Joe Sledge
171 articles on New Dispatch

Britons urged to apply now and claim up to £192 in school holiday food payments
Parents receiving qualifying benefits could receive support during the summer break as councils begin making payments

HMRC launches major high street tax fraud crackdown with 30,000 enforcement actions planned
Tax officials are targeting businesses suspected of tax evasion, money laundering and illicit trading in a nationwide operation

Martin Lewis' 'MSE' urges 750,000 eligible Britons to claim free £2,200
Parents of children aged between 15 and 23 are being encouraged to trace old accounts that may contain thousands of pounds

Parents warned over little-known inheritance tax rule that could affect house deposit gifts to children
Families helping children onto the property ladder are being urged to understand inheritance tax exemptions before transferring large sums

Millions of Britons with £10,000+ in bank accounts missing out on interest as inflation erodes savings
Cash sums totalling £332billion are sat in accounts earning zero interest and losing purchasing power

Millions of Britons could receive £77 payout as landmark Apple lawsuit proceeds
The consumer group alleges Apple unfairly restricted competition in the cloud storage market

DWP responds as 15,000 people back calls for Type 1 Diabetes to be recognised in PIP assessments
Campaigners say people living with the condition face daily challenges that are not adequately reflected in current benefit rules

Britain's largest gardening centre firm warns Ed Miliband's Net Zero rules will cost chain 'millions'
Britain's largest garden centre operator says environmental regulations and rising business costs are putting further pressure on firms

Major British steel firm rescue talks collapse putting 1,500 jobs at risk
Labour must seek a new buyer after exclusive negotiations with Norwegian bidder break down

Major high street boss warns iconic chain will collapse if rescue plan is rejected
Chief executive says court approval is the business's only chance of survival

Britain in an energy bill 'can't pay crisis' as millions driven into £750 debt and skip meals
Research suggests millions are cutting back on food and turning to risky borrowing to keep up with payments

DWP confirms Universal Credit deadline reprieve for vulnerable claimants
More than 360,000 people have yet to move to Universal Credit ahead of the June 30 deadline

'Rachel Reeves has copied Gordon Brown' after pocketing £9.8billion in stealth taxes in just TWO months
Frozen income tax thresholds helped push Treasury receipts to £153.7billion in April and May

Travel chaos as 10 holiday firms collapse leaving customers chasing refunds and hundreds without jobs
Coach operators, cruise specialists and airlines have ceased trading since late 2025, disrupting thousands of travel plans

Major appliance firm ordered to pay 40,000 shoppers compensation - are you eligible?
The competition watchdog found customers were enrolled into paid services without giving consent

UK borrowing rises to £23.3billion as debt interest reaches highest May figure on record
Official figures showed borrowing was nearly a third higher than a year earlier amid rising debt costs

Octopus Energy boss demands Rachel Reeves acts now to unlock billions of pounds
Greg Jackson warned ministers must move faster to channel British pension money into UK technology firms

Rachel Reeves tax raids cause surge in millionaires fleeing to tax haven just 100 miles away
Estate agents say inquiries from affluent UK buyers have more than doubled amid concern over Labour's tax changes

Former BBC chief calls £180 TV Licence charge 'ridiculous' and says it 'must come down'
The former BBC One controller said the broadcaster risks losing public support unless the funding model is reformed

DWP writing to pensioners over payments worth up to £952 a month as 900,000 miss out
Ministers are urging eligible pensioners to apply as around 900,000 people are thought to be missing out on the benefit

UK unemployment falls to 4.9% as wage growth beats forecasts ahead of Bank of England rate decision
Britain's unemployment rate unexpectedly eased in the three months to April as pay growth remained stronger than economists anticipated

'Thousands of jobs are now at risk!' Labour MP sounds alarm over steel tariff plans
Politicians from multiple parties have warned the move could harm British manufacturers

UK issues record £1million Russia sanctions fine as Keir Starmer issues ultimatum to Vladimir Putin
The penalty is the largest issued for breaches of Russian sanctions since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022

