Practical guides.

Money

Council tax discounts: how to stop paying more than you should

Council tax bills assume at least two adults live in a home. If you live alone, share with students, or someone in your home is not counted, you could be paying too much — and discounts are not added automatically.

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Last verified 1 November 2026

Money

Emergency savings: work out how much you need

A broken phone, a late wage payment or a sudden bill can push you into expensive borrowing. An emergency fund is money set aside only for surprises — this page helps you work out a realistic target and how to reach it.

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Last verified 1 November 2026

Work

Digital skills roadmap: from beginner to confident at work

Most UK jobs — and applying for them — now involve email, online forms, documents and staying safe online. If technology feels unfamiliar, or you want to move up to office-style work, this roadmap shows what to learn, in what order, and where to learn it for free.

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Last verified 1 November 2026

Work

Starting a business in the UK: a practical first-steps guide

You have an idea — selling food, cleaning, hair, tutoring, an online shop — but you are not sure whether you are allowed to, what it costs, or what to register with HMRC and Companies House. This guide takes you from idea to legally trading.

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Last verified 1 November 2026

Work

Your employment rights: paperwork, pay, hours and holiday

You have started — or are about to start — a job in the UK and are not sure what paperwork you should get, how much you must be paid, how many hours you can be asked to work or how much holiday you are owed. This guide explains the legal minimums and where to get official help.

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Last verified 1 November 2026