52 h. ago Santander issues huge announcement as millions of customers set to benefit

The announcement comes as Santander has just launched a new feature that allows customers to round up their spare change and invest it in a selection of funds.

Economics

3 d. ago The Guardian view on Labour’s tough choices: they are costing the government dearly | Editorial

Austerity-era scepticism runs deep – and Labour’s abstract promises are falling flat as Nigel Farage rises in the pollsThe Labour government’s abrupt U-turn on winter fuel payments – restoring the benefit to more than three-quarters of pensioners – reveals less a change of heart than a sobering realisation in Westminster: after years of austerity, the public no longer gives politicians the benefit of the doubt. The irony is hard to miss. Labour set out to prove that “grown-up” economics means difficult decisions – only to find that once trust is lost, voters won’t accept vague promises without tangible results.It turns out many are sceptical that sacrifices will produce better results for society. That’s why ministers are struggling to justify cuts to disability benefits as a way to “fund” public services – or to convince the public that Britain can’t afford to lift the two-child benefit cap even as ministers claim they will reduce child poverty. There may be more conspicuous retrea...

Politics

2 w. ago Northampton’s Fin Smith: ‘We love being written off. We’d back ourselves against anybody’

England and Lions fly-half on run to Champions Cup final, controlling his inner demons and playing junior tennis alongside Jack Draper“I was always angry,” Fin Smith remembers as he explains his transition from a volatile young tennis player into the decisively calm fly-half for Northampton, England and the Lions who is as serene as he is interesting. Smith has had a remarkable year so far but there is an understated lightness about him as he recalls playing in tennis tournaments alongside Jack Draper, the current world No 5.“As an 11-year-old tennis player I was very angry,” he says at Franklin’s Gardens, having just completed Northampton Saints’ final training session before they face Bordeaux on Saturday in the Champions Cup final. “I used to blow up and smash rackets a lot. But getting that out of my system at a young age, while facing set points and match points, can only benefit me when I’m playing rugby under pressure and really taking on an internal battle.” Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Scottie Scheffler and star caddie's financial agreement after £2.6m win

Scottie Scheffler added a third major title to his collection with a dominant victory at the US PGA Championship, with caddie Ted Scott also set to benefit from the £2.6m win

Economics

3 w. ago PIP claimants with three physical conditions most likely to lose benefit, DWP data

Official data from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed the three groups most likely to lose the benefit under the Government's proposed changes set to take effect next year

Politics

4 w. ago School libraries across Lanarkshire set to benefit from £150k funding injection

School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF) supports creative and innovative projects in line with the key aims of ‘Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools’.

Economics

4 w. ago DWP PIP claimants could lose a second benefit in payment cuts

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to overhaul the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefit, which could see thousands of carers losing their entitlement to another payment

Politics