Civil servants played Grand Theft Auto during work hours at taxpayers' expense
Department for Education officials joined members of the public in Grand Theft Auto sessions as part of taxpayer-funded research

UK inflation holds at 2.8% but farmers warn food prices will rise after Iran conflict
British farmers have warned higher food prices are unavoidable despite inflation remaining unchanged in May

UK pubs fear missing out on bumper-sales as devastating impact of North America World Cup laid bare
Fans are opting to watch at home as late match times and rising costs deter pub visits

Labour holiday tax could hit families with 100% levy on stays
Hospitality leaders claim proposed overnight visitor charges would disproportionately affect families taking low-cost UK holidays

Thames Water on the verge of nationalisation with £10 billion rescue deal in doubt
Emma Reynolds warned the proposed rescue package would place an undue burden on customers

Pensioner issues Reform UK scam warning after losing £400 to fake membership website
A fraudulent website impersonating Reform UK took four unauthorised payments before the victim spotted the charges on his credit card statement

Bank of England decision update for mortgage holders as cost of interest rate hike revealed
Economists expect policymakers to leave borrowing costs unchanged as they weigh slowing growth against rising price pressures

BBC faces hundreds of redundancies in major savings drive amid £180 licence fee revolt
News teams are expected to be hit hardest as the broadcaster seeks to reduce costs by hundreds of millions of pounds

DWP hands out benefit payments to tens of thousands of people for 'unknown' reason
Conservatives have called for tighter welfare controls after figures revealed 151,850 Universal Credit claimants are recorded with unspecified health conditions

'We've lost a hell of a lot': 330,000 pensioners to receive share of £1.8bn payout after £150,000 losses
Retired workers affected by a pension inflation loophole will begin receiving additional payments from January 2027

Major British holiday park operator collapses into administration with £103million debts
Administrators have increased staffing levels across eight Scottish sites while seeking a buyer for the collapsed holiday park business

Ftse soars on opening as Donald Trump announces US-Iran peace deal
Stock markets rallied worldwide after hopes grew that energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz would soon resume

Oil prices plummet as Donald Trump announces peace deal and Strait of Hormuz reopening hopes rise
Global markets rallied after the agreement raised expectations that the Strait of Hormuz could soon reopen to commercial shipping

Rachel Reeves urged to scrap 'terrible' state pension triple lock 'as soon as possible'
The Resolution Foundation warned the policy has become far more expensive than originally anticipated

BBC licence fee update for pensioners as petition for free access nears 40,000 signatures amid £180 fee
Ministers say they are considering options for future support as campaigners push for free TV licences for all pensioners

HMRC wins £190million tax battle against Bolt in major Court of Appeal ruling
Judges ruled the ride-hailing firm's taxi services do not qualify for a VAT scheme designed for travel agents and tour operators

Barclays buys major British banking app in £180million deal
The lender will take control of the children's financial education platform used by more than half a million youngsters across the UK

Major British construction firm collapses into administration as projects grind to a halt
The contractor behind luxury hotel developments including Raffles London has filed notice to appoint administrators

‘I was £300 in debt before I even understood credit’ – The young Britons being failed by the education system
Banks, educators and families say a decade of financial education policy has failed to prepare young people for real‑world money decisions

Savers facing £5,000 tax bills on interest nearly triples as HMRC figures reveal growing burden
More than 144,000 people are expected to pay at least £5,000 in tax on savings income during the 2026/27 tax year

Wallace and Gromit feature on new 50p as Royal Mint launches special anniversary coin worth £2,420
The commemorative collection celebrating 50 years of Aardman Animations includes a limited-edition gold proof coin worth £2,420

Barclays Bank confirms payment delays and account access issues affecting millions of users
Customers could experience payment delays and restricted account access as the bank carries out system upgrades

HMRC confirms when pension tax relief ends as retirees face inheritance tax changes
People making pension contributions after turning 75 are no longer entitled to tax relief under current HMRC rules

Nigel Farage unveils £2.1billion VAT cut pledge in new 'fair deal for white van man'
Nigel Farage defended Reform UK’s Makerfield candidate over past social media posts while announcing plans to raise the VAT threshold

