Higher energy bills drive UK inflation upward

London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Inflation in the UK rose to 2.3% in October, heaping stress on the Bank of England to delay further interest rate cuts until next year. Statistics released by the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that

UK home prices drop over £5,000 in November

London (parliament Politics Magazine) – UK home prices have fallen by over £5,000 this month, as the autumn budget triggered concerns in the housing market ahead of the seasonal Christmas slowdown.  According to the UK’s real estate website Rightmove, in November, the

UK financial watchdog penalizes Metro Bank 

London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – UK’s financial watchdog fined Metro Bank nearly £17m for failings in its money-laundering rules over four years. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) administered the £16.7m penalty after finding losses in monitoring 60m transactions over a four-year period

UK minimum wage rises to £12.21 for over 21s

London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Minimum pay in the UK will increase next April, with hourly rates for those over 21 arranged to rise to £12.21 an hour, the chancellor has confirmed. Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated the pay increase marked a “significant

Labour government to shield workers from tax hikes

London (Parliament Politics Magzine) – Labour’s tax increase will not strike workers’ payslips, the UK education secretary has pledged. Bridget Phillipson expressed that the tax rises being prepared by Rachel Reeves would not impact employees’ take-home pay, as ministers struggle to define

IFS warns labour of fiscal challenges ahead

London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The IFS warned Labour faces tough fiscal challenges, noting potential tax increases on capital gains, inheritance, and stamp duty.  The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) stated Labour had promised not to increase income tax, national insurance, VAT

WH Smith announces £50M share buyback

London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – WH Smith is to provide investors with a £50m windfall as holidaymakers snapping up travel essentials allowed a boost in summer sales at the retail chain. The retailer stated it would launch a £50m share buyback an