Inflation rises for first time in five months - but one-off factors blamed
UK inflation has risen for the first time in five months, increasing to 3.4% in the year to December. The rise, though higher than expected, is widely attributed to temporary factors rather than…
Government launches £15bn Warm Homes Plan
The Government has launched a £15 billion Warm Homes Plan aimed at expanding solar power, heat pumps, and other green technologies across households over the next five years. The scheme seeks to triple…
Bank of England expected to cut interest rates
The Bank of England is widely expected to cut interest rates, reducing the Bank rate from 4% to 3.75% - its lowest level since February 2023. Analysts anticipate a close vote among the…
UK economy: encouraging forecast by IMF
The IMF has forecast that the UK will be the second-fastest-growing economy among the G7 nations this year - behind only the USA - despite ongoing global trade tensions. The IMF projects UK…
Energy price rises prompt call for more help with bills
Gas and electricity bills for millions across England, Scotland, and Wales rose 2% this week under Ofgem’s new price cap, bringing the typical annual bill to £1,755. With household debt to suppliers at…
Angola: nobody wants to talk about July protests
In July, protests over fuel price hikes erupted across Angola, paralysing parts of the capital Luanda and spreading to other provinces. Sparked by a taxi drivers’ strike, these demonstrations quickly turned violent, leaving…
Struggling families need grants for school uniforms
As the back-to-school season approaches, a major debt advice charity is urging the Government to introduce a statutory school uniform grant for England. While families in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland receive support…
Surprise inflation jump complicates interest rate decision
The UK’s economic outlook has been shaken by a surprise rise in inflation, complicating plans for an anticipated interest rate cut in August. Despite a strong start to the year, recent data shows…
Inflation at 3.5% as Bank of England debates pace of rate cuts
UK inflation surged to 3.5% in April, surprising economists and intensifying concerns over the Bank of England’s strategy on interest rates. The rise follows months of falling inflation and comes amid steep household…
Starmer announces U-turn on winter fuel payment cuts
Keir Starmer has announced a policy reversal on winter fuel payment cuts, following widespread criticism and internal party dissent. Over 10 million pensioners lost the payment (worth £200 to £300 a year) in…