Supermarkets hit with £800million downturn amid fat jab craze as shoppers save £400 on groceries
Research found households using GLP-1 medications such as Mounjaro and Wegovy are buying significantly fewer snacks and treats

Bank holiday impacting millions of Britons prompts urgent update on £112.80 payments
Social Security Scotland confirmed the World Cup celebration holiday will not disrupt scheduled benefit payments

Rachel Reeves’s ISA overhaul descends into chaos as City warns millions could stop investing
Financial firms have warned the Chancellor’s planned ISA reforms risk creating confusion and discouraging long-term investment

Rachel Reeves to fund Britain's soaring benefits bill with crippling student loan interest rates, Labour MP admits
Lucy Rigby said Labour had prioritised spending on welfare reforms and public services over deeper cuts to student loan rates

State pension age rises to 67 as Britons born after 1960 face delayed retirement payments
Millions approaching retirement will now receive their state pension later depending on their birth date

UK construction faces dire cashflow crisis as most firms just EIGHT MONTHS from collapse
Businesses say delayed payments and rising costs are pushing the sector towards breaking point

Century-old British manufacturer collapses into administration with 170 jobs lost amid soaring costs
Ceiling manufacturer Zentia failed to secure a buyer after mounting losses and soaring production costs

Octopus Energy, British Gas and EDF customers could reclaim £212 in credit
More than half of households are sitting on unused energy account balances after winter

British construction firm behind projects for JD Sports and Wetherspoon collapses into liquidation after 40 years
Juma Construction Group has been wound up as pressure continues to mount across Britain's struggling building sector

Labour considers business rates holidays for Reform UK battlegrounds as part of £5.8billion Pride in Place scheme
Ministers are exploring targeted tax relief for small firms in more than 280 neighbourhoods after Reform UK made major local election gains

Financial incentives driving ADHD and autism diagnosis requests, GPs claim
Soaring referrals and benefit claims have fuelled a growing 'diagnosis industry'

Iconic British restaurant brand rescued from collapse amid fears over 44 sites
The restaurant chain avoided administration after creditors backed a rescue deal cutting millions of pounds in debt

Andy Burnham vows to slash pub business rates in opening leadership pitch
The Greater Manchester Mayor said Labour had 'got this wrong in Government' on high street taxation

Gary Lineker's company named Britain's fastest-growing after extraordinary three year surge
The podcast producer behind The Rest is Politics and The Rest is Football recorded £37.9million in annual sales

Major British airline crashes into administration as 178 staff lose jobs
Bournemouth Airport-based freight airline ceased trading after mounting financial pressures forced the business into insolvency

Rachel Reeves under pressure as UK borrowing £60BILLION higher than first thought after OBR blunder
Britain’s fiscal watchdog acknowledged major forecasting errors as concerns grow over the economy and Labour spending plans

Britons need £845,000 pension pot for comfortable retirement as savings gap exposed
Pensions UK warned millions of savers are falling short of the income needed for financial comfort in later life

Martin Lewis warns DWP benefit claimants could be missing out on thousands
Money expert says households on DWP support should check accounts paying low rates of interest

Sir Alan Bates blasts Post Office compensation scheme as an 'utter disaster'
Campaigner told MPs victims have lost trust in the system as billions in compensation remain unpaid

HMRC issues four million tax refund letters worth £473 as Britons warned to respond quickly
Nearly one million people failed to claim an average refund of £473 last year after not responding to HMRC

Labour warned unemployment could hit highest level in 14 years as 400,000 jobs vanish
Jobless total is set to rise to two million by 2028 as youth unemployment surges

'Unacceptable performance': Ofcom launches investigation into Royal Mail over missed delivery targets
The postal operator failed to meet first and second-class delivery standards for another consecutive year

NS&I Premium Bonds June draw sees two savers win £1million jackpots
Winners from Leeds and Cheshire & West Chester were contacted by Agent Million ahead of the public announcement

HMRC explains how state pension tax works as retirees face confusion
The tax authority explained why some pensioners mistakenly believe their state pension is tax-free

