Elaine Blackburne

Parents in England, Wales and Northern Ireland must register a baby’s birth within 42 days, while the deadline in Scotland is 21 days. Registration is free and can usually be completed at a local register office or hospital, but late registration can result in reminders, complications with Child Benefit, passports, National Insurance numbers and school enrolment, and in rare cases a fine of up to £1,000.

The Met Office forecasts changeable weather across much of the UK through late August, with showers and occasional longer spells of rain, while temperatures are more likely to be above average overall. For the August bank holiday period, conditions are expected to be near or above normal, with drier and more settled weather somewhat more likely in southern and eastern areas and a possibility of a late-season hot spell, particularly in the south. A more reliable local forecast is not expected until around August 24–27 because long-range predictions become less certain beyond five days.

Households living within 500 metres of new or upgraded overhead transmission lines may receive up to £2,500 off their electricity bills over 10 years, with payments of about £250 annually expected to begin in 2027. The government has identified 43 projects across England, Scotland and Wales that are likely to qualify, including the Pentir to Trawsfynydd project in North Wales. Eligibility applies to projects whose construction began on or after 10 March 2025 and is subject to the necessary consents and commencement of major works. Most qualifying households will receive the discount automatically through their energy supplier, while some commercial-meter customers may need to apply.

An error affecting National Insurance records for around 800,000 people who became self‑employed between 2015 and 2024 may reduce State Pension entitlement due to missing Class 2 contributions. Money Saving Expert warns individuals to check their records, particularly if they failed to submit the CWF1 form when registering for self‑assessment. Additional groups at risk of gaps include parents, carers and those who took time off work for childcare or disability care. Guidance is provided on checking pension forecasts and resolving missing NI years to avoid being underpaid thousands of pounds.