Government announces seven law changes taking effect in August 2023 – from stamps to the cost of alcohol

A number of fresh laws have come into effect at the start of this month, the government has confirmed. The fresh legislation and rules will have an impact on every household in the country and some started on Tuesday, August 1.

The law changes cover stamps, alcohol as well as several for drivers, Birmingham Live reports. Benefit claimants have also been told about a change to their payments, given the August Bank Holiday at the end of the month.

We have put together a round-up of all the new laws which Brits need to be aware of. If you’re a drinker, a driver, or even just somebody who uses stamps, you will be affected by the changes – to ensure you don’t fall foul of the new rules as the eighth month of the year begins.

Alcohol duty

The government increased the duty rates for alcohol products in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI) on August 1. It wiill also increase the value of draught relief from 5 per cent to 9.2 per cent for qualifying beer and cider products and from 20 per cent to 23 per cent for qualifying wine, other fermented products (previously made-wine) and spirits

Benefit payments

The Summer Bank Holiday on Monday, August 28 means that anyone expecting to receive their money on that date can typically expect it to be paid into their bank accounts one working day earlier – Friday, August 25, for instance.

Energy bills

An update on the next quarterly price cap will be issued this month (August) . Ofgem CEO Jonathan Brearley said: “After a difficult winter for consumers it is encouraging to see signs that the market is stabilising and prices are moving in the right direction. People should start seeing cheaper energy bills from the start of July, and that is a welcome step towards lower costs.

“However, we know people are still finding it hard, the cost-of-living crisis continues and these bills will still be troubling many people up and down the country. Where people are struggling, we urge them to contact their supplier who will be able to offer a range of support, such as payment plans or access to hardship funds.

“In the medium term, we’re unlikely to see prices return to the levels we saw before the energy crisis, and therefore we believe that it is imperative that government, Ofgem, consumer groups and the wider industry work together to support vulnerable groups. In particular, we will continue to work with government to look at all options.”

Stamps

Non-barcoded stamps can now be deemd invalid and their recipient could be charged £110. Post sent using the old stamps from August 1 will be treated in the same way as insufficient or ‘no postage’ on an item, Royal Mail said.

Tax credits

More than 171,350 tax credits customers had until July 31 to update their annual claim. Failure to renew also means that no new claim is made, and any provisional payments received from April 2023 will be overpaid (because there is no claim) and HMRC will seek to recover them via direct recovery.

Life changes HMRC needs to know about include relationship changes, including marriage or separation, as well as changes to the cost of childcare and of your child leaves home, or working hours fall below 30 hours a week.

Driving

On August 29 2023, the ULEZ will be extended to all 33 boroughs in London. The zone applies to cars, motorbikes, vans and specialist vehicles up to and including 3.5 tonnes, plus minibuses up to and including 5 tonnes. While this is likely to affect thousands of drivers and bikers, it’s hoped that it will encourage people to use public transport more, or switch to a greener vehicle.

Changes to the Skilled Worker migration route

Following an interim review by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), the Shortage Occupation List is being updated to include certain construction and fishing industry occupations. The update will come into effect from 7 August 2023.

All jobs in the following occupations in construction are being added to the list:

• 5312 Bricklayers and masons
• 5313 Roofers, roof tilers and slaters
• 5315 Carpenters and joiners
• 5319 Construction and building trades not elsewhere classified
• 5321 Plasterers