Djamila Lazri
Five Household Bills Set to Rise From April 1 Across Scotland
Council tax rates across all local authorities in Scotland will rise starting in April, with many councils implementing increases of between 8% and 10%.
Employment and Support Allowance Rates to Rise in April 2025
ESA provides financial and employment-related support to individuals unable to work due to illness or disability. It helps bridge the gap while guiding claimants back toward suitable employment.
Housing in England and Wales Returns to Pre Pandemic Affordability Levels
House buying is now as affordable as it was before the pandemic, new figures reveal. Wage growth has outpaced house prices across most regions in England and Wales.
Carers Face Major Loss of Support Following PIP Cuts, Warns Charity
An estimated 150,000 carers could lose financial support tied to disability benefit changes. Critics warn the reforms may deepen hardship for families already under strain.
Rachel Reeves Announces Universal Credit Changes, Defence Boost, and Tax Crackdown in Spring Statement
Welfare reforms, defence investment, and tax enforcement are at the core of the Chancellor’s latest fiscal update. The measures reflect a strategy focused on stability, efficiency, and long-term economic positioning.
Universal Credit Payments to Increase Gradually by 2029, Rachel Reeves Announces
The Chancellor's announcement also includes a significant reduction in the health element of Universal Credit, which will be cut by 50% for new claimants. This decision reflects a broader strategy…
Rachel Reeves Outlines Welfare Reforms Impacting Over 3 Million Brits
Chancellor Rachel Reeves' welfare reforms aim to overhaul disability benefits amid rising costs. The proposals have triggered widespread concern from MPs and advocacy groups.
Medical Conditions That May Exempt Patients From Paying Council Tax in the UK
Thousands across the UK could be missing out on council tax reductions linked to medical conditions. Understanding the criteria may unlock years of potential savings.
Lloyds and Barclays Savers Urged to Check for Better Deals
Many savers are unknowingly losing value on their deposits due to interest rates that lag behind inflation. Switching accounts could offer a simple way to reverse that trend.
Savers Risk Missing Out on Boosting Their State Pension Before Key Deadline
The April 5 deadline to fill National Insurance gaps is approaching fast. Don't miss your chance to increase your state pension with voluntary contributions.
BBC TV Licence Fee Rise Sparks Petition for Free Licences for Pensioners
Nearly 43,000 people have signed a petition calling for free TV licences for all pensioners, citing the rising costs of living. The Government has yet to make a definitive decision…
453000 State Pensioners Could Lose Out on £470 Increase This April
Nearly 453,000 state pensioners living abroad will miss out on a £470 increase in April 2025. This is due to their pensions being frozen in certain countries without reciprocal agreements.
Over One Million Workers to Benefit From Changes to Statutory Sick Pay in April
Starting in April, over a million workers will benefit from increased Statutory Sick Pay, as part of the government's Plan for Change. This reform aims to offer greater financial security…
HMRC Payslip Codes Explained: Here’s How They May Affect Your Tax Refund
Many UK workers never question the tax code on their payslip — yet it quietly shapes their take-home pay. A small adjustment by HMRC can mean the difference between overpaying…
DWP Confirms Start Date for Eligibility Verification and Monitoring Bank Accounts to Tackle Benefit Fraud
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will implement the new Eligibility Verification Measure in 2026 to combat benefit fraud. This initiative will involve working with third-party organizations like banks…
Over Nine Million State Pensioners to Face Tax Under New ‘Retirement Tax’ Rules
Starting in April 2026, over nine million state pensioners will be taxed for the first time as their pensions exceed the personal income tax allowance. This change, driven by the…
Martin Lewis Advises UK Households to Stock Up This Common Household Item Ahead of Price Hike
Martin Lewis has advised UK residents to buy stamps before April 2025 when prices will increase. As he explains, “While it’s not a huge saving this time, you still may…
UK Snowstorm Could Bring 68 Hours of Non Stop Snow with Exact Start Time Predicted
A powerful snowstorm is set to impact the UK, with some areas facing up to 68 hours of snow. WX Charts predicts the snow will start in Scotland's Highlands early…
New UK Inheritance Tax Rules on Pensions -What You Need to Know
A partir d'avril 2027, les nouvelles règles fiscales sur les successions en Grande-Bretagne toucheront les pensions à cotisations définies. Ces changements pourraient entraîner des taxes plus élevées pour les héritiers…
UK Families Could See a Decline in Living Standards by 2030, Warns New Forecast
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation warns that low-income families will be hit hardest, with their disposable income expected to fall by 6% by 2030. Experts argue that the government's reliance on…
Changes to State Pension Payment Dates for April 2025
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is adjusting payment dates for millions of claimants in April. This change is to accommodate the Easter bank holidays, ensuring early payments for…
Pensioners Missing Out on Attendance Allowance Boosts Worth Up to 108 a Week
Over 1.1 million pensioners may be missing out on Attendance Allowance, a vital benefit for those needing extra care. This support could provide up to £108.55 a week.
ASDA Cuts Prices on 10,000 Products, Making It Cheaper Than Aldi and Lidl for Essentials
Asda has surpassed Aldi and Lidl in price for essential groceries, offering a basket of 8 key items for £12.71. With nearly 10,000 products marked down, Asda is positioning itself…
HMRC Child Benefit Payments to Increase in April 2025
The upcoming adjustment to Child Benefit rates will offer slight financial relief to families. New weekly amounts will apply from April 2025 following the 1.7% inflation-linked increase.
