National Living Wage to rise to £12.71 in 2026
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces a major pay rise for millions of UK workers, with the National Living Wage increasing to £12.71 per hour from April 2026. Find out how much extra you'll get.
Category : Business
Lloyds Bank app feedback & first-time buyer affordability
Lloyds Bank responds to customer's app feature request as new data reveals improved affordability for first-time buyers, with mortgage costs stabilising. Read the latest updates.
Lloyds Bank Shuts 15 Branches in England: Locations
Lloyds Bank customers in 15 towns and cities face branch closures. See the full list of affected locations and learn about alternative banking options available to you.
M&S 'Flattering' Jumper Reduced to £18 in Sale
Marks and Spencer has cut 50% off its popular Cable Knit Longline Jumper, now £18. Shoppers praise its quality and 'expensive' look, with one buyer inspired by a BBC star.
IHT Freeze Extended: 63,000 Estates to be Hit
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms the inheritance tax freeze until 2031, doubling the number of families paying the 40% levy. Experts warn of a stealth raid on modest estates.
Three moves for UK savers to outwit Labour's ISA changes
Following the Autumn Budget, experts advise UK households on three key strategies using ISAs, pensions, and SIPPs to protect savings from new tax rules. Act now to optimise your finances.
HMRC targets 1,300 households over cash gift tax
HMRC inheritance tax on cash gifts surges 153% in a decade, ensnaring over 1,000 families. Learn the complex rules to avoid a hefty tax bill.
10 New Birmingham Restaurants to Visit in 2026
Discover the 10 best new restaurants set to open in and around Birmingham in 2026, from high-end Greek cuisine to a London sushi favourite. Plan your culinary adventures now.
UK Retailers Slam Delay to Shein and Temu Tax Rule Change
Major UK retailers criticise the government for delaying until 2029 the end of a tax break for cheap imports from Shein and Temu, warning of unfair competition. Read the full story.
UK Savings Tax Rates to Increase from April 2027
UK households face higher tax on savings interest from 2027. Learn how the personal savings allowance and new ISA caps will affect your money. Act now to protect your savings.
HMRC tax refund guidance after wrong address error
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.
Admiral Taverns acquires 21 pubs in major UK expansion
Admiral Taverns has invested £100 million, acquiring 21 pubs from RedCat. The expansion includes a site in Birmingham as the chain eyes 2,000 pubs. Read the full list.
Expert Tips to Conquer the Boots Boxing Day Sale
Discover a seasoned shopper's strategy for the Boots Boxing Day Sale. Learn how to grab luxury fragrances, gift sets, and electricals at up to 70% off, plus key dates for online bargains.
Aldi Changes Specialbuys Days and Ends Click and Collect
Aldi announces a temporary change to its Specialbuys release days over Christmas and New Year, and confirms the permanent closure of its Click and Collect service across all UK stores.
Claim HMRC's £1,258 Marriage Tax Allowance Now
HMRC urges eligible married couples and civil partners to claim Marriage Tax Allowance, worth up to £1,258. See if you qualify for this valuable tax break.
Shababs Birmingham Opens Christmas Day with Normal Menu
Beloved Birmingham balti house Shababs is opening on December 25, serving its regular menu at regular prices. The historic Sparkbrook restaurant, a local institution since 1987, still has tables available for Christmas bookings.
Co-op: Prosecco sales to beat milk on Christmas Eve
Co-op forecasts Prosecco sales will surpass milk on 24 December, with over 250,000 bottles stocked. Its award-winning fizz is now £6.50 for members. Read the festive retail surge.
Amazon's £130 Smartwatch Now £17 in Limited-Time Sale
Amazon has slashed the price of a popular Soudorv Smart Watch from £129.99 to just £16.99. The health-tracking gadget is perfect for New Year fitness goals. Grab the deal before it ends!
Mouse filmed at Bullring food stall, chain responds
A shopper filmed a mouse at Batch'd in Birmingham's Bullring. The chain cites city-wide bin strikes as the cause. Environmental Health inspected the site.
10 Major Product Recalls in December 2025
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has issued multiple product recalls in December 2025, affecting items from beauty products to home goods. Check the list to see if you own any affected items.
Lloyds: Rent Costs £259 More Per Month Than Mortgages
New Lloyds Bank research reveals renting is now £259 per month more expensive than average first-time buyer mortgage costs. Discover the shifting affordability landscape.
Stockbroker First Equity opens Liverpool base
London stockbroker First Equity launches a Liverpool office, marking its first move into the North West. Neil Blankstone will lead the expansion, citing the city's resilience.
Weston-super-Mare: Classic Brummie Seaside Getaway
Discover why Weston-super-Mare remains a favourite festive beach destination for Birmingham families. Explore donkey rides, the Sky Wheel, and the Grand Pier, all within a two-hour drive.
New Council Tax Bands for High-Value UK Homes
Labour introduces a 'mansion tax' surcharge for properties over £2m from 2028. Experts analyse the impact on the housing market as October 2025 sales dip 2% year-on-year.
Next recalls Cora ceiling light over injury risk
Next urgently recalls Cora 5LT Flush Ceiling Light after safety watchdog warns glass globes may detach and fall. Customers told to stop use immediately and return for full refund.
Lloyds Bank warns of falling UK business confidence
Lloyds Bank's latest survey reveals a dip in UK business confidence to 42% in November. Explore the key data and expert insights on hiring, wages, and price pressures for 2026.
Boots' Secret Sale: Luxurious Soap & Glory Set Drops to £10
Boots' Big Christmas sale has started online with huge discounts on beauty sets. The Soap & Glory Just Pink-Credible 3 Piece Gift Set is now £10. Shop the secret deals before stock runs out.
Skipton's urgent message on ISA rule changes
Skipton Building Society issues urgent guidance following the government's cash ISA limit cut. Expert Alex Sitaras shares vital tips to protect your savings from tax. Discover your options now.
Halifax clarifies refund rules after £112 ATM error
Halifax has explained its refund process after a customer in Guatemala was left £112 out of pocket from a failed ATM withdrawal. Learn how to dispute a transaction.
Mouse seen in Bullring food stall, chain responds
A mouse was filmed scurrying inside the Batch'd stall at Birmingham's Bullring. The company cites city-wide waste issues. Read the full response and environmental health findings.
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