4 d. 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

1 week ago Oldham council issues statement after government update on grooming inquiry cash

Oldham's local inquiry will still go ahead but the council expects to have to apply for government support

Politics

2 w. ago Broadway Boy update: Statement issued after horror Grand National fall

Jockey Tom Bellamy was taken to Aintree hospital following the fall which left many viewers worried

Events

2 w. ago Broadway Boy and Celebre D'Allen statement update after brutal Grand National falls

An update has been given on the condition of Broadway Boy and Celebre d'Allen after both horses suffered brutal falls during the 2025 Grand National at Aintree

Politics

2 w. ago Free bus passes for over 60s update as new DfT statement makes funding suggestion

The Department for Transport has issued a response to campaigners who want the same automatic concession as those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to be extended to over 60s in England

Politics

2 w. ago MSPs will have to ‘reckon’ with impact of UK Government cuts, says Robison

The Scottish Government’s Finance Secretary was speaking in response to the Chancellor’s spring statement last week.

Politics

2 w. ago Drivers hit with new car payment as law change sees hundreds feel the pinch

Drivers across the UK could be expected to pay another tax as the start of the new financial year presents a tax reform which is expected to expect affect hundreds from now

Events

2 w. ago Some drivers who park car on driveway at risk of extra £128 cost from this week

The findings, calculated by Carmoola, a digital car finance lender, follow the energy regulator's price cap increase and Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Spring statement

Economics

2 w. ago Panic stations for Labour after Spring Statement: Polls show major hit for party in wake of Chancellor's package

A More in Common poll has found Labour dropped three points of support over the past week. Keir Starmer's outfit was on 21 per cent, behind the Tories on 26 per cent and Reform on 25 per cent.

Events

2 w. ago Pets at Home shares drop as rising costs to eat away at profits

The company still expects to report an underlying pre-tax profit of £133 million for the year to March 27.

Economics

2 w. ago Spring Statement leaves UK SME’s more financially vulnerable, reports show

The Chancellor’s Spring Statement, delivered in March 2025, outlined long-term ambitions for economic growth through investment in defence, housing, and digital transformation.

Politics

3 w. ago Myanmar earthquake: search for survivors continues as UN warns over medical supply shortage – latest updates

At least 1,700 people killed with at least 139 missing as UN says rescue operations are severely hindered by blocked roads and lack of medical suppliesProviding an updated death toll, Myanmar’s ruling junta has said in a statement issued today that about 1,700 people have been killed by the earthquake, about 3,400 injured and around 300 more remain missing.The death toll is expected to rise significantly. Continue reading...

Events

3 w. ago Who is running Britain’s economy – Rachel Reeves or Donald Trump?

The chancellor’s careful calculations for her spring statement are likely to be blown out of the water by a looming US trade war• From more tax to rewriting budget rules: six alternative ways Reeves could raise moneyAs Rachel Reeves powered through her spring statement on Wednesday, telling the country she was “restoring stability to the public finances” few in the House of Commons chamber seemed to know what to make of it all.Reeves’s message did not seem to resonate with the underlying mood of uncertainty and anxiety at home and abroad. Many Labour MP nodded loyally along with her, trying to impress the whips. Others on the government benches looked grave. Growth forecasts for this year had been halved. Money would have to be raised to meet the chancellor’s own fiscal rules, and the poorest would be the ones bearing the brunt. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Starmer urged to reveal if he made comparison between benefits and pocket money

Treasury minister Darren Jones faced backlash when he made the comparison in the wake of the Chancellor’s spring statement.

Politics

3 w. ago DAILY MAIL COMMENT: 'Awful April' will be the cruellest month

You've got to hand it to Rachel Reeves. Despite her lamentable Spring Statement being savaged across the political spectrum, the Chancellor is putting a brave face on it.

Politics

3 w. ago Self employed to face higher fines for paying late tax returns

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the new measure during the Spring Statement.

Economics

3 w. ago Single mum carer on benefits says cuts adds to 'scumbags' stigma

The mum-of-two has been left disappointed by the Chancellor's Spring Statement on Wednesday.

Politics

3 w. ago Premium Bonds warning issued after NS&I update in Spring Statement

Premium Bonds are a savings product, but instead of getting a guaranteed rate of interest, you're entered into a monthly prize draw

Events

3 w. ago The Chancellor is hopelessly boxed in and higher taxes are sadly inevitable

Big changes in the world order require big changes in fiscal policy - something is going to have to give

Politics

3 w. ago Voices: Independent readers react to Rachel Reeves’ spring statement – from ‘out of touch’ to ‘genuine poverty’

The chancellor’s spring statement sparked fierce criticism from readers, who accused her of reviving austerity by targeting the poor while failing to prioritise improving living standards, tax reform, and sustainable economic growth

Politics