Mortgage shock for 4.5 million UK households
Nearly half of UK mortgage holders will see bills rise by £768 a year as fixed deals expire. The Bank of England warns of payment shocks despite recent rate cuts.
Category : Search result: business rates reform
Four Birmingham pubs revived in 2025
Discover four Birmingham pubs brought back to life in 2025, from The Anchor to The Gunmakers Arms, offering hope amidst a challenging year for the hospitality sector.
North East's Best Companies 2025 Announced
Discover the standout North East businesses of 2025, from tech triumphs to green energy leaders, driving regional economic growth. Read the full list now.
Pub faces £62k loss from business rates change
A publican warns new business rates could cost his family firm £62,000 annually, with industry leaders fearing widespread closures. Read the full story.
Warwickshire Council Leader Defies Vote on School Transport
Warwickshire's Reform UK leader vows to ignore council vote demanding he withdraw a letter to government seeking powers to cut school transport costs. Opposition unites against the move.
Birmingham landlord's Christmas plea to save local pubs
A Birmingham landlord urges locals to support their pub this Christmas as closures hit 'unprecedented rate' and business rates threaten a 15% hike. Protect your local.
Business owners warned to prepare 3-6 months for sale
Business owners are urged to start preparing now for a sale to beat a Capital Gains Tax increase in April 2026. Delays could cost tens of thousands. Expert advice inside.
Next and Currys warn new worker rules will cut jobs
Retail leaders warn Labour's new workers' rights legislation will lead to fewer jobs and hurt high streets. Read the full industry reaction and analysis.
Small Business Owners' Cautious 2026 Outlook
UK small business owners express cautious optimism for 2026 but warn of a 'serious reality check' for the wider economy. Experts cite inflation, rates, and AI risks.
First North East Elevate Fund Deal Backs Newcastle Wellness Studio
Reform Studio on Newcastle's Quayside is the first business backed by the new £35m North East Elevate Fund. The wellness centre will offer reformer pilates, yoga, and sound healing, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
Allica Bank account could generate £10k interest for firms
Allica Bank's Business Rewards Account offers UK companies high interest on idle cash and cashback on spending, potentially earning up to £10,000 annually. Discover how to make your business money work harder.
Leasehold reform delay hits 5.2 million UK households
Vital leasehold reforms, including a rent cap, are delayed until 2026, leaving millions in limbo. Discover what this means for homeowners and the political fallout.
16,000 new ADHD PIP claims spark DWP reform calls
The DWP faces pressure to reform the welfare system after a sharp rise in ADHD-related PIP claims. Experts warn of unsustainable spending impacting other public services.
Night Time Economy Pleads for Help in West Midlands
Struggling night time businesses in the West Midlands met with Business Secretary Peter Kyle, calling for urgent support to tackle soaring costs and falling footfall. Read the latest.
DWP ramps up face-to-face PIP and Universal Credit assessments
The DWP will increase in-person assessments for PIP and Work Capability claims, aiming to reform welfare, clear backlogs, and save £1.9bn. Find out what this means for claimants.
Senedd Backs £116m Business Rates Relief Scheme
The Senedd has unanimously approved a £116m transitional relief scheme to phase in tax increases for 25,000 Welsh businesses after the 2026 revaluation. Learn how this support will work.
Mum who claimed £60k benefits slams Labour policy change
Cheryl Drew, once claiming £60k a year in benefits, criticises Labour's decision to abolish the two-child benefit cap, saying it removes motivation for parents.
Council adds security after protest over racist posts
Staffordshire County Council deployed extra guards after a Reform UK-led meeting was disrupted by protesters demanding resignations over alleged racist social media posts. Read the latest.
Nationwide Slashes Mortgage Rates from January 2026
Nationwide Building Society will reduce its Standard Mortgage Rate by 0.25% to 6.49% from 1 January 2026, following the Bank of England's base rate cut. Find out what this means for your repayments.
Bank of England cuts interest rates to 3.75%
The Bank of England has cut the base rate to 3.75%, signalling a shift for savers and borrowers. Experts urge immediate action to secure top savings deals before banks follow suit.
16,000 ADHD PIP Claim Rise Sparks DWP Reform Calls
DWP data reveals a 16,000 surge in ADHD PIP claims. Experts urge benefit system reform to control spiralling welfare costs. Read the full analysis.
Benefits mum who got £60k a year slams Labour rule change
Cheryl Drew, once labelled the 'benefits queen' for claiming £60k a year for 15 kids, now criticises Labour's plan to scrap the two-child benefit cap. She says handouts don't always help. Read her story.
Walsall high street has over 40 empty shops
Walsall's once-thriving high street now has over 40 vacant units, with locals describing a 'dying ghost town'. Discover the impact on community and business.
DWP may be forced to raise state pension age to 80
The state pension age could be hiked to 80 by the 2070s to keep the system sustainable, new analysis reveals. Discover the pressures and potential reforms facing UK pensions.
4 Million on Benefits Without Work Search Requirement
Official data shows four million people receive jobless benefits without needing to look for work, a rise of one million in a year. Political reaction and DWP response inside.
15% Drop in Staffordshire Pothole Repairs Under Reform
Staffordshire County Council filled 15.1% fewer potholes this year. Opposition blames Reform UK's roadworks ban, while the council promises long-term improvements.
Pension age could rise to 80 in major DWP change
Experts warn UK state pension age may need to rise to 80 by the 2070s, with workers facing longer careers or higher NI. Discover the analysis behind the stark forecast.
Petition for £20k Tax Allowance Hits 30k Signatures
A public petition urging the government to raise the personal tax allowance to £20,000 has passed 30,000 signatures, piling pressure on Labour. Find out what happens next.
Big Banks Cost SMEs Thousands in Lost Interest
UK SMEs are missing out on thousands yearly as big banks pay minimal interest. Switching to a challenger like Allica Bank could earn up to 4.08% AER and cashback.
Reform UK Council Leader Probed Over Racist Posts
Staffordshire County Council leader Ian Cooper is under urgent investigation by Reform UK after allegations of racist and bigoted social media comments. Anti-racism group Hope Not Hate published the claims.
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