New to Cheshire East?

Welcome, Kabayan!

Practical information to help you settle into life in the UK with confidence.

Start here

Your first-week checklist

This page is a friendly starting point. Official rules and charges can change, so follow the linked government, NHS and council services when making an application or payment.

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Register with a GP

Find a local NHS surgery and ask to register. You do not normally need proof of address, immigration status, ID or an NHS number to register.

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Find a dentist

Search for an NHS dentist accepting patients. Dental registration is separate from your GP.

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Tell the council

Check Council Tax, bins and recycling, schools, parking and other local services with Cheshire East Council.

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Set up your home

Take meter readings, identify your energy supplier, contact the water company and arrange broadband where needed.

Healthcare

Doctors, dentists and urgent help

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GP registration

Use the NHS “Find a GP” service, choose a nearby practice and complete its registration form. Bring any medication details and medical records you have.

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NHS dentist

Use the NHS dentist search and contact practices directly. Ask whether they are accepting new NHS patients and what charges apply.

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Urgent help

Call 111 for urgent medical advice when it is not a life-threatening emergency. Call 999 for serious or life-threatening emergencies.

Your home

Council Tax, utilities and TV

Council Tax

Most households pay Council Tax to Cheshire East Council. Tell the council when you move in and check whether any discount or reduction applies.

Water

Your water company depends on the property area. The bill or your landlord should identify the supplier. Record your meter reading if there is a meter.

Gas and electricity

Take dated meter readings when you move in. Ask the landlord, previous occupier information or the national supplier-finding services who currently supplies the property.

TV Licence

You generally need a TV Licence to watch or record live television on any channel or use BBC iPlayer. Check the official TV Licensing rules before buying.

Renting

Keep your tenancy agreement, deposit information, inventory and photographs. Make sure you understand rent dates, bills, repairs and notice rules.

Waste and recycling

Use Cheshire East Council’s collection calendar to check your bin days and what goes into each bin.

Work in the UK

Know your basic employment rights

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Written terms

Keep your contract or written statement, payslips and records of hours worked.

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Pay and deductions

Check your hourly rate, tax code, National Insurance, pension and any lawful deductions on each payslip.

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Holiday and rest

Most workers are entitled to paid annual leave and legal rest breaks, subject to their working arrangements.

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Fair treatment

UK law protects workers against unlawful discrimination and certain unfair workplace practices.

Money and banking

Getting financially established

A UK bank account can make it easier to receive wages, pay bills and build a financial record.

Banks may ask for identification and proof of address. Requirements vary, so ask what alternative documents are accepted. Keep HMRC letters, your National Insurance details and payslips safe.

British pound notes and coins representing money and banking in the UK

Driving and transport

Getting around safely and legally

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Driving licence

Check GOV.UK to see whether and how long you can drive using a licence issued outside Great Britain, and when you must apply for a GB licence.

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Using a car

A vehicle used on public roads normally needs insurance, tax and a valid MOT where required. The driver must also hold the correct licence.

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Public transport

Crewe is well connected by rail. Check local bus operators and National Rail for current routes, fares and times.

Family and schools

Support for children and families

Cheshire East Council coordinates school admissions and local family services. Applications, eligibility and deadlines depend on your child’s age and circumstances. Ask the council about school places, early years support and children’s services.

Your local authority

Cheshire East Council

Cheshire East Council is responsible for many local services, including Council Tax, waste and recycling, school admissions, housing support, roads, parking, libraries and social care. The community address in Crewe is within Cheshire East.

Explore your new home

What to see and do around Cheshire

Settling into a new place is also about getting out, exploring and making new memories. Cheshire and the surrounding area have plenty to enjoy with family and friends.

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Queens Park, Crewe

Enjoy a relaxing walk, the lake, gardens and family-friendly open spaces in one of Crewe’s best-known parks.

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Chester

Explore the historic city walls, the famous Rows, Chester Cathedral and the beautiful riverside.

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Chester Zoo

One of the UK’s most popular family attractions and a fantastic full day out for adults and children.

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Tatton Park

Discover the mansion, gardens, deer park, farm and seasonal events at this popular Cheshire attraction.

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Little Moreton Hall

Visit one of Cheshire’s most distinctive historic buildings, famous for its striking black-and-white Tudor architecture.

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Delamere Forest

Enjoy woodland walks, cycling, family adventures and peaceful countryside in the heart of Cheshire.

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Local towns and markets

Explore Nantwich, Knutsford, Macclesfield and other Cheshire towns for independent shops, cafés, markets and local events.

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Local events and culture

Look out for festivals, community celebrations, theatre, live music and seasonal events taking place across Cheshire throughout the year.

Important numbers

Keep these contacts handy

999

Police, ambulance or fire service in a serious or life-threatening emergency.

NHS 111

Urgent medical advice when it is not an emergency.

Police 101

Non-emergency police matters.

CEFC

+44 (0) 755 254 0201
cheshireeastfilipinocommunity@gmail.com

Support Filipino enterprise

Discover Filipino-owned businesses

Looking for Filipino food, services, property, finance, beauty, entertainment or other businesses? Explore our directory and support Filipino entrepreneurs and businesses serving our community.

Explore the directory

You are not alone

Connect with our community

Join our Facebook group, attend an event or contact CEFC for a warm welcome and local friendship.

Contact CEFC