Money news in 2026
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- October 2026
New Housing Benefit earned income disregards due to come into force
The Department for Work and Pensions has laid corrective regulations so that new Housing Benefit earned income disregards for claimants in specified or temporary accommodation take effect as planned on 5 October 2026.
0% VAT rate on domestic electricity bills begins for 6 months
VAT on domestic electricity bills falls from 5% to 0% for six months from 1 October 2026, a cut worth around £45 a year to a typical household, announced the day after Andy Burnham became Prime Minister.
Scottish application window opens for broader group
Scottish households receiving means-tested benefits that do not qualify them automatically for the Warm Home Discount can apply through their energy supplier from October 2026.
Warm Home Discount scheme to reopen in Autumn 2026
Ofgem says the Warm Home Discount will reopen in Autumn 2026, with £150 rebates paid to eligible households in England, Scotland and Wales during the 2026 to 2027 scheme year.
- September 2026
Government announces Your First Home equity loan scheme for first-time buyers in England
The government has announced Your First Home, an equity loan scheme for first-time buyers in England, with 2.5% deposits and 20% government-backed loans, to be confirmed at the Budget.
Santander banking app outage leaves customers unable to access online banking
Santander customers were unable to reach online banking through their phones around midday on 25 September 2026, with reported problems falling from 3,620 to about 700.
Healthy Start weekly payments rise to £4.65 and £9.30 and application rules updated
Government guidance updated on 24 September 2026 confirms Healthy Start weekly payments of £4.65 per child under four and £9.30 per child under one, with new application and evidence rules.
Resolution Foundation publishes roadmap for replacing Council Tax and Stamp Duty in England
The Resolution Foundation has set out a roadmap for replacing Council Tax and Stamp Duty in England with a single proportional property tax charged at 0.7 per cent of value.
Leasehold reform consultation closes
The government consultation on the charges used to calculate lease extension costs closes on 23 September 2026, with further legislation needed before new calculations take effect.
Funded employment scheme extension added to universal credit reclaims rule
Regulations laid before Parliament insert new paragraphs into the universal credit claims and payments rules from 22 September 2026, extending a funded employment scheme to reclaims.
UK mortgage sales rose to 717,519 in 2025, the highest annual total since 2021
Office for National Statistics figures show 717,519 UK mortgage sales in 2025, the highest annual total since 2021 but still around 34.5% below 2006 levels.
Winter Fuel Payment 2026 opt-out deadline
The deadline to opt out of the Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2026/27 falls on 20 September 2026, with claims for the payment opening the following day and qualifying week running from 21 to 27 September.
Tax information and impact note published on cash ISA limit reduction
HMRC has published a tax information and impact note on reducing the annual cash ISA subscription limit to £12,000 for under-65s from 6 April 2027, with the limit for those aged 65 and over unchanged.
1,500 people quit work to care every day, a 150% increase in seven years
Carers UK says 1,500 people a day are leaving work to care for older and disabled relatives, a 150% rise in seven years, with separate Scottish polling putting the figure at 362,182.
UK CPI inflation rises to 3.1% in the 12 months to August
UK consumer price inflation rose to 3.1% in the 12 months to August 2026, up from 2.9% in July, as motor fuel and air fares pushed the headline rate higher.
CPIH and CPI annual inflation rose for a second consecutive month in August 2026
UK consumer price inflation rose for a second month in August 2026, with CPIH at 3.3% and CPI at 3.1% as motor fuel prices pushed the transport division higher.
MPs launch inquiry into auto-enrolment contributions for low earners
The Work and Pensions Committee has opened an inquiry into whether minimum auto-enrolment contributions should rise and how any increase in cost should be divided between employers and employees.
Consumer Scotland responds to UK Government consultation on home upgrade scheme consumer protection
Consumer Scotland has published its response to a UK Government consultation on reforming consumer protection for home upgrade schemes, part of work to support delivery of the Warm Homes Plan.
