Civil rights after Brexit (voting and consumer rights)

The UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020. This process is often known as 'Brexit'.

The UK Government and the EU have now agreed a deal on their future relationship. From 1 January 2021 this new relationship with the EU will begin.

There will be effects on some areas of life in Scotland. This may include changes to civil rights.

Civil rights is a subject devolved to Scotland. These rights are protected under the Human Rights Act 1998 and in the Scotland Act 1998.

Voting and registration rights

There will be no change to who can vote, or register to vote, in Scottish Parliament and local elections in Scotland after Brexit.

Foreign nationals with leave to remain who live in Scotland can still register to vote in the Scottish elections.

Find out more about how you can register to vote.

Consumer rights

Your consumer rights did not change before 31 December 2020.

The UK Government has more information about consumer rights from 1 January 2021.

Consumer rights help and advice

You can freephone 0808 800 9060 or go to brexitadvice.scot for advice and information on:

• consumer rights
• household energy
• Brexit-related scams
• food and household expenditures
• transport and travel (including travel insurance)
• postal services
• employment rights

The brexitadvice.scot website is managed by Advice Direct Scotland.

You can also contact Citizen's Advice Scotland.

More information

More details on civil rights in Scotland will be added to this page as new information on Brexit is available.

Meanwhile, you can get more information from: