HMRC sends 300,000 'trivial' tax demands under £100
HMRC has issued over 300,000 letters chasing tax bills of £100 or less, with critics calling the process a waste of time and money. Discover the impact of frozen tax thresholds.
HMRC has issued over 300,000 letters chasing tax bills of £100 or less, with critics calling the process a waste of time and money. Discover the impact of frozen tax thresholds.
A dedicated knitting group in Macclesfield creates woollen hearts for hospice patients and hats for charity sales. Their weekly sessions combat loneliness while supporting vital local causes.
HMRC announces a major crackdown on unpaid taxes, targeting individuals and companies. Learn about the new enforcement measures and the billions in revenue being pursued.
Andre Yarham from Norfolk, diagnosed with rare frontotemporal dementia at 22, has died. His family donated his brain to science to help fight the cruel disease.
Martin Lewis highlights the Severe Mental Impairment council tax discount, which can cut bills to zero for eligible households. Learn if you qualify and how to claim.
Millions of UK households will get a two-month council tax break in 2026 ahead of new property bands. Find out if you're eligible and how the new high-value surcharge will work.
A new parliamentary petition demands the Labour government and local councils exempt all state pensioners from council tax to ease financial pressures. Over 4,000 have signed.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves's tax changes for 2026 will impact millions. From frozen thresholds to new levies, discover the seven key ways your finances will be affected. Read the full analysis.
Seven residents at Diagrama Foundation's Edensor Care Centre in Clacton-on-Sea offer profound life advice for the new year. Discover their timeless wisdom on joy, resilience, and connection.
A father received a £5,989 council tax refund after acting on Martin Lewis' advice about the Severe Mental Impairment discount for his dad's vascular dementia. Discover if you're eligible.
Millions of newly self-employed face paying 150% of their tax bill upfront due to HMRC's 'payments on account' rule. Learn how it works and what you can do if you can't pay.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces criticism over frozen tax bands, a 'stealth tax' pulling thousands into higher rates. Learn how it impacts wages and pensions.
Councils in England get a £78bn funding boost with a 3% council tax rise cap. Find out what the new multi-year settlement means for your local services.
New data reveals a 42% surge in drivers paying the £425 Expensive Car Supplement. Find out if your family car is caught in this tax bracket.
New data reveals the shortest and longest council house waiting times across Birmingham wards, with Holyhead at 30 weeks and Quinton at 250 weeks. Discover the full list and council advice.
Dudley Council outlines major regeneration projects for 2026, including a new bus station and Metro link, while confirming council tax will rise by 4.9%. Explore the key developments.
Up to 12,300 second-home owners face a 100% council tax surcharge as 38 more English councils activate new powers from April. See the full list of affected areas.
Essex Freemasons delivered a county-wide programme of festive support, from care home concerts to parties for vulnerable children, showcasing their evolving community role. Discover how they're making a difference.
Frozen tax thresholds have dragged 420,000 motorists into paying the luxury vehicle levy, a 42% rise in two years. Discover how family cars are being caught in the tax net.
Get a free 24-page Brain Games for Adults magazine inside the Sunday Mercury. Packed with puzzles to boost memory and sharpen thinking, it's the perfect New Year brain workout. Pick up your copy!
Up to 400,000 UK homes may be in the wrong council tax band due to flawed 1991 valuations. Check your band now and challenge it to potentially claim thousands in backdated refunds.
Dementia is the UK's biggest killer, yet a third of cases are undiagnosed. Learn the key signs that differ from normal forgetfulness and why early action is crucial for support.
HMRC is launching an aggressive new crackdown on historic tax avoidance from 2026, with new powers, a US-style whistleblower reward scheme, and a surge in criminal investigations. Experts warn of risks.
The Valuation Office clarifies how the new High Value Council Tax Surcharge will work for properties over £2 million from 2028. Learn about the targeted valuations and how it aims to create a fairer system.
Bereaved families could be hit with six-figure bills due to deferred council tax payments on high-value homes. Learn about the new surcharge and its long-term impact.
HMRC is turning to artificial intelligence to tackle a £700m tax gap and improve compliance. The technology will identify risks faster but human caseworkers will make final decisions. Read the latest.
HMRC has issued clear guidance on tax refunds after a cheque was sent to an old address. Learn the steps to correct the error and the helpline number to call.
Residents at Copperfield Court in Broadstairs relived their youth this Christmas thanks to personalised diecast model gifts from iconic British toy firm Corgi. Discover how nostalgia boosts wellbeing.
Future Birmingham council leaders elected in 2026 will lack full autonomy, bound by a government-imposed action plan to ensure financial stability. Discover the binding roadmap for recovery.
Government commissioners will oversee Birmingham City Council after the 2026 elections, restricting new leaders' autonomy with a strict action plan. Discover the roadmap for recovery.