Rachel Reeves Urged to Scrap ‘Stealth Tax’ as One in Seven Britons to Be ‘Classed as Higher Earners’
Experts warn that the continued freeze on tax thresholds is exacerbating the Stealth Tax issue, pushing more Britons into higher tax brackets. Chancellor Reeves faces growing pressure to act before…
Skipton Building Society Offers Mortgage Support Amid Stamp Duty Hike
Skipton Building Society is offering new mortgage products to help first-time buyers meet the April 1 stamp duty deadline. The initiative includes cashback options to ease the financial strain of…
Attendance Allowance Increase Confirmed for April 2025
Payments for Attendance Allowance are set to rise in April, offering greater monthly support to pensioners with health conditions. The adjustment reflects the government's ongoing effort to assist those needing…
Commons Debate Opens Path to Potential Rise in Personal Tax Allowance
Calls to raise the Personal Tax Allowance are reigniting debate over the fairness of the UK’s tax system. Millions could be affected if fiscal thresholds remain frozen through the next…
Campaign to Extend Free Bus Travel to Over-60s in England Gains Momentum
Support is mounting for a nationwide change to England’s bus travel rules. Campaigners argue the current system leaves many older residents behind.
State Pension Claimants Have Days Left to Boost Their Payments Before the Deadline
Thousands have already topped up their State Pension using the government's new digital service. A key deadline now looms for anyone with gaps in their National Insurance record.
Great British Energy’s £10 Million Fund to Support Local Energy Projects
Mayors across the UK are set to bid for a share of the £10 million fund, aimed at supporting locally-owned clean energy projects. The initiative, backed by Great British Energy,…
Parents Urged to Check Eligibility for Tax-Free Childcare Savings
Eligible parents can receive up to £2,000 annually in government support for childcare costs. The Tax-Free Childcare scheme offers financial relief for working families, with a simple online application process.
Tesco Clubcard Shoppers Can Access Free Disney+ Subscription
Tesco is offering Clubcard members a chance to claim a free Disney+ subscription for three months. This exclusive deal is available through the Tesco Clubcard app for a limited time…
Boots Enhances Advantage Card Scheme with Uber Eats and Deliveroo Integration
The update allows Boots customers to earn Advantage Card points on purchases made through Uber Eats and Deliveroo. This change highlights the growing importance of convenience in today’s retail landscape.
Martin Lewis 17 Ways to Cut Bills and Pay Less Before April
Martin Lewis offers 17 practical tips to help you cut bills before April, including strategies for saving on council tax and broadband costs.
UK Unemployment Holds Steady at 4.4% as Concerns Over Jobs Crisis Mount
Jobless benefit claims surged by 44,200 in February 2025, well above expectations, raising concerns about the UK labor market's stability. With inflationary pressures mounting, the government's economic measures face growing…
Petition to Raise UK Personal Tax Allowance to £20,000 Gains Momentum
Pressure is mounting on the government as calls to raise the Tax Allowance gain momentum. With a parliamentary debate now possible, the issue remains a focal point ahead of the…
April 2025 Benefit and Pension Payment Dates : What to Expect Amid Cuts
From April 2025, benefits, pensions, and the minimum wage will rise, offering some financial relief. However, rising household costs and upcoming welfare cuts are causing concern for many.
UK Government Announces Major Changes to PIP and Universal Credit Benefits
From November 2026, claimants will face stricter eligibility rules, requiring a higher threshold to qualify for certain benefits. The reforms are expected to impact up to 1.2 million people, particularly…
500,000 Pensioners to Miss Out on £470 as Triple Lock ‘Frozen’ for Some
Hundreds of thousands of pensioners abroad are facing a financial setback as their state pensions remain frozen. Without the yearly increase, many retirees risk losing purchasing power over time.
Pensioners with Health Conditions Could Get Extra Attendance Allowance Cash
From April 7, Attendance Allowance payments will rise, offering up to £110.40 per week to eligible pensioners. This increase could provide up to £6,000 in extra payments this year.
DWP Support for Eligible Benefit Claimants
The Budgeting Loan from DWP offers financial help for essential needs, but eligibility depends on the benefits claimed and the duration of claims. Applicants must meet specific criteria to qualify…
Changes to PIP Eligibility Could Lead To Significant Cuts for Disabled Claimants
Colman warns that many disabled individuals will struggle even more as upcoming changes to PIP eligibility could lead to significant cuts in their support. She emphasizes that the government's focus…
Asda Launches Price War With Petrol Price Cuts to Regain Market Share
Asda’s recent price cuts, including a 4p reduction in petrol prices, mark a bold move to reclaim market share. This strategy follows the supermarket’s 2021 acquisition by TDR Capital and…
High Street Retailers Ditch Cash Payments and Go Cashless
Major retailers are increasingly phasing out cash payments, opting for digital transactions instead. While some see it as progress, others warn it could exclude cash-dependent customers.
Santander UK’s Closure of Nearly 100 Branches: 750 Jobs at Risk
Santander UK’s decision to close almost 100 branches comes as the bank accelerates its shift to online banking. The closures will affect up to 750 employees, with consultations underway.
Full Extent of DWP PIP Changes Revealed as One Million to Lose Entitlement
The government's proposed changes to PIP are expected to significantly impact individuals with lower needs, potentially leading to the loss of entitlement for up to one million people. These adjustments…
Essential Tyre Checks to Avoid £2,500 Fines
Drivers are at risk of substantial fines if their tyres fail to meet legal standards. Regular checks can help avoid penalties and ensure road safety.
DWP PIP Concerns Over Potential £737 Payment Eligibility Changes
Experts warn that tightening the PIP eligibility criteria could leave many individuals without the financial support they depend on. Potential changes may reduce access to vital benefits for those with…
Expected Council Tax Rise in 2025 Across England
In 2025, many councils in England are implementing the maximum allowed Council Tax rise of 4.99%. This marks the third year in a row of significant tax increases due to…
