can give you by their ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them.

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

A level 1 adviser can give you advice on simple cases, for example getting a business visa extension when you have no problems with work and all necessary documents.

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

You may want to use a level 2 adviser if you’ve had problems in the past with immigration and want permission to remain in the UK.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they charge and if you’ll have to pay them

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them any more

agree a fee before they do any extra work for you

Some advisers do not charge a fee. If they do not charge, you’ll still have to pay for any expenses like translation costs and application fees.

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC.

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

OISC may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form.

The form is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

You need to provide as much detail as you can about who you’re making the complaint against and what the complaint is about.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

You can email the OISC to report someone giving immigration advice who is not regulated by either the OSIC or another approved body.

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint, for example if it’s about a solicitor or barrister


I am a 20 year old refugee who has attempted to claim asylum in the UK. At the screening, I have been told that my case may not be able to be considered. The Home Office have stated that they cannot put me in another safe country. What happens if my case cannot be considered?

If the Home Office cannot place you in another safe country, your case will be considered in the UK and given to a caseworker.

Claim asylum in the UK

Overview

You must apply for asylum if you want to stay in the UK as a refugee.

To be eligible you must have left your country and be unable to go back because you fear persecution.

Apply for a visa if you want to come to the UK for another reason (for example to work, study or remain with family). If you’re already in the UK and want to remain with family living here, apply for a family of a settled person visa.

You should apply when you arrive in the UK or as soon as you think it would be unsafe for you to return to your own country. Your application is more likely to be denied if you wait.

When you apply you’ll have a meeting with an immigration officer (known as a ‘screening’).

After your screening the Home Office will decide if your claim can be considered in the UK. If it can, you’ll have an asylum interview with a caseworker.

You’ll usually get a decision on your application within 6 months.

You can get up to 2 years in prison or have to leave the UK if you give false information on your application.

Waiting for your decision

You’ll be told after your screening what you must do while you’re waiting for your asylum decision, for example report to a caseworker regularly (known as ‘reporting meetings’).

You must tell the authorities if your situation changes.

You will not usually be allowed to work while your asylum claim is being considered.

Help you can get

You can get help with:

getting legal representation for your asylum claim

living in the UK while you wait for your decision

Children applying on their own

You can apply as a child on your own if you do not have an adult relative who is also claiming asylum.

Eligibility

To stay in the UK as a refugee you must be unable to live safely in any part of your own country because you fear persecution there.

If you’re stateless, your own country is the country you usually live in.

This persecution must be because of:

your race

your religion

your nationality

your political opinion

anything else that puts you at risk because of the social, cultural, religious or political situation in your country, for example, your gender, gender identity or sexual orientation

You must have failed to get protection from authorities in your own country.

When your claim might not be considered

Your claim might not be considered if you:

are from an EU country

travelled to the UK through a ‘safe third country’

have a connection to a safe third country where you could claim asylum

Generally, a safe third country is one that:

you’re not a citizen of

you would not be harmed in

would not send you on to another country where you would be harmed

Family members

You can include your partner and your children under 18 as ‘dependants’ in your application if they’re with you in the UK.

Your children under 18 and your partner can also make their own applications at the same time, but they will not be treated as your dependants.

Documents you must provide

You’ll need documents for yourself and your dependants (partner and children under 18) for your asylum screening.

Documents you should bring (if you have them) include:

passports and travel documents

police registration certificates

identification documents, for example identity cards, birth and marriage certificates or school records

anything you think will help your application

Documents to prove your UK address

If you’re already in the UK, you and your dependants must bring documents that prove your UK address.

You’ll need different documents depending on whether you’re living in your own accommodation or staying with someone else.

Living in your own accommodation

You’ll need to provide documents showing your full name and address. This could be a:

bank statement

housing benefit book

council tax notice

tenancy agreement

household bill

Staying with someone else

You’ll need to provide:

a recent letter (less than 3 months old) from the person you’re staying with to confirm you have their permission to stay

documents showing the full name and address of the person you’re staying with, like a council tax notice, tenancy agreement or household bill

Register your asylum claim

You register your asylum claim at a ‘screening’. This is a meeting with an immigration officer where you tell them about your case.

