1+ week, 4+ day ago   (453+ words) A temporary reduction in VAT covering children’s meals, selected entertainment tickets and admission to family attractions ends on 1 September 2026, bringing qualifying purchases back under the standard 20% rate. The measure had reduced VAT to 5% from 25 June as part of the government’s…...

1+ week, 6+ day ago   (564+ words) Thousands of workers could be affected by a new proposal being discussed by regional leaders. The plan marks a notable change from the position set out earlier and could have direct financial consequences for some employees. Workers in parts of…...

2+ week, 35+ min ago   (400+ words) Halifax has confirmed that 14 of its UK branches will close in September 2026 as part of wider changes to the Lloyds Banking Group branch network. The closures are linked to changing customer habits, with more people using online and mobile banking…...

3+ week, 1+ day ago   (455+ words) Household energy bills across Great Britain are forecast to rise again this autumn, taking the regulator’s price cap to its highest level in three years. The increase comes as higher international gas prices feed through to domestic electricity and heating…...

3+ week, 1+ day ago   (369+ words) Millions of UK pensioners could see higher state pension payments from April 2027 if current wage growth figures determine the next annual rise. Under the government’s triple lock mechanism, the state pension increases by whichever is highest: inflation, average wage growth…...

4+ week, 35+ min ago   (557+ words) HMRC has detailed how Winter Fuel payments will be recovered from some state pensioners over the coming tax years. The timing and amount collected will depend on income, the year of payment and how each person pays tax. HM Revenue…...

4+ week, 23+ hour ago   (462+ words) The UK government is considering a reduction in electric vehicle sales targets as Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces growing criticism over his climate policies during a summer marked by extreme heat, drought and destructive wildfires. The consultation, launched on Friday,…...

4+ week, 22+ hour ago   (314+ words) Octopus Energy households receive average £244 for exporting solar power. More than 400,000 homes have earned nearly £100 million by selling surplus solar electricity back to the grid over the past year. Octopus Energy has confirmed that households using its export tariffs have…...