How could council tax change in budget – and who would be hardest hit?

Experts are urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to initiate a comprehensive revaluation of council tax properties in the upcoming budget. This call comes as the Treasury is reportedly planning to update the valuations of homes in the top three council tax bands, which have not been revised since 1991. The proposed changes aim to address disparities in council tax bills across different regions.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has arrested two men in connection with a suspected £20 million cryptocurrency fraud. The agency conducted raids at two locations in West Yorkshire and London while seeking information regarding £21.4 million invested in a cryptocurrency scheme known as Basis Markets.

Horizons Middle East & Africa is a daily news program that focuses on one of the world's fastest-growing regions. Broadcasting live from Dubai, it provides the latest updates on global markets, insightful analysis, and interviews, catering to audiences in various major cities including Hong Kong, London, and Johannesburg.

Lisa Brankin, the managing director of Ford UK, has cautioned Rachel Reeves against imposing higher taxes on electric vehicles (EVs) in the upcoming budget. She argues that new levies could deter drivers from transitioning from petrol and diesel cars to EVs, especially with discussions of a potential pay-per-mile charge starting in 2028.

The recovery of real wages in Australia is projected to be extremely slow, with expectations that it will take until 2044 to regain the purchasing power levels seen in 2021. Recent wage figures indicate that private-sector wages have decreased in real value during the September quarter, showing no signs of growth that could outpace inflation.

UK inflation has decreased to 3.6%, despite a rise in food prices. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is closely monitoring inflation data in preparation for her autumn budget, which is set to be announced next Wednesday. In a related development, WH Smith's CEO has resigned following an accounting review that revealed significant issues in its North American division, leading to a downward revision of the company's profit outlook.

Stevanato Group presented its strategic growth initiatives at the Jefferies London Healthcare Conference. The company emphasized its commitment to expanding its market presence and enhancing operational efficiency in the pharmaceutical sector. This presentation reflects Stevanato's focus on innovation and adaptability in a competitive landscape.

UK inflation fell to 3.6% in October, marking the first decrease in five months. This decline raises expectations for a potential interest rate cut by the Bank of England, especially ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves's upcoming budget statement. The Office for National Statistics reported this cooling in the consumer prices index, which may ease financial pressures on consumers and businesses.