You’ll have your screening at the UK border if you claim asylum as soon as you arrive. You can also be screened once you’re in the UK if you become eligible for asylum.

At your screening you’ll:

be photographed

have your fingerprints taken

have an interview to check who you are and where you’re from

You’ll be asked why you want asylum. You can bring written evidence to support your claim if you want, as well as your identification documents.

You’ll need to say if you or your dependants are taking any medication and give any relevant medical information.

You can ask for a male or female interviewer, but your choice might not always be available.

Screening at the UK border

You must tell a Border Force officer that you want to claim asylum.

Your application will be registered and you’ll be screened - ask for an interpreter if you need one.

Screening in the UK

You must call the asylum intake unit if you’re already in the UK.

They’ll call you back and ask simple questions about you and your family. You will not be asked why you’re claiming asylum during this telephone call.

You’ll be asked if you need help with housing. You might also be asked questions relating to coronavirus (COVID-19).

The call may take up to 30 minutes.

You do not need to make an appointment if you have nowhere to live - call the asylum intake unit to find out what asylum registration location you should go to and its opening hours.

Tell the asylum intake unit if you need any other dependants on your claim to be present at any stage of your asylum registration, for example the welfare interview, or if you’re a child and need to be accompanied. You can ask to have an interpreter at your screening.

Your appointment might be in a temporary location.

Attending your appointment

Because of coronavirus, attend your appointment alone or with any dependants claiming asylum with you.

If you’re helping a child register their own asylum claim, only you can go with them to their appointment.

You must bring the documents you need for your application.

You must also bring any dependants (partner and children under 18) who are claiming asylum with you.

If you show up without an appointment, you may be asked to come back another day.

You cannot get financial help for travel to or from the asylum intake unit.

Tell the appointment service if your situation changes before your appointment date, for example if you can no longer stay where you are living.

After your screening

After your screening, the Home Office will review your case and decide whether it can be considered in the UK.

You’ll be sent an asylum registration card (ARC) to your UK address, unless you’ve been detained.

If the Home Office cannot send you an ARC immediately, they’ll send you an appointment letter telling you what to do next.

You might also be sent a ‘preliminary information questionnaire’. If you get one, fill it in and return it by the deadline - the address and deadline are written on the letter that comes with the questionnaire. If you cannot fill it in, call the Home Office asylum team. Their phone number is on the letter.

If your case can be considered in the UK, it will be given to a caseworker.

If your case cannot be considered in the UK

You may be sent to a safe country that will consider your asylum claim. This might happen if you’ve travelled to the UK through a safe third country or you have a connection with another country that you could claim asylum in.

Generally, a safe country is one that:

you’re not a citizen of

you would not be harmed in

would not send you on to another country where you would be harmed

The Home Office can decide to send you to a safe country after either your screening or your asylum interview.

Caseworkers

You’ll have an asylum interview with your caseworker. They’ll make a decision about your application.

They’ll also explain the asylum process and tell you what to do while you wait for an asylum decision, such as go to regular reporting meetings.

You may be detained if you do not go to your reporting meetings.

Tell your caseworker if you have any special needs, for example if you have a disability or need medication.

Your ARC

The ARC shows you’ve applied for asylum. You can use it to:

show who you are

show whether you have permission to work

get health or education services

You must take your ARC with you when you go to your reporting meetings.

If you do not have your ARC

Contact the Home Office using the online form if you have any problems - for example:

you’ve not got your ARC through the post

you’ve lost it

it’s been stolen

it’s expired

You’ll be asked to give your Home Office or port reference number, and your ARC reference (if you know it).

Being detained

You may be detained at an immigration removal centre while you wait for a decision on your application.

You’ll either be:

released if you get permission to stay in the UK

held until you’re removed from the UK if you do not get permission to stay

You can also be detained and removed if it’s decided that another country is responsible for offering you asylum.

You may be able to appeal against the decision.

