Value of mortgages in arrears hits highest level since 2014 – Bank of England September 10, 2024 Mortgage holders are continuing to feel the pain from the Bank of England’s efforts to combat inflation, according to new figures. Data released by the Bank showed that the value of outstanding mortgages in arrears hit £21.9bn in the second quarter of this year, the highest figure since 2014. This was a 32 per cent [...]
Bank of England gets the ‘green light’ for another rate cut following wage figures September 10, 2024 For the second month in a row the figures show that pay growth eased markedly even while unemployment edged lower.
Wage growth slows ‘markedly’ in a boost for the Bank of England September 10, 2024 Strong wage growth has been a concern for policymakers at the Bank of England due to fears that it could keep cost pressures elevated, particularly in the labour-intensive services sector.
Labour’s employment rights package is playing with fire September 10, 2024 In the years following the financial crisis, the UK faced an unemployment challenge. As the great recession bit, the unemployment rate started to rise – peaking at over 8 per cent in 2012, around about the time former chancellor George Osborne was being booed at the Olympics. However, by the end of that year the [...]
Government faces ‘grim reality’ on national debt, peers warn September 10, 2024 "If we wish to improve the level of and quality of services, and continue the current provision of benefits, taxes will need to rise. The alternative is that the state does less," the report said.
Capital gains tax branded ‘ripe for reform’ ahead of Budget September 10, 2024 Capital gains tax is “ripe for reform”, a leading think tank has said, as Chancellor Rachel Reeves considers possible revenue raisers ahead of October’s Budget. With a range of potential tax rises on the table, the Resolution Foundation has joined a chorus of voices arguing that the levy needs to be reformed. In a report [...]
Firms fear looming minimum wage rise and workers’ rights package September 9, 2024 The survey makes apparent the extent of business concern over the new deal for workers, which is one of the most controversial aspects of Labour's legislative agenda.
UK’s momentum remains ‘healthy’ ahead of latest GDP figures September 9, 2024 Economists think that the latest monthly GDP figures, set to be released on Wednesday, will show that the economy grew 0.3 per cent in July.
Labour smashes the “don’t mess with pensioners” rule September 9, 2024 Nothing in politics is more painful than the removal of a benefit to which the recipients have become accustomed. Successive Chancellors and Prime Ministers have discovered this, sometimes to their embarrassment and sometimes to their very great cost. Related to this first rule, comes another; don’t mess with pensioners. In fact, ‘not messing’ with them [...]
Keir Starmer doubles down on ‘unpopular’ decision to restrict winter fuel payments September 8, 2024 "Every Labour MP was elected in on the same mandate as I was, which was to deliver the change that we need for the country," Starmer said.