Life
The practical side of life in Britain: the NHS, school places, driving licences and document exchange.
Free NHS mental health support: you can refer yourself, no GP needed
For anxiety and low mood in England you can get free NHS mental health support — and refer yourself, without seeing a doctor first. Here is who it is for and how it works.
HRT for menopause in the UK: what it is, who it helps and how to get it on the NHS
HRT eases menopause symptoms and helps protect the bones. Here is what forms it comes in and how to get it on the NHS.
Newborn blood spot test in the UK: what the heel prick is and which conditions it finds
At five days old, babies in the UK are offered the heel prick test — a drop of blood checked for ten rare but serious conditions at once. Here is why it matters.
HPV vaccine in the UK: who gets it free on the NHS and how late you can catch up
The HPV vaccine protects against several cancers and genital warts. In the UK it is given free to teenagers in school year 8, and missed doses can be caught up on the NHS until age 25.
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NHS launches a blood test trial for cancer: 20,000 patients and 200 GP practices
On 4 November 2026 the government announced a trial of a simple blood test to help GPs spot abdominal cancers earlier. More than 20,000 NHS patients will take part.
NHS breast screening in the UK: who is invited for a mammogram, and how often
The NHS invites women for a free mammogram from age 50 up to their 71st birthday, every three years. Here is when the first invitation comes and what to do if you are over 71.
Children's Funeral Fund in England: who qualifies and how to claim
The state covers the main costs of a child's funeral with no means test. Who qualifies, what is paid, and how to claim.
Diabetic eye screening in the UK: who the NHS invites and what happens at the appointment
Diabetes can quietly damage the retina and lead to sight loss. The NHS screens everyone with diabetes aged 12 and over for free — here is how often, and what to expect.
AAA screening for men at 65 in the UK: why the NHS invites you for an abdominal ultrasound
In the year he turns 65, the NHS invites a man for a free abdominal ultrasound to catch an aortic aneurysm early. The scan is painless and takes 10–15 minutes.
ONLYWAY NEWSLIVELife · 05.11Free NHS mental health support: you can refer yourself, no GP neededMoney · 05.11Child Trust Funds in the UK: government to ease access to savings for young disabled peopleMoney · 05.11Bank of England raises Bank Rate to 4%: what borrowers and businesses should checkTravel · 05.11Next-generation airport scanners in Britain: what changes and what can be searchedTravel · 05.11Driving in winter: what the law requires in snow and iceLife · 05.11HRT for menopause in the UK: what it is, who it helps and how to get it on the NHSTax · 05.11Self Assessment tax return in the UK: the deadline is 31 January 2027, and what late filing costsLaw · 05.11DoLS: how the law protects those who cannot decide for themselvesLife · 05.11Newborn blood spot test in the UK: what the heel prick is and which conditions it findsMoney · 05.11A default pension for private sector workers: what is changingONLYWAY NEWS · appInstall the ONLYWAY NEWS appFresh UK news, classifieds, key dates and exchange rates on your home screen, one tap away. Free.NewsClassifiedsCalendarRates
Bowel cancer screening in the UK: the home test the NHS posts you and how to use it
The NHS posts a home bowel cancer test to people aged 50 to 74 every two years. Here is what the test is, how to return it, and what to do if you are over 75.
Pneumococcal vaccine in the UK: who gets it free on the NHS — babies and over-65s
Pneumococcal bacteria can cause pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis. The NHS offers the vaccine free to babies, everyone aged 65 and over, and at-risk groups.
RSV vaccine in the UK: who gets it free on the NHS — older adults and pregnant women
RSV is a common cold-like virus, but in babies and older adults it can turn into pneumonia. The NHS offers a free vaccine to pregnant women and people aged 75 and over.
Whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy in the UK: why it is given and when
The NHS offers pregnant women a whooping cough vaccine — usually around 20 weeks. It protects the newborn in the first weeks of life, before the baby's own jabs begin.
Shingles vaccine in the UK: who gets it free on the NHS in 2026
The NHS offers a free shingles vaccine to people aged 65 and 70–79, and to those with a severely weakened immune system. Here is who is invited and what to do if no letter arrives.
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TV Licence in Britain 2026: who needs one and why it costs £180 a year
A TV Licence in Britain costs £180 a year for colour. You need it to watch live TV on any channel and to use BBC iPlayer. Here is when paying is required and when it is not.
Applying for a school place in England 2026: deadlines of 31 October and 15 January
In England, school places are allocated by the local council, and the deadlines are strict: secondary school by 31 October, primary by 15 January. Missing the deadline sharply cuts your chances of your preferred school.
How to order a copy of a birth, death or marriage certificate in England and Wales (2026)
You can order a copy of a birth, marriage, civil partnership or death certificate in England and Wales through the General Register Office. A standard copy is £12.50, priority is £38.50. Here is how it works.
Provisional licence in 2026: how to get a learner’s driving licence and what it costs
A provisional licence is the learner’s licence that starts your path to driving in Britain. Applying online costs £34, by post £43. Here is when you can apply and what comes next.
Illness and driving: when you must tell DVLA and what silence costs
British drivers must tell DVLA about certain medical conditions that affect driving. Not doing so risks a fine of up to £1,000, and prosecution if you have an accident. Here is what to report and when.
NHS specialist referral: who makes it and how to choose a hospital
You cannot see a hospital specialist without a GP referral. We explain the right to choose and the 18-week limit.
Soviet Underground play Red Wave covers at The Victoria, Dalston, on 14 November
London cover collective Soviet Underground, reviving the Soviet-era underground and the Red Wave, return to The Victoria in Dalston on Saturday 14 November 2026. Doors at 8pm, with guest DJs late into the night.
Home education in England: rules, permission and duties
Parents can educate a child at home instead of at school. When council permission is needed, whether the national curriculum is required and how to show the education is suitable.
Support for veterans in Britain: card, compensation and help
Served in the UK armed forces? A free Veteran Card, AFCS and War Pension compensation, registering with a GP as a veteran and the Veterans UK helpline — what you are entitled to and how to get it.
Public rights of way: where you can walk in the UK
The four types of public right of way, the right to roam and the 20-year rule — how to walk lawfully across private land.
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Charity clothing collections: how to donate safely
The 1939 licence, the collector's badge and a check in the Charity Commission register — how not to hand your clothes to a reseller.
Allergens when eating out: what the business must tell you
The 14 allergens, Natasha's Law, and the rules for packed and made-to-order food — what to ask in a UK cafe or restaurant.
Remembrance 2026 in Britain: when the silence is, poppies and key dates
The two-minute silence is observed at 11am on 11 November and on Remembrance Sunday, 8 November 2026. Here is what the days mean, why people wear a poppy and where the money goes.
How to get an NHS blood test 2026: referral, booking, results
An NHS blood test is arranged by a doctor or nurse, taken at a GP surgery or hospital, free of charge. Results come within days in the NHS App.
Carer's assessment in England: how to get support from your council
If you regularly care for someone, you have a right to a free assessment of your own needs. Here is who can ask for one, what it covers and what help can follow.
ONLYWAY NEWSLIVELife · 05.11Free NHS mental health support: you can refer yourself, no GP neededMoney · 05.11Child Trust Funds in the UK: government to ease access to savings for young disabled peopleMoney · 05.11Bank of England raises Bank Rate to 4%: what borrowers and businesses should checkTravel · 05.11Next-generation airport scanners in Britain: what changes and what can be searchedTravel · 05.11Driving in winter: what the law requires in snow and iceLife · 05.11HRT for menopause in the UK: what it is, who it helps and how to get it on the NHSTax · 05.11Self Assessment tax return in the UK: the deadline is 31 January 2027, and what late filing costsLaw · 05.11DoLS: how the law protects those who cannot decide for themselvesLife · 05.11Newborn blood spot test in the UK: what the heel prick is and which conditions it findsMoney · 05.11A default pension for private sector workers: what is changingONLYWAY NEWS · appInstall the ONLYWAY NEWS appFresh UK news, classifieds, key dates and exchange rates on your home screen, one tap away. Free.NewsClassifiedsCalendarRates
Medical exemption: free NHS prescriptions for listed conditions
People with certain long-term conditions — treated diabetes, epilepsy, an underactive thyroid, cancer and others — are entitled to free NHS prescriptions with a medical exemption certificate (MedEx).
Maternity exemption: free NHS prescriptions and dental care in pregnancy
During pregnancy and for a year after birth in England you are entitled to free NHS prescriptions and free dental treatment — with a maternity exemption certificate (MatEx).
Medical conditions and driving in Britain: what to tell DVLA and the £1,000 fine
Which medical conditions UK drivers must report to DVLA, the penalty for silence (a fine up to £1,000) and how DVLA decides your case.
How to register a birth in England and Wales
You have 42 days to register a birth. Here is where and who can do it, and what a certificate costs — based on GOV.UK.
Repeat prescriptions via the NHS App in England: how to order and what it costs
How to order a repeat prescription via the NHS App in England, what each item costs (£9.90) and how to save with a PPC certificate.
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Cervical screening in England: who is invited and what results mean
Women aged 25 to 64 in England are invited for cervical screening every 5 years: what the appointment involves and what the HPV results mean.
Free travel for children in London: who rides for free
Children in London travel free — the youngest always, school-age children on buses, and on the Tube with an adult. Who gets free travel, when you need a Zip Oyster card and what it costs.
NHS Health Check in England: a free heart check-up for ages 40 to 74
A free heart and blood vessel check-up for adults aged 40 to 74 in England: who is eligible, what is measured and how to book.
Free books for children in the UK: Bookstart and libraries
Children's books in Britain can be had for free — from gift packs for babies under the Bookstart programme to free library membership. Where to get children's books for free and what free reading programmes exist.
NHS prescriptions in England: how a PPC cuts your medicine bill
A single prescription item in England costs £9.90; a 12-month PPC is £114.50 for any number of items. Here is when it pays off and how to buy one.
Free sport in the UK: running, swimming and the gym for less
You can do sport in Britain for almost nothing: free parkrun events, outdoor gyms, free NHS workouts and a discounted pool through your local council. Where and how to train for free.
RAYE wins the 2026 Mercury Prize for 'This Music May Contain Hope'
British singer RAYE has won the 2026 Mercury Prize, the annual award for the best album of the year in the UK and Ireland. She took the prize for 'This Music May Contain Hope', with the ceremony held in Newcastle.
