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The UK essentials
The main things everyone living in the UK needs to know.
54 rules, rights and numbers that come up in real life: from what to do in an emergency to tax, renting, work, health and the road. Each one has a diagram, what it means, and exactly what to do.
- 54
- Essentials
- 10
- Life areas
- 54
- Diagrams
- 54
- Things to do
AREA 01 · 05 ESSENTIALS
Emergencies
The numbers to know by heart, and what to do when you can't talk.
999 or 112 in an emergency
Free from any phone, even without credit or signal from your own network.
Call when someone's life is at risk, a crime is happening now, or there's a fire. 112 works the same way across Europe. For anything less urgent there are other numbers, which keeps 999 free for emergencies.
Do thisSave 101, 111, 105 and 159 in your phone today.
Can't speak on a 999 call? Press 55
On a mobile, pressing 55 tells the operator you need the police but can't talk.
If you call 999 and stay silent, you're asked to cough or tap. Then, on a mobile, you're asked to press 55, which puts you through to the police. It doesn't send them automatically, but it helps them find you and keep the line open.
Do thisRemember: 999, then cough or tap, then 55.
The law: Domestic Abuse Act→Text 999 if you're deaf or can't speak
Register your phone for emergencySMS first, then you can text 999.
The service is for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired. You must register before you need it. Text relay calls can also be made on 18000.
Do thisText 'register' to 999 and follow the reply.
Smell gas? Call 0800 111 999
The National Gas Emergency number is free and open 24 hours a day.
Don't use light switches, naked flames or anything electrical. Open doors and windows, turn off the gas at the meter if you can, and leave the building.
Do thisFind where your gas meter tap is before you ever need it.
Mental health crisis: help 24/7
Call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, or Samaritans free on 116 123.
If someone's life is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. Shout offers free text support by texting SHOUT to 85258.
Do thisSave 116 123 in your phone. It's free and doesn't show on bills.
AREA 02 · 05 ESSENTIALS
Police & your rights
What the police can and can't do, and the rights that protect you.
You don't have to carry ID
There are no national ID cards and no general duty to carry identification.
You'll need ID for some things: voting in person, buying age-restricted items, flying and starting a job. If you're driving, police can ask to see your licence and you have 7 days to show it at a station.
Do thisCarry a photo ID if you might be asked your age.
The law: Giving your name to the police→If you're stopped and searched
The officer must tell you their name, station, why they're searching, and that you can get a record.
Police usually need reasonable grounds to suspect you're carrying something like drugs, a weapon or stolen goods. They can ask you to remove your coat, jacket and gloves in public, but nothing more.
Do thisStay calm, don't resist, and ask for the record or reference number.
The law: Stop and search→If you're arrested
Free legal advice, a phone call made for you, and normally charge or release within 24 hours.
You can have a solicitor at the police station for free, whatever your income. You can ask for someone to be told where you are, and to read the codes of practice police must follow.
Do thisSay 'I want the duty solicitor' and wait for advice before answering questions.
The law: Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE)→What the caution means
You can stay silent, but a court may hold it against you if you later rely on something you didn't mention.
'You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.'
Do thisLet your solicitor advise you whether to answer, give a written statement, or say 'no comment'.
The law: Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE)→You can film the police in public
There's no law against photographing or filming police officers in a public place.
Officers can't delete your footage or take your phone just because you're filming. Filming isn't a defence if you obstruct them, and different rules apply to some terrorism investigations.
Do thisKeep a safe distance and don't get in the way.
The law: Right to privacy (Article 8)→AREA 03 · 06 ESSENTIALS
Money & tax
How tax works, the key dates, and the allowances worth using.
Income tax bands
The first £12,570 you earn each year is tax-free. Then it's 20%, 40% and 45%.
These are the rates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland has its own bands. Your tax-free Personal Allowance shrinks by £1 for every £2 you earn over £100,000.
Do thisCheck your tax code on your payslip or in the HMRC app. A wrong code means wrong tax.
The tax year and Self Assessment
The tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April. Online returns are due by 31 January.
You need to file a return if you're self-employed earning over £1,000, a landlord, or have other untaxed income. Late returns get an automatic £100 penalty, and more the later they are.
Do thisRegister by 5 October after the tax year you first need to file.
The law: Selling online & tax→National Insurance builds your pension
You need 35 qualifying years for the full new State Pension, and at least 10 for any.
Employees pay National Insurance from their wages. If you're caring, on certain benefits or bringing up children, you can get credits instead. State Pension age is rising from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028.
