3 d. ago UK private sector shrinks as export orders slump; state borrowing nearly £15bn above official forecast – business live

Eurozone private sector ‘broadly stable’ in April; stocks, dollar, oil prices rise on hopes of US-China trade dealUK annual borrowing exceeds forecasts by almost £15bnThe collapse in confidence and drop in output during April raise red flags for the economic outlook and add pressure on the Bank of England to reduce interest rates again at its May meeting, said Chris Williamson, chief business economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence.While recent months have been characterised by UK businesses treading water, broadly stagnating since last autumn’s budget, businesses are reporting more of a struggle to keep their heads above water in April.April’s fall in output was the largest recorded for nearly two and a half years, consistent with GDP declining at a quarterly rate of 0.3%, reflecting falling activity and demand across both manufacturing and services. Continue reading...

Economics

1 week ago UK inflation falls to 2.6%, increasing pressure on Bank to cut interest rates

March annual rate comes before expected rise because of household bills going up this monthBusiness live – latest updatesUK inflation dropped to 2.6% in March, increasing the pressure on Bank of England policymakers to cut interest rates next month.Prices growth was weak ahead of an expected rise in April as households begin to pay higher council tax and utility bills, as well as an uncertain outlook posed by Donald Trump’s tariff war. Continue reading...

Economics

2 w. ago Increased state pension will arrive in accounts from next week: How much will YOURS rise by?

The headline rate will be hiked by 4.1% under the triple lock - but not all elements of the state pension are increased to the same level.

Economics

2 w. ago Martin Lewis' 'last chance' warning to anyone buying stamps as price set to soar

Martin Lewis has issued a 'last chance' warning to anyone buying stamps - as the cost of sending a first-class letter is set to rise to £1.70 from April 7

Events

2 w. ago Millions of families to get HMRC Child Benefit boost from Monday April 7

Child Benefit is currently worth £25.60 a week for your first child, then £16.95 a week for any additional child you have - but rates are set to rise from April 7

Society

3 w. ago All the workers who won't be entitled to April's National Minimum Wage rise

The National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rose from April 1, 2025 - however, there are certain workers who won't get it

Politics

3 w. ago Full list of workers not entitled to National Minimum Wage as April sees rise

The National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rose from April 1, 2025 - but not all workers are guaranteed to get it

Politics

3 w. ago 15 job categories 'not guaranteed' to get the National Minimum Wage amid April rise

The National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates have increased, but not every employee is guaranteed this basic pay

Politics

3 w. ago Working age households set to be £400 worse off during the new financial year

An increase in wages is likely to be off-set by rises to fuel bills and Council Tax.

Economics

3 w. ago New and Basic State Pension payment rates starting next week for millions of older people

The New and Basic State Pensions will rise by 4.1 per cent from Monday, April 7.

Economics

3 w. ago 'Triple hit' of higher bills, tax and benefits set to hit household budgets by £400

The Resolution Foundation said 'higher taxes, even larger bill increases, and benefits that aren’t keeping pace with the rising cost of living' will hit household budgets

Economics

3 w. ago PETER HITCHENS: Britain's police forces are a pathetic failure and a dark menace to our society. This is my plan to finally fix the problem

We pay these people, and we pay them a lot, as your council tax bill will tell you if you look. So why do they treat us as a nuisance and worse?

Events

3 w. ago HMRC confirms change to Child Benefit due to start this summer

Child Benefit and Guardian’s Allowance payments will rise on April 7.

Politics

3 w. ago ‘Awful April’ bills rise will push people to poverty, homelessness and foodbanks, charities warn

Increasing cost of bills ranging from gas, electricity, water and council tax has left many ‘dangerously exposed’

Events

3 w. ago April 2025 payment dates for benefits and pensions as bills go up for millions

Benefits, state pensions and the minimum wage will all rise from April

Economics

3 w. ago Price increase: the areas worst affected by national council, car tax, TV licence rises of Awful April 2025

Household bills are soaring this April, with some regions facing eye-watering hikes 💸

Economics

3 w. ago Martin Lewis explains how to claim council tax discount after April rise

Martin Lewis has explained how to claim council tax discount and check if your property is in the right price band after April’s rise.

Politics

3 w. ago Thousands in some Council Tax bands could save up to £400 on their energy bills

Energy bills are set to increase by 6.4% from April 1 as the energy price cap is set to rise

Economics

3 w. ago These are all the bills which are set to rise in 'awful April'

Households will be hit by a whole series of rises over the coming month

Politics

3 w. ago April Cruel Day: Millions of Londoners hit with £400 rise in annual utility and council tax bills

Across London, average increases in council tax, water and energy will cost households around £400 a year

Economics