NFB welcomes Government’s statement of intent on EU settlement scheme

The Home Office has published details of the settlement scheme that will allow EU citizens to secure permanent residence, after the UK leaves the EU in March 2019.

EU citizens who have lived continuously in the UK for 5 years will be granted “settled status”, while EU nationals with less than 5 years of residence will be given “pre-settled status” and be able to apply for settled status once they have reached 5 years of continuous residence.

Applications will cost £65 for adults and £32.50 for children under the age of 16. The system will be rolled out in a phased manner from late 2018, with a view to make it fully operational by 30 March 2019. EU citizens will be eligible to apply if they have been living in the UK by 31 December 2020. The deadline for applications will be 30 June 2021.

The digital application process will be streamlined, accessible and will draw on government data to minimise the burden on applicants to provide evidence of residence. The process will take applicants through three stages: proving their identity and nationality, declaring they are not serious criminals, and proving their residence in the UK.

Applicants will be able to submit a valid EU passport or a national identity card, as well as a recent photograph, to prove their identity either via a smart-phone app or by post. To make the process simpler for the majority of EU nationals, the Home Office will check existing data from HM Revenue and Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions to certify proof of residence.

The National Federation of Builders (NFB) appreciates the Government’s efforts to help EU nationals living in the UK secure their residency rights and will monitor developments on the matter very closely.

Richard Beresford, chief executive of the NFB, said: “EU citizens have made and continue to make a substantial contribution not just to the national economy, but to the UK’s construction industry. We welcome the Government’s efforts to secure their legal rights to continue their lives in this country and will keep a close eye on this scheme over the following months.”

Monika Slowikowska, director of London-based Golden Homes and board member of the House Builders Association (HBA), said: “Simplifying the application process for permanent UK residency is vital, not only for individuals but for all industries. In construction, more than 50% of workers are aged 45 and over, EU nationals will play a vital role in combating that retirement time bomb.

Shared by: National Federation of Builders – nationalfedofbuilders.vuelio.co.uk

EAN Content

Content shared by this account is either news shared free by third parties or sponsored (paid for) content from third parties. Please be advised that links to third party websites are not endorsed by Estate Agent Networking - Please do your own research before committing to any third party business promoted on our website. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

You May Also Enjoy

small house bird box
Breaking News

UK First Time Buyers better off than many other global nations

Is it really that bad being a first-time buyer? UK better off than many other global nations when it comes to affordability The latest market analysis from Yopa, the full-service estate agents, reveals that first-time buyers (FTBs) in the UK may be paying 63% more to get a foot on the property ladder than they…
Read More
new build homes colchester essex
Breaking News

Building Safety Regulator Reform

The Government has announced reforms to the Building Safety Regulator, including leadership, process and investment. The changes are hoped to deliver 1.5 million homes. The reforms pave the way for creation of a single construction safety regulator, as recommended by the Grenfell Tower enquiry. David Smith, property litigation partner at London law firm Spector Constant…
Read More
Breaking News

New anti-money laundering rules now in effect: what landlords need to know

New anti-money laundering (AML) rules came into effect this month, marking a significant change for landlords and the lettings industry as a whole. The new rules mean financial sanctions checks are now required for all lettings, regardless of how much rent is charged. Here, Steve Bond, managing director of residential lettings for Beresfords, explains what…
Read More
Breaking News

What landlords need to know about the upcoming Renters Rights Bill

The government’s long-awaited Renters Rights Bill is one of the most significant overhauls of the private rental sector in decades. While it has not yet received royal assent, the legislation is expected to come into effect late this year, or early in 2026. With the bill moving closer to becoming law, Steven Bond, managing director…
Read More
Breaking News

Mortgage approvals bounce back in May

The latest figures show that: – Mortgage approvals on house purchases for May sat at 63,032 up 3.9% from 60,656 in April. The monthly increase seen in May marks the end of four months of previous decline, with approval levels having fallen each month since January of this year. Approvals are also 2.5% higher than…
Read More
Breaking News

Money and Credit – May 2025

Key points: Net borrowing of mortgage debt by individuals increased by £2.8 billion to £2.1 billion in May, following a large decrease in net borrowing of £13.8 billion to -£0.8 billion in April. Net mortgage approvals for house purchases increased by 2,400 to 63,000 in May. Approvals for remortgaging also increased by 6,200 to 41,500…
Read More