Which? warns of WhatsApp screen-sharing scams
Which? has warned of screen-sharing scams on WhatsApp in which fraudsters pose as banks, the police and the FCA, with one victim losing more than £27,000 over three days.
Annual eligibility checks for free school meals begin from the 2026/27 school year
Free school meals eligibility in England will be checked every year from the 2026/27 school year, ahead of the October census, alongside an expansion of eligibility from September 2026.
Crisis and Resilience Fund rolled out across local authorities
The Crisis and Resilience Fund, which replaced the Household Support Fund in April 2026, has now been rolled out across local authorities in England, according to Turn2us.
Free school meal eligibility expanded in England
Free school meals in England are extended from September 2026 to all pupils in households receiving Universal Credit, removing the £7,400 net earnings cap and adding an estimated 500,000 children.
HMRC to begin signing up remaining MTD for Income Tax customers from September 2026
HMRC will begin signing up sole traders and landlords who should already be using Making Tax Digital for Income Tax but have not registered, in stages from September 2026.
Inflation rises to 3.1 per cent in August
UK inflation climbed to 3.1 per cent in August after a 12p-a-litre jump at the pumps, with the Bank of England forecasting 4 per cent inflation this winter.
Winter Fuel Payment replaced in Scotland by Pension Age Winter Heating Payment
The Winter Fuel Payment no longer applies in Scotland, where it has been replaced by the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, with rates of up to £316.70 for winter 2026/27.
- August 2026
Deadline to extend Child Benefit for 16 to 19-year-olds in education or training
Parents of 16 to 19-year-olds continuing in approved education or training must extend their Child Benefit claim by 31 August or payments stop automatically, HMRC has said.
Fuel Duty cut to continue to 31 August 2026 with rates rising thereafter
The temporary 5p cut to fuel duty runs to 31 August 2026, after which duty rises in stages in September and December 2026 and March 2027, returning rates to March 2022 levels.
ONS published Household Costs Indices for UK household groups, April to June 2026
The Office for National Statistics said the Household Costs Index rose 2.8% in the year to June 2026, down from 3.6% in March, with low-income households recording a lower rate than high-income households.
Almost half of councils increase bailiff use as council tax arrears hit £7.4bn
The Money Advice Trust says almost half of councils increased their use of bailiffs while council tax arrears reached £7.4bn, and it is calling for a new approach in England.
Citizens Advice warns over a third of Brits worried about affording energy bills this winter
Citizens Advice research published on 26 August 2026 finds 37% of Britons, over 10 million households, worried about affording energy bills this winter, with 3.5 million households in energy debt.
Ofgem price cap rise pushes energy prices to a three year high
Citizens Advice says the latest Ofgem price cap rise takes energy prices to a three year high, and calls for a reformed energy support scheme for those most in need.
TransUnion expands credit score range to 0-999
TransUnion is replacing its 0 to 710 credit score with a 0 to 999 range and new band names, rolling out to credit monitoring partners in phases from late September 2026 until June 2027.
Which? warns of wave of fake Apple Pay suspension texts
Which? has warned of a new wave of fake text messages claiming Apple Pay has been suspended, which ask recipients to re-enter card details through a link.
Fair By Design responds to Ofgem consumer outcomes consultation on billing
Fair By Design has responded to Ofgem's consultation on consumer outcomes for billing, arguing that minimum standards for suppliers should sit alongside the regulator's planned outcomes-based approach.
Mortgage and landlord possession statistics for April to June 2026 published
Mortgage possession claims, orders, warrants and repossessions all fell in England and Wales in April to June 2026, while landlord claims rose and mortgage repossession times reached their longest since late 2023.
ONS releases Consumer price inflation, UK: July 2026 bulletin
UK consumer price inflation rose to 3.1% on the CPIH measure and 2.9% on CPI in the 12 months to July 2026, the first increase since March, driven by higher gas and electricity prices.
