News

Britain's debt bombshell: Healey must find a way to cut the nation's bloated welfare bill, says ALEX BRUMMER

Today

Surging bond rates together with indexation of welfare and social security costs, in an inflationary era, means the nation is running on the spot.

We pay enough tax already, say UK banks in last-ditch effort to avert a Budget raid

Today

Chancellor John Healey is widely expected to increase the surcharge that banks pay on corporation tax in a move that could raise £2bn.

Horror show for Netflix as streaming giant sees £10bn wiped off its value amid slowing sales growth

Today

Netflix, whose hits include The Diplomat starring Keri Russell (pictured), slashed its advertising sales forecast and revealed waning sales growth.

Full state pension will rise by nearly £500 next April under the triple lock

Today

The full state pension will rise £9.40 a week from April thanks to the triple lock - a guarantee Prime Minister Andy Burnham will scrap in favour of a double lock from 2030.

How long would it take you to become an Isa millionaire?

Today

Becoming an Isa millionaire may be a pipe dream for many investors, but it's not an impossibility. Just think about the financial empowerment it would give you.

I'm 65 with no pension - but I've learnt help is at hand and here's what to do

Today

Over the years Sandra Garlick has had good jobs and even her own business. But a series of life events mean she has not managed to save towards retirement.

Can the Government now set how much rent people pay? Tribunal sees landlord forced to cut it by £200 a month after a tenant challenge

Today

The Government is being accused of introducing rent controls by the back door after a tenant successfully challenged their landlord's rent increase.

Meet the Flying Banker! One woman defies gales to serve remote customers on northerly islands

Today

Few bank workers' days begin with the whirr of propellers - but a short flight on a ten-seater plane is part of an average morning for Britain's only dedicated Flying Banker.

France turmoil branded 'wake up call' over debt - as French borrowing costs hit 24-year high and Carrefour plunges

Today

The boss of Deutsche Bank has warned that turmoil in France is a 'wake up call' for all debt-laden countries as a fresh bonds sell-off sent the country's borrowing costs to a 24-year high.

What rising inflation means for you: CPI accelerates to 3.5% - what happens next?

Today

Inflation accelerated to 3.5 per cent in September, moving further from the Bank of England's target as the Middle East conflict's impact widens beyond energy prices.

Could gas standing charges be axed from energy bills? Burnham asks Chancellor to see if it's 'feasible'

Today

A scrapping of standing charges on gas bills could be on the cards for millions of Britons, it emerged on Wednesday.

Why drilling at the Jackdaw gas field site won't bring your energy bills down

Today

Millions of households and businesses across Britain are battling sky-high energy bills. Inflation is also on the up, at 3.5%, piling further pressure on people's pockets.

Mega mortgages hit the North: Spike in £500,000-plus loans in the regions as they fall in London

Today

The number of half a million pound mortgages outside southern England has surged in the last five years as Britons stretch their borrowing to afford their dream home.

National Express owner eyes takeover by Spanish shareholder in fresh blow to the City

Today

The City is facing a fresh wave of takeover activity as the owner of National Express and a subsea technology firm become the latest to succumb to foreign predators.

Why did my state pension top-up payment vanish for over a year?

Today

Sharon Partridge double-checked with the government that her £814 payment would boost her eventual state pension before she transferred it in summer 2025.

How often you SHOULD be winning a Premium Bond prize: We crunch the numbers to reveal the luckiest regions

Today

Premium Bond holders in certain pockets of the country are consistently luckier and win more prizes than in other areas, we can reveal.

Stock market tremors are starting to be felt but what will trigger an earthquake? ALEX BRUMMER

Today

Enforcers at the Bank of England, IMF and Bank for International Settlements in Basle have consistently alerted investors to the risks of an AI bubble.

My home has 47 years remaining on the lease: Should I use savings to extend it by 90 years or renovate the flat instead?

Today

I am in a bit of a conundrum about what to do with my leasehold flat. There are 47 years remaining on the lease.

Elon Musk says it would be a 'good idea' to merge SpaceX and Tesla

Today

Musk said the two businesses had formed 'special committees' which were holding talks on a potential merger between SpaceX and Tesla.

A petrol station fined me £90 after it forgot to charge for fuel, do I have to pay? DEAN DUNHAM KC replies

Today

I filled my car with petrol, and bought two items of confectionery After checking with my bank it appears the attendant only charged for the confectionery.

The latest news