Question 1

Can a landlord evict me without a reason in England?

Accepted Answer

Section 21 no-fault eviction has historically allowed it with two months' notice, but the Renters' Rights Act 2025 abolishes it in England, with provisions commencing in stages. Scotland abolished no-fault eviction in 2017 and Wales extended notice periods substantially. Only a court and county court bailiffs can lawfully evict you.

Question 2

Can a shop refuse to give a refund in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Only for change of mind in a physical shop, if they have no policy offering one. They cannot refuse where goods are faulty, not as described or not fit for purpose. Within 30 days you have an outright right to reject and get a full refund, and 'no refunds' signs are unlawful.

Question 3

Can I register with a GP without ID or proof of address?

Accepted Answer

Yes. NHS guidance is explicit that a GP practice should not refuse registration because you cannot provide identification, proof of address, an NHS number or evidence of immigration status. Many practices ask anyway out of habit, but it is not a lawful basis for refusal.

Question 4

Do I get paid time off on a bank holiday in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Not automatically. There is no statutory right to a paid day off on a bank holiday, or to extra pay for working one. Your statutory entitlement is 5.6 weeks of paid holiday a year, and your employer may lawfully require you to use part of that for bank holidays. What you get depends on your contract.

Question 5

Do I need a TV Licence in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you watch or record live television on any channel or service, or use BBC iPlayer at all. You do not need one for on-demand services other than iPlayer — Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, YouTube on demand and catch-up on other broadcasters' players are not covered.

Question 6

How do I report a scam in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Dial 159 first — it connects you securely to your own bank's fraud team and cannot be spoofed. Then report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland. Forward suspicious texts to 7726 and emails to report@phishing.gov.uk, both free.

Question 7

How long can I drive in the UK on a foreign licence?

Accepted Answer

Generally 12 months from becoming resident in Great Britain. After that, licences from designated countries can be exchanged for a UK one without a test; all others require a provisional licence and passing both the theory and practical tests. EU and EEA car licences have longer entitlements.

Question 8

How much deposit can a landlord take in England?

Accepted Answer

Five weeks' rent where the annual rent is under £50,000, and six weeks where it is £50,000 or more. A holding deposit is capped separately at one week's rent. The deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receipt.

Question 9

How much holiday am I entitled to in the UK?

Accepted Answer

5.6 weeks of paid holiday a year — 28 days for someone working five days a week. Your employer can include bank holidays within that, so there is no automatic right to a paid day off on a bank holiday. Part-time workers get the same 5.6 weeks pro rata.

Question 10

How much income tax do I pay in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Most people pay no tax on the first £12,570 of income — the personal allowance — then 20 per cent, 40 per cent and 45 per cent in rising bands. Scotland sets its own rates and bands with more steps. National Insurance is charged separately on earnings, on top.

Question 11

Is the NHS free?

Accepted Answer

Free at the point of use, not free overall — it is funded through general taxation and National Insurance. GP appointments, hospital treatment and A&E cost nothing for people ordinarily resident in the UK. Prescriptions are charged in England only, and dentistry and eye care are charged in bands everywhere.

Question 12

What is the difference between the UK, Great Britain and England?

Accepted Answer

The UK is the sovereign state, made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Great Britain is the island containing the first three — it excludes Northern Ireland. England is a single nation within both. The British Isles is a geographic term that also includes the Republic of Ireland.

Question 13

What is the emergency number in the UK?

Accepted Answer

999 for police, ambulance, fire or coastguard when life is at risk. It is free from any phone, including a locked mobile with no credit or SIM. 112 reaches the same operators. For urgent medical help that is not life-threatening, call 111. For non-emergency police, call 101.

Question 14

What is the energy price cap and does it cap my bill?

Accepted Answer

No — it caps the unit rate and daily standing charge a supplier can charge on a standard variable tariff, not your total bill. A household using more energy pays more. Ofgem sets it quarterly, and the widely quoted 'typical annual bill' is an illustration based on assumed usage, not a maximum.

Question 15

What is the National Living Wage in the UK?

Accepted Answer

The legal minimum hourly rate for workers aged 21 and over, set by the government each April on the Low Pay Commission's advice. Lower National Minimum Wage rates apply to 18 to 20-year-olds, 16 and 17-year-olds, and apprentices. It cannot be waived by agreement.

Question 16

When is the Self Assessment tax return deadline?

Accepted Answer

31 January following the end of the tax year for online returns, which is also the payment deadline. Paper returns are due by 31 October. If it is your first return you must register with HMRC by 5 October — a deadline that comes four months earlier and is the one most people miss.

Straight answers, then the reasoning

About the UK

Bills & utilities

Consumer

Driving

Emergencies

Housing

Money & tax

NHS & health

Scams & safety

Work