Nationwide cuts fixed mortgage rates by up to 0.15 percentage points
Nationwide is cutting rates across its fixed mortgage range by up to 0.15 percentage points from 18 August 2026, taking its lowest fixed rate to 4.48% for home movers.
Co-chair update on the Timms Review of PIP published
The Department for Work and Pensions and Sir Stephen Timms have published a co-chair update on the progress of the Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment, dated 12 August 2026.
More than 436,000 sole traders and landlords send first MTD for Income Tax quarterly update
HMRC says more than 436,000 sole traders and landlords sent their first Making Tax Digital for Income Tax quarterly update by the 7 August 2026 deadline, with over 570,000 signed up.
Pensioners begin receiving Simple Assessment letters
HMRC has begun sending Simple Assessment letters to pensioners from 12 August 2026, part of around 1.8 million letters for the 2025 to 2026 tax year.
Financial Ombudsman outlines next phase of service reforms
The Financial Ombudsman Service has confirmed new powers to dismiss complaints from 1 October 2026, a registration stage for next year and joint thematic reviews with the FCA.
ONS publishes detailed CPI and CPIH figures for August 2026
The Office for National Statistics said CPI inflation rose to 3.1 per cent in the 12 months to August 2026, with transport and motor fuels the largest upward contributor to the increase.
Deadline for first Making Tax Digital for Income Tax quarterly update
More than 864,000 sole traders and landlords must send their first Making Tax Digital for Income Tax quarterly update to HMRC by 7 August 2026, covering income and expenses for the first three months of the tax year.
Eligibility statement for Warm Home Discount 2026 to 2027 published
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has published the Warm Home Discount eligibility statement for England and Wales for the 2026 to 2027 scheme year, setting out who qualifies.
Which? publishes updated guidance on spotting online shopping scams
Which? has published updated guidance on identifying fake shopping websites, warning that artificial intelligence tools now let criminals build convincing scam sites in minutes.
Consultation on ISA Amendment Regulations 2026 closes
A technical consultation on draft regulations to cut the Cash ISA subscription limit for under-65s to £12,000 from April 2027 closed at 11:59pm on 2 August 2026, with HMRC now analysing responses.
Free school meals eligibility expands in England to all families on Universal Credit
Free school meals in England are now open to all families on Universal Credit from the start of this term, with government estimates suggesting an extra 500,000 children qualify.
Housing Benefit migration to Universal Credit under way
Housing Benefit is being replaced by Universal Credit, with the Department for Work and Pensions sending migration notices that set a deadline to apply, and new claims restricted to pensioners and some supported housing.
UK private rent inflation accelerated to 3.8% in August 2026
Average UK private rent reached £1,400 in August 2026, up 3.8% on a year earlier, the fastest annual growth since December, while house price inflation slowed to 1.4%.
- July 2026
BSA research shows mortgage access concerns falling but affordability still the main barrier
BSA research finds 37% of people now see mortgage access as a barrier to buying a home, down from 48% two years ago, with affordability still the biggest obstacle.
StepChange calls for stronger credit card consumer protections
StepChange Debt Charity has published a report on the credit card regulatory framework, calling for earlier lender intervention, stronger affordability checks and higher minimum repayments as polling shows 15% of UK adults struggle with repayments.
CMA publishes final updated unfair contract terms guidance (CMA37) after consultation
The Competition and Markets Authority has published the outcome of its consultation on revised unfair contract terms guidance, with the final version replacing the existing CMA37 document.
UK CPIH inflation falls to 2.8% and CPI to 2.6% in June 2026
UK consumer price inflation slowed in June 2026, with CPIH at 2.8% and CPI at 2.6%, as transport and food prices eased, according to the Office for National Statistics.
UK HPI for May 2026 published showing 2.7% annual house price growth
The May 2026 UK House Price Index puts the average UK property at £271,000, up 2.7% on the year, with London the only English region to record an annual fall.
CMA writes to private parking operators over appeals and extra charges
The Competition and Markets Authority has written to private parking operators about appeals and extra charges, opened an investigation into Euro Car Parks and sent recommendations to government.
