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 EU border system that records fingerprints and a facial image instead of stamping the passport.
Since October 2025 the Schengen borders run the EES system: fingerprints and a facial photo instead of a passport stamp — we covered it in detail . UK passport in 2026: what it costs, how long it takes and when Europe will turn you away
Official source · appears in 6 of our articles
A legally binding plan setting out the support a child with special needs must receive.
EHC plans in England: who can request an assessment and how long the council has When SEN support at school is not enough, the next step is an education, health and care plan. EHC plans in England: who can request an assessment and how long the council has
Official source · appears in 8 of our articles
An A-to-G rating of a property's energy use, required when selling or letting.
Ask in advance for the gas safety record, the electrical report and the EPC: the landlord must provide them, and their absence is a warning sign. Renting in London and England: prices, where to search and the 2026 rules
Official source · appears in 6 of our articles
A payment for people unable to work through illness or disability who have enough NI contributions.
Four routes: Pension Credit; income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA); Universal Credit; and Support for Mortgage Interest. Cold Weather Payment: £25 for each seven-day freeze from 1 November, paid automatically
Official source · appears in 16 of our articles
English courses for adults whose first language is not English; many are free or government-funded.
Readers already in Britain can also use our guide to free and funded ESOL courses . Free English with a native speaker: how Russian speakers can find a language partner
Official source · appears in 6 of our articles
A pre-travel permit for visa-free nationals, applied for online and linked to the passport.
So if you hold an eVisa, an ETA or a passport from one of the eGate-eligible countries, you still put your passport on the reader for now. Contactless eGates at UK airports: no need to put your passport on the reader
Official source · appears in 13 of our articles
The route by which EU citizens and their families obtained settled or pre-settled status after Brexit.
If your right to live in Britain is tied to your partner — a spouse visa, dependant status, the EUSS family routes — you are required to tell the Home Office when the relationship ends. Divorce in England: what it costs, how long it takes, and why 'marry an Englishman and take half' is a myth
Official source · appears in 8 of our articles
Regulates banks, insurers, brokers and lenders; its register shows whether a firm is authorised.
The legal challenge to the UK car finance compensation scheme will be heard from 16 to 26 February 2027, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said on 13 October. Car finance payouts face February court hearing
Official source · appears in 20 of our articles
Anyone's right to request information from a public body, which must reply within a statutory deadline.
How does this differ from an FOI request? Subject access requests: getting your records, emails and CCTV
Official source · appears in 4 of our articles
Repays customers when a bank or financial firm fails, up to a limit set by law.
How to work out what an exchange truly costs, why you should never be billed in pounds abroad, why non-bank services carry no FSCS protection, and the honest position on transfers to Russia and Belarus. Changing money and sending it abroad from Britain: where the cost hides and what to check
Official source · appears in 8 of our articles
London-wide government — the Mayor and Assembly — covering transport, policing, housing and development.
Suppliers: search GLA Group and council opportunities through the official Central Digital Platform rather than paying an intermediary for a “guaranteed tender”. 150,000 jobs for London: what the Growth Plan promises and what is verified
Official source · appears in 8 of our articles
Your local family doctor and the first point of contact with the NHS; treats you or refers you onward.
With those signs, see a GP; with a sudden severe seizure, call 999. Brain cancer: government speeds up the route from lab to patient
Official source · appears in 60 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.
Spotted a mistake, got a tip, or want to ask about something in the UK? Write here — a person from the newsroom reads this and answers, usually the same day.
