Recent changes to the UK's Motability scheme, which helps disabled people lease adapted vehicles, have led to concerns among users. The Budget introduced new taxes on the insurance included in a Motability lease and VAT on upfront payments for higher-value cars, causing fear of increased costs and reduced accessibility for disabled individuals.
Key Facts
The UK Chancellor announced tax changes affecting the Motability scheme.
Tax will be applied to insurance in a Motability lease and VAT to advanced payments for high-value cars.
The Motability scheme provides vehicles to eligible disabled individuals, which can be adapted to their needs.
The number of cars leased through the Motability scheme has increased to 860,000.
Changes may raise costs, potentially impacting the independence of disabled people.
Users of the scheme feel judged and express frustration at being misunderstood as living off benefits.
Concerns are raised that these budget changes will increase costs and reduce accessibility.
Some critics argue that not all current users should qualify, particularly those with certain mental health conditions.
The article discusses a new government budget that raises taxes, which Prime Minister Keir Starmer claims will help reduce child poverty. Experts say the changes could lead to a decrease in household spending power.
Key Facts
The UK government announced a new budget that includes tax increases.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the budget aims to reduce child poverty.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) noted that household spending power may decrease due to the budget.
The report is part of a discussion on a Newscast episode featuring financial and economic experts.
Newscast is a BBC program that analyzes political news.
The episode includes input from Claer Barrett, Consumer Editor at the Financial Times, and Helen Miller from the IFS.
The conversation is available on smart speakers and the Newscast online community for further engagement.
JP Morgan Chase plans to build a large tower in Canary Wharf, London, costing £10 billion. The new building will create 7,800 jobs and become JP Morgan's biggest location in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Construction will take six years but must first receive necessary approvals.
Key Facts
JP Morgan Chase will build a £10 billion tower in Canary Wharf, London.
The new building will be three million square feet in size.
It will provide space for approximately 12,000 JP Morgan employees.
The construction is expected to take six years to complete.
The project could add £9.9 billion to the UK economy.
The site for the new building, Riverside South, was purchased by JP Morgan in 2008.
Approval is needed before construction begins.
The UK government's focus on economic growth influenced JP Morgan's decision.
Surrey businesses have mixed reactions to the budget announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. The budget includes plans like scrapping the two-child benefit cap, freezing income tax thresholds, and taxing electric vehicles. Opinions vary across different sectors, with some seeing benefits and others expressing concerns over costs and regulations.
Key Facts
The budget eliminates the two-child benefit cap.
Income tax thresholds will remain the same until 2031.
A tax on electric and hybrid vehicles will start in 2028.
Small business representatives see benefits, but landlords are concerned about new taxes and regulations.
A pub landlord expressed predictable concerns over rising costs.
A property agent noted a decrease in business rates for small properties but challenges for landlords.
Care providers worry about wage increases amid financial pressures.
The budget is seen as having both positive and negative aspects for different business sectors.
The UK government's recent Budget does not change the growth forecast for the next five years, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). Businesses are concerned about rising costs despite some relief measures, and question where future growth will come from. Some tax incentives are introduced to encourage investment in young companies, but overall growth expectations are lowered for years after 2023.
Key Facts
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) says the Budget will not improve growth forecasts for the next five years.
The OBR increased its growth forecast only for this year, but lowered forecasts for each year until 2030.
Businesses did not face a repeat of a previous £25 billion national insurance increase, but meaningful growth-boosting measures are lacking.
High Street retailers and hospitality sectors are receiving some special help, but many will still see business costs rise.
An 8.5% pay rise for young workers may discourage employers from hiring.
A cap on salary sacrifice arrangements could reduce future pension contributions and pay increases.
New tax incentives aim to support investors in young companies, which received some positive feedback from the OBR.
The Treasury states that the UK economy is already doing better than expected and emphasizes plans for capital spending and private investment to fuel growth.
