If you’ve recently moved to the UK, you may already be researching the local laws and specific regulations that will make your stay as hassle-free as possible.
This is especially important if you’re planning to develop land or build your dream home from the ground up. This post takes a closer look at a few of the key local laws and regulations that a new UK resident should be aware of. A few of the more common aspects to consider include building regulations, planning permissions, as well as compliance with environmental and safety standards. Additionally, we also explore the benefits of investing in legal expenses insurance and highlight how this is a must-have in the UK.
Know the Law Surrounding Your New Build
If you’ve purchased land in the UK with the intention of building your dream home, you will have to obtain the necessary planning permission. This is also essential for homes or spaces where structural alterations, rebuilding, or construction are planned.
You will need to apply for this at your local planning authority (LPA) and know when to enlist the help of experts, such as waste management specialists. Failure to obtain the necessary permission can result in significant legal action.
Be Sure to Adhere to Local Environmental and Safety Laws
Whether you’re building a new home or moving into an existing one, you will need to adhere to the local environmental and safety laws. These are made up of statutory nuisances such as excessive noise and smells. It’s a good idea to refer to the Environmental Protection Act 1990 for more information on your area.
Always Invest in Comprehensive Legal Expenses Insurance
No matter where in the UK you’re living, it’s always a good idea to have the right insurance coverage to protect you against any home, work, or personal eventuality. Opting for one umbrella type coverage, such as legal expenses insurance, will give you peace of mind that you’re covered when you need to be.
Legal expenses insurance, or legal cover as it’s also known, is a type of insurance that’s designed to help with legal costs when you need to defend yourself in a legal dispute or take legal action. Having this type of insurance in place ensures that you have access to legal advice and representation when you need it. There’s no need to run around looking for assistance once the eventuality has occurred.
A huge benefit of this type of insurance is that it protects all areas of your daily life. With such a broad spectrum, it’s essential to know what’s covered. Here’s a list of the most common aspects that are covered:
- Employment disputes
- Personal injury claims
- Property disputes
- Consumer rights
- Clinical negligence
- Contract disputes
Opting for legal expenses insurance from a reputable insurer can see you benefiting from a policy limit of £50,000 per claim. Adding a legal expenses insurance policy to an existing contents or building insurance policy can make the overall premium considerably more affordable. More good news is that you will have access to a skilled solicitor with expert knowledge on the ins and outs of legal law at a fraction of the usual cost.
Know Your Work Laws
As with any other country, the UK has very specific work laws. It’s essential to be familiar with the work regulations and laws in your specific industry and sector. This includes knowing maximum working hours, compensation, regulations for leave and sick days, as well as the laws surrounding discrimination and unfair dismissal.
Review your prospective company’s Policies and Procedures for industry-specific guidelines. You can also research the local government acts, such as the Employment Rights Act 1996 and Working Time Regulations 1998, for a comprehensive breakdown of what you can expect and what’s required of you.
Understand How the NHS Works
Irrespective of where you’ll be working or living, there may come a time when you will need medical care. In the UK, citizens make use of the National Health Service (NHS). You can refer to the Health and Social Care Act 2008, Care Act 2014, and Human Rights Act 1998 for extensive information about patient rights and provider duties of care.
Keep in mind that comprehensive legal expenses insurance will go a long way toward providing you with any legal aid you may need in the event of clinical negligence. Be sure to read up on aspects such as consent, information, and treatment choices to ensure you can make the most informed decisions in an emergency.