When you will not be detained

You will not usually be detained if:

you’re a child

you’re elderly

you’re a family with children

you’re pregnant

you’re accepted as being a victim of trafficking

you’re able to provide independent evidence of torture

you have a mental or physical condition that cannot be managed or would present a risk to others in an immigration removal centre

Asylum interview

Your asylum interview will take place soon after your screening.

Your application will usually be rejected if you do not go to your asylum interview.

You’ll get a letter telling you when and where to attend and if any of your dependants also need to be interviewed.

The interview

You’ll usually be interviewed alone, without your family members. An interpreter will be provided, if you need one.

The information you provide will be treated in confidence and will not be disclosed to the authorities in your own country.

Use this interview to explain:

how you were persecuted in your country

why you’re afraid to go back to your country

You may be asked questions about difficult topics but it’s important that you explain what has happened to you and your family.

You must tell the caseworker everything you want them to consider or it can count against you.

Bring all the evidence you have of your persecution. You may be asked to send further evidence to your caseworker after the interview, if they think it might help your application.

You should also bring your birth certificate, passport and medical records if you have them.

Your caseworker will make notes in a document called an ‘interview record’. You’ll get a copy of this at the end of the interview.

Legal representative

You can bring a legal representative to this interview, for example a lawyer or solicitor. Find out if you can get help paying for legal advice about asylum.

Your interview will take place even if your legal representative is not there. You cannot ask for more time to get a legal representative.

You can ask for this interview to be tape recorded if you do not have legal representation. Ask your caseworker at least one day before.

Get a decision

Your application will usually be decided within 6 months. It may take longer if it’s complicated, for example:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend more interviews

your personal circumstances need to be checked, for example because you have a criminal conviction or you’re currently being prosecuted

Ask your legal adviser if you want an update on your application.

You’ll be given or refused permission to stay in one of the following ways.

Permission to stay as a refugee

You and your dependants may be given permission to stay in the UK for 5 years if you qualify for asylum. This is known as ‘leave to remain’.

After 5 years, you can apply to settle in the UK.

Permission to stay for humanitarian reasons

You may get permission to stay for humanitarian reasons if you do not qualify for asylum. This means you need to stay in the UK for your protection.

You and your dependants may be given permission to stay in the UK for 5 years. This is known as ‘leave to enter’ or ‘leave to remain’.

Permission to stay for other reasons

You may get permission to stay for other reasons if you do not qualify for permission to stay as a refugee or for humanitarian reasons.

How long you can stay will depend on your situation.

You may be able to apply to extend your stay or settle in the UK towards the end of your stay.

No reason to stay

You’ll be asked to leave the UK if you do not qualify for asylum and your caseworker decides there’s no other reason for you to stay.

You may be able to appeal against the decision.

You’ll have to leave if you do not appeal in the time allowed, or if your appeal is unsuccessful. You can:

leave by yourself - you can get help with returning home

be forced to leave - you’ll get a letter before this happens, then you may be detained without warning at an immigration removal centre and then removed from the UK

Help you can get

You can get help from asylum helplines run by charities.

They can help with:

explaining your asylum claim, for example getting a solicitor or lawyer to represent you

living in the UK while your claim is being considered, for example getting asylum support, housing problems, dealing with agencies or finding English language classes and schools

Legal advice

You can get legal advice to help your asylum claim.

Housing and money

You may also be able to get housing and money (‘asylum support’) to support you and your family. This will only start from the day of your screening if you qualify.

Help returning home

You may be able to get help with returning home.

If you're under 18

This information is for children applying on their own.

If you have an adult relative who’s claiming asylum you should apply as part of that relative’s application instead.

You’re not in the care of social services

You should use the walk-in service at the asylum intake unit.

If you have an adult who is legally responsible for you

The adult who is taking responsibility for your care must attend the walk-in service at the asylum intake unit with you.

If you’re living with several relatives the closest blood relative willing to take responsibility for you must attend.

The adult must provide proof of address and photo ID (passport or driving licence).

If you do not have an adult who is legally responsible for you

You should go to the police or social services, or you can walk into the asylum intake unit.

You’re in the care of social services

You must book an appointment at the asylum intake unit by calling the appointment booking line.

