HMRC, DWP, ILR, P45, V5C — British paperwork is full of abbreviations you cannot guess. These are the ones that actually appear in our reporting: what they are, why they matter and where to read the official rule.
The plastic card that proved immigration status; being replaced by the digital eVisa.
Verification through GOV.UK One Login is free and takes minutes: you need a biometric passport from any country, a UK photo driving licence, or a BRP, BRC or Frontier Worker permit. First convictions for missing Companies House ID checks: what it costs now, and how long is left
Official source · appears in 23 of our articles
The recognised sign language of the UK's deaf community, with its own grammar.
Access to Work: a grant for equipment, support workers and travel, with no means test The scheme pays for equipment, a BSL interpreter, a job coach, travel and vehicle adaptations. Access to Work: a grant for equipment, support workers and travel, with no means test
Official source · appears in 9 of our articles
The competition and consumer-protection regulator; fines firms for collusion and misleading selling.
CMA examines Microsoft’s business software ecosystem: firms can respond by 13 November The UK competition regulator has provisionally found that Microsoft’s business software ecosystem may warrant special oversight. CMA examines Microsoft’s business software ecosystem: firms can respond by 13 November
Official source · appears in 10 of our articles
The UK's main measure of inflation; pensions, benefits and many charges are linked to it.
Today the basic State Pension and the full rate of the new State Pension rise by the highest of three figures: CPI inflation, 2.5%, or growth in average earnings. State pension triple lock to change from April 2030: what it means for payments
Official source · appears in 16 of our articles
Inspects hospitals, clinics, dentists and care homes in England; its register shows whether a provider is lawful.
ADHD and autism diagnostic assessments — including private and self-funded ones — are to be CQC-regulated, and national NHS prices are intended from April 2027. ADHD and autism in England: government changes the rules on assessments and promises help without a diagnosis
Official source · appears in 8 of our articles
Issues criminal record checks, required for work with children or vulnerable adults.
DBS checks in England: the four levels, the £20 fee and the deadlines people miss Almost every job asks for a criminal record check. DBS checks in England: the four levels, the £20 fee and the deadlines people miss
Official source · appears in 2 of our articles
Responsible for schools, childcare, further education and children's social care in England.
DfE polling found two thirds of people (66%) believe they could be a good foster carer if practical barriers were removed. England wants 10,000 new foster places: who can apply and what carers are paid
Official source · appears in 8 of our articles
A payment for children under 16 who need extra care or help getting around.
There is a further restriction: you cannot get Attendance Allowance if you already receive DLA, PIP, Adult Disability Payment, Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance or Armed Forces Independence Payment. Attendance Allowance: £76.70 or £114.60 a week and six months of needing care
Official source · appears in 14 of our articles
The driverless railway linking the City, Docklands, Greenwich and London City Airport.
There are two caps and they are counted separately: a combined one covering Tube, rail, DLR, London Overground, the Elizabeth line, National Rail inside London and buses, and a cheaper one for buses and trams only. Travel in London: daily and weekly Oyster and contactless caps by zone
Official source · appears in 30 of our articles
Issues driving licences, registers vehicles and administers vehicle tax.
It lets you park where others cannot and park free at meters, and it is issued by your local council, not by DVLA. Blue Badge parking permit: who qualifies, what it costs and where you can park
Official source · appears in 32 of our articles
Responsible for benefits and the State Pension: Universal Credit, PIP, ESA and JSA.
If you already get Attendance Allowance and move to Scotland from England or Wales, you must tell DWP. Attendance Allowance: £76.70 or £114.60 a week and six months of needing care
Official source · appears in 47 of our articles
The EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; the term appears throughout immigration and banking rules.
A full EU or EEA licence qualifies as long as it does not prohibit you from driving low-speed mopeds and motorcycles. E-scooters in Britain: your own is illegal, a rental is not
Official source · appears in 9 of our articles
Missing an abbreviation? Write to info@onlyway.news and we will add it. Abbreviations that appear in our texts but are not yet explained are queued automatically.
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