UK Theatre Awards 2026: Jodie Comer, Adrian Lester and Sweeney Todd among the winners
The winners of the 2026 UK Theatre Awards have been announced in London. Jodie Comer took the inaugural Outstanding Achievement in British Theatre award, Adrian Lester won best performance in a play, and Sweeney Todd was named best musical.
Sir Patrick Stewart, Star Trek's Captain Picard and X-Men's Professor X, dies at 86
British actor Sir Patrick Stewart — Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek and Professor Charles Xavier in X-Men — has died at his home in Los Angeles on 28 October, aged 86. His family announced the death.
NHS dental charges in England: what each band costs and who is treated free
NHS dental treatment in England is billed in three fixed bands, from £27.90 for a check-up to £332.10 for crowns and dentures. Here is what each band covers and who gets treated for free.
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Motability: leasing a car on your disability benefit in 2026
If you get the higher or enhanced rate mobility part of PIP or DLA, you can swap it for a leased car, scooter or powered wheelchair through Motability — and pay less or no vehicle tax.
NHS Healthcare Travel Costs: claim back the fare to your appointment
If you are on a low income or certain benefits, the NHS can refund your travel to a specialist appointment you were referred to. Here is who qualifies, what is covered and how to claim within 3 months.
What is free at Christmas in England: meals, gifts and help
Christmas in Britain can be warm even without money: free meals for people alone, gifts for children, food parcels for families and help from councils. What is available for free and where to turn.
Free and discounted travel in the UK: how to get around for less
There is no free taxi for everyone in Britain. But there are legal ways to travel for free or claim travel costs back — from ambulances and NHS transport to free buses and a door-to-door service.
Free NHS healthcare in the UK without a job or insurance
In Britain there is no insurance requirement for treatment: the NHS is free at the point of use. What you can get for free even without a job or status — and how to register with a doctor without documents.
NHS Continuing Healthcare: free NHS-funded care — who qualifies and how the assessment works
NHS Continuing Healthcare is care funded entirely by the NHS for people with complex health needs. Here is who is eligible, how the assessment works and what to do if you are refused.
Speed awareness course in the UK: when it is offered instead of a fine and points
Speeding carries a fine from £100 and 3 points, but police sometimes offer a course instead. Here are the conditions and amounts, from GOV.UK.
The UK practical driving test: cost, booking and what to bring in 2026
How much the UK practical driving test costs, how far ahead booking opens and what to bring. Figures from DVSA and GOV.UK.
Tell Us Once: how to report a death to government in one go
The Tell Us Once service lets you notify most government bodies of a death at once. Here is how to get the reference number, the deadline and who it notifies.
Russian Oxford: what is left of it in the city, and where to go and see it
The Pasternak house you can book into, a church founded by the English tutor of the last tsar's son, a hundred thousand volumes in a library, a recording of Akhmatova reading, and a Sunday school for the children. Russian Oxford by address — and an honest account of what has gone.
ONLYWAY NEWSLIVELife · 05.11Free NHS mental health support: you can refer yourself, no GP neededMoney · 05.11Child Trust Funds in the UK: government to ease access to savings for young disabled peopleMoney · 05.11Bank of England raises Bank Rate to 4%: what borrowers and businesses should checkTravel · 05.11Next-generation airport scanners in Britain: what changes and what can be searchedTravel · 05.11Driving in winter: what the law requires in snow and iceLife · 05.11HRT for menopause in the UK: what it is, who it helps and how to get it on the NHSTax · 05.11Self Assessment tax return in the UK: the deadline is 31 January 2027, and what late filing costsLaw · 05.11DoLS: how the law protects those who cannot decide for themselvesLife · 05.11Newborn blood spot test in the UK: what the heel prick is and which conditions it findsMoney · 05.11A default pension for private sector workers: what is changingONLYWAY NEWS · appInstall the ONLYWAY NEWS appFresh UK news, classifieds, key dates and exchange rates on your home screen, one tap away. Free.NewsClassifiedsCalendarRates
MOT: when your car needs one, what it may cost and the fine without it
The first MOT is due by the car's third birthday, then every year. Here are the legal maximum fees, the fine of up to £1,000 for driving without one, the only two journeys that are allowed, and the one-month rule that protects your renewal date.
How to register with a GP in England: free and no documents needed
Anyone can register with a GP surgery in England — for free, and without a passport, proof of address or proof of immigration status. Here is what you need, how to register online, and how long it takes.
How to get an NHS dentist in England and what it costs
You do not register with an NHS dentist in England the way you do with a GP: you can ask any practice that has NHS capacity. Here is how to find one, what to do if there are no places, and what treatment costs across the three charge bands.
Winter Fuel Payment 2026/27: who gets it, and what the £35,000 threshold means
The winter heating payment for pensioners in Britain: who gets it automatically, how much (£100 to £300), and how the new £35,000 income threshold works, which can see the payment taken back. Under the current GOV.UK rules.
Renewing an adult UK passport: fees, timings and urgent services
You can renew a UK passport online for £102. Here is what a paper application costs, how the Fast Track and Premium urgent services differ, and why you should not book travel until the new passport arrives.
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The Cotswolds from London in a day: how to get there by train and which villages to see
The honey-stone villages of the Cotswolds are the best day trip from London — and you can get there without a car, by train. Which stations and how long the journey takes, which towns to change onto a local bus, and the four villages worth seeing.
A UK visa with no savings in the bank: when a big deposit isn't needed
Do you have to save and 'freeze' a large sum for a UK visa? For most visas, no. Under the current GOV.UK rules, here's how much money you really need to show for a visitor, work, student and family visa — and where no savings are needed at all.
Yellow, amber, red: what UK weather warnings actually mean
A warning's colour reflects not just severity but forecaster confidence, so two yellows can mean different things. What each colour stands for, why the matrix matters, and what changed in October 2026.
Travelling with controlled medicines: when it will be taken and what paperwork you need
Controlled medicines travel in hand luggage only, within three months' supply, and with proof they were prescribed to you. What non-residents must carry, what applies to Schedule 1, and who to contact for a licence.
How to check a used car from its number plate before you buy
A registration number alone gives you free MOT history with mileage year by year, whether the tax is paid, the year of manufacture and the engine. A wound-back odometer shows up at once. What to check, and what a plate will not tell you.
ONLYWAY NEWSLIVELife · 05.11Free NHS mental health support: you can refer yourself, no GP neededMoney · 05.11Child Trust Funds in the UK: government to ease access to savings for young disabled peopleMoney · 05.11Bank of England raises Bank Rate to 4%: what borrowers and businesses should checkTravel · 05.11Next-generation airport scanners in Britain: what changes and what can be searchedTravel · 05.11Driving in winter: what the law requires in snow and iceLife · 05.11HRT for menopause in the UK: what it is, who it helps and how to get it on the NHSTax · 05.11Self Assessment tax return in the UK: the deadline is 31 January 2027, and what late filing costsLaw · 05.11DoLS: how the law protects those who cannot decide for themselvesLife · 05.11Newborn blood spot test in the UK: what the heel prick is and which conditions it findsMoney · 05.11A default pension for private sector workers: what is changingONLYWAY NEWS · appInstall the ONLYWAY NEWS appFresh UK news, classifieds, key dates and exchange rates on your home screen, one tap away. Free.NewsClassifiedsCalendarRates
Pubs and alcohol in the UK: age limits, children, and what the venue must provide
Under 18s cannot drink, but 16 and 17 year olds have an exception with a meal. Children may come in with an adult, but the licence decides. Plus three duties every pub has that customers rarely know about.
Your driving licence online: penalty points and the check code for hire firms and employers
Penalty points are not printed on the plastic card. How to see your driving record for free, what a check code is, why it lasts 21 days, how long points stay, and what revokes a new driver's licence.
How to write to your MP in the UK, and what they can actually do
An MP can put a confidential enquiry to a minister, refer a case to the Parliamentary Ombudsman and raise it in the Commons. How to find yours, how to write, what a surgery is, and when they will decline.
Charing Cross Road: London's book street and the way into Harry Potter's Diagon Alley
A book street in central London, the address of the Leaky Cauldron from Harry Potter, and the symbolic centre of the city by the statue of Charles I. What's really on Charing Cross Road, where to look for Diagon Alley, and what to see on one walk.
What you can take in hand luggage at UK airports
Liquids, scissors, lighters, medicines and baby food: what is genuinely allowed in the cabin at UK airports, how liquids must be packed, and which items security will take off you.
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Bus lane penalty: how to challenge a PCN and pay nothing
A camera-issued PCN for a bus lane, a banned turn or a yellow box junction can be challenged for free. The deadlines, where representations go, which tribunal hears London and non-London cases, and which arguments work.
Oxford Street: why it is being pedestrianised and what comes next
A pedestrian Oxford Street is part of the Mayor of London's bigger plan. We explain why, which section is closing, who is behind it and what the space will become.
Where to spend an evening for two in London
A romantic London evening for two: sunset over the Thames, free views, dinner in a cosy area and a backup plan for the rain.
Where to buy good meat in London for home cooking
For quality meat, go to a butcher rather than a supermarket. Where to find fresh meat, how to choose cuts and how to save.
Where to buy cheap fruit and vegetables in London
Fruit and veg are cheapest at London's street markets and local greengrocers. A list of markets, budget chains and how to catch discounts.
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Where to spend an evening in London
From free sunset views and a Thames walk to West End theatre and Soho jazz — ideas for a great evening out in London.
Tell your GP, get help
Participating GP practices in 12 areas of England are starting to refer survivors of domestic and sexual abuse directly to independent specialists. Up to £34.4 million has been allocated for the first three years.
Oxford Street closes to traffic
The central section of London's main shopping street is now closed around the clock to cars, buses, taxis and cycles. Here are the zone boundaries, new bus arrangements and delivery hours for businesses.
London weather tomorrow, 26 October: mild but wet
On Monday 26 October London reaches 16°C but with about a 70% chance of rain. We cover what to wear and the week ahead.
Who May Perform Risky Treatments?
England proposes limiting the highest-risk cosmetic procedures to doctors and other regulated professionals. Providing them without registration could bring an unlimited fine and up to 12 months in prison. This is not yet law: responses close on 13 January 2027.
