Economy

DWP to Roll Out Bank Account Checks Targeting Four Key Groups

The DWP is rolling out new bank account checks targeting big businesses, COVID fraudsters, criminal gangs, and individuals committing benefit fraud. The initiative comes as over £9.7 billion in benefits…

DWP

Tesco, Aldi, Asda, and Sainsbury’s Shoppers Given Major Contactless Payment Update

Millions of shoppers at Tesco, Aldi, Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons could soon see major changes to the way they pay at the checkout. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is considering…

Customer making a Contactless Payment at a Grocery store

Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco Shoppers Warned: £100 Fines Issued Across UK Stores

Shoppers at Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco are being hit with £100 fines at supermarket car parks across the UK. With new parking enforcement measures in place, thousands of drivers…

tesco and asda

Pound Sterling Drops Sharply as Bank of England Cuts Interest Rates

The pound sterling fell sharply after the Bank of England cut interest rates to 4.5%, its lowest in 18 months. While aimed at boosting the UK economy, the move raised…

Stacks of British pound banknotes, including £10 and £5 denominations

Government to Scrap Attendance Allowance in These Council Areas – Will You be Affected?

Thousands of pensioners are set to be affected by a major change to Attendance Allowance, as the government rolls out a new system that will impact payments and administration. While…

Person Holding a Card with Attendance Allowance in Bold and a Red Cancelled Stamp Overlays the Text

Millions of Workers Set for Pay Rise as Minimum Wage Increases in April – Here’s How Much You Could Receive

Millions of UK workers are set for a significant pay rise as the minimum wage increases from April. While full-time employees could see their annual earnings rise by up to…

a hand holding multiple £20 British banknotes

UK Trade and Us Tariffs: Why the British Economy Remains Resilient

The UK's trade resilience is being tested by new US tariffs, but analysts suggest Britain is well-positioned to withstand the impact. With a diversified economy and strategic agreements, the effects…

Usa and Uk Flag

Households in 27 Cities Face £300 Fines for Using Chimneys – Are You Affected?

Households in 27 cities and towns across England could face fines of up to £300 for using their chimneys, with penalties rising to £1,000 for unauthorised fuel use. New enforcement…

Tiled Roof with a Brick Chimney

New MOT Rules Could Force Thousands of Cars Off the Road

New MOT rules set to take effect could bring major changes for vehicle owners, with thousands potentially facing new inspection requirements. While some argue the update is necessary for road…

DVLA

Nearly 500,000 State Pensioners Will Be Excluded from the April Increase – Are You One of Them?

Millions of UK pensioners are set to receive an increase in their state pension this April, but for nearly half a million retirees, payments will remain frozen at the same…

Elderly Couple Reading A State Pension Notice

Trump’s Tariff Threats Put UK Economy in a Tight Spot amid Us-Eu Trade War

As Donald Trump prepares to impose new tariffs, Britain finds itself in an increasingly difficult trade standoff. The US remains a crucial partner, but the EU dominates UK trade volumes.

UK tariffs

UK Prime Minister Joins EU Meeting Since Brexit to Discuss Defence and Security

The UK’s involvement in recent EU discussions marks a shift in diplomatic relations, focusing on shared security concerns. As global challenges grow, the UK’s role in shaping EU defence policy…

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Millions of Nationwide Customers Wake Up to Unexpected Account Deductions

Nationwide has slashed interest rates across multiple savings accounts, leaving millions of customers with lower returns. The move could significantly impact long-term savers, prompting many to consider alternatives. As inflation…

A Branch Of Nationwide Building Society

UK Economy Faces Fresh Struggles as Growth Outlook Downgraded

The UK’s economy is struggling to gain momentum as growth forecasts take another hit. A weaker-than-expected second half of 2024 has led experts to lower their expectations for 2025. With…

UK growth

February Cost of Living Payments: UK Households Can Get Up to £500 – Even If Not on Benefits

Thousands of UK households could receive up to £500 in financial support this month through the Household Support Fund, designed to help with food, energy bills, and essentials. Unlike many…

A Document From The Gov.uk Website Titled Guidance Cost Of Living Payment With Some British Coins

Older Drivers Face Rising Car Tax Bills as Government Scraps Key Exemptions

Older drivers will be hit with higher car tax bills from April 2025, as the government scraps key exemptions and increases Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates. Many older motorists, who…

An Older Female Driver

Major Rail Disruptions: South Western Railway Services Suspended on Key Dates in February

Passengers travelling on South Western Railway (SWR) services in February should prepare for significant disruptions, as planned engineering works will affect key routes. Trains will be replaced by bus services,…

Major UK Retailer Announces More Store Closures as High Street Struggles Continue

The UK’s largest outdoor retailer is set to close two more stores, continuing a trend of high street closures. While closing-down sales offer discounts of up to 30%, the affected…

Major Uk Retailer To Shut Stores

DWP Warns Universal Credit Claimants : 19 Key Changes You Must Report

Universal Credit claimants must report specific changes or risk penalties. Some of these updates are minor but crucial to avoid overpayments.