Draft ISA amendment regulations published for consultation
Draft regulations published on 16 July 2026 would cap cash ISA subscriptions at £12,000 for under-65s from 6 April 2027 and tax interest on cash held inside stocks and shares and innovative finance ISAs.
BNPL users can bring complaints to the Financial Ombudsman from 15 July 2026
From 15 July 2026 buy now pay later agreements taken out on or after that date fall under FCA rules, and consumers can bring eligible complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Buy now pay later agreements come into FOS scope
Buy now pay later agreements taken out on or after 15 July 2026 can now be taken to the Financial Ombudsman Service, extending formal dispute resolution to a sector that previously sat outside it.
Government opens consultation on modernising payment services regulation
HM Treasury has opened a consultation on modernising payment services regulation, seeking views on how the framework should adapt to tokenised payments, Open Banking and agentic payments.
TPR publishes new five-year Corporate Strategy, Corporate Plan and Regulatory Roadmap
The Pensions Regulator has published a five-year Corporate Strategy, a Corporate Plan for 2026-27 and a Regulatory Roadmap setting out when reform consultations, regulation and guidance will reach the workplace pensions industry.
Timms Review Interim Report finds PIP no longer fit for purpose
The Timms Review's interim report, published in July 2026, found Personal Independence Payment no longer fit for purpose, and disabled people are now being invited to help shape its final recommendations.
FCA publishes Mills Review on AI in retail financial services
The Financial Conduct Authority has published the Mills Review, setting out how artificial intelligence could reshape UK retail financial services and regulation by 2030.
Housing Benefit earned income disregard regulations laid
The government has laid corrective regulations to fix errors in the 2026 Housing Benefit earned income disregard rules, so the higher disregards still take effect from 5 October 2026.
Card fraud has rebounded, affecting 14% of people in two years
A Which? survey found 14% of people experienced card fraud in the last two years, with the figure rising to one fifth among 25 to 34-year-olds, as an automatic card-updating service helps fraudsters keep spending.
Bank of England publishes 2026 Q2 Credit Conditions Survey
The Bank of England's 2026 Q2 Credit Conditions Survey, published on 2 July 2026, shows household secured credit availability unchanged while unsecured availability rose and unsecured default rates increased.
HMRC publishes Transformation Roadmap update with app usage figures
HMRC has published a Transformation Roadmap update reporting 7.6 million app users in 2025 to 2026 and confirming plans to move more than 100 personal tax letters online from summer 2027.
Upper Tribunal suspends parts of motor finance compensation scheme
The Upper Tribunal has suspended parts of the FCA's motor finance redress scheme, so lenders need not calculate or pay compensation until the legal process concludes, though other rules still apply.
Benefit rates for 2026-27 take effect
Age UK has published the benefit rates in force for 2026-27, covering the State Pension, Pension Credit, disability and carer's payments, bereavement benefits and working-age benefits.
BNPL regulation due to come into effect
Buy now pay later regulation is due to take effect in July 2026, bringing Section 75 protection and access to the Financial Ombudsman for shoppers using deferred payment credit.
BNPL regulation rules come into force
Rules regulating buy-now-pay-later credit came into force in July 2026, after Parliament approved plans to bring the sector under regulation in July 2025.
Consultation launched on Leasehold Enfranchisement Valuation Rates
The government has opened a consultation on the valuation rates used to calculate lease extension and freehold purchase costs, with responses now due by 21 October 2026.
Consumer Council publishes research on Northern Ireland bank branch closures
The Consumer Council for Northern Ireland has published research finding that Northern Ireland lost around 48% of its physical bank branches since 2020, with closures affecting consumers and small businesses in urban and rural areas.
Deadline set for migration to New Payments Architecture
The Payment Systems Regulator has set 1 July 2026 as the deadline for migrating Faster Payments to new infrastructure, with its APP fraud reimbursement rules carrying over.
