Just to add to this:

- We went to my bank (Santander) to change my account to a joint account. This was refused as my account is a current account with an overdraft facility and they require any account holders to have spent at least the last 6 months in the UK.
- The bank offered a standard account, but requires a PoA for this. Catch 22 #1.
- We went to phones4u and carphonewarehouse to get a mobile phone contract, but as that would be paid by me it doesn't work either. For her to get a contract she would need a bank account. Catch 22 #2.


We informed the council and hope to get a council tax bill in both our names, but the council is taking a loong time.

We also applied for a school place for Cagey, our 8 year old, and got a letter from the admissions team/the council in reply. Not sure if that does anything.

Mari also applied for a NI number, but we don't know how long that will take.


The main reason why we are in a hurry is that Mari has a sort of job offer (1 interview for her dream job, and the interviewers told her that the job is waiting for her ), but needs to provide two proofs of address for the application to be complete. If we wait too long the job may go to another person.