The Scottish government will not change its income tax rates or introduce new tax bands in the next year's budget, according to Finance Secretary Shona Robison. Despite this, adjustments to the thresholds might result in higher earners paying more taxes. The decision aims to maintain stability amidst changes announced in the UK Budget by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Key Facts
The Scottish government will keep income tax rates and the number of tax bands the same next year.
Higher earners in Scotland might pay more due to changes in income thresholds.
Scotland uses a different income tax system than the rest of the UK, with seven tax bands instead of four.
The Scottish government aims for most Scots to pay less income tax than those in the rest of the UK.
Tax bands for lower earners are expected to rise by at least the rate of inflation.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the UK Budget, which affects how much Scots pay in National Insurance and income tax.
A financial body, the Scottish Fiscal Commission, highlighted the complexities in comparing tax figures between Scotland and the rest of the UK.
People in Worcester have shared their thoughts on the recent Budget announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Some residents are concerned about tax increases, while others believe the changes will help those in need. The Budget removes the two-child benefit cap, increases pensions, and introduces new taxes on electric cars and luxury homes.
Key Facts
The new Budget removes the two-child benefit cap, allowing families to get benefits for more than two children.
Pension payments will increase by 4.8%, benefiting retirees.
A new tax will be introduced on homes worth over £2 million.
The Budget includes a tax on electric vehicles and potential future fuel duty increases.
Rail fares will remain the same, and taxes on smoking and alcohol are increased.
Some residents are concerned that tax increases will impact working people.
The Budget aims to place the largest tax burden on wealthier individuals with high-value properties and savings.
Target issued a nationwide recall of Belkin Portable Power Banks and Wireless Charging Stands due to a risk of overheating and fire. This recall is part of a broader list of product recalls announced by Target since April 2025, covering various categories, including electronics, baby products, and personal care items. The recalls address potential hazards such as fire, choking, electrocution, and contamination.
Key Facts
Target recalled Belkin Portable Power Banks and Wireless Charging Stands due to fire hazards.
The recall was announced on November 13, 2025.
Several other products were recalled from April 2025 onwards.
Products include EcoFlow Power Stations, Anker Power Banks, and Evenflo Child Seats.
Reasons for recalls include risks of fire, choking, electrocution, and contamination.
Other categories affected are electronics, baby products, personal care, and sports equipment.
Recalled items cover a range of hazards, such as fall hazards and injury risks.
Households in the UK are expected to see only a small increase in their disposable income over the next five years due to government tax and spending plans. The Institute for Fiscal Studies notes that this growth is much lower than in past decades, and the government faces criticism for not keeping its promise not to raise taxes on working people.
Key Facts
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) says household disposable income will grow by about 0.5% annually.
Disposable income is the money people have left after paying taxes.
This growth is lower than the over 2% annual increases seen between the mid-1980s and mid-2000s.
The government has increased taxes, spending, and borrowing, raising concerns.
An accusation is that the government broke its promise not to raise taxes on working people.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated that changes such as higher taxes on online gambling and high-value properties are necessary.
Other measures include freezing NHS prescription charges and scrapping some levies on energy bills.
Reeves emphasized that tax contributions are minimized to address issues like NHS wait times and child poverty.
People in the U.S. are planning to spend less money on holiday gifts this year, according to a survey. Experts suggest ways to manage holiday spending, such as using a method to decide who is most important to buy for and being honest about gift expectations with friends and family.
Key Facts
A Gallup survey found that many consumers, especially those with lower incomes, plan to spend less on holiday shopping.
The Conference Board predicts that average holiday spending will decrease by about 7% compared to last year.
Elaine Swann suggests using the "onion method" to prioritize gift recipients, focusing first on those closest to you.
Lizzie Post recommends reducing your gift list by cutting names of people you won't see during the holidays.
Both Swann and Post say it’s important to communicate expectations about gift-giving with loved ones if you’re scaling back.
Being open about financial limits for gifts can prevent misunderstandings and ease awkwardness.
If others tell you they’re reducing their gift-giving, respond with understanding and support.
