48 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

68 h. ago UK politics live: Rayner ‘urged Reeves’ to raise taxes on wealthy pensioners in secret memo

The chancellor has been adamant she will not turn to tax rises to fund the government’s policies

Economics

2 d. ago Labour's tax hikes plot: Rayner 'secretly pushes for' fresh raids on pensions, inheritance, shares, banks and the wealthy

Leaked proposals from Deputy PM Angela Rayner reveal she has been pushing to increase the burden on Brits instead of trimming spending and benefits.

Economics

3 d. ago Angela Rayner proposed array of tax rises in 'secret memo' to Rachel Reeves

Deputy Prime Minister set out proposals to reinstate the pensions lifetime allowance and change dividend taxes in the secret memo

Politics

3 d. ago Deputy PM Angela Rayner sparks clash with chancellor Rachel Reeves by calling for EIGHT new tax hikes in raid on savers

The changes included reinstating the pensions lifetime allowance, changes to dividend taxes, a raid on a million people who pay additional rate income tax and a higher corporation tax level.

Politics

3 d. ago Deputy PM Angela Rayner sparks clash with chancellor Rachel Reeves by calling for EIGHT new tax hikes in raid on savers

The changes included reinstating the pensions lifetime allowance, changes to dividend taxes, a raid on a million people who pay additional rate income tax and a higher corporation tax level.

Politics

3 d. ago Hundreds of thousands of pensioners are hit with unexpected tax bills after threshold freeze as Labour clobbers older Britons even more with winter fuel allowance

HMRC issued some 1.32million 'simple assessments' to pensioners in the 2023/24 tax year, dragging more into taxable thresholds in a case of 'fiscal drag'.

Economics

4 d. ago Could you fall into the pension inheritance tax trap? We reveal how four families could face huge bills

We reveal in four examples how families could be saddled with massive inheritance tax bills by 2030 thanks to the looming raid on pensions.

Economics

5 d. ago Pope Leo XIV gives first major address at inauguration attended by thousands

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and the Duke of Edinburgh, who was representing the King, were among attendees.

Culture

8 d. ago Starmer’s former economic adviser warns Reeves will have to raise taxes

Labour prime minister and chancellor under pressure as US President Donald Trump’s tariffs continue to hit the UK, despite last week’s trade deal

Events

1 week ago Donald Trump's agriculture chief says Labour's family farms tax is a threat to national security

Brooke Rollins warned that the policy could mean the UK would have to outsource its food supply to other countries.

Events

1 week ago Liam Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy shares snaps taken by the late One Direction star on their last holiday together and their special meaning

The influencer, 26, took to Instagram on Monday to share pictures of herself from a lavish trip to Greece - all taken by Liam.

Politics

1 week ago Labour's £25 billion tax raid and work reforms see businesses take a battering as report finds employers' hiring plans at lowest level since records began

Research today lays bare the impact of a £25billion raid on businesses and a planned shake-up of employment law.

Economics

2 w. ago Mother convicted over unpaid £8.75 car tax bill while grieving death of baby in latest fast

The Labour government has not taken urgent action to fix the Single Justice Procedure

Economics

2 w. ago Environment Secretary accuses Tories of trying to ‘weaponise’ farmer deaths

Victoria Atkins asked whether Steve Reed will ‘on a point of principle’ resign if Labour does not change its approach to inheritance tax.

Events

2 w. ago Wealthy savers say we'll avoid inheritance tax raid on pensions by taking more HOLIDAYS

Pensions are going to become liable for death duties like other assets such as property, savings and investments starting in April 2027.

Economics

2 w. ago Labour warned of 'fight of our lives' against Nigel Farage as Rachel Reeves is battered by MPs over UK's 'economic doom loop'

Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden appealed for the party to pull together in 'a battle for the very future and the heart and soul of our country'.

Events

2 w. ago Labour MPs warn winter fuel could be Starmer's 'Poll Tax moment' as panic grows over Reform 'working class insurrection'

Diane Abbott compared the public backlash to that faced by Margaret Thatcher during a bruising debate in Westminster Hall.

Events

2 w. ago UK politics live: Labour insists India trade deal does not undercut British workers after ‘two

Starmer to soon face grilling at PMQs over newly-struck agreenment and local election losses

Economics

2 w. ago UK politics live: Labour denies claims India trade deal undercuts British workers ahead of PMQs

Badenoch claims she previously ‘refused to sign this deal’ over national insurance tax break for some Indian and British workers

Economics