Labour wealth tax fears spark panic among investors as '£100billion could flee Britain'
Wealth managers warned affluent Britons are reconsidering their futures amid speculation over fresh Labour tax rises

UK house prices fall for first time in 2026 as mortgage rates surge
Nationwide said growing geopolitical uncertainty and rising borrowing costs have weakened buyer confidence

Cost of raising a baby set to rise by more than £500 as families face growing pressure
New research warns the annual cost of infant essentials and household bills could reach £6,468 before the end of 2026

Major fashion brand collapses into administration as 75 jobs lost in rescue deal
The online discount fashion retailer has been sold through a pre-pack administration agreement

Lloyds Bank issues major update about customers' cards and PIN numbers
The high street lender outlined standard delivery times after a customer raised concerns online

Royal Mail failing delivery targets in every UK postcode — full list of the worst areas
No postcode area across Britain met Royal Mail’s first class delivery target

Waitrose slashes prices on 160 products as Britons fight cost of living crisis
The supermarket has reduced prices on everyday essentials including eggs, butter and chicken as households continue to watch spending

State pensioners to receive extra £37 every month as DWP confirms payment boost
The triple lock increase means pensioners with a full National Insurance record will receive up to £439 more during the 2026/27 tax year

Transgender taxpayers given access to HMRC fast-track hotline used by MPs and royals
HMRC said taxpayers with Gender Recognition Certificates require additional confidentiality protections under equality legislation

Student loans branded a 'tax on ambition' as graduates hit with effective 77% tax rates as HALF regret them
Respondents described student loans as a "stealth tax"

EasyJet to increase ticket prices as Iran conflict causes jet fuel costs to surge
The budget airline said it is responding to volatility caused by disruption in the Middle East and rising fuel costs

Robert Jenrick says Reform UK would ‘clamp down’ on abuse of proposed tax-free overtime
Nigel Farage said the proposal would restore a stronger work culture across Britain

DWP confirms £200 or £300 payments for state pensioners this year
Eligible state pensioners will receive payments towards winter heating costs

HMRC tax bills averaging £2,300 set to hit thousands of UK savers
Frozen savings allowances and higher interest rates are pushing more households into the tax net

Martin Lewis advice helps couple uncover huge energy overpayment: 'We got a £4,000 refund!'
The MoneySavingExpert founder urged households to check account credit levels ahead of expected energy bill rises

Rachel Reeves slaps British families with £300 'cash grab' on UK staycations amid heatwave
Regional mayors and councils are preparing to consider overnight accommodation levies following Labour's new legislation

State pension triple lock overhaul could cut costs £19billion a year, saving working households £1,000 each
Reforms could save nearly £1,000 for every working household by the mid-2030s

Rachel Reeves announces school holidays VAT cut for family days out
The measure is designed to give families more opportunities to spend time together over the summer

Martin Lewis launches blistering attack on 'flaccid' Keir Starmer for 'leaving people vulnerable'
The Money Saving Expert founder and Which? boss accused ministers of failing to properly tackle scam adverts and AI deepfakes

British airline collapses into administration with all jobs lost and flights cancelled
The Biggin Hill-based executive charter firm has grounded its entire aircraft fleet after entering insolvency

M&S boss launches furious attack on Rachel Reeves's price cap plans
Retail leaders warned the Chancellor's proposals amounted to "1970s-style price controls" that would damage competition

Multiple steel firms crash into administration with 93 job losses in huge blow to British manufacturing
AIM Engineering & Fabrication Group and Hescott Engineering Company have ceased trading after worsening financial pressures

DWP warning as over a million pensioners miss out on benefit worth up to £458 every month
Attendance Allowance remains one of Britain’s most under-claimed benefits, despite billions of pounds going unclaimed each year

Major British high street chain confirms store closures amid rising costs
The children’s charity said weaker consumer spending and growing competition from online resale platforms are putting pressure on stores

Pensions crisis deepens as millions not saving enough for retirement
Lower earners and self-employed workers face the greatest risk of financial hardship in later life, a review found

Lloyds 'set to scrap Halifax brand' after 173 years: 'Final nail in the coffin of branch banking!'
Halifax customers are expected to be transferred to Lloyds Bank as the historic high street name disappears

