Latest news with #GOVUK
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Major driving licence change for 50 MILLION Brits to be launched this summer – check how to apply now
A MASSIVE shake-up to driving licences for nearly 50 million Brits is gearing up to launch this summer – and it could change how you prove your identity, drive, and even buy booze. The Government has confirmed that it will begin rolling out digital driving licences as part of a major tech upgrade aimed at modernising public services. 3 3 The move will affect around 50 million Brits who currently hold a provisional or full driving licence. Initially, the digital version will sit alongside existing plastic photocards, which will remain valid, but it's expected to eventually be accepted in all the same situations, such as hiring a car, proving your age, or showing ID at the airport. When are digital driving licences coming? A Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) spokesman confirmed to This is Money that a digital driving licence will arrive later this year. "The Wallet will be launched this summer with the first credential being a digital Veteran card. "Later in the year, we plan to begin rolling out a digital driving licence, which will eventually be usable for everything your paper licence is currently used for. "We're working closely with DVLA and industry to meet this timeline." Is it compulsory to get one? Importantly, the department also made it clear that the digital version is not compulsory. Those who prefer to keep using their plastic cards can continue doing so. The aim is to offer flexibility while making life easier for people who already use their smartphones for banking, health services and travel. Once launched, drivers who wish to get the digital version will need to download the Wallet app from official app stores. After that, they'll be asked to verify their identity using facial recognition, upload any necessary documents and follow a few simple steps. Once approved, your licence will appear on your phone and be ready to use. It's expected to work similarly to existing digital railcards, giving people quick access to their details and allowing for instant updates. You'll also be able to view things like your driving record, renewal dates, and any endorsements through the app. The change is part of a wider plan to save the Government billions by moving services online. According to ministers, the goal is to improve how people interact with official services and help achieve efficiency savings of up to £45 billion. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has described the change as a 'game changer' for the millions who rely on their licence daily, particularly for ID purposes. She said having a secure, digital version on your phone is the natural next step in a digital age. Despite the potential benefits, some concerns have been raised. Critics worry that moving to digital documents could exclude older people or those without smartphones, particularly in rural areas with patchy signal. There are also fears about what might happen if your phone runs out of battery or gets stolen. Research by Quotezone revealed that the nation is split over the idea. Around 49 per cent support the change, but 47 per cent are against it — with many citing concerns over security and data sharing. Some users also prefer the reassurance of having a physical card, particularly when travelling abroad, where digital licences may not yet be accepted. Still, DSIT has stressed that the Wallet will have robust security, using the same kind of two-factor authentication found in most banking apps. And if you ever lose your phone, your licence can be remotely deactivated, preventing anyone else from accessing it. Privacy campaigners have also raised the alarm over how much personal data could be stored in one place. The government says no one will be forced to use the digital wallet and that only those who actively choose to download the app will need to upload their ID. Over time, the app will be expanded to include other important documents too, such as Blue Badges, PIP letters, DBS checks, and even marriage or birth certificates. Officials hope that by 2027, people will be able to manage most of their key government documents all from one place. The last big shake-up to licences happened back in 1998 when the paper version was replaced by the plastic photocard. In 2015, the paper counterpart was scrapped altogether. This new digital rollout marks the biggest change in nearly three decades. Applications for the digital driving licence will open once the Wallet goes live later this summer. DSIT says a full announcement will be made nearer the time. Drivers are being urged to only download the official app from Apple or Google Play to avoid scams or fake versions. A recent poll of 1,000 motorists by Regtransfers found that fewer than half — just 43 per cent — even knew the change was coming. As the rollout approaches, ministers say public awareness will grow, especially as more services begin to link into the new system. Meanwhile, the European Union is working on its own version of a digital driving licence, which could eventually make cross-border travel easier. That rollout would affect over 440 million drivers — showing just how fast digital ID is becoming the norm across Europe. For now, though, UK drivers are being given the choice, not the requirement,to switch.
