19 h. ago Sónar festival hit with artist boycott over alleged links to Israel

More than 70 artists including Kode9 and Lolo & Sosaku have signed a letter in opposition to the owner of the event’s business interests in the West BankSónar, one of Europe’s leading electronic music festivals, is under threat after dozens of musicians and DJs announced a boycott over the event’s parent company KKR’s alleged links to Israel.More than 70 artists signed an open letter to the festival, which is due to take place in Barcelona from 12-14 June, stating that “we oppose any affiliation between the cultural sector and entities complicit in war crimes”. Continue reading...

Politics

24 h. ago Older people urged to check for historical State Pension payment error worth over £8,300

DWP has paid our more than £100 million in arrears payments for historical errors linked to National Insurance credits.

Economics

52 h. ago UK borrowing rises to £20.2bn, putting pressure on Rachel Reeves

April figure more than expected and comes despite increase in employer national insurance contributionsBusiness live – latest updatesThe UK government borrowed more than expected in April, underscoring the challenge for Rachel Reeves to fix public services and grow the economy while meeting her fiscal rules.With the chancellor under pressure on Labour’s tax plans, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said public sector net borrowing rose to £20.2bn in April, £1bn more than the same month a year earlier. City economists had forecast borrowing of £17.9bn. Continue reading...

Economics

69 h. ago New call to scrap National Insurance deductions for people over 60

National Contributions are no longer taken from wages when someone reaches State Pension age.

Politics

69 h. ago Channel 4 boss urges Ofcom to be ‘brave’ and back public service broadcasters

Alex Mahon also urged the Government to reconsider copyright proposals to ensure they ‘don’t harm British creativity’.

Politics

3 d. ago Diane Abbott warns Keir Starmer winter fuel payment like Thatcher's poll tax and 'she was gone in a year'

The veteran Labour MP strongly criticised the controversial policy which the Government is believed to now be reconsidering

Events

3 d. ago UK inflation jumps higher than expected to 3.5% amid bills increase

Annual rise in April follows upturn in national insurance contributions and higher household costsInflation jumped in April by more than expected to 3.5% after dramatic increases in water bills, energy costs and council tax, according to official figures.A rise in employer national insurance contributions and a boost to the national minimum wage also put pressure on companies to raise prices last month by more than City analysts had forecast. Continue reading...

Economics

4 d. ago Solicitors criticise ‘antiquated’ Legal Aid Agency IT system after cyber attack

Details including criminal records, dates of birth, national insurance numbers and payment information may have been stolen in the attack.

Events

6 d. ago Home care company owner in West Lothian appeals to UK Government to reconsider national insurance hike

Home Instead joined thousands calling for the social care sector to be exempt

Politics

8 d. ago DWP mistakes caused State Pension recipients to miss out on £450 million

The Department for Work and Pensions said the largest reason for underpayments stemmed from errors in National Insurance records

Economics

8 d. ago SNP ministers to receive under half the funds to cover National Insurance hike in 'deeply disappointing' hit

The Scottish Government has warned the move linked to the National Insurance hike is “deeply disappointing”.

Politics

8 d. ago Private nurseries in West Lothian warn over impact of national insurance rise

A spokesperson for the private nurseries said that despite “open and frank” talks the education department had not recognised the financial pressure caused by rises in the minimum wage thresholds and NI contributions.

Events

9 d. ago Economy shoots ahead at faster than expected 0.7% in first quarter

But spurt is likely to prove short lived, as taxes, bills and tariffs all kicked in during April

Events

9 d. ago City welcomes faster than expected 0.7% growth in first quarter of the year

But spurt is likely to prove short lived, as taxes, bills and tariffs all kicked in during April

Politics

9 d. ago Scottish Labour donor warns national insurance hike will fuel job losses

EXCLUSIVE: Lord Haughey predicted the NI rise would have a negative impact on the economy.

Events

9 d. ago Jacking up National Insurance will lead to job losses and act as a brake on the economy

Record View says the decision to make it more expensive for businesses to hire was a mistake.

Economics

1 week ago New State Pension payment delay warning for older people due to retire this year

The first State Pension payment might also be higher or lower than expected even with full National Insurance contributions.

Events

2 w. ago Tory leader Kemi Badenoch speaks with patients and staff on visit to hospice

Mrs Badenoch was told Farleigh Hospice in Chelmsford needed additional funds of £250,000 after the increase in national insurance contributions.

Politics

2 w. ago UK politics live: Kemi Badenoch talking ‘rubbish’ over trade deal criticisms, say Indian officials

New Delhi officials say Tories previously agreed to a two-year national insurance exemption which Kemi Badenoch now claims amounts to ‘two-tier’ tax

Politics

2 w. ago ‘Increasingly difficult’ for Stormont to mitigate decisions made at Westminster

Northern Ireland’s Finance Minister said decisions at Westminster have ‘significant impact’ in the region.

Events