A variety of new laws are scheduled to take effect in 2026, impacting waste management, travel, and employment regulations. Households will need to adapt to new bins for food waste collection and revised recycling rules. Additionally, regulations targeting unethical landlords and employers are expected to affect individuals nationwide.
Key changes to anticipate include the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Bill on May 1, which will prohibit no-fault evictions in the private rental sector. Simultaneously, the minimum wage is set to increase in April, with the National Living Wage rising by 4.1% to £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and over.
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, starting on May 1, fixed-term tenancy contracts will be replaced with rolling agreements, providing tenants with increased flexibility and a two-month notice period for contract termination. Furthermore, new recycling regulations effective from March 31 will mandate households to have four separate bins for different waste categories.
In April, paternity leave and ordinary parental leave will become immediate entitlements for employees, eliminating previous tenure requirements. Changes to statutory sick pay will ensure payment from the first day of illness, and the Employment Rights Act will see the removal of the lower earnings limit.
By 2026, legislation will prohibit the resale of event tickets above face value, enforce caps on service charges on resale platforms, and restrict sellers from exceeding the original ticket allocation. Additionally, drone operators will need to pass a theory test to obtain a Flyer ID for aircraft weighing 100g or more.
Travelers to Europe should expect adjustments due to the Entry Exit System (EES) rollout, requiring non-EU citizens to register at the border. The upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will introduce a fee for registration. Moreover, a ban on junk food advertising during certain hours will begin in January, while the exploitative practice of ‘fire and rehire’ will be outlawed in October.
From April 6, individuals working from home will no longer be eligible for tax relief on additional expenses. Previously claimable costs, such as increased bills and business calls, will no longer be deductible.