Organ donation in England: «yes» by default unless you opt out
Since 2020 England has an opt-out system: an adult is considered willing to be an organ donor after death unless they opted out or are in an excluded group. It's worth knowing who it covers.
Smoking in a car with a child is against the law
If anyone under 18 is in the car, you cannot smoke — not the driver, not a passenger. Breaking the rule carries a fine.
Stock up before an outage
The government advises households to prepare for three days without power, water, phone service or internet. The guide points to 9 litres of drinking water per person, plus food, a torch, radio, power bank, cash and medicines.
Complaining about the NHS: PALS first, then the ICB, and a year for the ombudsman
A complaint about NHS care in England has three steps. PALS at the hospital, then a formal complaint to the provider or the Integrated Care Board, and only after the reply, the ombudsman — within a year of becoming aware of the problem.
Refused a UK visa: review, appeal and the 7, 14 and 28-day deadlines
After a Home Office refusal there are three separate routes: an administrative review for £80, an appeal to the tribunal for £82 or £144, and a reconsideration request. You do not choose — exactly one is open, and the decision letter says which.
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School absence fines in England: £80 per parent, £160 late, and court on the third occasion
A child may miss school only through illness or with the school's permission. An unauthorised absence costs each parent £80, rising to £160 after 21 days — and a third occasion in three years means court, not a fine.
Car impounded in the UK: how much it costs to get it back, day by day
Police pound: £192 for the tow and £26 a day. A London council pound: £280, the ticket and £55 a day. Seven working days to show your documents — and about two weeks before an unclaimed car is disposed of, with the bill surviving it.
15 things to do in London this autumn: parks, coffee, books and a little spookiness
Golden leaves, mist over the canals and the smell of coffee — autumn may be London's best season. Here are 15 weekend ideas, from deer in Richmond Park to tea in Kensington.
Tattoos, Botox and fillers — 18 only: what the law bans
If you have teenagers, this matters: tattoos, and Botox and cosmetic fillers, are legally for over-18s only. Here's exactly what is banned and the exceptions.
Microchipping cats and dogs in England: it's now the law
In England both dogs and cats must be microchipped. Since 10 June 2024 a microchip is compulsory for cats too. Here's from what age, who is responsible, and the database rules.
ONLYWAY NEWSLIVELife · 05.11Free NHS mental health support: you can refer yourself, no GP neededMoney · 05.11Child Trust Funds in the UK: government to ease access to savings for young disabled peopleMoney · 05.11Bank of England raises Bank Rate to 4%: what borrowers and businesses should checkTravel · 05.11Next-generation airport scanners in Britain: what changes and what can be searchedTravel · 05.11Driving in winter: what the law requires in snow and iceLife · 05.11HRT for menopause in the UK: what it is, who it helps and how to get it on the NHSTax · 05.11Self Assessment tax return in the UK: the deadline is 31 January 2027, and what late filing costsLaw · 05.11DoLS: how the law protects those who cannot decide for themselvesLife · 05.11Newborn blood spot test in the UK: what the heel prick is and which conditions it findsMoney · 05.11A default pension for private sector workers: what is changingONLYWAY NEWS · appInstall the ONLYWAY NEWS appFresh UK news, classifieds, key dates and exchange rates on your home screen, one tap away. Free.NewsClassifiedsCalendarRates
London's Russian corner: why Bayswater has a Moscow Road and a St Petersburgh Place
A short walk from Hyde Park, in Bayswater, Moscow Road sits beside St Petersburgh Place and St Petersburgh Mews. Their names recall a single event from 1814.
Moving mid-year: how to get a school place when the main round closed months ago
It is called an in-year application, and it goes to the council rather than the school. The familiar deadlines — 15 January for primary, 31 October for secondary — have nothing to do with a mid-year move.
Cycling in the UK: what the law requires and what it only advises
Lights at night are a legal requirement; a helmet is only advice. Cycling on the pavement is banned, and at a zebra crossing you must dismount. Electric bikes have their own limits: 250 watts, 15.5mph and a minimum age of 14.
Free school transport: two miles, three miles, and the line low-income families miss
A council must provide free travel if the nearest suitable school is over two miles away (under 8) or over three (8 and over). For families on Universal Credit earning up to £7,400 the distances are measured differently — in their favour.
Child car seats in the UK: the height that ends the rule, and when the law lets you travel without one
The cut-off is height, not age: a seat is required until 135cm or 12 years old, whichever comes first. The driver carries the responsibility, and the fine reaches £500.
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A provisional licence in the UK: £34 online, £43 by post, three conditions
You can apply for a provisional licence at 15 years and 9 months, and usually drive a car at 17. Three conditions: age, reading a number plate at 20 metres, and 185 days' permission to live here.
A child passport in the UK: £66.50 online, £80 on paper, five years' validity
A passport for a child under 16 costs £66.50 online and £80 on a paper form, and lasts five years. Time left on the old one is not carried over, and laminated documents are refused.
Health and your licence: what you must tell DVLA, and the cost of not telling
Diabetes, epilepsy, fainting, sleep apnoea, heart conditions, strokes and glaucoma are notifiable: the driver reports them personally. Silence costs up to £1,000, and prosecution if you crash.
Medical cannabis in the UK: who can prescribe it and for what
Lawful since 2018, but only a specialist hospital doctor can prescribe, never a GP, and only for three groups of conditions. Stress is not among them, and an on-the-spot fine goes on a criminal record.
A degree from elsewhere: who converts it into Britain's language of qualifications, and what that costs
The official body is UK ENIC, the document is a Statement of Comparability, and it costs £69.60 including the e-Statement. It takes up to 15 working days. What it is not is permission to practise a regulated profession — and confusing the two is expensive.
No more than three branded items: what changed in school uniform
From September 2026 schools must limit compulsory branded items of uniform and PE kit to three, or four in secondary and middle schools if one is a tie. A school may still specify colour and fabric; what it may not do is demand a crest beyond the limit.
The UPE scheme: 18 months, a 90-day window and one decisive day
A Ukraine Permission Extension grant runs for 18 months, a second for a further 24, and both are free. You can apply in the 90 days before your permission ends without losing any time. Being a day late costs you the right to work, rent and claim until a decision comes.
MMRV replaces MMR: chickenpox joins the childhood schedule
MMR has been replaced in the NHS schedule by MMRV, which adds protection against chickenpox. The number of doses depends on the child's date of birth, and children born between 2020 and 2022 who have not had chickenpox get a catch-up dose between 1 November 2026 and 31 March 2028.
Excluded from school in England: the deadlines and who to complain to
45 school days a year is the cap on suspension. Education must be arranged from the sixth day. The governors' meeting falls within 15 school days, and a discrimination claim has six months.
Life in the UK Test: £50, 24 questions and a 75% pass mark
No settlement and no citizenship without it. £50 an attempt, 24 questions in 45 minutes, a 75% pass mark. Who is exempt, which ID to bring, and what gets people turned away at the door.
ONLYWAY NEWSLIVELife · 05.11Free NHS mental health support: you can refer yourself, no GP neededMoney · 05.11Child Trust Funds in the UK: government to ease access to savings for young disabled peopleMoney · 05.11Bank of England raises Bank Rate to 4%: what borrowers and businesses should checkTravel · 05.11Next-generation airport scanners in Britain: what changes and what can be searchedTravel · 05.11Driving in winter: what the law requires in snow and iceLife · 05.11HRT for menopause in the UK: what it is, who it helps and how to get it on the NHSTax · 05.11Self Assessment tax return in the UK: the deadline is 31 January 2027, and what late filing costsLaw · 05.11DoLS: how the law protects those who cannot decide for themselvesLife · 05.11Newborn blood spot test in the UK: what the heel prick is and which conditions it findsMoney · 05.11A default pension for private sector workers: what is changingONLYWAY NEWS · appInstall the ONLYWAY NEWS appFresh UK news, classifieds, key dates and exchange rates on your home screen, one tap away. Free.NewsClassifiedsCalendarRates
Moving house in the UK: who needs your new address
Not telling the DVLA about a change of address can cost up to £1,000, though the process itself is free. And it is not one action but four: licence, V5C, tax Direct Debit and the personalised number document. Here is the full list.
Food hygiene ratings in the UK: what 0 to 5 mean and where to check them
The sticker with a number on a cafe door is a local council inspector's score on a scale of 0 to 5. England does not require businesses to display it; Wales and Northern Ireland do, by law. Here is what sits behind each number, who is not rated at all, and why the three-part breakdown matters more than the score.
Free NHS eye tests in England: who qualifies and how much the glasses voucher is worth
The NHS pays for a sight test for twelve groups in England, but for glasses the list is shorter. The Universal Credit thresholds are £435 and £935; vouchers run from £42.40 to £233.56.
Adrenaline nasal spray in schools: MHRA opens consultation until 14 December
MHRA wants schools to be able to keep spare adrenaline as a nasal spray, not just an auto-injector. What it changes for parents of an allergic child, and how long you have to respond.
ULEZ and the Congestion Charge: £12.50, £18 a day and £180 for forgetting
The Congestion Charge is £18 a day in 2026, or £21 if you pay late. ULEZ is £12.50, around the clock, across every London borough. Forget to pay and it is £180, with only 14 days to halve it.
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Vehicle tax in Britain: £200 a year, £440 on top and up to £5,690 in year one
The standard vehicle tax rate is £200 for 12 months, paying monthly adds 5%, a new car's first year can reach £5,690, and cars over £40,000 pay an extra £440 a year for five years. Electric cars have paid since 1 April 2025.
Use by and best before: which date you cannot break
Use by is safety: past that date the food is not safe, however normal it looks and smells. Best before is quality: past it, usually fine. Here is when freezing saves food, how long a cooked dish lasts, and where to report a label.
Dog owners in the UK: chip by 8 weeks, £500 fine
Every dog in the UK must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks or the fine reaches £500. A dog counts as dangerously out of control even in its owner's home, and no bite is needed — reasonable fear is enough.
Importing a car into the UK: 14 days for NOVA, approval and £55 to DVLA
Driving an imported car before it is registered is an offence. You get 14 days to tell HMRC, an IVA inspection costs £199, DVLA registration is £55, and the V5C takes up to six weeks.
