editors-picks

UK Wealth Tax Proposals 2026: What Is Being Considered and Who Would Pay

Calls for a UK wealth tax have resurfaced in 2026, with allied proposals emerging from Labour-linked figures including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. Here is what is being proposed and what HMRC and HM Treasury data shows about who holds wealth in the UK.

28 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Do You Pay Tax on National Lottery Winnings in the UK? HMRC Rules Explained

National Lottery prizes in the UK are tax-free at the point of winning. However, the tax position changes once winnings are saved, invested or gifted. Here is what HMRC says.

28 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

Interpol Red Notices and Financial Crime: How the UK Pursues Fugitives Abroad

An Interpol red notice is not an international arrest warrant, but it is a powerful tool in cross-border financial crime enforcement. Here is how the system works and what it means for UK fraud cases.

28 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

UK Energy Bills During a Heatwave: What the Summer Heat Means for Your Costs in 2026

With temperatures rising across the UK in July 2026, household electricity demand is climbing. Here is what the Ofgem price cap, standing charges and summer usage patterns mean for your energy bill.

28 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Crypto Access Code Recovery Scam Warning: How Fraudsters Target UK Victims

Fraudsters posing as crypto recovery specialists steal funds or upfront fees from people who have lost wallet access. Private key recovery is.

28 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

FCA: Eleven Commodity Traders Offer £1m to Crisis Fund After Three-Year Competition Probe

Eleven commodity day traders propose £1m to the Crisis and Resilience Fund following a three-year FCA investigation into potential competition law.

28 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

The Mortgage Works Cuts Buy-to-Let Switcher Rates for Existing Customers from 27 June

The Mortgage Works cuts BTL switcher rates by up to 0.25pp from 27 June 2026. Five-year fix at 4.44% (65% LTV, £1,495 fee). Third rate cut in a month.

27 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Heathrow and Gatwick Flight Delays: Your Rights Under UK261 and What to Do Now

600+ flights delayed at Heathrow and Gatwick on 27 June 2026 due to thunderstorms. Weather delays mean no UK261 compensation but airlines must still.

27 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

UK Opens Three New Refugee Sponsorship Routes as Immigration and Asylum Bill Introduced

The Home Office has announced community, university and employer refugee sponsorship routes on a capped basis. Part of the Immigration and Asylum.

27 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

UK Secures £100 Billion of Clean Energy Investment Ahead of 2030 Grid Decarbonisation Target

The UK government has secured £100bn of clean energy investment since July 2024, covering offshore wind, solar, storage and hydrogen. GB Energy is.

27 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Scotland's £10,000 Deposit Scheme Faces Affordability Concerns as City Prices Outpace Grant

Scotland's First Home Fund provides a £10,000 equity loan for first-time buyers. Critics say it falls short in Edinburgh where a 5% deposit is.

27 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

UK Postgraduates Trapped by Double Student Loan Debt: Plan 2 and Plan 3 Explained

UK postgraduates carry both undergraduate and postgraduate loan debt, with combined monthly deductions of £128-£220. Plan 3 loans have a lower.

27 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

UK Government Split Over New Golden Visa Scheme to Attract Super-Rich Residents

Ministers are divided over proposals for a new UK golden visa scheme for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. The previous Tier 1 Investor visa was.

27 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Labour MP Says Landlords' Rents Are Driving Welfare Budget: What It Means for Renters

A Labour MP blames high private rents for the size of the welfare budget, with housing benefit costing ~£30bn per year. LHA covers only the cheapest.

26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

FCA Credit Broker Permissions Fall 45% Since Pandemic as Regulator Tightens Supervision

FCA data shows credit broker permissions have fallen 45% since the pandemic peak. The regulator has cancelled unused permissions and increased.

26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Insolvency Service Making Meaningful Improvements as UK Insolvencies Hit 15-Year High

The Insolvency Service is improving IVA oversight, bankruptcy processing and creditor communications. UK individual insolvencies reached 99,799 in.

26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

HMRC Research: Gen Z Workers Wish They Had Learnt Tax Basics Before Their First Job

HMRC research finds 74% of Gen Z workers did not understand income tax bands when starting their first job. 61% unaware of the £12,570 Personal.

26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Legal and General Takes Over Royal Household Pensions as King's £13m Tax Bill Disclosed

Legal and General takes over Royal Household pension management. King Charles paid £13m in income tax voluntarily in 2024-25 on Duchy of Lancaster.

26 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

DWP Expands Personalised Employment Support to Thousands More Benefit Claimants

DWP is rolling out Individual Placement and Support to more Jobcentre sites. 70% of IPS participants moved closer to work. Part of Get Britain.

26 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Income Protection Premiums Rise in 2026: What the Exeter's Data Means for Policyholders

The Exeter reports higher income protection and life insurance premiums in 2026. Mental health and musculoskeletal claims are rising. NHS waiting.

26 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

FCA Proposes New Mortgage Affordability Rules: What the Consultation Means for Borrowers

The FCA has proposed replacing the current mortgage stress test with a flexible lender-set framework. LTI limits from the Bank of England remain.

26 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Heat Pump Grant Rises to £9,000 from 21 July: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

Heat pump grant rises to £9,000 from 21 July for oil-heated homes. 200,000 homes getting leaflets now. Apply via an MCS-certified installer.

26 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

Quick Buy Operators Targeting Tenanted Properties: What Tenants Need to Know

Quick buy operators targeting tenanted properties. Tenants have strong rights when a property is sold. No valid notice means no obligation to leave.

26 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Landlord Insurance Gaps: What New Regulations Mean for Cover in 2026

Renters Reform Act and EPC requirements are creating insurance gaps in standard buy-to-let policies. Landlords should check coverage before 2028 deadlines.

26 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Should Pension Tax Relief Be Tied to UK Investment? The £60bn Question

Proposal would restrict £60bn pension tax relief to UK-invested savers. Not current law. Critics warn of reduced saver choice. Pensions review ongoing.

26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

FCA Secures Ponzi Scheme Confiscation Order: How to Spot Investment Fraud

FCA secures confiscation order against Ponzi fraudster. FSCS covers up to £85,000 from authorised firms. Check every investment firm on the FCA register.

26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

UK Energy Bill Debt Hits £3.7bn: Every Way to Cut Your Bill and Get Help

UK household energy debt tops £3.7bn. Standing charges rising. Warm Home Discount, direct debit switch and hardship grants can cut your bill significantly.

26 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Smart EV Charging Plan Could Save Drivers Up to £1,000 a Year on Electricity Bills

Government and Ofgem plan makes smart EV charging default. Saves up to £1,000 per year by shifting to off-peak hours. Smart charge points required.

26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Covid Loan Fraud: Government Fraud Squad Pursues Bounce Back Loan Abusers

Government fraud squad recovers millions from Covid loan abusers. HMRC and Insolvency Service pursue cases. Custodial sentences issued for serious fraud.

26 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

FCA: Mortgage Rule Reform Is About Better Outcomes, Not Relaxing Standards

FCA frames mortgage reform as better outcomes under Consumer Duty. Creditworthy borrowers currently excluded. Responsible lending rules remain in force.

26 Jun 2026 · 3 min read