Do thisCheck your National Insurance record and pension forecast on GOV.UK.
ISAs: £20,000 a year tax-free
Interest, dividends and gains inside an ISA are free of tax.
You can split the allowance between cash, stocks and shares, innovative finance and Lifetime ISAs. A Lifetime ISA (age 18 to 39 to open) gets a 25% government bonus on up to £4,000 a year.
Do thisUse it or lose it: the allowance resets each 6 April.
Check your credit file for free
You have a legal right to see your credit file, at no cost.
Lenders check files kept by Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Mistakes can stop you getting a phone contract, mortgage or tenancy. You can ask for errors to be corrected and add a note to explain.
Do thisCheck all three files once a year, and register to vote at your address.
The law: UK GDPR & Data Protection Act→Problem debt? There's free help
Breathing Space gives you 60 days' protection from creditors while you get advice.
Interest, charges and enforcement are paused. Free advice from StepChange, National Debtline or Citizens Advice is better than paid debt companies.
Do thisContact a free debt adviser before you miss payments, not after.
The law: Breathing Space→AREA 04 · 05 ESSENTIALS
Work
Pay, holiday, sick leave and pensions: your rights from day one.
Minimum wage rates
From April 2026: £12.71 an hour at 21 and over, £10.85 at 18 to 20, £8.00 under 18 and for apprentices.
The rates usually rise every April. Every worker is entitled to them, including part-timers, agency workers and people paid by the job.
Do thisCheck your hourly pay after deductions for uniform or unpaid time. Report underpayment to HMRC.
The law: National Minimum Wage Act→28 days' paid holiday
Full-time workers get at least 5.6 weeks' paid holiday a year. Part-timers get it pro rata.
Bank holidays can count towards it. Holiday builds up while you're off sick or on maternity leave, and unused holiday must be paid when you leave.
Do thisAsk your employer for the holiday year dates and how much you've got left.
The law: Working Time Regulations→Written terms and payslips from day one
You must get a written statement of your main terms on day one, and a payslip every time you're paid.
Your payslip must show your gross pay, deductions and net pay. If you're paid by the hour, it must show the hours you're paid for.
Do thisKeep every payslip. They're your evidence if anything goes wrong.
The law: Employment Rights Act→Off sick
Self-certify for the first 7 days. After that you'll usually need a fit note.
Since April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay is paid from the first day off sick and is available to low earners too. Your contract may give you more.
Do thisFollow your employer's rules on when and how to report sickness.
The law: Statutory Sick Pay→Workplace pension
At least 8% of qualifying earnings goes in: at least 3% from your employer.
You're automatically enrolled if you're 22 or over, earn over £10,000 a year and work in the UK. Your own 5% includes tax relief from the government.
Do thisThink hard before opting out: you'd lose your employer's contribution.
The law: Workplace pensions→AREA 05 · 06 ESSENTIALS
Home & renting
Tenancies, deposits, safety and council tax.
No more no-fault evictions in England
Since 1 May 2026, landlords need a legal reason to end a private tenancy.
Tenancies now roll on month to month. Rent can go up only once a year, with 2 months' notice, and you can challenge it at a tribunal. You can leave with 2 months' notice.
Do thisGot an eviction notice? Check it with Shelter or Citizens Advice straight away.
The law: Renters' Rights Act→Your deposit must be protected
Within 30 days, in a government-approved scheme. Most deposits are capped at 5 weeks' rent.
Your landlord must also give you information about the scheme. If they don't, you can claim between 1 and 3 times the deposit back.
Do thisLook up your deposit on the scheme websites using your postcode.
The law: Deposits & fees→Eviction needs a court order
A landlord can't change the locks or remove you without going to court.
Only court bailiffs can carry out an eviction. Harassment and illegal eviction are crimes. Lodgers living with their landlord have fewer protections.
Do thisLocked out illegally? Call the police and the council's housing team.
The law: Protection from Eviction Act→Alarms that save lives
Rented homes need a smoke alarm on every storey and a carbon monoxide alarm by fixed fuel-burning appliances.
Landlords must also get a gas safety check every year and an electrical inspection at least every 5 years, and give you copies.
Do thisTest your alarms monthly, whether you rent or own.
The law: Smoke & CO alarms→Council tax: claim your discount
If you're the only adult in your home, you get 25% off.
Full-time students, apprentices and some disabled people are disregarded. Low-income households can get Council Tax Reduction. You can challenge your band.
