Andy Burnham Urged to Introduce Online Sales Tax to Support High Streets Tuesday, July 14, 2026 businessrates onlinetax andyburnham highstreets retail taxreform realratesreformalliance economy digitalsales labourparty Andy Burnham, the newly elected Labour MP for Makerfield, faces growing pressure to implement a two per cent tax on all online sales to help fund a substantial 37 per cent reduction in business rates for physical stores. This … Read More
Labour Faces Backlash Over Proposal to Offer 30 Hours Free Childcare to All Benefit Claimants Thursday, July 9, 2026 childcare benefits labour welfare education poverty policy government families economy Labour is facing criticism over its bold plan to provide 30 hours of free childcare each week to all families receiving benefits. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has called for extending government-funded childcare … Read More
Lloyds Bank Customers See £518 Increase in Property Values in July Tuesday, July 7, 2026 lloyds housing prices mortgages affordability market inflation economy buyers interestrates Lloyds Bank customers woke up to a £518 boost in their property values this July, according to the latest house price index. The average house price now stands at £299,330, up from £298,812 in June—a modest 0.2% increase that … Read More
NatWest Announces Key Board Appointment Affecting All 20 Million Customers Tuesday, June 30, 2026 natwest banking appointment finance economy investment lending customers leadership mortgage NatWest has made a significant announcement impacting its entire customer base. On Monday, June 29, NatWest Group plc revealed the appointment of Erminia (Ernie) Johannson as an independent non-executive director, effective … Read More
Chip Shops Adapt as Cost of Fish and Chips Approaches £12 Monday, June 29, 2026 fishandchips seafood ukfood fishshop haddock cod menu economy trends adaptation The average price of a portion of haddock and chips across the UK has risen to £10.29, with cod and chips reaching an average of £11.41, according to a new report by industry body Seafish. There are approximately 7,210 fish … Read More
Sir Keir Starmer Announces VAT Cut on Family Meals and Days Out at Wetherspoons and Beyond Friday, June 26, 2026 tax vat wetherspoons family starmer labour economy costofliving government children The Labour government, led by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, has unveiled a significant VAT reduction impacting all Wetherspoons pubs and a wide range of family activities across the UK. This new measure aims to ease the … Read More