Big changes are coming into place soon affecting passports, car tax and more

Motorists, employers and the general public could all be affected by some big new changes that are coming into place over the coming weeks. With everything from changes in car tax to new prices for passports, make sure you're aware of what to expect.

Gender pay gap

All employers in England, Scotland and Wales with at least 250 employees must publish information about the pay differences between men and women in the company. Using the 'snapshot' date of 5th April 2017, the report must be published by the 4th April 2018.

Passports

The price of a British passport will increase and for the first time if you apply by post it will be MORE expensive than if you apply online.

The price of a standard British passport will increase from £72.50 to £75.50 if you apply online and £85 if you apply by post.

Children's passports will increase from £46 to £49 for online and £58.50 by post.

Those who want to have their passport application checked at the Post Office can still do that, but it will cost an extra £9.75 from 27th March.

These changes to the passport prices are not related to BREXIT.

Energy Performance Ratings

From the 1st April any privately rented properties must have a minimum energy performance rating of E. There will be a penalty of up to £4,000 for any landlords who rent out properties with Energy Performance Rating lower than E.

Car tax

Last year the way that car tax is calculated changed (for cars and motorhomes registered after 1st April 2017). This year is the first year that many people will be affected by the changes.

For the first year a new car is taxed the tax is based on CO2 emissions and could be anything between £0 and £2,000 depending on the vehicle. Vehicles with emissions 1-50 g/CO2/km will pay £10, those with emissions of 51-70g/CO2/km will pay £25 going up to emissions over 255g/CO2/km will pay £2,000.

However, for the second year onwards the car tax to be paid is £140 for both petrol and diesel vehicles. If you have a different type of vehicle like a hybrid then it is £130. Cars with zero emissions will not have to pay.

In addition to these changes there are other rules that will affect mostly diesel drivers. For example from the 1st April all new diesel cars that don't meet the latest Euro 6 standards will risk going up a band. This doesn't affect vans or commercial vehicles - just diesel cars.

Regardless of emissions cars that cost over £40,000 will have an extra premium fee of £310 for years two to six.

You can read more information about it here.

Employment Allowance

In order to deter more illegal workers from April employers will not be allowed to claim Employment Allowance for one year if they have hired an illegal worker, been penalised by the Home Office or exhausted all appeal rights against the penalty.

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