FCA regulation of most BNPL agreements begins
Most buy now pay later agreements taken out from 15 July 2026 are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, bringing affordability checks, Ombudsman escalation and section 75 protections.
Independent evaluation of the APP scams policies concludes
Frontier Economics has published its independent evaluation of the Payment Systems Regulator's APP scams policies, and the regulator has set out a timetable running to a formal consultation in December 2026.
Ofgem energy price cap changed in July 2026, raising gas and electricity prices
Ofgem's July 2026 energy price cap change raised gas and electricity prices, lifting the average direct debit dual fuel bill to an estimated £1,862 a year, £221 more than before.
Ofgem reduces TDCV levels again in July 2026
Ofgem cut the assumed typical household consumption used in its price cap publications from July 2026, lowering gas by 17% to 9,500 kWh and electricity by 7% to 2,500 kWh.
- June 2026
Compensation scheme starts for loans taken out after 1 April 2014
The FCA's motor finance compensation scheme opens on 30 June 2026 for loans taken out from 1 April 2014, with 12.1 million agreements eligible and average payouts of around £830.
New research quantifies poverty premium at up to £736 a year for low-income households
Fair By Design and the University of Bristol find 95% of low-income households in Britain pay an average £380 a year more for essentials, with the highest premiums reaching £736.
Working-age customers begin receiving Simple Assessment letters
HMRC has begun sending Simple Assessment letters for the 2025 to 2026 tax year, with around 1.8 million due and payment owed by 31 January 2027 unless a letter shows otherwise.
Consumer Duty examples added to CONC 2.2.2 guidance
The FCA has added guidance to its consumer credit rules listing behaviour likely to breach Principle 6 and the Consumer Duty, including repossession of a customer's home other than as a last resort.
FCA updates ICOBS 5.3 guidance on advised insurance sales
The Financial Conduct Authority has added new handbook guidance on advised insurance sales, covering suitability across packaged policies and pure protection contracts, effective from 26 June 2026.
Guidance updated on information provided to repeat overdraft users in financial difficulty
The FCA has updated its guidance on how firms must inform repeat overdraft users showing signs of financial difficulty, covering their financial position, credit file reporting and available options.
Great British Summer Savings VAT cut takes effect
A temporary VAT cut from 20% to 5% on children's restaurant meals and eligible attraction tickets took effect on 25 June 2026, with the scheme launched at ODEON Milton Keynes.
Technical consultation on the draft ISA amending legislation opens
HMRC has opened a technical consultation on draft regulations that will cut the annual Cash ISA limit to £12,000 for under-65s from 6 April 2027, alongside new anti-circumvention rules.
Technical consultation opens on draft ISA Amendment Regulations 2026
HMRC has opened a technical consultation on draft regulations that would cut the annual Cash ISA subscription limit for under-65s to £12,000 from 6 April 2027, with the consultation running to 2 August 2026.
Which? finds cancelled card loophole can let fraud follow replacement cards
Which? has found that automatic card updating services can carry stolen card details onto replacement cards, and that most major high street banks give customers no way to opt out.
Consultation on tackling lower value tax debts opens
HMRC has opened a consultation on extending its existing powers to recover lower value tax debts through direct monthly deductions from people who persistently do not engage with it.
Government announces anti-circumvention rules for reduced cash ISA limit
The government has set out anti-circumvention rules to support the reduced £12,000 cash ISA limit for under-65s from April 2027, including transfer restrictions and a 22% charge on interest on cash held in non-cash ISAs.
Government launches First Time Buyer ISA consultation
HM Treasury has opened a consultation on a new, simpler ISA for first time buyers that would replace the Lifetime ISA, with responses accepted until 18 August 2026.
Supporting evidence threshold set to £155.00 per month for July to September 2026
The Accountant in Bankruptcy has set the supporting evidence threshold used in Scottish debt solutions at £155.00 per month for the period from 1 July to 30 September 2026.