Do thisCheck your band on GOV.UK and apply for discounts on your council's website.
The law: Council tax→Facing homelessness? Go early
Councils must help anyone homeless or at risk of becoming homeless within 56 days.
The council has to assess your situation and agree a personal plan with you. Some people, including families with children, must be given emergency accommodation.
Do thisContact the council's housing team as soon as you get a notice.
The law: Homelessness help→AREA 06 · 05 ESSENTIALS
Health
Using the NHS, prescriptions, sick notes and your records.
Anyone can register with a GP
It's free. You don't need proof of address, ID or immigration status to register.
A practice can only refuse if its list is closed or you live outside its area, and it must explain why in writing. You can also see a GP as a temporary patient.
Do thisRegister now, before you're ill. Most practices let you do it online.
Where to go when you're unwell
Pharmacy, GP, NHS 111 and A&E or 999, depending on how serious it is.
Pharmacists can now treat some common conditions without a GP appointment, including sore throats, earache and urinary infections. Use 111 if you're not sure.
Do thisFor a life-threatening emergency, call 999 straight away.
Prescriptions
Free in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In England many people don't pay either.
In England you get free prescriptions if you're under 16, 16 to 18 in full-time education, 60 or over, pregnant or recently had a baby, have certain conditions, or are on a low income.
Do thisPaying for lots of items? A prepayment certificate can save you money.
Your medical records
You have the right to see your records, free of charge, within one month.
Most people can now see their GP record in the NHS App. For hospital records, make a subject access request to the hospital trust.
Do thisDownload the NHS App to see records, test results and prescriptions.
The law: UK GDPR & Data Protection Act→Organ donation is opt-out
In England and Wales, adults are considered donors unless they opt out or are in an excluded group.
Your family will still be consulted. You can record your decision, either way, on the NHS Organ Donor Register, and say which organs you want to donate.
Do thisRecord your decision and tell your family.
AREA 07 · 06 ESSENTIALS
On the road
The rules that cost people their licence most often.
Phones at the wheel
Holding a phone while driving means 6 points and a £200 fine.
That includes at traffic lights and in queues. New drivers lose their licence with 6 points in the first 2 years. You can only use a phone hands-free or in a fixed holder.
Do thisSet up maps and music before you start driving.
The law: Mobile phones→Speed limits
Cars: 30mph in built-up areas, 60mph on single carriageways, 70mph on dual carriageways and motorways.
Most built-up roads in Wales are 20mph. Lower limits apply to vans, lorries and cars towing.
Do thisStreet lights usually mean 30mph (20mph in Wales) unless a sign says otherwise.
The law: Speed limits→Drink and drug driving
The limit in England and Wales is 35µg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. There's no reliable way to judge it.
Drink driving means a minimum 12-month ban, an unlimited fine and up to 6 months in prison. There are also limits for illegal drugs and some prescription medicines.
Do thisIf you drink, don't drive. That includes the morning after.
The law: Drink driving→Insurance, tax and MOT
Every car on the road must be insured and taxed, and most need an MOT once they're 3 years old.
Police cameras can tell instantly if a car isn't insured. Uninsured cars can be seized on the spot.
Do thisCheck your MOT and tax dates on GOV.UK and sign up for free reminders.
The law: Insurance, tax & MOT→Seat belts
Everyone must wear one if it's fitted. The fine is up to £500.
Drivers are responsible for passengers under 14. Children need a car seat until they're 12 or 135cm tall.
Do thisCheck child seats are fitted properly and suit the child's height and weight.
The law: Seat belts & child seats→Tell the DVLA when things change
Not updating your licence address can mean a fine of up to £1,000.
You must also tell the DVLA about some medical conditions, and renew your photocard every 10 years. Changing your address is free online.
Do thisUpdate your licence the day you move.
AREA 08 · 05 ESSENTIALS
Shopping & scams
Refunds, returns, and how to protect your money.
Faulty goods: 30 days for a refund
Goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described.
Within 30 days you can reject faulty goods for a full refund. After that, the seller gets one go at a repair or replacement before you can ask for money back. In the first 6 months, it's assumed the fault was there from the start.
Do thisContact the seller, not the manufacturer, and quote the Consumer Rights Act.
The law: Consumer Rights Act→Bought online? 14 days to change your mind
Online, phone and doorstep purchases have a 14-day cooling-off period.
It starts the day after you receive the goods. Some things are excluded, like personalised items, perishables and unsealed hygiene products. The seller must refund you within 14 days.