IMF issues warning to UK over tax and borrowing as markets fear Andy Burnham plans for Britain
Britain has limited scope for further tax rises as borrowing costs surge, the IMF has warned

NS&I issues warning to Premium Bonds holders over prize money as rules change
Premium Bonds winners receiving prizes by cheque have just three months to cash them in before they expire

Water bills set to rise for 14,000 families in controversial new trial
Water companies are preparing new tiered billing schemes targeting households with the highest usage

Britain hit with highest property tax burden in the developed world
Business rates are expected to raise £37.1billion during the 2026-27 financial year

Octopus Energy to offer free electricity when power surges on the grid
The supplier said households could benefit from no-cost electricity during periods of high wind and solar generation

DWP benefits crackdown: Universal Credit, PIP and Pension Credit among payments under fraud review
Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Personal Independence Payment will all be reviewed during the 2026/27 financial year

Civil servants collecting pensions above £150,000 as taxpayer bill hits 'unaffordable' £7billion
Freedom of Information figures show 263 retired civil servants are now receiving six-figure annual pensions

Major chocolate maker loses landmark 'shrinkflation' case after smaller bars 'tricked shoppers'
German judges found Mondelez misled customers by shrinking Milka bars while keeping packaging almost unchanged

HMRC confirms pension schemes can withhold YOUR retirement savings under inheritance tax shake-up
Families could face delays and disputes as unused pension pots become liable for inheritance tax from April 2027

DWP increases benefits paid to husbands with two or more wives as those in polygamous marriages cash in
Weekly allowances linked to Pension Credit and Housing Benefit rose by 4.8 per cent from April 2026

Lloyds Bank launches £5,000 deposit mortgage for first-time buyers
The new mortgage deal aims to help renters struggling to save large deposits get onto the property ladder

Major British supermarket forced to introduce 'smart cabinets' in effort to tackle soaring shoplifting
The supermarket chain will trial smart cabinets as retail crime continues to rise across Britain

Keir Starmer fails to calm bond market nerves over leadership challenge as Britain's borrowing costs rise
Labour MPs push Keir Starmer to quit as party infighting rattles markets

Keir Starmer announces plans to renationalise British Steel
The Prime Minister confirmed the plans in his speech on Monday morning

Rachel Reeves could oversee Britain losing 163,000 jobs as 'fragile' economy faces employment disaster
Manufacturing regions and major cities are expected to suffer the biggest employment losses as energy prices rise

Keir Starmer and Donald Trump's 'one-way traffic' beef deal will favour US producers over UK industry, farmer's fear
Farmers warned patriotic American consumers and lower US production costs could leave British beef exporters struggling

Major British high street chain faces bailiff threat over unpaid taxes with 'job losses anticipated'
TG Jones could run out of cash by the end of June unless landlords agree to sweeping rent cuts and payment holidays

Octopus Energy, British Gas and EDF customers could save £230 with 'series of low-cost adjustments'
Energy expert reveals simple tweaks that could cut household bills by up to £230 a year

British glass industry warns 120,000 jobs at risk over Ed Miliband's Net Zero levies
Manufacturers say Labour recycling levies are threatening billions of pounds of investment in UK production sites

Bond markets reel amid Labour leadership challenge rumours as Britain's debt continues to mount
Investors remain nervous over Britain’s economic outlook as gilt yields climb to levels not seen since the financial crisis

NatWest launches £200 bank switching bonus in major boost for customers
The bank increased its cash incentive by £50 as competition for current account customers intensifies

Britain's cheapest supermarket for brands like Heinz and Nescafé named — beating Clubcard and Nectar prices
Which? found shoppers without loyalty cards could pay up to 15 per cent more for the same products

Iconic British restaurant chain confirms 23 site closures after entering administration
Co-founder John Vincent invested £2.5million into the chain as part of plans to revive the struggling business

Martin Lewis warns millions could have lost pensions worth £10,000 on average
The MoneySavingExpert founder said workers who changed jobs or moved house could be missing out on thousands of pounds