The article discusses issues faced by Shein, a fast fashion company, as it opens its first store in Paris and considers going public. The company is encountering backlash and controversy over its business practices and factory conditions.
Key Facts
Shein has opened its first physical store in Paris.
The fast fashion retailer is planning to go public with an Initial Public Offering (IPO).
There has been controversy and complaints about Shein's business model.
Shein's factory conditions in Guangzhou, China, are under scrutiny.
Laura Bicker from BBC reports on Shein's factory conditions in China.
Tristan Redman visits Shein's new store in Paris for further insights.
An internal memo from United Parcel Service (UPS) reveals that their and FedEx’s MD-11 cargo planes may remain grounded for several months due to safety inspections and repairs needed after a recent crash. This could affect shipping capacity during the Christmas holiday.
Key Facts
UPS and FedEx have grounded their MD-11 cargo planes.
The grounding decision follows a deadly crash on November 4 in Louisville, Kentucky.
14 people died in the crash, including three crew members.
Inspections and necessary repairs are expected to take several months.
UPS and FedEx together have around 50 MD-11 planes.
Holiday shipping demand can double, increasing the impact of the grounded planes.
UPS committed to not sacrificing safety and promised to maintain transparency.
A recent discussion on the UK's National Minimum Wage has surprised some people. The conversation focused on pay and its impact on the UK economy, and it is tied to the budget planning for 2025.
Key Facts
The topic of discussion was the UK National Minimum Wage.
Some participants in the discussion were surprised by what they heard.
The conversation included talk about pay levels.
The impact of the minimum wage on the UK economy was a focus.
This topic is connected to budget planning for the year 2025.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall for multiple baby and child products sold mainly through Amazon due to safety risks that could lead to serious injury or death. These recalled items, which include high chairs, baby loungers, and safety gates, do not meet federal safety standards. Consumers are advised to stop using these products and follow specific instructions to receive refunds.
Key Facts
The CPSC announced recalls of products sold mostly by third-party vendors on Amazon as of November 26, 2025.
Recalled products include high chairs, baby loungers, and safety gates that failed to meet safety standards.
Around 130 Rotinyard convertible high chairs were recalled for lack of attached restraints and potential head entrapment risks.
Sofoliana and Glotika baby loungers were recalled due to entrapment and fall hazards.
Approximately 100 Ikuso safety gates were recalled because of a risk that a child could pass through the gaps, leading to entrapment.
About 700 Macardac and 1,200 Alinux baby loungers also face recall for similar safety issues.
No injuries or deaths have been reported related to these products as of the recall date.
Consumers are instructed to destroy the products and submit photos to receive refunds.
Mortgage rates in the U.S. have decreased to 6.23%, and another reduction by the Federal Reserve is likely in December. The central bank's possible decision to lower interest rates again could make housing more affordable for many people. Experts suggest that the actual impact on mortgage rates will depend on economic conditions such as inflation and the job market.
Key Facts
Mortgage rates have decreased to 6.23% for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.
The Federal Reserve is considering another interest rate cut in December.
The drop in rates slightly improves housing affordability for many Americans.
Market observers expect a December rate cut due to signals from the Federal Reserve.
JP Morgan anticipates a 25-basis-point rate cut next month.
Home sales typically slow during the winter months, affecting the housing market.
The future of mortgage rates depends on factors like inflation and employment data.
Some experts are skeptical about a substantial decrease in mortgage rates after a rate cut.
Organizations in Dorset received a total of £80,000 in grants to help with cost-of-living challenges. The Dorset Community Foundation and BCP Council gave the money to 23 local groups for projects like warm hubs, free meals, and financial advice. The funding came from the Department for Work and Pensions' Household Support Fund.
Key Facts
23 local groups in Dorset were given a total of £80,000 in grants.
The funding was provided by the Dorset Community Foundation and BCP Council.
The money will support projects such as warm hubs, free meals, and cookery workshops.
Council Member Sandra Moore highlighted the importance of these projects in helping people with cost-of-living pressures.
The money comes from the Department for Work and Pensions' Household Support Fund.
