Budget 2025: your questions about your finances answered

Asda has reported a 3.8% decline in total sales to £5.1 billion for the three months ending September, attributing the drop to both government actions that have undermined consumer confidence and internal IT issues that led to product shortages. Comparable store sales also fell by 2.8% during this period.

Ryanair is discontinuing its frequent flyers members’ club after just eight months due to excessive exploitation of its benefits by customers. The airline reported that while 55,000 individuals signed up for the Prime membership, passengers benefited from discounts totaling over €6 million, surpassing the €4.4 million generated from the scheme.

JPMorgan Chase's CEO Jamie Dimon has approved plans for a new £3 billion tower in London, following assurances from a senior adviser to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding the government's pro-business stance. This decision aligns with the bank's strategy to expand its presence in the UK market.

Amid rising prices, tariffs, and growing unemployment, many Americans are opting to cut back on holiday spending this year, reflecting a deepening anxiety about the economy under President Donald Trump. The White House has attempted to alleviate concerns by proposing stimulus checks and tariff rollbacks, yet consumer confidence remains low.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a budget that includes a £26 billion tax increase and the scrapping of the two-child benefit cap, aiming to address the UK's cost of living crisis. However, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has warned that this strategy may be 'fiscal fiction', as it delays the financial impact until just before the next general election in 2029.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has presented the UK Budget for 2025, which includes a £26 billion tax increase and increased welfare spending aimed at addressing the ongoing cost of living crisis. This budget is a significant move for the Labour government as it seeks to balance fiscal responsibility with the needs of citizens facing economic challenges.

The UK energy minister, Michael Shanks, emphasized the urgent need for the country to take decisive action to prevent a potential gas supply crisis, which could leave homes and businesses without gas during the coldest days of the year. Advisers have warned that without adequate planning, the UK may face significant shortages by the end of the decade.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves's recent budget includes a tax break for wealthy former non-domiciled individuals, significantly reducing their inheritance tax liabilities. Experts indicate that this benefit primarily favors those with assets exceeding £83 million, raising concerns about equity in tax policy.