3 h. ago The new laws coming in April 2025 including wage increase and car tax changes

People earning the National Living Wage or National Minimum Wage will see their pay increase from April 2025

Politics

30 h. ago Full list of DWP benefits which are increasing in April 2025 including pension and Universal Credit

Benefit payments increase every year in line with inflation rates - here's a full list of how much they are going up by next month

Politics

31 h. ago Voices: New EV road tax rules fuel debate among Independent readers

The end of road tax exemptions for EVs has sparked debate. While the majority of readers supported full taxation, despite critics arguing it undermines climate efforts

Politics

58 h. ago The seven household bills that will rise in April 2025 including energy bills, water bills and council tax

Several household bills are going up throughout the month of April, from energy bills to the TV licence fee - here's a list of seven big changes happening

Economics

60 h. ago Older petrol cars registered between two years hit by rise in VED rates from April

The increased rate of Vehicle Excise Duty - or car tax - will be effective from April 1st and will impact owners of cars, vans, motorcycles and electric vehicles

Events

60 h. ago Confirmed major DVLA and HMRC rule changes in March and April 2025 for drivers in UK full list

The DVLA and HMRC have introduced a series of updates that drivers must be aware of to avoid unnecessary fines and costs

Politics

3 d. ago The 14 DWP and money changes in April 2025 including wage rises and pension changes

All the major changes that will affect your finances from next month

Economics

3 d. ago Average water bill: one thing to do to save money ahead of April 2025 UK increase

The simple step you can take to reduce costs before April’s hike hits 💧

Economics

3 d. ago Voices: Is it time for EV owners to pay road tax, or will it hinder green progress? Join The Independent Debate

With EVs set to lose their road tax exemption, some fear it could slow the shift to greener transport

Economics

4 d. ago How to win free Krispy Kreme donuts for one year this St. Patrick’s Day

Winners will receive one free box of glazed donuts per month from April 2025 to March 2026

Politics

4 d. ago Bereavement support payment: how much will UK allowance benefit rise in April 2025

Starting in April, many payments will get a much-needed boost to support families 💰

Politics

5 d. ago ‘Nothing is off the table’ on EU defence funding, says Ursula von der Leyen

Commission president says ‘something fundamental’ has shifted and democracy and rule of law are under threat“Nothing is off the table” when it comes to raising money for defence, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has said, as she warned European values such as democracy and the rule of law were under threat in a increasingly “transactional” world.Without mentioning Donald Trump by name, the head of the EU executive told reporters there was a new sense of urgency in the geopolitical sphere and that “something fundamental” had shifted since she began her second term in office on 1 December, nearly 100 days ago. Continue reading...

Politics

6 d. ago This land is your land: leaf portraits of Ecuador’s female farmers – in pictures

In the Zuleta community in Ecuador, farming is about more than just sustenance: it is about cultivating a deep relationship with the land based on ancestral knowledge. In her travels in the region, Colombo-Ecuadorian photographer Yinna Higuera collaborates with rural women, who in exchange share their understanding of medicinal plants and give her leaves from their gardens. In her Traces series, which has been shortlisted for a Sony world photography award, Higuera uses chlorophyll printing to superimpose the women’s portraits on banana leaves, vegetables and herbs. “Each of these women has a unique story,” she says, “yet they all share a profound bond with the land. Through these portraits, my goal is to make their strength and wisdom visible, honouring their role as stewards of the earth.”Traces is shortlisted in the creative category, professional competition, Sony world photography awards 2025. Exhibition at Somerset House, London, 17 April to 5 May, worldphoto.org Continue read...

Politics

7 d. ago ‘I’ve felt very lost and insecure’: TV producers despair as work dries up

People with decades of experience reveal how they have gone from stable careers to minimum-wage jobsSenior TV producers take shelf-stacking jobs as UK industry remains in crisisThe low point for Stef Loughrey, an established television edit and casting producer, came when she found herself sobbing in HMV’s Blu-ray section. A young, well-meaning colleague had pointed out she was the same age as their dad. It inadvertently brought home the sudden headwinds that had affected her career.Despite 17 years in the industry with steady demand for her skills, the 38-year-old said “things just totally disappeared” in the summer of 2023. She desperately tried to find employment, including asking to do TV jobs for a lower wage. With her mortgage going up and the financial pressures increasing, she turned to the high street music retailer. Continue reading...

Politics

7 d. ago Defiant CBS suddenly comes out swinging in $20bn Trump lawsuit

Trump claims the outlet participated in ‘voter interference’ with edits while turning down 60 Minutes interview

Politics

7 d. ago Full list of 59 petrol and diesel models slapped with car tax hike in April 2025

From April 1, car tax changes will affect all drivers in the UK - but drivers of these specific models could see the sharpest rise

Events

8 d. ago Full list of confirmed UK bank holidays in 2025 including four in May and April

Will the UK get an extra bank holiday to celebrate VE Day?

Economics

8 d. ago Car tax check: the one vehicle change you can make to save on April 2025 UK road tax price and rates rises

Get ready for changes to vehicle tax laws that could impact your wallet 🚗

Economics

8 d. ago Blue Badge holders warned of £195 bill risk unless they make urgent tax check

Tax is increasing in April depending on when a car was registered and the type of fuel it uses. Blue Badge holders are being urged to check their vehicle tax exemptions

Events

8 d. ago Stamp duty to increase in weeks – can you still beat the deadline?

There is a combined £142 million at stake as buyers rush to beat the deadline

Events