Major airline 'preparing for refuelling stops on flights' as airports 'run low' amid jet fuel crisis fears
Lufthansa warns of global jet fuel pressures after an aircraft was forced to divert mid-journey

Major supermarket war erupts as retailers call for crackdown on Aldi and Lidl amid claims of ‘rigged system'
Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Iceland urge CMA to crack down on Aldi and Lidl land rules

Pensioners urged to claim up to £5,959 in tax-free DWP support as millions miss out
Older Britons urged to check eligibility for Attendance Allowance worth up to £114.60 per week

Nationwide Building Society customers may be eligible for free £860
Nationwide unveils new ISA deals offering up to 4.6 per cent interest on savings

Martin Lewis warns holidaymakers over booking mistake that could cost thousands amid Iran war disruption
The MoneySavingExpert founder said DIY travel plans leave Britons exposed if flights are cancelled

State pension age rises to 67 with millions facing delayed retirement
First cohort begins phased increase as experts warn of regional inequalities and financial pressures

Pensioners can save £150 on energy bills in just 16 minutes amid Iran crisis
Warm Home Discount Scheme to reopen in October 2026 offering direct support to eligible households

UK's expensive energy making Britain less competitive and stunting growth, Currys boss warns
Alex Baldock says soaring energy costs risk squeezing consumer spending and weakening economic growth

Martin Lewis warns gifting money to family could trigger inheritance tax hit
Money saving expert highlights key rules and record-keeping requirements for financial gifts

Bank of England holds interest rates as inflation risks skyrocketing amid Iran crisis
The Monetary Policy Committee confirmed the decision on Thursday

Oil surges above $126 as Britons face higher prices at the pump with Iran war set to drag on
Brent crude hit its highest level since 2022 as fears grow over disruption to global energy supplies

State pension: One million more Britons hit by pensioner tax raid despite triple lock protection – Are you one of them?
Frozen thresholds and rising state pension payments are pushing a growing number of retirees into the tax system

Nigel Farage confirms £5million gift from donor amid 'deep fears for my personal safety'
Reform UK leader confirms payment from Christopher Harborne amid scrutiny over parliamentary rules

Lloyds and Barclays £200 switching bonus deadline looms as customers urged to act now
Customers have until April 30 to switch accounts and meet strict criteria to qualify for the cash bonus

Nationwide Building Society issues £300 cash payment update to millions
Building society allows members to deposit cash at more than 3,000 PayPoint locations across the UK

Barclays slapped with £228million hit after mortgage lender collapse
Barclays reports higher quarterly profits as chief executive warns over fraud risks and tighter lending conditions

British airline crashes into liquidation with 161 jobs affected as fuel prices surge
Staff were informed operations had ceased immediately

Sir David Attenborough wanted by Britons to feature on banknotes as icon celebrates 100th birthday
The veteran broadcaster celebrates the milestone on Friday

HMRC tax refund warning as one million people miss out on £473 average payout
Taxpayers have been warned they could reclaim overpaid income tax dating back four years

Lloyds Bank, HSBC and NatWest issue major customer rule update
Customers are to receive written explanations for account closures under new protections

Labour warns Iran conflict will push UK prices higher for 'eight-plus months' after resolution
Chief Secretary says households will face rising energy, food and travel costs following disruption in the Strait of Hormuz

Octopus Energy boss warns against energy bailout as bills set to rise
Greg Jackson says reducing infrastructure costs would be more effective than household bill support

British Airways warns of higher airfares as jet fuel prices surge amid Strait of Hormuz disruption
Airline group says it is "not immune" to Middle East conflict as oil prices climb

Rishi Sunak issues grave jobs warning as Meta cuts 8,000 roles and Microsoft axes 8,750
The former prime minister says AI is already reducing entry-level opportunities as tech giants slash workforces

Supermarket giant warns Rachel Reeves: 'Act now or grocery bills will rise' in dire cost of living update
Sainsbury's say energy costs could hit shoppers and margins amid ongoing uncertainty

Major bank offers £50 Amazon voucher to customers opening new current account
Deal requires debit card spending over three months without switching banks