Universal Credit

UK State Pension Crisis: Retirees Face Uncertain Future as Funds Dwindle

The UK’s state pension system is facing an unprecedented financial challenge. With an ageing population and a declining birth rate, the balance between contributors and retirees is shifting in a…

Elderly Couple Reading A State Pension Notice

Brexit Fallout: SNP’s Renewed Push for Closer Ties with Europe

As the UK marks five years since leaving the European Union, the SNP has renewed its calls for a change in direction. Economic data shows slower growth and declining trade,…

UK Brexit

UK Government to Announce DWP Benefits Crackdown Before March

The UK government is preparing a DWP benefits crackdown, focusing on health and disability support. The reforms aim to control welfare spending while raising concerns about their impact on vulnerable…

DWP

Banking Turmoil: Thousands of UK Branches Closed, with More to Come

High street banking is shrinking fast—19 more branches are set to close this February, affecting communities from Swindon to Belfast. Since 2015, over 6,200 branches have vanished, with more shutdowns…

uk banking institutions

Nationwide Announces Bonus Payments Amid Major Savings Rate Changes

Nationwide has announced special bonus payments for eligible customers, alongside upcoming changes to interest rates on savings accounts. While some accounts will see rate reductions, others—such as the Flex Regular…

The exterior of a Nationwide building

Cash vs. Card: Government Decides Against Forcing Shops to Accept Physical Money

Despite growing concerns over financial exclusion, the UK government has confirmed it will not introduce regulations requiring businesses to accept cash. While efforts to maintain access to physical currency continue,…

Person Holding UK Cash

DWP to Launch Bank Account Checks on Non-Benefit Claimants

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been granted new powers allowing it to check bank accounts, even for individuals who do not claim benefits. As part of a…

Sign for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) at the entrance of Caxton House

Councils Across England Propose Record Tax Hikes of up to 25% amid Financial Strain

Millions of households in England face unprecedented council tax hikes, with some areas proposing increases as high as 25%. As councils battle severe financial pressures, residents could see bills soar…

UK councils tax hike

State Pension Increase Confirmed: What It Means for Retirees

The UK Government has confirmed an 8.5% increase in the State Pension for 2025, aiming to ease the financial strain caused by inflation and the rising cost of living. This…

UK state pension triple lock

Coca-Cola Recalls Drinks Across Europe Over Safety Concerns

Coca-Cola has recalled several drink lines in Europe due to higher-than-acceptable levels of chlorate, a chemical used in water treatment. While the company claims the risk to consumers is minimal,…

Hidden Tax Traps: How Frozen Allowances Are Costing UK Households Thousands

Millions of UK households are falling victim to hidden tax traps, from frozen income thresholds to diminishing allowances. As wages rise, more people are pushed into higher tax brackets, losing…

Tax allowance

How Reeves’s Budget Is Reshaping the UK Economy: Rising Costs and Tough Choices

Rachel Reeves faces mounting criticism as businesses brace for rising costs and shrinking activity, prompting calls for a policy overhaul. A CBI survey highlights a grim outlook, with job cuts…

Rachel reeves economy

Report Warns Labour on the Economic Risks of Disability Benefit Reductions

Disability benefits do more than support vulnerable households—they drive billions in economic value each year. Yet, Labour's potential cuts have sparked fears of deepening poverty and economic fallout. As the…

labour disability changes

The Hidden Cost of Going Electric: Unequal Access to Vehicle Charging in the UK

As Britain races towards a future dominated by electric vehicles, the divide between those with home chargers and those relying on public infrastructure grows deeper. With costs soaring and charger…

Electric vehicle charging

Nationwide Confirms £410 Payouts for Eligible Customers

Nationwide has announced a special payout for savers, with some customers earning up to £410 in interest. The building society is encouraging account holders to check their eligibility as changes…

