The start of the upcoming year brings a range of new laws that British citizens should be mindful of in the months ahead. Vacationers should take note of fresh border regulations and a new £17 charge for European travel starting towards the end of 2026. Household residents may find themselves with an extra bin due to revised recycling rules requiring waste separation into four distinct categories.
The government’s efforts to combat unhealthy eating habits persist with the implementation of a ban on junk food advertising and intentions to prevent children from buying high-caffeine beverages. Additionally, a set of new workplace regulations will strengthen employee rights and protections, accompanied by a minimum wage hike this spring.
Tenants can anticipate significant changes with the enforcement of a ban on no-fault evictions and the phasing out of fixed contracts and bidding wars. Concurrently, the crackdown on benefit fraud remains active with the rollout of new powers enabling automated debt collection.
These are just a few of the key changes on the horizon for Brits in the upcoming months, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
New regulations for British travelers to Europe were initiated in 2025, with further adjustments anticipated in the following year.
The Entry Exit System (EES) now requires non-EU citizens, including Britons, to register at the EU border by scanning their passport and providing fingerprints and a photograph. This system is mandatory for entry into Schengen area countries but not for travel to Ireland and Cyprus.
The phased rollout of this new system began in October, with various ports implementing the rules until April 2026. Travelers do not need to take any action prior to their journey, and there is no associated cost.
However, a new fee for visitors to EU countries is scheduled to be introduced towards the end of the next year. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is slated to launch in the final quarter of 2026.
The fee, set at 20 euros (approximately £17) for adults under 70, grants registration validity for up to three years. Unlike the EES, the ETIAS will require travelers to apply online before their trip.
Additionally, new regulations will affect non-British individuals entering the UK. Starting February 25, visitors from 85 nationalities, including the United States, Canada, and France, who do not require a visa must have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to legally enter the UK.
The phased implementation of the ETA scheme has been ongoing, with full enforcement beginning in February. This means anyone planning to visit the UK must have digital permission through an ETA or an eVisa, which will be checked by carriers before travel.
The government’s aim with this change is to digitize the immigration system, paving the way for a contactless UK border in the future. Over 13.3 million visitors have successfully applied for an ETA since its introduction in October 2023.
People can apply for an ETA via the official UK ETA app, with a cost of £16. Most decisions are automated within minutes, but it is advisable to allow up to three working days for any application that requires additional review.
British and Irish citizens, including those with dual citizenship, are exempt from needing an ETA.
In a bid to enhance recycling rates among households, the government is introducing new regulations across England. These changes aim to streamline waste disposal, making it easier for individuals to segregate their rubbish and understand what can and cannot be recycled.
Starting March 31, the ‘Simpler Recycling’ regulations will mandate all local authorities to collect four distinct waste streams separately, necessitating every household to have four separate bins. While some regions may already comply with these new requirements, others will need to adjust.
Waste collection services will need to manage food and garden waste, paper and cardboard, dry recyclable materials like glass and plastic, and non-recyclable waste designated for landfill. All these waste categories must be collected from every household, including flats.
Steve Cole, managing director of Biffa Municipal, noted that households have long faced challenges with inconsistent bin collection methods. Simpler Recycling is expected to standardize recycling processes by ensuring uniform recyclable materials across all locations.
From March 2027, waste collectors will also be tasked with collecting plastic film packaging and plastic bags alongside regular plastic recycling.
The prohibition on junk food advertising will come into effect in January, following a voluntary reduction in unhealthy food advertisements on television and online since October.
The ban will restrict the display of high fat, sugar, or salt (HFSS) food and drink products on television between 5.30am and 9pm, as well as online at all times. Exemptions from the ban include outdoor advertising like billboards, buses, and shopping centers.
The restrictions target products across 13 categories identified as significant contributors to childhood obesity, such as soft drinks, chocolates, pizzas, breakfast cereals, and more. Products within these categories are evaluated using a scoring tool to determine