Glasgow Times
01-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
UK Bank Holiday dates and how many there are left in 2025
Typically across the UK, you get eight days if you live in England and Wales, nine if you live in Scotland and 10 if you live in Northern Ireland. There are two upcoming in May, with a handful still left in 2025. Here is when Brits can look forward to some time off in May and for the remainder of the year. Why do we have bank holidays? UK Bank Holiday dates coming up There are two bank holidays to look forward to in May. The first is on May 5, which is the Early May bank holiday. The second is later in the month, on May 26, which is the Spring Bank Holiday. Where does the Spring Bank Holiday come from? The Spring Bank Holiday was originally called Whit Monday, which was the Monday after the Christian holiday of Whit Sunday, or Pentecost. Whit Monday is a Christian celebration that takes place 50 days after Easter Sunday, and marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. It used to be observed at the start of June, but was replaced with the Spring bank holiday in the UK in 1971 by the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, after a trial period by the Government from 1965 to 1970. 🚨 UK-wide bank holiday reminder Monday 5 May is the Early May bank holiday 🌼 — (@GOVUK) April 29, 2025 Rather than the beginning of June, it is now held on the last Monday of May. How many UK Bank Holiday dates are left in 2025? The remaining bank holidays in 2024 vary between nations. The dates in England and Wales for 2025 are: August 25 - Summer bank holiday December 25 - Christmas Day December 26 - Boxing Day In Scotland, the remaining bank holidays in 2025 are: August 4 - Summer bank holiday December 1 - St Andrew's Day December 25 - Christmas Day December 26 - Boxing Day Recommended reading: There were suggestions that Brits may have gotten an extra bank holiday this year. The 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day falls on May 5, which will see millions of people will remember the moment Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender was accepted by the Allies in 1945. However, while celebrations are being very much encouraged across the UK, the event will not be a bank holiday.
Daily Mirror
25-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Martin Lewis issues 'act now' ISA warning to anyone with savings over £4,000
Money-saving guru Martin Lewis has revealed two strong reasons why Brits with more than £4,000 in savings should think about topping up their cash ISA as soon as possible Brits who have managed to stash away more than £4,000 in savings have been urged to 'act now'. The warning comes amid growing concern Labour will make drastic cuts to cash ISAs in the coming months. On his eponymous podcast, money-saving guru Martin Lewis says Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been 'evaluating' dropping the cash ISA allowance (which currently stands at £20,000) to as little as £4,000. "Now, if that does happen, and it is an if, it is thought to be announced in the Autumn budget... though anything could or couldn't happen at any time," he said. "The concept behind cutting the allowance is that it would encourage people to put their money in shares ISAs instead." The finance expert said he was 'sceptical' this would work, adding: "It is comparing apples with steak. They're not the same thing." So, if you have more than £4,000 in savings, and think you'll be at risk of exceeding your Personal Savings Allowance it might be worth topping up your ISA now, before any new rules are implemented. This could result in you avoiding paying tax on your savings interest. The government's Personal Savings Allowance is set at £1,000 for those on the Basic rate Income Tax band, £500 for the Higher rate band, and £0 for Additional rate taxpayers. There is also a starting rate for savings, which is worth up to £5,000. "Every £1 of other income above your Personal Allowance reduces your starting rate for savings by £1," states GOV UK. Martin also pointed out that, following the start of the new tax year (April 6), the 'ISA season' is quickly coming to an end. This is where ISA providers tend to put out 'better promotional deals than they normally do, so rates are relatively higher'. "You may as well take advantage of those while you can," the MSE Founder said. "Of course, I can't guarantee that things won't improve and therefore you might have been better to wait, but the general trend is to do it now." Get the best deals and tips from Mirror Money WHATSAPP GROUP: Get money news and top deals straight to your phone by joining our Money WhatsApp group here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Should I open a cash ISA? Even if you're not at risk of surpassing the Personal Savings Allowance, many cash ISAs are offering better interest rates than standard savings accounts - so they could still guarantee the best return. Some savings accounts with high interest rates will also have strict caps on how much money you can stash away each month (such as a £200 limit) - which isn't great for those with large sums of savings. According to MSE, Trading212 is currently offering the most competitive cash ISA with a 5.07 per cent variable. This includes a 0.72 per cent bonus for newbies for the first year - and only requires £1 to open the account. Universal Credit claimants could opt to open a Help to Save account instead. This allows Brits to save £50 per month - but has a whopping 50 per cent interest rate. Over four years, this could make you £1,200. You can learn more about the Help to Save account here. *This article does not constitute financial advice. Always read the full terms and conditions before opening up an ISA or adding money to one.