The UK driving theory test: £23, 43 out of 50 and a two-year certificate
Two parts in one sitting: 50 questions in 57 minutes and 14 hazard clips. Fail one and you resit both. The thresholds, what to bring, and what gets a test cancelled at the door.
NHS to invest almost £140m in urgent care: what opens before winter
The government announced almost £140 million on 18 October for 14 urgent care schemes in England, with 25 more sites open for winter. Where patients will notice it, and where to go if you are unwell.
EHC plans in England: 20 weeks, 16 weeks for an answer, 2 months to appeal
The council must say within 16 weeks whether there will be a plan and issue the final one within 20 weeks. Who can request an assessment, why you need a mediation certificate, and what the council must do if you win.
UK family visa: £29,000, five years to settlement and what the application costs
A combined income of at least £29,000 a year, £2,064 to apply from abroad plus the health surcharge, a first visa of 2 years and 9 months and settlement after five years. The rules for spouses and partners, and the benefit exemptions.
East Bank in Stratford: two free V&A museums, a theatre and BBC studios
The cultural quarter in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: V&A East Museum opened on 18 April 2026, both V&A sites are free, Sadler's Wells East has been open since February 2025, and the BBC studios come last.
Care needs assessment in England: how to get help from your council
A care needs assessment from council social services is free and anyone can ask for one. The council generally helps with care costs if savings are below £23,250, and carers have a right to a separate assessment of their own.
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V5C log book: changing your address, selling a car and getting a replacement
The V5C log book answers three questions: who to tell when you move, what to do when a car changes hands, and what a replacement costs. Saying nothing about a new address can cost up to £1,000, a duplicate costs £25, and vehicle tax does not pass to the buyer.
The train as the holiday: Britain's Christmas and weekend journeys, and what they cost
A seven-course lunch in a 1930s carriage, Christmas markets with no parking, a night in a cabin through the Highlands. Operator prices, from £67 a table to £8,950 per person.
London New Year's Eve fireworks: tickets from 23 October, £35 for Londoners
Sales open at midday on 23 October 2026, through Ticketmaster only. Category A is £55, or £35 for Londoners; Category B is £40 and £20. No refunds, and you cannot move between areas.
E-scooters in Britain: your own is illegal, a rental is not
A privately owned e-scooter cannot be ridden on the road, the pavement or in a park: fine, penalty points and seizure. Only rentals inside trial areas are legal, and there are just over twenty of them.
Soviet Underground play Dalston on 14 November, free entry
The London band playing songs by Kino, Nautilus Pompilius and Zoopark are at The Victoria on Saturday 14 November. Doors at 8pm, free entry but ticketed in advance through DICE. Also on: The Paisley Daze and a disco set from Vadim Kosmos.
London souvenirs: why the red bus magnet costs more, and what you can get free
Embroidery at UNIQLO from £10, a Routemaster magnet £4.50, a roundel magnet sheet £12. The gap is explained by Transport for London's licensing. Plus two free things, one of which ends on 31 October.
The Wallace Collection: a free museum where everything hangs where it was meant to
Hertford House on Manchester Square: free entry to the permanent collection, open daily 10:00–17:00, seven minutes from Bond Street. One of the world's finest holdings of 18th-century French art — and the no-loans rule that was lifted in 2019.
Driving licence at 70: free renewal every three years and six rules for driving meanwhile
From 70, a British driving licence is renewed every three years and renewal is free. You can apply up to 90 days early, and driving while DVLA holds your licence is allowed only on strict conditions.
What to do this weekend, 17-18 October: the film festival's last days, new releases and free exhibitions
Sunday closes the 70th BFI London Film Festival, Street Fighter and Whalefall have reached cinemas, the British Museum has two free exhibitions open, and the Met Office expects a dry Saturday and a wet Sunday.
Penalty points: 12 in three years and the court can ban you for six months
Endorsements stay on your DVLA record for 4 or 11 years. Twelve points in three years can mean a six-month ban, and a new driver loses the licence at six.
ONLYWAY NEWSLIVELife · 05.11Free NHS mental health support: you can refer yourself, no GP neededMoney · 05.11Child Trust Funds in the UK: government to ease access to savings for young disabled peopleMoney · 05.11Bank of England raises Bank Rate to 4%: what borrowers and businesses should checkTravel · 05.11Next-generation airport scanners in Britain: what changes and what can be searchedTravel · 05.11Driving in winter: what the law requires in snow and iceLife · 05.11HRT for menopause in the UK: what it is, who it helps and how to get it on the NHSTax · 05.11Self Assessment tax return in the UK: the deadline is 31 January 2027, and what late filing costsLaw · 05.11DoLS: how the law protects those who cannot decide for themselvesLife · 05.11Newborn blood spot test in the UK: what the heel prick is and which conditions it findsMoney · 05.11A default pension for private sector workers: what is changingONLYWAY NEWS · appInstall the ONLYWAY NEWS appFresh UK news, classifieds, key dates and exchange rates on your home screen, one tap away. Free.NewsClassifiedsCalendarRates
Ofsted pilots independent complaint reviews that can set aside a school's grades
Ofsted announced on 16 October a pilot Independent Complaints Review service. For the first time an independent body can judge whether a complaint outcome was fair and recommend that a published report card be set aside.
Free UK GHIC: state healthcare in Europe and 15 working days for delivery
A UK GHIC is free, lasts up to five years and gives you state healthcare in the EEA on the same basis as a local resident. Here is who qualifies, what the card does not cover and what to do if it has not arrived.
Great British Railways HQ confirmed for Derby with 600 apprenticeship places
The government has named Becketwell in central Derby as the site of the Great British Railways headquarters, and confirmed up to 600 rail apprenticeship places for 16 to 21 year olds.
Brain cancer: government speeds up the route from lab to patient
On 14 October the Prime Minister set out four steps on brain cancer: an expert review reporting in three months, a national action plan, a dedicated clinical lead and an MHRA review of rare-disease medicine rules cut from three years to two.
SORN explained: taking a car off the road and getting your tax back
A SORN cancels your vehicle tax and refunds any full months left. But you cannot drive the car at all, including on the street outside your home, until you tax it again.
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Older person's bus pass: in England it starts at pension age, not 60
In England the pass starts at State Pension age. In London free travel starts at 60 but stops at the city boundary. In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland the threshold is 60.
What is Winnie-the-Pooh worth?
The first Winnie-the-Pooh book is 100 years old. An original map sold for £430,000, while the Royal Literary Fund received £116,250 from Pooh-related rights in one financial year. Here is what those separate figures mean, and where to see Shepard’s early drawings.
NHS Low Income Scheme: HC2 and HC3 certificates, the £16,000 limit and the 3-month refund window
The scheme covers prescriptions, dental care, eyecare, hospital travel and wigs — and reaches people refused a means-tested benefit, because council tax and housing costs count.
How to register with a GP in England: no passport, no address, no fee
Everyone in England can register with a GP surgery. No ID, no proof of address and no proof of immigration status can be demanded. Here is the procedure, the timescales and the only grounds for refusal.
England wants 10,000 new foster places: who can apply and what carers are paid
On 13 October the government launched the first national foster carer recruitment campaign in England, backed by £88 million. Here are the rules, the £176-£309 weekly allowance and the £20,440 tax-free threshold.
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A once-weekly insulin: MHRA authorises Onswik for type 2 diabetes
On 13 October 2026 the MHRA authorised Onswik — insulin efsitora alfa, injected once a week. For some adults with type 2 diabetes that is 52 injections a year instead of up to 365. Here is who it is for, what risks are named and when it might reach the NHS.
NHS prescriptions in England: £9.90 an item and how to pay less
An NHS prescription in England costs £9.90 per item — two medicines a month is almost £240 a year. A prepayment certificate covers everything for £114.50 a year or £32.05 for three months, and many groups pay nothing at all. Here is who is exempt, which conditions qualify and how to claim a refund.
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. Who can request one, the deadlines the local authority must meet, and why an appeal needs a mediation certificate.
UK egg recall over salmonella: check the shell for code 3UA1012066
The FSA and Food Standards Scotland have warned of a recall of raw eggs from Yasensvit Ltd. Check the stamp on the shell itself: eggs marked 3UA1012066 must not be eaten and should be disposed of safely at home.
A free display of Samuel Palmer's visionary landscapes has opened at the V&A
The V&A's new display pairs Samuel Palmer's drawings, watercolours and etchings with the twentieth-century artists he influenced. Entry is free, no booking is needed, and it runs until 26 September 2027.
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British Museum for free: £0 entry, 65 audio introductions and the current language list
The permanent collection is free, advance tickets are recommended and walk-up visitors may wait. We checked opening hours, bag rules, app prices and the current language list.
Learn English free with the British Council: a level test, 10,000 exercises and speaking practice
The British Council offers free resources for adults, teenagers and children, an online level test and a Learning Hub. Here is what costs nothing, where an account is required and what remains paid.
UK Student visa funds: what to show now and from 30 November 2026
Applications made by 29 November require £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 elsewhere, for up to nine months. From 30 November the figures rise to £1,570 and £1,203. Here is the calculation, the 28-day rule and the funds UKVI will not accept.
Peak District at 75: ten free walks and a car-free budget trip
Britain's first national park is 75. Entry is £0, a free transport map and ten family route guides are available, and eligible local bus journeys cost no more than £3 each in 2026. Here are three practical routes and the expenses that are not free.
Russian-language events in London: verified dates to December 2026
From a free inheritance webinar and professional networking to stand-up, theatre and a children's New Year show. We checked dates, times, addresses, age rules and refunds. Where a price is hidden until ticket selection, we do not guess it.
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London Bonfire Night 2026: confirmed fireworks, prices and times
Six major sessions are officially confirmed: Wimbledon Park on 5 November, Morden Park on 7 November, and Alexandra Palace and Battersea Park on 7–8 November. Here are the verified times, ticket rules, child policies, transport and restrictions — without recycling last year's dates.
See London from above for free: four viewpoints and their entry rules
Four City viewpoints offer panoramic views for £0: Horizon 22, The Lookout, Sky Garden and The Garden at 120. Three require or strongly recommend advance booking, while rules on identification, children, bags and visit length differ.
Where to find a free toilet in London: Tube, stations and official maps
TfL operates toilets at around 150 transport locations, and every TfL-operated toilet is free. But some facilities are behind ticket gates, while third-party operators may charge. Here are the official maps, central locations, opening hours and RADAR-access rules.