The Power House in Poole received £3,000 to run a warm hub with food and activities.
Faithworks got £3,975 for financial resilience courses.
We Are Humans was given £5,000 to provide free meals and essentials to rough sleepers.
Friendly Food Club received £4,000 to teach budgeting and nutritious cooking in workshops.
The UK government announced a new Budget that focuses on raising taxes and increasing spending. The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, highlighted several measures including removing the two-child benefit limit and increasing free school meals. The government aims for the Budget to be appealing to financial markets, the public, and Labour Party members.
Key Facts
The Budget involves significant tax increases and more spending.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies states these tax rises are the largest since at least 1970.
The government plans to remove the two-child limit on Universal Credit.
Removing the two-child limit is expected to lift 450,000 to 550,000 children out of poverty.
Labour MPs in the House of Commons generally support the Budget.
The government wants the Budget to appeal to financial markets, the public, and Labour members.
The chancellor aims to provide financial market reassurance by operating with more fiscal room.
The Office for Budget Responsibility will now evaluate the government's financial rules once a year instead of twice.
Home values across the U.S. rose significantly during the pandemic, with Knoxville, Tennessee experiencing the highest increase since 2019. A report states Knoxville's home values went up by 85.9%, contributing to the current housing affordability issue. This trend has slowed due to declining demand and increasing inventory.
Key Facts
Home values jumped nationwide during the pandemic because of low borrowing costs and more people working from home.
Knoxville, Tennessee saw the biggest increase in home values with an 85.9% rise since October 2019.
The increase in Knoxville equated to about $190,000 rise in home prices by October 2025.
Knoxville attracted many newcomers due to previously affordable housing, labeling it a "pandemic boomtown."
Rising home costs, including property taxes and insurance, have made these areas less affordable for locals.
Metro areas like Fayetteville, Charleston, Scranton, and others also saw significant home value increases.
A slowdown in the housing market is occurring as fewer Americans can afford homes, increasing availability and dampening price growth.
Nationwide, home price growth has slowed to about 1% since April.
The estate of Johnny Cash is suing Coca-Cola, claiming the company used a voice imitation of the late singer in a commercial without permission. The lawsuit, filed in Tennessee, argues that this use violates both state and federal laws protecting voice rights. This case highlights a new Tennessee law, the ELVIS Act, aimed at protecting soundalike voices.
Key Facts
Johnny Cash's estate filed a lawsuit against Coca-Cola on November 25.
The lawsuit claims Coca-Cola used a voice similar to Johnny Cash's in a commercial without permission.
The ad is part of Coca-Cola's 2025 college football season campaign called "Fan Work Is Thirsty Work."
The lawsuit argues that Coca-Cola violated Tennessee’s new ELVIS Act and federal laws.
The ELVIS Act, effective from July 2024, protects real and simulated voices from unauthorized use.
This law is significant because it covers sound imitations and could impact how AI-generated voices are used in media.
Coca-Cola allegedly hired a tribute singer, Shawn Barker, to mimic Johnny Cash's voice.
The estate claims Coca-Cola did not seek a license to use Cash’s vocal likeness.
Residents of flats in Kirkby, Merseyside, were billed £3.6 million to fix serious fire safety issues, forcing them to move out. The flat owners are tied to leases making them responsible for repair costs, despite being unable to live in the buildings. The situation involves complex lease agreements with multiple parties involved.
Key Facts
Residents of Beech Rise and Willow Rise were made homeless due to fire safety issues.
They received a £3.6 million combined bill for repairs and maintenance.
Each flat owner faces about £10,000 in charges despite not living in the flats.
The buildings were originally council blocks, refurbished in 2006 into luxury apartments.
The residents' management company had accumulated significant debts.
Issues have included damp, mould, faulty electrics, and broken lifts.
The buildings operate under a "tripartite" lease structure with three parties involved: individual owners, a management company, and a head lessor.
In 2011, the head lease was sold to a firm with ties to the British Virgin Islands.