Which? reports card-not-present fraud hit record case volumes and losses in 2025
Which? reports that card-not-present fraud reached record case volumes in 2025, with 3.2m cases and £423.5m in losses, as overseas processing of online card fraud rose to 77%.
New PIP award duration rules extended to existing caseload
The Department for Work and Pensions has extended its changed Personal Independence Payment award durations to the existing caseload from 16 June 2026, alongside statistics showing four million claimants in England and Wales.
Deadline for landlords to issue updated contract terms
Landlords in Wales had to give existing contract holders updated contract terms by 14 June 2026, under changes in force from 1 June 2026 aimed at stopping discrimination against tenants.
FCA data shows 29% rise in pensions fully withdrawn since 2018-19
Financial Conduct Authority data shows just over 462,000 pensions were withdrawn in full in 2024-25, a 29% rise on the 357,122 fully withdrawn in 2018-19.
High Court appoints special administrators over EES
The High Court has appointed special administrators over Euro Exchange Securities UK Ltd after the FCA required the firm to stop carrying on regulated electronic money and payment services.
Claimants can now object to landlords' requests to recover rent and service charge arrears from UC payments
Universal Credit claimants can now object to a landlord's request to recover rent and service charge arrears from their benefit payment, under guidance updated by the Department for Work and Pensions on 10 June 2026.
DWP opens consultation on amending pension transfer scam protections
The Department for Work and Pensions has opened a consultation on amending the 2021 pension transfer scam rules, proposing a new red flag for transfers into Small Self-Administered Schemes.
Government launches cohabitation law reform consultation
The government has opened a consultation on cohabitation law reform in England and Wales, seeking views on property, pension and inheritance rights for around 3.5 million unmarried couples.
Temporary reduced VAT rate for children's meals, tickets and family attractions added
HMRC's VAT guidance now sets out a temporary reduced rate for children's meals, tickets and family attractions running from 25 June to 1 September 2026, replacing an earlier temporary rate.
PPI publishes report on megafund pension reforms with international insights
The Pensions Policy Institute has published a report on the UK megafund pension reforms, drawing on international evidence and interviews with UK and Australian pension stakeholders.
Right to try rules come into effect
Rules meaning that trying work or volunteering will not trigger an unplanned review of PIP, universal credit or new style ESA came into effect on 2 June 2026.
Applications open for free school meals for the start of the autumn term
Applications for free school meals open on 1st June 2026 for the autumn term, ahead of an expansion in England from September 2026 that is expected to add around 500,000 eligible children.
BNPL to come within FCA regulation from summer 2026
Buy now, pay later will fall under Financial Conduct Authority regulation from summer 2026 under legislation already passed by the Government, with the FCA having consulted on draft rules for firms.
Breathing Space registrations fall 41% year on year
Breathing Space registrations fell 41% year on year to 4,495 in June 2026, the Insolvency Service said, while individual insolvencies in England and Wales rose 16% over the same period.
FCA updates BCOBS 5 on set-off, Consumer Duty and financial difficulty
The FCA has updated BCOBS 5, its post-sale banking rules, with guidance on payment instruction ordering, set-off and subsistence balances, and customers in financial difficulty, effective 26/06/2026.
FSCS raises deposit compensation limit to £120,000
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme raised its deposit protection limit from £85,000 to £120,000 per eligible person per firm on 1 December 2025, after the PRA confirmed final rules in November 2025.
Government publishes response to home buying and selling reform consultation
The government has published its response to the October 2025 home buying and selling reform consultation, committing to reforms and setting out a timetable running to the end of this Parliament.
Market engagement to begin on recommissioning of national debt advice services
The Money and Pensions Service will start market engagement on recommissioning its national telephone and digital debt advice contracts from early summer 2026, alongside a new community-based grant scheme.
MCOB 11 updated with Consumer Duty references and revised exceptions to affordability assessment
The FCA Handbook's responsible lending chapter was updated on 26 June 2026, adding Consumer Duty wording to its purpose and revising the exceptions to the mortgage affordability assessment rule.
