A series of new laws will be introduced from April which will affect millions of people across the country.
The changes cover a number of areas, including new rules for divorce proceedings, receiving government payments and paying taxes.
The National Minimum Wage is set to rise from April, meaning it will be law for employers to pay their staff no less than the new rates.
The increase in wages comes amid the cost of living crisis which could leave workers paying 7% more for the price of goods from next month.
Some of the new regulations from April will only affect businesses, but others will impact the general public.
Listed are eight upcoming changes that you need to know.
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The National Minimum Wage is set to rise from April, meaning it will be law for employers to pay their staff no less than the new rates.
5. Council tax rebate
Households in England need to be prepared to receive a £150 council tax rebate to help manage the costs of living. Those who pay council tax by direct debit will see the money go directly into their bank account from April, while those who do not pay by direct debit will be contacted by their council and invited to make a claim. Around 20 million households in council tax bands A to D will benefit from the £3 billion council tax rebate, including 95% of rented properties, which does not have to be repaid.
6. Plastic packaging tax
From 1 April, all plastic packaging manufactured in the UK, or imported into the country, will face a new tax if it is not made from at least 30% recycled materials. The change will apply to packaging “that is predominantly plastic by weight” and accountancy firm Harold Duckworth reports the rate of tax will be £200 per metric tonne of plastic packaging. The government says the new tax aims to “provide a clear economic incentive for businesses to use recycled plastic in the manufacture of plastic packaging”. It is hoped that the rule will encourage higher levels of recycling and collection of plastic waste, saving it from landfill.
7. Fuel changes
Red diesel and rebated biofuels will become illegal from 1 April 1. Red diesel is mainly used off-road for likes of cranes or bulldozers, meaning the change will mostly affect businesses, rather than individual divers. It is intended to promote the use of more sustainable fuels as part of the UK’s 2050 climate change targets.
8. Corporation tax
Companies and unincorporated associations that pay corporation tax will be affected by new changes from 1 April. HMRC has set the ‘main rate’ for corporation tax for all non-ring fenced profits to 19% for the financial year starting 1 April 2022, increasing to 25% of profits over £250,000 from 1 April 2023. A small profits rate (SPR) will also be introduced for companies with profits of £50,000 or less so they will continue to pay corporation tax at 19%.