Daily Mirror
22-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
HMRC urges thousands to claim £1,200 bonus but there's a catch
Thousands of Brits are now eligible for a generous cash-boost thanks to the expansion of HMRC's 'Help to Save' scheme - which could see you earn £1,200 over the next four years Cash-strapped Brits across the nation are being urged to check their eligibility for a 'bonus' worth up to £1,200. Following hikes to a slew of household bills, including Council Tax, road tax, energy bills and even the TV Licence Fee, many of us are starting to feel the full wrath of 'Awful April'. However, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has recently unveiled it has expanded its strict eligibility for its Help to Save scheme. Originally due to end in April 2025, the popular initiative has also been extended by a further two years, until April 2027. As previously reported, Universal Credit claimants could only open a Help to Save account if they or their partner had a take-home pay of £772.45 or more in their last monthly assessment period. However, Brits on Universal Credit who earn at least £1 from work will now be able to open an account, meaning thousands of adults will now be eligible. READ MORE: Martin Lewis MSE warning to anyone who has moved home since 1993 What is the Help to Save Scheme? Help to Save allows Brits to earn a 50p bonus for every £1 they manage to save over a four-year period. The scheme is backed by the government, meaning all savings are 'secure'. "You can save between £1 and £50 each calendar month [but] you do not have to pay money in every month," GOV UK explained. "You can pay money into your Help to Save account by debit card, standing order or bank transfer and can pay in as many times as you like, but the most you can pay in each calendar month is £50. For example, if you have saved £50 by 8 January you will not be able to pay in again until 1 February." You won't receive your bonus (aka 50 per cent interest) until the end of the second and fourth year of opening your account. But, if you're able to save the maximum of £50 every month, you will have saved £2,400 by the end of four years - and a bonus of £1,2000. Even if you're not able to commit to £50 monthly payments for such a long period of time, stashing away £25 every month means you'll receive a hefty £600 bonus. "Your Help to Save account will close four years after you open it," GOV UK added. "You will not be able to reopen it or open another Help to Save account. You'll be able to keep the money from your account." However, if you close your account early for any reason - you'll miss your next bonus and won't be able to open another one. Get the best deals and tips from Mirror Money WHATSAPP GROUP: Get money news and top deals straight to your phone by joining our Money WhatsApp group here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. NEWSLETTER: Or sign up to the Mirror's Money newsletter here for all the best advice and shopping deals straight to your inbox. "Security for working people is at the heart of our Plan for Change," said Economic Secretary Emma Reynolds. "We want more people to have a bit in the kitty for a rainy day, which is why we are giving hundreds of thousands more working families on tight budgets access to this support." Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Director General for Customer Services, added: "Thousands of customers have already benefitted from Help to Save and many more are now eligible to get a great return of 50 per cent on top of their savings, no matter how little you can save each month. Go online or via the HMRC app to find out more and apply today." How can I open a Help to Save account? To open a Help to Save account, you'll need your National Insurance number or postcode. You will also need two of the following documents, and should have your bank details ready: Valid UK passport UK photocard driving licence issued by the DVLA (or DVA in Northern Ireland) Details of a tax credit claim, if you made one Details from a Self Assessment tax return in the last 2 years, if you made one Information held on your credit record, if you have one (such as loans, credit cards or mortgages) Click here to apply for a Help to Save account. Alternatively, call HMRC on 0300 322 7093. If you're in a couple, you and your partner can both open separate Help to Save accounts, even if you receive benefit payments as a couple.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Universal Credit down: Users unable to access benefits accounts as gov.uk not working
The Universal Credit page on is down this morning, leaving claimants unable to access essential information about their benefits and entitlement. Issues began to be reported from around 5am this morning, with users citing issues with Universal Credit, and HMRC. People say they are facing issues logging in and using the website as well as the app. Attempting to access the log in page for Universal Credit leads to a 'Service Unavailable' page for many users. The Universal Credit online service is essential for users to apply for an advance on their first payment, see their statements, report changes in circumstances, add notes to their journal and more. Users on social media have reported still having issues at around 8:30am on Wednesday, with no update yet from the government or DWP. Hi @GOVUK , what is wrong with your Universal Credit website?This is the message I received when I tried to log into my account — GAZZA P (@wetgaz1329) March 5, 2025 DWP has been contacted for comment.