You’ll need the following information when you book your appointment:

your name, date of birth and nationality

the number on your passport or national identity document, if you have one - or the number on your birth certificate if you do not

your foster carer’s name and contact details

details of any medical conditions you have

For more information read the guidance on processing asylum applications from children.


I am a junior office worker in a large law firm and have been here for eighteen months. I feel that I am being bullied by my immediate supervisor, who encourages other workers to laugh at me too. This is causing me a great deal of distress. I tried to resolve the problem by talking to my manager but I am not happy with his response I want to make a formal grievance complaint about my supervisor. Can I?

If you’re a worker and you’ve tried solving a problem or concern informally by talking to your manager but you’re not satisfied, you can make a formal grievance complaint in writing.

Raise a grievance at work

Overview

Your employer should have a written grievance procedure that tells you what to do and what happens at each stage of the process. After raising the grievance you’ll have a meeting to discuss the issue.

You can appeal if you do not agree with your employer’s decision.

Read Acas’s guide to discipline and grievances at work.

Mediation can also help resolve a problem - this can take place at any time during the dispute.

Following the Acas code of practice

You and your employer should follow the Acas code of practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures.

Otherwise, if you take your claim to an employment tribunal, any compensation you might get could be adjusted by up to 25%.

Grievance procedure

Your employer should put their grievance procedure in writing and share it with all staff, such as on the company intranet or in the HR manual.

It should include information about:

how to set out the details of your grievance in writing

who to send your letter to

who to write to if the normal contact person is involved in the grievance

a meeting with your employer to discuss the issue

how to appeal your employer’s decision

how long each stage should take

Mediation

Mediation is when an independent, impartial third party discusses a problem with you and your employer (or between you and another employee) to try and find a solution. It’s often used after informal discussions have not solved the issue.

Mediation is voluntary and confidential. The mediator cannot force you or your employer to accept a solution - both parties must agree on the way to solve the dispute.

It should not be used for problems that have to be formally investigated (such as harassment or discrimination).

Read the Acas guide on mediation for more information.

You can find a mediation service in your area.

Grievance meetings

What happens at the meeting

The aim of the meeting is to establish the facts and find a way to resolve the problem.

Your employer will run the meeting. They’ll normally go through the grievance and give the worker the chance to comment. You can bring supporting documents if you want.

Who can attend meetings with you

You can be accompanied to grievance meetings (and any appeal meetings) by a:

colleague

trade union representative

You may also be able to bring a family member or Citizens Advice Bureau worker, depending on the HR procedure where you work.

After the meeting

Afterwards the employer will write to you setting out their decision along with:

details of any action they intend to take

information about how to appeal

Appealing a grievance decision

Your employer’s grievance procedure will set out:

who you should submit your appeal to

the time limit within which an appeal must be made

information about any meetings that will be held

how the appeal meeting will be run

You have the right to be accompanied during any appeal meetings. If possible, a manager who has not been involved in the process should handle the appeal.

After the appeal meeting your employer should write to you setting out their final decision.


My work colleague Lucy  has raised a grievance about poor working conditions and the employer has arranged for a grievance meeting. Other than a colleague and her trade union representative, who else can accompany her to the meeting if our HR policy allows them to?

Raise a grievance at work

Overview

If you’re a worker and you’ve tried solving a problem or concern informally by talking to your manager but you’re not satisfied, you can make a formal grievance complaint in writing.

Your employer should have a written grievance procedure that tells you what to do and what happens at each stage of the process. After raising the grievance you’ll have a meeting to discuss the issue.

You can appeal if you do not agree with your employer’s decision.

Read Acas’s guide to discipline and grievances at work.

Mediation can also help resolve a problem - this can take place at any time during the dispute.

Following the Acas code of practice

You and your employer should follow the Acas code of practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures.

Otherwise, if you take your claim to an employment tribunal, any compensation you might get could be adjusted by up to 25%.

Grievance procedure

Your employer should put their grievance procedure in writing and share it with all staff, such as on the company intranet or in the HR manual.