UK cinema tickets: prices, audiences and who can watch for free
The average UK cinema ticket cost £8.01 in 2025, but the price at checkout depends on location, time, format and booking fees. We explain concessions, genuinely free screenings and the key CEA Card rule: the companion enters free, not the cardholder.
What to do in London on Sunday 11 October: a free full-day route
A ready-made plan for tomorrow: a free service at St Paul's, East End Sunday markets, Frieze's special gallery day, Evensong and an organ recital. Entry to every main stop is £0; travel, food and purchases are extra.
ONLYWAY NEWSLIVELife · 05.11Free NHS mental health support: you can refer yourself, no GP neededMoney · 05.11Child Trust Funds in the UK: government to ease access to savings for young disabled peopleMoney · 05.11Bank of England raises Bank Rate to 4%: what borrowers and businesses should checkTravel · 05.11Next-generation airport scanners in Britain: what changes and what can be searchedTravel · 05.11Driving in winter: what the law requires in snow and iceLife · 05.11HRT for menopause in the UK: what it is, who it helps and how to get it on the NHSTax · 05.11Self Assessment tax return in the UK: the deadline is 31 January 2027, and what late filing costsLaw · 05.11DoLS: how the law protects those who cannot decide for themselvesLife · 05.11Newborn blood spot test in the UK: what the heel prick is and which conditions it findsMoney · 05.11A default pension for private sector workers: what is changingONLYWAY NEWS · appInstall the ONLYWAY NEWS appFresh UK news, classifieds, key dates and exchange rates on your home screen, one tap away. Free.NewsClassifiedsCalendarRates
Igor Pavlov and Igor Entertainer in the UK: what registers and listings establish
We checked Companies House, Eventbrite, public profiles and official regulator lists: two known companies are dissolved and commercial activity is visible, but the current legal supplier, revenue, tax paid and performer immigration status are not publicly disclosed.
A hundred students walked into an Edinburgh pub? What the viral Reel really shows
A Reel posted on 18 September shows roughly a hundred young men in jackets entering an Edinburgh pub. It may have been a Welcome Week outing or student pub crawl, but the pub, organiser and supposed ‘tradition’ have not been verified. Here is what is known and how to join a genuine event safely.
Where to stay in Britain for a night or a month: hotel, hostel, flat and savings
A London room on nearby dates can be £61 or £330, a hostel bed can start at £13.50, and an average room in outer London is £800 a month. We compare the practical choices for a business visitor, hidden charges and the misunderstood VAT rule after 28 days.
Free English with a native speaker: how Russian speakers can find a language partner
Tandem, HelloTalk, ConversationExchange and Dickinson College's non-profit Mixxer can connect Russian speakers with English speakers learning Russian. We compare the free options, age rules, safety risks and a practical 30/30 exchange format.
Free English in Britain: who can get £0 ESOL and where to apply now
England's 2026/27 national full-funding threshold for ESOL is £26,800 annual gross income, including people who are unemployed or economically inactive, but devolved areas set local rules. Here is how to find courses across all four UK nations, what evidence to bring and why an ordinary ESOL course may not satisfy a visa or citizenship requirement.
Christmas and New Year 2026/27 in Britain: 12 verified trips from London to northern villages
ONLYWAY NEWS checked council, official organiser and national tourism pages to separate genuinely free events from £39 or £44.50 tickets and prices that have not yet been announced. The guide covers London, Manchester, York, Bath, Wales, Belfast, Edinburgh, Stonehaven, Kielder and Shetland — plus the costs hidden behind 'free entry'.
Paying for sex in Britain: the law, scams, STIs and a next-morning action plan
Payment does not make every sexual encounter lawful or safe. Buying sexual services is an offence in Northern Ireland; in England, Wales and Scotland criminal risk arises around street solicitation, exploitation, coercion and brothel-related activity. This non-judgemental guide explains how to recognise danger, what to do after a condom failure, suspected spiking or sexual assault, where to obtain confidential care and what it costs.
Where to go out on 10–18 October: dancing, music and meeting people in London and across Britain
Tonight Grand Junction has beginner-friendly Scottish dancing with a live band, central London offers a hosted 35+ singles mixer and The Roxy runs until 3am. Next weekend brings a free Ukrainian concert, a four-day tango festival, daytime discos and clubs open until 7am. We verified dates, addresses, prices and age limits — and did not mislabel ordinary events as Russian-speaking parties.
Where to sleep, shower and eat for free in the UK: verified addresses and rules
A free commercial hostel is rare, but safe emergency accommodation may be available through councils, Nightstop, SWEP and selected charities. Here are verified routes across all four UK nations, with addresses, telephone numbers, opening hours and an honest explanation of possible charges.
Where to refill drinking water for free in London: map of 110 fountains
London has a network of 110 drinking fountains and more than 4,000 Refill locations. ONLYWAY.NEWS has compiled the official map, useful central locations and the Mayor’s latest update on the scheme.
ONLYWAY NEWSLIVELife · 05.11Free NHS mental health support: you can refer yourself, no GP neededMoney · 05.11Child Trust Funds in the UK: government to ease access to savings for young disabled peopleMoney · 05.11Bank of England raises Bank Rate to 4%: what borrowers and businesses should checkTravel · 05.11Next-generation airport scanners in Britain: what changes and what can be searchedTravel · 05.11Driving in winter: what the law requires in snow and iceLife · 05.11HRT for menopause in the UK: what it is, who it helps and how to get it on the NHSTax · 05.11Self Assessment tax return in the UK: the deadline is 31 January 2027, and what late filing costsLaw · 05.11DoLS: how the law protects those who cannot decide for themselvesLife · 05.11Newborn blood spot test in the UK: what the heel prick is and which conditions it findsMoney · 05.11A default pension for private sector workers: what is changingONLYWAY NEWS · appInstall the ONLYWAY NEWS appFresh UK news, classifieds, key dates and exchange rates on your home screen, one tap away. Free.NewsClassifiedsCalendarRates
London exhibitions and art fairs in October: free entry and money-saving tickets
Major exhibitions and art fairs are running across London. ONLYWAY.NEWS checked the dates and prices for Frieze, Tate Britain, the National Gallery, The Other Art Fair and free Frieze Sculpture.
Free Nature Roadshow at Brompton Cemetery: the quietest time to visit
The Royal Parks will offer free nature activities, a mini museum and a family trail on 29 October. Drop in between 11am and 3pm; the quietest period is usually noon to 1pm.
See Frieze for free: 11 sculptures in Regent’s Park until 1 November
The outdoor Frieze Sculpture exhibition is open in the English Gardens without tickets or booking. It is separate from the paid Frieze London and Frieze Masters fairs running from 14 to 18 October.
Free family Halloween in Hyde Park: no ticket needed, but entry rules apply
Hyde Park Learning Centre will run free family activities about nature, bats and Halloween from 27 to 29 October. Advance registration is optional and does not provide priority entry.
Londoners can question City Hall for free: register by 14 October
On 21 October, Londoners can discuss transport, housing, safety, the environment and the economy with the London Assembly. In-person attendance is free, while the livestream can be watched without registration.
How to attend London Film Festival for free or £6: every BFI discount checked
The 70th festival runs until 18 October with 251 titles from 88 countries. Standard tickets start at £10, but visitors aged 16–25 and some benefit recipients can pay £6, while talks, shorts, family workshops and DJ nights are free.
Free NFL giveaways at Trafalgar Square today: what you can get and how to enter
NFL Experience is open today, 10 October, from noon to 7pm. There is no admission charge, but visitors must register in the NFL OnePass app and show a QR code. Free Topps packs, snacks, coaching and photo opportunities are advertised.
Diwali on the Square is free: what you cannot bring and how to get there
A six-hour programme of music, dance and family workshops comes to central London on Sunday 25 October. No ticket or registration is needed, but every bag will be searched and visitors cannot bring their own food or drinks.
Register to vote in the UK: who is eligible, what photo ID you need and the £1,000 fine
Getting on the electoral register is a separate step that does not happen by itself. Here is who can register in England, Scotland and Wales, what photo ID is accepted at the polling station, how to get a free Voter Authority Certificate, and what ignoring a letter from your council costs.
Blue Badge parking permit: who qualifies, what it costs and where you can park
A Blue Badge lets you park on double yellow lines for up to three hours and park free at meters. In England it costs up to £10, councils usually take up to 12 weeks to decide, and lending the badge to someone else can mean a £1,000 fine.
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How to register a death in England and Wales: 5 days, the green form and Tell Us Once
Five days to register, but the clock does not start on the day of death. Here is the GOV.UK order of play: why the medical examiner comes first, what the green form is, what a certificate costs, how to use Tell Us Once within 28 days, and what bereavement support is available.
Marriage notice in England: 29 days, 7 days in the district and 70 if the Home Office investigates
To marry in England or Wales you first give notice at a register office. GOV.UK asks for at least 29 days before the ceremony, the law sets a 28-day waiting period, and for couples subject to immigration control it can stretch to 70. Here are the timings, documents and fees.
ADHD and autism in England: government changes the rules on assessments and promises help without a diagnosis
Professor Fonagy's independent review was published on 9 October. 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.
How to register with a GP surgery in England: no ID or visa needed
The NHS does not ask for ID, proof of address or proof of immigration status — only your name, date of birth and address. Here is how to register, how long it takes, when a surgery may refuse you, and why GP registration does not make hospital care free.
Registering a birth in England: the 42-day deadline and who goes on the certificate
You have 42 days to register a birth, and if the parents are not married the father only appears on the certificate under one of three conditions. Here is the process and the costs, from gov.uk.
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Refused a school place: how to appeal in England and the deadlines
You get at least 20 school days to appeal, an independent panel of three hears it, and in infant classes the 30-pupil limit decides almost everything. Here is the process, from gov.uk.
Moving home in the UK: who you must tell about your new address
Not telling DVLA your new address carries a fine of up to 1,000 pounds, and the driving licence and log book are two separate jobs. Here is the order to do it in, from gov.uk.
111, 999 or A&E: where to turn in the UK when you suddenly feel ill
NHS 111 can arrange a nurse callback and an emergency supply of your medicine, but it cannot issue a fit note — and you must not drive yourself to A&E. Here is what the official NHS guidance says.