Royal Mail pension scheme contract AXED after 'failing to deliver on numerous milestones'
Backlog and payment delays persisted following transfer of £239million contract

UK pint prices could reach £9 as Iran conflict pushes up energy costs
Industry leaders warn rising energy and supply costs may push beer prices higher across the UK

HSBC, Halifax, TSB and Santander set to cut mortgage rates on Friday in ‘encouraging’ move
HSBC, Santander and TSB move to reduce rates as swap costs ease

Royal Mail scraps key Saturday deliveries despite stamp price rises
Postal service confirms weekday-only schedule as part of Universal Service reforms

Major supermarket bank issues urgent cash withdrawal warning to customers before total shutdown this week
Prepaid card and Round Up accounts will close on April 26 as customers told to transfer funds

NS&I scandal sees 37,000 grieving families waiting for £470million in inheritance payouts
Bereaved households still waiting for payouts as chief executive steps down

Energy bills and fuel crisis making middle earners £480 worse off
The Resolution Foundation says middle-income Britons will see living standards fall amid benefit increases

Co-op to take control of HUNDREDS of supermarkets from struggling UK chain, with 4,500 workers impacted
Proposed deal would bring 300 retail and funeral sites under single ownership

Leon declares 'the high street is dead' as Labour ‘kills the restaurant industry' with crippling tax burden
John Vincent warns rising costs are forcing closures and job cuts across hospitality sector

Student loan repayment changes confirmed after Rachel Reeves faced mounting pressure
Labour says Middle East conflict risks driving inflation and higher borrowing costs

Pubs and restaurants in 'perma-crisis' as soaring energy bills and taxes squeeze sector
Industry leaders warn pubs and restaurants face mounting cost pressures from multiple fronts

DWP pays £850million to dead claimants in major benefits error
Millions of errors uncovered as ministers face pressure over failure to recover funds

Rachel Reeves putting 25,000 jobs at risk as £939million business raid triggers dire industry warning
A trade body has warned firms face mounting pressure as new business rates take effect from April

Martin Lewis says Lifetime ISA penalty is 'hideously unjust' for first-time buyers amid £450k property cap
Consumer expert criticises 25 per cent withdrawal charge as property price cap remains frozen

Iran war: Donald Trump vows to bomb 'extremely hard' as oil prices surge without clear Strait of Hormuz plan
Markets rattled after the US President outlined escalation but gave no plan to reopen the key shipping route

UK mortgage rates spike in biggest shock since Liz Truss's mini-budget as Iran war drags on
Borrowing costs spike and deals vanish as markets rapidly shift expectations for Bank of England policy

Octopus Energy, British Gas and EDF customers urged to take meter reading TODAY for £117 saving
Households urged to submit meter readings to secure full savings under new cap

Rachel Reeves 'very happy' to see North Sea oil and gas drilling as it would 'boost jobs and tax revenue'
Chancellor says continued extraction will create jobs and tax revenue despite energy price pressures

Student loans acting as a 'lifelong tax blocking young from property ladder' with mortgages unaffordable
Mortgage specialist says repayments are cutting borrowing power and delaying homeownership for young professionals

M&S scolds Labour for driving up 'skyrocketing' energy bills for businesses
Chief executive says Labour policy costs now make up more than half of retailer’s energy bill

Ftse 100 plummets as oil prices surge above $105 after Iran rejects Donald Trump's peace proposal
Markets retreat as geopolitical tensions lift crude prices and dampen investor sentiment

World 'heading for stark and steep recession' as Britons warned of high prices amid fears oil costs could stay high for years
BlackRock CEO Larry Fink said prolonged high energy prices could have profound consequences for the global economy

Business leaders scold Rachel Reeves over 'entirely performative' meetings as energy crisis hits UK economy
Industry figures urged Labour to cut costs as new data showed the economic impact of the Middle East conflict

Oil tops $100 again as Iran calls Donald Trump's 'positive talks' claim 'fake news'
Oil prices rebound after sharp fall as conflicting claims over diplomacy and Strait of Hormuz keep markets on edge