It should include information about:

how to set out the details of your grievance in writing

who to send your letter to

who to write to if the normal contact person is involved in the grievance

a meeting with your employer to discuss the issue

how to appeal your employer’s decision

how long each stage should take

Mediation

Mediation is when an independent, impartial third party discusses a problem with you and your employer (or between you and another employee) to try and find a solution. It’s often used after informal discussions have not solved the issue.

Mediation is voluntary and confidential. The mediator cannot force you or your employer to accept a solution - both parties must agree on the way to solve the dispute.

It should not be used for problems that have to be formally investigated (such as harassment or discrimination).

Read the Acas guide on mediation for more information.

You can find a mediation service in your area.

Grievance meetings

What happens at the meeting

The aim of the meeting is to establish the facts and find a way to resolve the problem.

Your employer will run the meeting. They’ll normally go through the grievance and give the worker the chance to comment. You can bring supporting documents if you want.

Who can attend meetings with you

You can be accompanied to grievance meetings (and any appeal meetings) by a:

colleague

trade union representative

You may also be able to bring a family member or Citizens Advice Bureau worker, depending on the HR procedure where you work.

After the meeting

Afterwards the employer will write to you setting out their decision along with:

details of any action they intend to take

information about how to appeal

Appealing a grievance decision

Your employer’s grievance procedure will set out:

who you should submit your appeal to

the time limit within which an appeal must be made

information about any meetings that will be held

how the appeal meeting will be run

You have the right to be accompanied during any appeal meetings. If possible, a manager who has not been involved in the process should handle the appeal.

After the appeal meeting your employer should write to you setting out their final decision.

colleague

Raise a grievance at work

Overview

You can appeal if you do not agree with your employer’s decision.

Read Acas’s guide to discipline and grievances at work.

Following the Acas code of practice

Grievance procedure

It should include information about:

how to set out the details of your grievance in writing

who to send your letter to

who to write to if the normal contact person is involved in the grievance

a meeting with your employer to discuss the issue

how to appeal your employer’s decision

how long each stage should take

Mediation

Read the Acas guide on mediation for more information.

You can find a mediation service in your area.

Grievance meetings

What happens at the meeting

Who can attend meetings with you

colleague

trade union representative

After the meeting

details of any action they intend to take

information about how to appeal

Appealing a grievance decision

Your employer’s grievance procedure will set out:

who you should submit your appeal to

the time limit within which an appeal must be made

information about any meetings that will be held

how the appeal meeting will be run

trade union representative

Raise a grievance at work

Overview

You can appeal if you do not agree with your employer’s decision.

Read Acas’s guide to discipline and grievances at work.

Following the Acas code of practice

Grievance procedure

It should include information about:

how to set out the details of your grievance in writing

who to send your letter to

who to write to if the normal contact person is involved in the grievance

a meeting with your employer to discuss the issue

how to appeal your employer’s decision

how long each stage should take

Mediation

Read the Acas guide on mediation for more information.

You can find a mediation service in your area.

Grievance meetings

What happens at the meeting

Who can attend meetings with you

colleague

trade union representative

After the meeting

details of any action they intend to take

information about how to appeal

Appealing a grievance decision

Your employer’s grievance procedure will set out:

who you should submit your appeal to

the time limit within which an appeal must be made

information about any meetings that will be held

how the appeal meeting will be run

Raise a grievance at work

Overview

You can appeal if you do not agree with your employer’s decision.

Read Acas’s guide to discipline and grievances at work.

Following the Acas code of practice

Grievance procedure

It should include information about:

how to set out the details of your grievance in writing

who to send your letter to

who to write to if the normal contact person is involved in the grievance

a meeting with your employer to discuss the issue

how to appeal your employer’s decision

how long each stage should take

Mediation

Read the Acas guide on mediation for more information.

You can find a mediation service in your area.

Grievance meetings

What happens at the meeting

Who can attend meetings with you

colleague

trade union representative

After the meeting

details of any action they intend to take

information about how to appeal

Appealing a grievance decision

Your employer’s grievance procedure will set out:

who you should submit your appeal to

the time limit within which an appeal must be made

information about any meetings that will be held

how the appeal meeting will be run