Being a British citizen or permanent resident is not just about rights - it comes with responsibilities too. From voting and paying taxes to volunteering and knowing your national symbols, this topic covers what is expected of you as a member of British society.
Key facts
- All UK residents must pay tax. Income tax and National Insurance are collected by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
- Everyone aged 18 or over has the right to vote in elections. You must be on the electoral register to vote.
- You can stand for public office at age 18 for most positions.
- Jury service is a legal duty if you are called - you must attend unless you have a valid reason to be excused.
- The driving age in the UK is 17. You must have a valid driving licence and insurance to drive.
- Volunteering is an important part of British life. Examples include helping at local charities, schools, and community projects.
- The national anthem is 'God Save the King' (or Queen). The Union Flag (Union Jack) is the national flag of the UK.
- Each UK nation has its own flag and floral emblem: England (St George's Cross, rose), Scotland (St Andrew's Cross/Saltire, thistle), Wales (Red Dragon, daffodil), Northern Ireland (shamrock).
In depth
Living in the UK comes with both rights and responsibilities. One of the most fundamental is paying taxes. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is responsible for collecting income tax and National Insurance contributions. Everyone who earns above a certain threshold is required to pay. Another key responsibility is participating in democracy. If you are 18 or over, you have the right to vote in elections - but you must be registered on the electoral register. Voting is not compulsory, but it is strongly encouraged as a civic duty. If you are called for jury service, however, you are legally required to attend.
Citizenship also means being part of your community. Volunteering is a valued tradition in Britain - millions of people give their time to charities, community groups, schools, and local organisations. On a practical level, the driving age is 17, and you must hold a valid licence and insurance to drive. Every citizen should also know the national symbols: the national anthem is 'God Save the King' (or Queen), and the Union Flag represents the whole UK. Each nation has its own flag and floral emblem - the rose for England, the thistle for Scotland, the daffodil for Wales, and the shamrock for Northern Ireland.
Focus on rights and responsibilities together: residents and citizens are expected to obey the law, pay taxes, serve on a jury if asked, and respect others, while enjoying freedoms such as free speech, a fair trial and the vote. The test may ask about registering to vote, volunteering, or looking after the environment.