Ofsted report cards explained: schools no longer get an «outstanding» grade
Ofsted published its first independent research into new-style inspections on 9 October: 88% of those inspected called the process respectful and 81% agreed the report accurately describes what it is like to be a pupil, while nearly half of schools reported a hit to staff wellbeing. It is also a reminder of the bigger change for parents: there is no single «outstanding» or «good» grade any more, but a five-point scale applied area by area. The secondary school deadline is three weeks away.
London on 10 and 11 October: free gardens, closing fairs and a half marathon
The Hampton Court gardens open without a ticket on both days, two large fairs close on Sunday, the Premier League returns after the international break, and the centre shuts on Sunday for the Royal Parks half marathon. The weather is dry and sunny, around 16 °C. Everything checked against venue websites.
ONLYWAY NEWSLIVELife · 05.11Free NHS mental health support: you can refer yourself, no GP neededMoney · 05.11Child Trust Funds in the UK: government to ease access to savings for young disabled peopleMoney · 05.11Bank of England raises Bank Rate to 4%: what borrowers and businesses should checkTravel · 05.11Next-generation airport scanners in Britain: what changes and what can be searchedTravel · 05.11Driving in winter: what the law requires in snow and iceLife · 05.11HRT for menopause in the UK: what it is, who it helps and how to get it on the NHSTax · 05.11Self Assessment tax return in the UK: the deadline is 31 January 2027, and what late filing costsLaw · 05.11DoLS: how the law protects those who cannot decide for themselvesLife · 05.11Newborn blood spot test in the UK: what the heel prick is and which conditions it findsMoney · 05.11A default pension for private sector workers: what is changingONLYWAY NEWS · appInstall the ONLYWAY NEWS appFresh UK news, classifieds, key dates and exchange rates on your home screen, one tap away. Free.NewsClassifiedsCalendarRates
Tickets on sale, event missing: UK listings checked on 8 October
We checked fourteen upcoming concerts, stand-up shows and lectures for the Russian-speaking audience in the UK against the venues' own websites. Six matched. In eight cases the date, the time or the venue itself did not line up — including a 2023 concert that is still on sale with a working buy button.
Flu is rising in England and fewer people have had the jab than a year ago
UKHSA has published the first winter virus report of the season: September activity beat the past four winters, one circulating strain has drifted from the vaccine, and by 4 October only 9.9% of over-65s and 4.9% of at-risk adults had been vaccinated.
GP and NHS dentist appointments in England: how long people really wait
On 8 October the ONS published a survey of almost 90,000 adults on how people in England actually reach a doctor. A third of GP appointments are same-day, but 13% of adults have no dentist at all and only 14.7% of those trying to get an NHS dental place from scratch succeeded.
What to watch this weekend: an evening on BBC One, the Netflix top 10, a festival from 7 October and theatre for £5
The 70th BFI London Film Festival runs from 7 to 18 October with 251 films from 88 countries and 33 world premieres. But the evening of 4 October can be covered for free: a new series starts on BBC One at 18:40. Here is what is on air tonight, what the country is watching on Netflix, which plays close this week, and where theatre costs £5.
MenB jab for students: free until 31 December, but only 27% have had a first dose
UKHSA published the first coverage report on 1 October: of the 799,840 young people eligible for the free MenB vaccine, 212,549 had had a first dose by 20 September — 26.6%. London is the worst region at 21%. First doses are available until 31 December 2026 and second doses until 31 March 2027.
Instasamka's London show was cancelled on 31 August, yet 14 November tickets are still listed: we checked 15 events, four did not match
We checked a dozen or so upcoming events for Britain's Russian-speaking audience against the venues' own websites. Four did not match: a concert cancelled back on 31 August but still sitting among upcoming events; a 2023 event page with a live buy button on a venue's own site; a party missing from the club's calendar; and a venue given somebody else's address.
When do the clocks change in the UK in 2026? 25 October, an hour back
Overnight on Sunday 25 October 2026 the clocks in the UK go back an hour — the night is longer and the evenings get dark at once. RoSPA data shows collisions killing or injuring pedestrians rise 10 per cent in the four weeks that follow. Here is what changes itself, what you change by hand, why the NHS advises vitamin D from October, and how the time difference with calls home shifts.
Soviet Underground: when is the next gig? We checked the venue listings
The London band have no new dates: their Songkick profile shows them off tour, and they do not appear in the next twenty-seven shows at The Victoria in Dalston. Their last two nights were on 12 and 13 September in London and Brighton. Here is where the first new date will appear, how to hear about it the same day, and why you should search for the night as well as the band.
Baby sleeping bags: UK regulator warns about bags with no arm holes or with a hood
On 1 October 2026 the UK's OPSS issued safety alert PSA9: baby sleeping bags used for unsupervised sleep are dangerous if they have no arm holes or include a hood. The risks are suffocation and overheating. Nearly 50 recalls have been published since 2023. What to check at home and how to get your money back.
A London concert cancelled back in March is still on sale for 4 October — and the full Russian-language listings for October
Scala has carried a cancelled status for this show since 5 March, yet several ticket sites are still selling it for Sunday 4 October. Here is how to check an event before you pay, plus everything Russian-language and Russian-repertoire in October: Verka Serduchka at indigo at The O2, Kirill Richter at St Pancras, Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich at the Royal Festival Hall, and The Cherry Orchard with Kristin Scott Thomas.
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Where to go in Britain this weekend, 3–4 October: from York to Cardiff, what is free and what ends on Sunday
York opens 25 normally closed historic buildings for free, Bath gives its centre over to an autumn fayre, and 70 artists in Bristol open their own studios. There is no Premier League this weekend because of the international break, but Wales play Denmark in Cardiff. Here is the whole country outside London: what is free, what needs a ticket and where the city centre closes on Sunday.
What to do in London this weekend, 3–5 October: free Japan Matsuri on Trafalgar Square, heritage buses and harvest festivals
After a stormy week, high pressure moves in: Saturday and Sunday are dry and settled, with no Met Office warnings. Here is what to catch — a free all-day Japanese festival on Trafalgar Square, 1930s buses running an ordinary city route, harvest festivals in the parks, the NFL at Tottenham, and three exhibitions opening on 3 October.
Pharmacy First: seven conditions a pharmacist in England treats without a GP appointment
Earache, sore throat, sinusitis, shingles, impetigo, an infected bite and uncomplicated UTI in women — for these seven a pharmacist in England consults and supplies prescription medicines directly. No referral needed, the consultation is free, the medicine costs £9.90 or nothing if you are exempt.
London is warming: +1.6°C in half a century, frost days halved — and why the weather now hits the wallet harder
The finale of our weather series. Britain has kept weather records longer than anyone on the planet — the Central England Temperature series is 367 years old — and the archive's verdict is unambiguous: all six of Heathrow station's warmest years came after 2014, July 2026 was the hottest month in its entire history, frost days have halved, and the wettest years cluster after 2000. Here is how the weather has changed across the record — and why the bills grew alongside it: insurance, drying, repairs.
Winter without a down jacket or fur hat: thrift, fashion or climate? What Britons actually wear — and spend on — in the rainy season
It astonishes newcomers every December: the minus never arrives, there is not a down jacket in sight, and half the city winters in a coat over a jumper. We explain it with the Heathrow station's numbers: the average January daytime maximum is +8.4°C — what would the fur be for? Here is what the British weather wardrobe is really made of, why an umbrella here is a consumable rather than an accessory, and where the 'rain money' actually goes.
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The wettest season begins: November is London's rain record-holder. All the numbers — and three jobs before the first storms
From October, London enters its only true rainy season: by the Heathrow weather station's data, autumn collects 181mm of rain — more than winter, summer or spring. The wettest month of the year is November; the driest is not July but March. Here is the full annual rain chart in Met Office numbers, the biggest myth about London weather debunked, and three things worth doing around the house before the first storms.
Lost property and seized goods in the UK: where finds are stored, where unclaimed items go, and whether they really sell for pennies
A legend every immigrant has heard: somewhere there is a warehouse where forgotten suitcases and seized goods sell for pennies. We checked the primary sources — it is half true. Transport finds are kept for three months (TfL at Baker Street; Heathrow charges £5 to £25 to return an item), and unclaimed property genuinely is sold afterwards, but at official auctions open to anyone. 'Customs confiscate' offered on social media is always a scam. The whole chain: timescales, addresses, prices and the reseller's taxes.
Martha's Rule in England's hospitals: how to summon a second medical team when someone is getting worse and nobody is listening
In 2021, 13-year-old Martha Mills died of sepsis in a London hospital: her parents saw her deteriorating, told the doctors — and were not heard. The coroner concluded she would probably have survived had she reached intensive care in time. Since 2024, hospitals in England operate Martha's Rule: the right of a patient or their family to summon an independent rapid review team at any hour, over the heads of the treating team. Here is the story — and how to use the right if English is not your first language.
Healthcare in the UK: what the NHS gives everyone for free, what prescriptions and dentists cost, and who pays under the 150% rule
Two myths circulate about British healthcare: 'everything is free here' and 'you can't see a doctor without insurance'. Both are wrong. A GP appointment, the ambulance, A&E and the 111 line are free for everyone — whatever your visa or status — and you can register with a GP without proof of address or right to reside. The pharmacy and the dentist, though, have their own tariffs: a prescription is £9.90 per item, dental work runs £27.90 to £332.10, and visitors who never paid the IHS surcharge get billed for hospital care under the 150% rule. The whole system, with the numbers.
London's Royal Parks: what actually happens inside Hyde Park and the other seven — events, dates and what you spend money on
The eight Royal Parks are 5,000 acres of free London: Richmond's deer, St James's pelicans, Hyde Park's concerts and Winter Wonderland, Greenwich's observatory. Entry is free everywhere — but there is plenty to spend on inside, from Serpentine boats to the winter fair's rides. Here is the guide: which park is for what, what happens there through the year, and which of it costs money.
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'Russian taxi' in London cheaper than Uber: the saving is real — but only if the dispatcher holds a TfL licence
Russian-language chats are full of 'dispatch services': call, give your flight number — and a Russian-speaking driver meets you at the airport for less than Uber. You genuinely can save this way, with one caveat the size of the law: in London, any minicab is legal only when pre-booked through a TfL-licensed operator. A car without such a booking is, in TfL's own words, 'uninsured, unsafe and illegal'. Here is how to check any dispatcher in a minute, and what a legal ride from Heathrow costs.
