Brexit to coronavirus: 10 new laws coming into effect in December 2020
December 2020 is looking quite the month for people across the UK, as England enters a tough Tiers system and the Brexit transition period ends
December is looking like a busy month of change for people across the UK, with England's lockdown lifting and free movement ending.
From the end of the national lockdown on December 2 and the return to the coronavirus Tier system, to the ability to apply for new grants, it is quite the month.
Many of the changes made to our laws don't take effect on December 1 - but it is set to be a month of big change across the country, BirminghamLive reports.
We've rounded up ten of the major changes to UK law, benefits, financial and employment rules that are set to take place in December.
The new legislation affects everything from lockdown rules and the coronavirus crisis, to cash support for workers impacted by the pandemic.
Brush up on the changes and ensure you are not caught short from the final month of the year.
Read on to see how they'll affect you and your family.
England returns to its Covid-19 Tier system from Wednesday, December 2. Millions of people will have to adhere to strict rules depending on whether their area falls into Tier 1, 2 or 3.
The North East is among the places falling into the highest category, with a review not due until December 16.
Of course, it's all subject to approval with MPs due to vote in the House of Commons on December 1.
Pub closures
Beforehand, hospitality venues could stay open in Tier 3 if they could operate as a restaurant. But now that restriction will apply to Tier 2 - and all hospitality venues, including restaurants, in Tier 3 must shut completely. This includes hotels.
Terry Haley, owner of Durham Leisure which has three pubs in Durham City, The Drunken Duck, Ye Old Elm Tree and The Angel
... but later curfew
Pubs and restaurants that remain open will now have to call last orders at 10pm but won't have to shut completely at 10pm - drinkers will have until 11pm to leave, in a bid to stagger people's leaving times.
Tier 3 closures
Cinemas, bowling, bingo and soft play must close in all Tier 3 areas. This also includes any other 'indoor entertainment' venues. But spectator sport, gigs, conferences and theatre shows can go ahead in Tiers 1 and 2. They will have severely reduced capacity.
Support bubbles
There's now a new exemption which allows two multi-adult households to form a support bubble no matter what, if one of them has a child under one, or a disabled child under five with continuous care needs.
Christmas welfare bonus to be paid to claimants on Universal Credit and other benefits
Covid Winter Grants
On Sunday, November 8, the Government announced a significant package of extra targeted financial support for those in need over the winter period.
This includes the £170m COVID Winter Grant Scheme, which will be made available in early December 2020 and covers the period until the end of March 2021.
DWP will provide the grant scheme funding to county councils and unitary authorities (including metropolitan councils and London boroughs) who will administer the scheme and provide direct assistance to support families with children, other vulnerable households and individuals.
The grant will be used to support those most in need across England with the cost of food, energy and water bills and other associated costs.
The Immigration Act has received Royal Assent and been signed into law.
This means free movement will end at 11pm on December 21 2020.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: "This time last year the government promised to end free movement, take back control of our borders and introduce a new points-based immigration system.
"Today we have officially delivered on that promise.
"The Act of Parliament which ends free movement has completed its journey through Parliament and today achieved Royal Assent.
"This is an historic day in our new direction outside of the EU – controlling our own borders and delivering on the people's priorities."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "Today marks the delivery of our promise to the British people to regain control of our borders and consider new arrivals on the basis of the skills they have to offer and the contribution they can make, not where they come from.
"The passing of this landmark Bill means that for the first time in decades we will have a firm and fair immigration system that will support our economy and see us build back better."
Drone rules
A new system will launch on December 31 where the drones themselves will be classified from C0 up to C4 dependent on requirements such as weight and capabilities of the drone.
The Flight Risk Assessments will change and be classified as Open, Specific or Certified based on the proximity of flying to people and the level of risk involved.
UK visit visas
A new Appendix V will replace the existing version, with a key focus on a consolidated and simplified set of visitor rules.
FreeMovement writes: "As with any type of change, trying to simplify the Rules can — inadvertently or not — have an impact on the substance of the rules as well. In this article we take a look at some of the substantive changes to the visitor route, which take effect from 9 am on 1 December 2020."
Find the guide here.
Brexit transition
There are new rules for businesses and citizens from January 1 2021.
Make sure you're ready as your business, family, and personal circumstances will be affected.
You need to act now if you're:
importing goods from the EU
exporting goods to the EU
moving goods to or from Northern Ireland
travelling to the EU
living and working in the EU
staying in the UK if you're an EU citizen
Visit www.gov.uk/transition for more.