Using the 159 helpline
If a call from your bank feels suspicious, just hang up and dial 159 to be connected safely to your bank’s fraud team.
The 159 helpline was launched in September 2021. The helpline is designed to
What is Support for Mortgage Interest?
SMI loans can help pay mortgage interest for those on benefits, but repayment is due when the home is sold.
Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) is a government-backed loan provided by the Department
Rules to protect effects of debanking
Banks must now give 90 days’ notice before closing accounts, giving customers more time to respond.
Since April 2026, new government rules strengthen protections for individuals and small businesses
Pre-Budget tax planning – act now
With the next UK Budget approaching, there is speculation about changes to tax rates, allowances, and reliefs. Acting now can help secure current benefits before any new rules take effect.
Key areas
Challenging your Council Tax band
If your property has changed or seems mis-banded, you may have the right to request a Council Tax review.
Properties in England and Wales are assigned Council Tax bands based on their value as of 1
Bank Rate trimmed to 4%
The Bank of England has knocked the main interest rate down to 4% today, cutting it by a quarter‑point from 4.25%. It’s the fifth cut in a year and brings the rate to its lowest since March 2023.
The
Shared home ownership
Shared home ownership offers a more accessible route to owning a home for those who cannot afford the full deposit or mortgage on a property that suits their needs. Under this scheme, buyers purchase
The impact of frozen personal allowances
The impact of frozen personal allowances often leads to fiscal drag, a situation where individuals pay more tax as their earnings rise without a corresponding increase in allowances.
This occurs
Autumn Budget 2025: What Changes Might Be on the Horizon?
As we look ahead to the Autumn Budget 2025, it is clear that the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will be under pressure to balance public expectations with fiscal reality. A combination of reduced growth
Tax gap estimated at 5.3% for 2023-24
HMRC missed out on £46.8bn in tax last year. Small businesses and Corporation Tax make up the biggest share of the shortfall.
The tax gap for the 2023-24 tax year has been published and is estimated