Cleared NDB/DME approach ..... etc" = cleared for the whole procedure, down to the ground (hopefully).
Not in the UK. It only clears you until established, with further clearance required to descent on final approach.
Leaving aside the need for landing clearance, and talking specifically non-precision approaches, that's news to me! Normally, after reporting base turn complete, you are merely requested to report at x dme. I don't recollect ever having been given further descent clearance at this point, yet have always continued the descent in the procedure. Appreciate it if you could give us a reference.