Your car got towed in the UK: where to find it, what it costs — and why 'I removed the clamp' and 'I covered the plates' end worse than the fine
The car has vanished from the street: in London you can trace it in a minute via TRACE, but getting it back costs money — since April 2025 removal is £280 plus £55 for every day in storage, on top of the penalty itself. Here is what to do if you were in the wrong, how to get every penny back if you were right, and why the folk 'lifehacks' — removing the clamp or papering over your number plates — turn a parking ticket into a criminal case.
Misogyny lessons in England's schools: what RSHE now teaches and what parents can decide
Half of girls hear demeaning comments from classmates in an ordinary school week. The Department for Education has announced a plan: teachers will be trained to unpack 'manosphere' subcultures, £16 million goes into pilot programmes, and the updated RSHE lessons — covering misogyny, deepfakes and online influencers — have been running since 1 September. Here is what it means for parents, and which lessons a child cannot be withdrawn from.
Free clubs in 400 English schools: £22.5m for sport, music and debating — how to check if your school is in
Over 400 secondary schools in disadvantaged areas will get co-ordinators and funding for free extracurricular activities under the £22.5m Enrichment Expansion programme. What appears on timetables, why the state is paying for clubs, and what to ask your school now.
£210m for England's high streets: derelict buildings converted, empty shops let by rental auction
The government has allocated £210m to revive high streets: £125m to buy and convert derelict buildings, £65m to rescue pubs and clubs, £20m for rental auctions of empty premises and co-operatives. Where the money goes — and how a small business can take over an empty shop.
Under-16 social media ban from spring 2027: UK hires 1,000 youth workers and puts £450m into teenagers
On 26 September the government announced 1,000 new youth workers and a £450m fund for clubs and activities — and confirmed the timetable for the under-16 social media ban: regulations before the end of the year, launch in spring 2027. Here is what it means for families, and what 18-to-24-year-olds can already claim.
SEND in an English school: £200m for teacher training — and how a parent gets support for their child
On 24–25 September the Department for Education published the first free training materials for teachers working with children who have special educational needs. It is the start of a £200m programme, but schools are not obliged to use it. Here is what actually changed, and the deadlines the law gives parents: 16 weeks for the council's decision, 20 weeks for an EHC plan, 2 months to appeal.
Bus fares in England fall to a £2 cap from 1 January 2027 — and how to check your route
The Department for Transport reported on 25 September that children made 14.5 million free bus journeys in August. The same release confirmed what matters next: from 1 January 2027 a single bus ticket in England outside London will cost no more than £2, down from today's £3. Here is what applies now, what you have to apply for, and who travels free all year.
Running a car in the UK: vehicle tax, MOT and insurance costs and penalties in 2026
Vehicle tax of £200 a year, an MOT capped at £54.85, an £80 fine for no SORN, £100 for an uninsured vehicle and up to £1,000 for driving without an MOT. Every figure and deadline a car owner needs, from GOV.UK.
New Vocational GCSEs in Britain: first subjects from 2029 and 200,000 work experience placements
On 23 September the government announced Vocational GCSEs, which will sit alongside traditional GCSEs and replace Technical Awards. The first subjects are promised from as early as September 2029, with technical pathways starting in September 2028. Employers are being asked for an extra 200,000 work experience placements for 14 to 16-year-olds.
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Free childcare in England in 2026: 30 hours from nine months, the income tests and the 31 December deadline
To have the hours start on 1 January you need the code by 31 December. Here are the three schemes, the £2,643.68 three-month earnings test and the £100,000 ceiling, the National Insurance and no recourse to public funds rules — and the separate 15-hour route for families with no access to public funds.
NHS dentist costs in England in 2026: £27.90 for a check-up, £332.10 for a crown — and how to get an appointment
NHS dental charges do not depend on how many procedures you have: there are three bands — £27.90, £76.60 and £332.10 — and you pay only for the highest one. What each band covers, why you cannot register with a dentist, who to call in pain, who is treated free, and the tick-box that brings a £100 penalty.
Primary school applications close on 15 January: only 85% of Inner London children get their first choice
Applications for a Reception place from September 2027 are open now and close on 15 January 2027. They cover children born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023. Offers land on 16 April. Across England 92.4% get their first preference; in Inner London it is 85.0%. And separately: school is not yet compulsory at four.
London Fashion Week: public events on 20 September
London Fashion Week runs from 17 to 21 September 2026, but most runway shows are invitation-only. The official programme also includes places open to the public: a free King’s Cross exhibition, Saul Nash’s Shoreditch pop-up, a charity fashion sale, Ahluwalia’s Westfield programme and the BFC jewellery showcase.
Parking fines in the UK: how to appeal a PCN for free — and why a private ticket is not a fine
A council penalty charge notice in London costs £160 or £110, halved if you pay within 14 days; outside London the cap is £70. A private company's notice is not a fine at all but a contract invoice: capped at £100, with up to £70 added for debt recovery. Both can be challenged free of charge, but the deadlines are strict: 14 days to the council, 28 days for formal representations, 28 days to the tribunal.
ONLYWAY NEWSLIVELife · 05.11Free NHS mental health support: you can refer yourself, no GP neededMoney · 05.11Child Trust Funds in the UK: government to ease access to savings for young disabled peopleMoney · 05.11Bank of England raises Bank Rate to 4%: what borrowers and businesses should checkTravel · 05.11Next-generation airport scanners in Britain: what changes and what can be searchedTravel · 05.11Driving in winter: what the law requires in snow and iceLife · 05.11HRT for menopause in the UK: what it is, who it helps and how to get it on the NHSTax · 05.11Self Assessment tax return in the UK: the deadline is 31 January 2027, and what late filing costsLaw · 05.11DoLS: how the law protects those who cannot decide for themselvesLife · 05.11Newborn blood spot test in the UK: what the heel prick is and which conditions it findsMoney · 05.11A default pension for private sector workers: what is changingONLYWAY NEWS · appInstall the ONLYWAY NEWS appFresh UK news, classifieds, key dates and exchange rates on your home screen, one tap away. Free.NewsClassifiedsCalendarRates
Secondary school applications close on 31 October: in London only 70% of children get their first choice
Applications for Year 7 entry in September 2027 close on 31 October 2026 — a Saturday, six weeks away. It covers children born between 1 September 2015 and 31 August 2016. Late applications are handled second, once the popular schools are full. Across England 83.6% of children get their first choice; in London it is 70.5%. And separately: a school cannot demand immigration documents.
Free school meals: from this year every family on Universal Credit qualifies — but you have to apply
The £7,400 threshold has gone and meals are available to any family on Universal Credit. That is £475–£570 a year per child you stop paying. How to apply, what else the entitlement unlocks, and what will be banned from school menus in 2027.
You can leave the passport at home: from 15 September your phone proves your age — but showing the screen is useless
Pubs and shops in England and Wales may now accept digital proof of age. Only services on the government register count, the check must be scanned rather than eyeballed, and it still proves nothing about your immigration status.
Free NHS flu jab from 1 October: who is on the list — and why 56% of eligible adults skip it
The national booking service opened on 17 August, children and pregnant women have been vaccinated since 1 September, and everyone else on the list can book from 1 October. Almost 19 million jabs last season prevented an estimated 104,000 hospital admissions — yet only 44% of at-risk adults aged 18 to 64 took one.
The whole hall stands and sings Rule Britannia: what the Proms are and how to get in for £8
On 12 September the eight-week festival closed at the Albert Hall — 86 concerts and three thousand musicians. A standing ticket to any of them costs eight pounds and goes on sale at 9:30am the same day. Here is the Last Night ritual, explained and made usable.
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A thousand deer forty minutes from central London: what the rut is and why you must not approach
From late September to early November the rut runs in Richmond Park and Bushy Park. Free to watch, but fifty metres is safety, not courtesy. Plus where London's autumn colour is and how to get into Kew for £10.
Autumn in London's museums: what closes, what opens and how not to overpay
Whistler goes on 27 September, Dadd on 25 October, Schiaparelli on 8 November. Es Devlin, the 90s at Tate and Agatha Christie arrive. Dates, prices and four ways to pay less.
The Bayeux Tapestry in London: 70 metres, 1066 and £33 tickets that are already gone
The British Museum has brought the Norman Conquest embroidery to Britain for the first time in almost 900 years — and everything is sold out until January. What is on show, what it costs, the rules, and what to look for on the cloth.
Premier League: Arsenal stay perfect as Liverpool and Chelsea drop points
In Saturday’s round on 12 September, Arsenal beat Sunderland 2-0 to keep a flawless record. Liverpool could not break down Fulham, Chelsea let a win over Hull City slip, and Tottenham and Everton played out a goalless draw.
Great North Run: fourteen seconds between first and second, a tenth title for Weir and McColgan out
The world's biggest half marathon ran for the 45th time, 63,000 people from Newcastle to South Shields. Zouhair Talbi won in 59:47, Brigid Kosgei in 1:06:15. The 2027 ballot is already open.
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Britain's autumn sky: a calendar of meteor showers, supermoons and dark nights
From 23 September to 22 December: six meteor showers in a row, two supermoons and the clock change that brings darkness by five in the afternoon. Dates, the best nights, dark sky sites and what to take.
A Punjabi artist headlines Wembley for the first time: Diljit Dosanjh fills the 90,000-seat stadium
The 12 September concert ran for more than two hours and closed with fireworks. Panjabi is the third most common main language in England and Wales — which explains how a non-English-language bill filled the national stadium.
Rybakina beats Sabalenka in the US Open final and becomes world number one
The New York final ended 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. It is Elena Rybakina's third Grand Slam title, her first US Open and the first WTA world number one ranking in Kazakhstan's history.
London on Sunday 13 September: what is free and what you pay for
Open doors across the city, a free wellness festival at Wembley, Korean barbecue in the Olympic Park, classic boats by Tower Bridge and the Hampton Court gardens. Here is what cost money that day and what did not.
Open House: nine days of free access to London’s closed buildings
The 35th Open House Festival runs from 12 to 20 September, opening buildings across all 33 London boroughs, free of charge. The London Design Festival runs alongside it, also until 20 September. Some venues take walk-ins, others require booking.
