UK news
UK news in brief for Russian speakers: laws, tax, prices and rules, each linked to its primary source. Search and filter by date.
Showing 24 of 671
Train season ticket refund 2026: how much you get back
The refund is not pro-rata but the price minus the period used; the admin fee is up to £10. The earlier you hand it back, the more you get.
UK dates to know, 1 November to 15 November: 10 to watch
The UK, 1 November to 15 November: 10 dates worth keeping in mind, 1 of them hard deadlines. Taken from our calendar: bank holidays from the GOV.UK list, deadlines from HMRC and Companies House rules, each with a link to the source.
How to get an Oyster card refund 2026: balance and deposit
A balance up to £10 is refunded at a machine, more via your online account. The £5 deposit applies only to cards from before February 2020.
London Hopper fare 2026: bus changes on a single payment
For £1.75, make as many bus and tram changes as you like within an hour. We explain the Hopper rules for 2026.
Travelcard or fare cap in London 2026: which is better value
The weekly cap matches the Travelcard price, but the details decide which to choose. We compare prices and terms.
Peak and off-peak fares in London 2026: when travel is cheaper
Peak fares run on weekdays 06:30–09:30 and 16:00–19:00 — travel is cheaper at other times. Here are the hours and prices.
London transport fare caps 2026: how the daily and weekly cap work
Contactless and Oyster stop charging you once you hit a daily or weekly limit — here are the 2026 figures and the rules.
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.
Acas and the employment tribunal: the step you must take before you claim
Before an employment tribunal claim you almost always must complete Acas's free early conciliation. From 1 October 2026 the claim deadline is usually 6 months. Here are the rules, per GOV.UK and Acas.
How to renew your photocard driving licence in the UK
The photocard must be renewed every 10 years, driving on a lapsed one risks a fine of up to £1,000, and from age 70 renewal is free. Here are the fees and the process, per GOV.UK.
Voluntary National Insurance: how to fill gaps and boost your pension
The full new State Pension needs 35 qualifying years. If your National Insurance record has gaps, you can sometimes fill them with voluntary contributions — here are the 2026/27 rates, deadlines and pitfalls.
Probate in England and Wales: the fees and how to apply
Probate is the legal right to deal with someone's estate after they die. In England and Wales the application fee is £526 if the estate is over £5,000, and nothing below that.
Disabled Persons Railcard: 1/3 off UK rail fares
A Disabled Persons Railcard gives 1/3 off train fares for the holder and one adult companion. It costs £20 for a year or £54 for three years.
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).
Household Support Fund: help with food and bills via your council
The Household Support Fund is government money that local councils in England give to people in need for food, energy and essentials. £742 million is allocated for the period up to 31 March 2026.
Migration Notice: moving to Universal Credit from older benefits
If you get older benefits and receive a Migration Notice letter, you must claim Universal Credit yourself by the deadline in the letter — or your payments stop.
Deferring the UK State Pension: how it grows
If you do not take the State Pension straight away, it grows: the new State Pension rises by 1% for every 9 weeks you defer — just under 5.8% for a full year. Deferral happens automatically.
Pension Wise: a free pension guidance appointment for over-50s
Pension Wise is a free, government-backed service for people aged 50+ with a defined contribution pension. It explains your options for your pension pot and warns about scams.
Discretionary Housing Payment: extra housing help from the council
A Discretionary Housing Payment is extra help with housing costs from your local council for people whose Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing element does not cover the rent.
Autumn Budget 2026: petrol and diesel to get cheaper — what changes for drivers
The 5p fuel duty cut is extended and the planned rise is deferred to July 2027. From April 2027 petrol and diesel will be 15p a litre cheaper. Plus more tax-free mileage for work journeys and cheaper EV charging.
Dracula: a book for the night this Halloween — the opening, the author and a Gothic London route
The editors' Halloween pick: Bram Stoker's Dracula (1897), a Gothic novel in letters and diaries — with the opening lines, a note on the author and a route from Highgate to Whitby.
Support for Mortgage Interest: help with your mortgage — but it is a loan
Support for Mortgage Interest helps people on certain benefits pay the interest on their mortgage. But it is not a payment — it is a loan at 3.66% a year, repaid when you sell your home.
How to claim the UK State Pension: it is not paid automatically
The UK new State Pension is up to £241.30 a week, but it is not paid automatically: you must claim it. The full rate needs about 35 qualifying National Insurance years.
Nothing found. Adjust your query or dates.