Do thisCancel in writing (an email is fine) and keep proof of postage.
The law: Consumer Contracts Regulations→Pay by credit card for extra protection
For items costing £100 to £30,000, your card company is equally liable if things go wrong.
That covers firms going bust, goods not arriving, or things not as described. Debit cards and PayPal don't have this legal protection, though chargeback may help.
Do thisPut big purchases, or even part of them, on a credit card.
The law: Section 75, Consumer Credit Act→Scammed into a bank transfer?
Most victims of 'push payment' scams must be refunded by their bank, up to £85,000.
Report it quickly, ideally within days. Banks can only refuse if you were grossly negligent. Banks and police will never ask you to move money to a 'safe account'.
Do thisHang up and call 159 to reach your bank safely.
The law: Bank transfer scams→Small claims: no lawyer needed
You can claim up to £10,000 yourself in the County Court small claims track.
Most cases are dealt with on paper or at a short informal hearing. If you lose, you usually don't pay the other side's legal costs.
Do thisSend a 'letter before action' first. Most firms pay up at this stage.
The law: Small claims court→AREA 09 · 06 ESSENTIALS
Family & life events
Births, marriages, school, wills and deaths.
Register births and deaths
A birth within 42 days, and a death normally within 5 days, in England and Wales.
Unmarried fathers aren't automatically on the birth certificate. Both parents can go together to register, or the father can be added later.
Do thisBook an appointment at your local register office.
The law: Registering births & deaths→Marriage: 18 and 28 days' notice
Nobody under 18 can marry. You must give notice at least 28 days before the wedding.
Religious-only ceremonies may not create a legal marriage. Make sure your wedding is legally registered.
Do thisBook your notice appointment early. Slots fill up.
The law: Giving notice to marry→There's no 'common-law marriage'
Living together, however long for, gives you far fewer rights than marriage.
If your partner dies without a will, you don't automatically inherit. If you split up, you have no automatic claim on the home if it's in their name.
Do thisMake wills, and think about a cohabitation agreement.
The law: Cohabiting couples→Education until 18
School is compulsory from 5. In England, young people stay in education or training until 18.
After 16, that can be college, an apprenticeship or traineeship, or work with part-time study. Parents can be fined for unauthorised term-time absence.
Do thisApply for school places by the council deadline.
The law: School attendance→Make a will
In writing, signed, and witnessed by two people present at the same time.
Witnesses shouldn't be people who inherit, or their spouses, or they lose their gift. Marriage cancels an earlier will. Without a will, the law decides who inherits.
Do thisWrite one when you get a home, a partner or children, and update it when life changes.
The law: Wills→Lasting power of attorney
Choose who decides for you if you can't, before you need to.
There are two types: property and financial affairs, and health and welfare. They must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before they can be used.
Do thisApply online with the Office of the Public Guardian.
The law: Lasting power of attorney→AREA 10 · 05 ESSENTIALS
Voting & civic life
Your vote, your MP, jury duty and the TV licence.
Register to vote
You can't vote unless you're registered. It takes about 5 minutes online.
You can vote at 18 in UK general elections. In Wales, 16 and 17-year-olds can vote in Senedd and council elections. You can register from 16 (14 in Wales).
Do thisRegister at gov.uk/register-to-vote, and again whenever you move.
The law: Registering to vote→Bring photo ID to vote
You need photo ID at polling stations for UK general elections and English local elections.
Out-of-date ID is fine if the photo still looks like you. If you don't have ID, apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. Postal voting needs no ID.
Do thisCheck your ID before polling day, not on it.
The law: Elections Act→Jury service
If you're 18 to 75 and on the electoral register, you can be summoned.
It usually lasts about 10 working days. Employers must let you go, but don't have to pay you, and you can claim for lost earnings.
Do thisReply to the summons. Ignoring it can lead to a fine.
The law: Jury service→TV licence
Needed to watch or record live TV on any channel or device, or to use BBC iPlayer.
You don't need one only for on-demand content from other services, like ITVX or Netflix. Over-75s on Pension Credit get a free licence.
Do thisIf you don't need one, tell TV Licensing online.
The law: TV licence→Your MP works for you
Your MP represents everyone in the constituency, whether or not you voted for them.
MPs can take up problems with government departments, like visa delays or benefits issues. Councillors deal with local services like bins and roads.
Do thisFind your MP at members.parliament.uk and write with your full address.
The law: Contacting your MP→