A Branch Of Nationwide Building Society

Labour’s Welfare Overhaul: Key Changes to Watch in 2025

The Labour Party has outlined a transformative vision for the UK’s benefits system, with sweeping changes to disability assessments and measures to curb welfare fraud. New proposals could bring stricter…

Labour welfare changes

DWP Expands Bank Account Checks in Crackdown on Benefit Fraud

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is introducing new measures to combat benefit fraud, including expanded powers to access claimants’ bank account details. The move, aimed at saving taxpayers…

Dwp To Implement Bank Monitoring To Fight Benefits Fraud In The Uk

Santander Responds to Rumours About Leaving the UK

Following rumours of a potential exit from the UK market, Santander has officially addressed its position, reassuring its customers of its ongoing commitment to Britain. The bank has emphasised its…

Santander Branch in the UK

Inside the DWP’s Latest Crackdown: How Homes Could Be Searched for Fraud

The DWP is introducing unprecedented powers to tackle welfare fraud, including the ability to search properties and seize evidence like smartphones and computers. With £10 billion lost annually to fraud…

DWP anti fraud

Labour Could Reform or Eliminate Inheritance Tax Amid Public Pressure

Labour is facing mounting pressure to address growing dissatisfaction with inheritance tax, often criticised as unfair and outdated. Discussions are underway about potential reforms that could ease financial burdens on…

notebook with the words Inheritance tax written on it in a clear, bold font. A golden pen is placed diagonally on top of the notebook

Martin Lewis Reveals Four Medical Conditions That Could Exempt You from Paying Council Tax

Martin Lewis has drawn attention to a little-known scheme that could exempt individuals from paying Council Tax or significantly reduce their bills. This initiative offers crucial financial relief for those…

Martin Lewis

Major Bank Customers Advised to Rethink Savings Strategy Amid Rate Disparity

Banking customers with Lloyds, Barclays, HSBC, and NatWest are being urged to review their savings accounts, as the interest rates offered by these banks are significantly lower than market-leading options.…

lloyds banks

Millions of Pensioners Could Be Eligible for £4,350 Extra—Here’s How to Apply

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is calling on eligible pensioners to apply for Pension Credit, a benefit that could provide an average of £4,350 annually in just 16…

The Department for Work and Pensions

Brexit Reset: UK Weighs Joining Europe-Wide Trade Pact to Revive Economic Ties

The UK is exploring a potential return to closer trade ties with Europe through a landmark customs deal. Joining the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention could offer businesses a lifeline after Brexit, but…

Brexit keir starmer

Bank of England Set to Slash Interest Rates as UK Economy Stumbles

The Bank of England is bracing for bold action as economic challenges mount. With predictions of up to six interest rate cuts by next year, Goldman Sachs warns of a…

Bank of England

Elderly Drivers May Be Fully Exempt From Car Tax—Are You Eligible?

Changes to car tax rules could see elderly and disabled drivers saving hundreds as new rates come into force. The government’s reforms aim to promote greener vehicles, but some motorists…

An older driver

HMRC Announces Major Pension Tax Reform to Prevent Costly Overpayments

Millions of UK pensioners have faced unexpected tax bills due to outdated emergency tax codes on their retirement savings. Now, HMRC is introducing automatic corrections to prevent overpayments and simplify…

HMRC tax payers

Rachel Reeves: Why the UK Won’t Face Trump’s Trade Tariffs

The UK is unlikely to face Donald Trump’s tariffs, according to Rachel Reeves, who highlights the trade deficit as a key factor. At Davos, she outlined plans to prioritise economic…

Rachel Reeves

Taxpayers Urged to Claim Overlooked Reliefs to Cut Bills Before January 31

Millions of taxpayers face a critical deadline as the self-assessment window narrows. Penalties for delays loom large, but there’s still time to act. Untapped allowances and reliefs could significantly cut…

Taxpayer filling a form

Pensions Targeted in New Inheritance Tax Plans—Families Warned of Financial Strain

Plans to include pension funds in inheritance tax calculations have sparked criticism from industry experts, who warn that the changes could impose significant financial and emotional burdens on grieving families.…

Inheritance Tax

Cold Weather Payment Triggers Hit 12 as £4 Million Aids Vulnerable Households

Freezing conditions have activated cold weather payments across the UK, with £4 million already disbursed to help vulnerable households stay warm. As winter deepens, fewer triggers this year hint at…

Cold weather payment relief