What to do in London on 12–14 September: Open House, the Design Festival and ten more free things
Two large festivals open on Saturday: Open House unlocks buildings that are normally shut, and the London Design Festival runs for the twenty-fourth time. Plus a rowing race up the Thames, a flotilla by Tower Bridge, the Hampton Court gardens for nothing, and Korean barbecue in the Olympic Park. The full weekend listing, with the free things marked.
The Fourth Plinth: who gets there, how, and for how much
The programme costs £1.03m over three years and about £230,000 per commission: a £30,000 artist fee and £200,000 for production — a fixed sum, not a ceiling. Three selection stages, maquettes shown at the National Gallery, a specialist panel decides and there is no public vote. The full list of works since 1999, and an honest answer to why not everyone gets there.
A new sculpture on Trafalgar Square: Tschabalala Self’s Lady in Blue
Unveiled on the Fourth Plinth on 10 September — a bronze figure of a young Londoner, patinated lapis lazuli blue. What the plinth is, why it stood empty for a century and a half, what was there before, and how to see it for free.
Opening the sport section: where the Premier League, the WSL and the cricket stand, and what you need to follow the conversation
Three rounds in: City and Arsenal on 9 points, promoted Hull City third. England took World Cup bronze beating France 6–4; Spain are champions. The Women’s Super League has grown to fourteen clubs. The cricket season ends on 27 September. How the English pyramid works, why 3pm Saturday matches are not televised, and what you can watch for nothing.
The pint after work, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: the unwritten rules of British life
Why people go to the pub to sit rather than to drink, what a round is and why you cannot skip it, where POETS day comes from, why the main match is not on television at three on a Saturday, how many hours you actually have to shop on a Sunday, and how the North differs from the South and Scotland from Wales. Plus seven rules that save a newcomer a year.
ONLYWAY NEWSLIVELife · 05.11Free NHS mental health support: you can refer yourself, no GP neededMoney · 05.11Child Trust Funds in the UK: government to ease access to savings for young disabled peopleMoney · 05.11Bank of England raises Bank Rate to 4%: what borrowers and businesses should checkTravel · 05.11Next-generation airport scanners in Britain: what changes and what can be searchedTravel · 05.11Driving in winter: what the law requires in snow and iceLife · 05.11HRT for menopause in the UK: what it is, who it helps and how to get it on the NHSTax · 05.11Self Assessment tax return in the UK: the deadline is 31 January 2027, and what late filing costsLaw · 05.11DoLS: how the law protects those who cannot decide for themselvesLife · 05.11Newborn blood spot test in the UK: what the heel prick is and which conditions it findsMoney · 05.11A default pension for private sector workers: what is changingONLYWAY NEWS · appInstall the ONLYWAY NEWS appFresh UK news, classifieds, key dates and exchange rates on your home screen, one tap away. Free.NewsClassifiedsCalendarRates
The 31st National Television Awards: the winners in full, and what to watch
The NTAs were handed out at The O2 on 8 September — the only British television awards decided by the public rather than a jury. Special Recognition for Alan Carr, TV Presenter for Sir David Attenborough, Comedy for Mrs Brown’s Boys, Talent Show for Strictly. The full list, six programmes for newcomers, and where to watch them free.
Royal week: Prince George starts at Eton, Prince William at King Harald's funeral
On 8 September the eldest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales began at Eton, as his father did in 1995. On 9 September Prince William represented King Charles III at the funeral of King Harald V in Oslo, with the Princess Royal attending as godmother to the new King Haakon VIII. We are starting a standing royal file.
Driving in the UK on a foreign licence: exchange rules, tests and costs in 2026
An EU licence is valid until you are 70, a Ukrainian one for 36 months, and a Russian, Belarusian, Kazakh or Moldovan one for just 12. Which countries can exchange without tests, who must sit theory and practical, what it costs, and where people lose time.
England, Britain or the UK: the difference, and where it costs money
England is one of four countries; Great Britain is an island with three of them; the state is the United Kingdom, and UK is what goes on your forms. There is no "England visa" — it works in all four. But prescriptions cost £9.90 an item in England and nothing in the other three, and Scotland runs its own six-rate income tax scale.
Starting out in Britain: nine guides checked against the public registers
A bank account without proof of address, a credit record from zero, a free NHS interpreter, the home rate for university, school after VAT, work and pay, and doctors and restaurants checked against the registers. All of it in one place, in the order in which the questions come up.
ONLYWAY NEWSLIVELife · 05.11Free NHS mental health support: you can refer yourself, no GP neededMoney · 05.11Child Trust Funds in the UK: government to ease access to savings for young disabled peopleMoney · 05.11Bank of England raises Bank Rate to 4%: what borrowers and businesses should checkTravel · 05.11Next-generation airport scanners in Britain: what changes and what can be searchedTravel · 05.11Driving in winter: what the law requires in snow and iceLife · 05.11HRT for menopause in the UK: what it is, who it helps and how to get it on the NHSTax · 05.11Self Assessment tax return in the UK: the deadline is 31 January 2027, and what late filing costsLaw · 05.11DoLS: how the law protects those who cannot decide for themselvesLife · 05.11Newborn blood spot test in the UK: what the heel prick is and which conditions it findsMoney · 05.11A default pension for private sector workers: what is changingONLYWAY NEWS · appInstall the ONLYWAY NEWS appFresh UK news, classifieds, key dates and exchange rates on your home screen, one tap away. Free.NewsClassifiedsCalendarRates
Where to buy the food you grew up with in London: Russian, Ukrainian, Polish and Baltic shops
Curd cheese, soured cream, buckwheat, salo, borodinsky bread, dumplings, caviar, Georgian wine. We checked every address against the shops' own websites and the government's Food Standards Agency register — and listed separately the ones that did not check out.
Eating like home in London: 16 addresses checked against the hygiene register
Russian, Ukrainian, Georgian, Uzbek, Lithuanian, Armenian, Azerbaijani and Moldovan cooking — with addresses, phone numbers, opening hours and a food hygiene rating carrying the date it was awarded. Two honest findings: not one venue promises on its website that Russian is spoken, and live music in Russian has all but disappeared after the main venue closed.
Russian-speaking doctors and clinics in London: eight addresses checked against the registers
Every clinic checked against CQC, every named clinician against the GMC and GDC, every legal entity against Companies House. Where Russian really is spoken, where only the website has been translated, and why a chain advertising sixteen locations is registered for four. Plus one clinic that is not on the list, and how to check such a place yourself.
Applying, rankings and school for a child: the 2027 cycle dates and the cost after VAT
The personal statement is no longer an essay but three questions inside 4,000 characters. The equal consideration deadline is 13 January, not the 15th that older articles print. Most of the rankings people choose by are commercial, and only two official quality measures exist. And a private boarding place now costs around £54,000 a year — with the arithmetic behind that figure.
Studying in Britain in 2026: who pays £9,790, who pays £70,000, and three dates you cannot miss
The gap between home and international fees runs to seven times, and it is decided by three years of residence rather than by citizenship — and you need not have held settled status for all three, which is the part most often misread. Plus: the visa maintenance figure rises on 30 November, the Graduate route drops from two years to eighteen months on 1 January, and Chevening closes on 6 October.
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An NHS interpreter is free — and you can register with a GP without a single document
We checked the most common beliefs about the NHS against primary sources. The practice must book the interpreter, and nobody under 16 may do the job. Registering with a GP needs no passport, no address and no immigration status, and a refusal must be explained in writing within 14 days. And five minutes on the GMC, GDC and CQC registers separate a real doctor from a good-looking website.
London listings: where Russian-speakers can go — theatre, concerts, stand-up and exhibitions
Where to go in London if you speak Russian: upcoming events and the regular venues our readers use — theatre, classical and jazz, Russian stand-up, exhibitions and events for children. Plus what to catch before the end of September: Buckingham Palace closes on the 27th. With dates, prices and links; we keep this updated.
Car owners in Britain: tax, charging zones, parking, buying, scrapping and the truth about “free” cars
How much road tax costs and why electric cars now pay too, ULEZ and the Congestion Charge, where to park without a fine, how to buy and sell safely, how to scrap and get paid, and why “free abandoned cars” is a myth. With the real cheap options.
Housing in Britain: mortgage or rent, what to do with no income, and how to avoid a dishonest agent
Mortgages and how much deposit you need, why UK developers rarely offer instalment plans, shared ownership, renting without a UK income or guarantor, the new 2026 rules, and how to spot a scam in the housing market.
Mobile and home internet in Britain: how to pay less and avoid roaming rip-offs
SIM-only instead of a contract, cheap networks, free EU roaming for trips home, social tariffs from £10–12 for people on benefits, and how to switch provider without losing out. With useful apps.
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How to fly Europe cheaply — and what to do if your flight is cancelled or you are bumped
Tickets for £10–20, cabin bag only, flight subscriptions and — most importantly — your rights: a refund, rerouting, care at the airport and compensation of up to £520. With links to the CAA and the EU rules.
Transport in Britain: how to pay less, concessions and what to do when it breaks down
Contactless and caps instead of tickets, the bus Hopper, off-peak, a Railcard for a third off, free travel for residents and what to do during strikes. With links to TfL and National Rail.
Health in Britain: how to register with a doctor, what is free on the NHS and free medicines
How to register with a GP, what the NHS gives everyone for free, and who does not pay for medicines. With links to official NHS services.
Free English in Britain: who qualifies for funded courses and where to enrol
England has government-funded English courses for adults (ESOL). Here is who can study for free, what you will be asked at enrolment, and where to find classes.
What we built for readers in September: seven free services
A deadline calendar, right to rent and right to work checks, the sanctions list, fuel prices, classifieds translated into both languages and a bot that posts from your phone. All free, no registration.
We have launched a calendar: holidays, filing deadlines and official events
A UK calendar is now on the site. Bank holidays, tax deadlines, Bank of England decisions and the dates new rules take effect — in one grid, each with a link to its source.
You can now post a listing straight from Telegram
We have launched @onlyway_news_bot: ten steps on buttons, photos from your phone, published without an email confirmation. Listings are free and run for 60 days.
Soviet Underground: the eighties Red Wave, played live in London
A London collective reviving the Soviet underground — Kino, Nautilus Pompilius, Zoopark, Zvuki Mu. They play Dalston on 12 September with free entry, Brighton on the 13th.