Net mortgage borrowing rose to £7.7 billion in June 2026
Net mortgage borrowing by individuals rose to £7.7 billion in June 2026 from £3.3 billion in May, the Bank of England has reported, while mortgage approvals for house purchases increased but stayed below their recent average.
- May 2026
Deadline for landlords to issue government factsheet and statements of terms for pre-existing tenancies
Landlords of private tenancies in England that began before 1 May 2026 must issue the government factsheet, or a written statement of terms for unwritten agreements, by 31 May 2026.
Household Costs Indices bulletin for January to March 2026 published
The Office for National Statistics said overall UK household costs rose 3.6 per cent in the year to March 2026, unchanged from December 2025, with renters facing the highest rate of any tenure type.
OPFS responds to new energy price cap announcement
One Parent Families Scotland has responded to the new energy price cap announced by Ofgem on 27 May 2026, setting out the money and debt support it offers to single parent families.
Consumer Scotland responds to FCA and Financial Ombudsman consultation on modernising the redress framework
Consumer Scotland has responded to the FCA and Financial Ombudsman Service consultation on modernising the redress framework, backing a light touch registration stage but warning that many specific dismissal rules could make the service inflexible.
Government publishes FOS review consultation outcome with package of proposed reforms
The government has published the outcome of its review of the Financial Ombudsman Service, proposing a 10-year complaint time limit, an adapted Fair and Reasonable test and new FCA referral duties.
Financial Services and Markets Bill introduced in the House of Lords on 19 May 2026
The Financial Ombudsman Service has confirmed changes to how it handles complaints, with formal rule changes taking effect from 1 October 2026 and pilots on fraud and scams casework starting the same month.
State Pension age increase from 66 to 67 begins
The State Pension age began rising from 66 to 67 on 6 May 2026, with the increase phased in over two years and affecting people born between April 1960 and April 1977.
The Pensions Ombudsman publishes Corporate Plan for 2026/27 backed by new three-year DWP funding settlement
The Pensions Ombudsman has published its Corporate Plan for 2026/27, backed by a three-year funding settlement that allows a 20% expansion of its frontline casework teams.
Which? warns of bank impersonation scam using one-time passcodes
Which? has reported how a Barclays customer was defrauded after a genuine fraud call from the bank primed them to trust a later scam call asking for one-time passcodes.
FCA crackdown on finfluencers: conviction, warnings and account removals
The Financial Conduct Authority worked with 16 overseas regulators on a week of action against illegal financial promotions, identifying more than 1,200 suspect posts and securing one conviction.
FCA confirms it will defend compensation scheme against legal challenge
The FCA has confirmed its motor finance compensation scheme has been legally challenged and says it will defend the scheme as lawful, with parts of it suspended by the Upper Tribunal.
Government publishes FOS consultation response and final reform plans
The government has confirmed final plans to reform the Financial Ombudsman Service, including a 10-year complaint time limit and a narrower Fair and Reasonable test, and will not make it an FCA subsidiary.
New law makes benefit discrimination by private landlords and letting agents illegal
A law in force from 1 May 2026 makes it illegal for private landlords and letting agents in Scotland to refuse tenants because they receive benefits or have children.
Mortgage borrowing and approvals fell in May 2026
Bank of England data show net mortgage borrowing fell to £2.9 billion in May 2026 and house purchase approvals dropped to 56,200, the lowest since December 2023.
Pension Credit claims with Unfulfilled Eligibility rise
The share of Pension Credit claims with Unfulfilled Eligibility rose to 13 in 100 in the financial year ending 2026, from 10 in 100 the year before, a statistically significant increase.
Regulations come into force and scheme period begins
The Warm Home Discount (Scotland) Regulations 2026 came into force on 1 May 2026, continuing the scheme in Scotland to 31st March 2031 with a £150 rebate for eligible households.
Rental bidding above advertised price banned in England
From 1 May 2026 landlords and letting agents in England cannot let a property above its advertised rent, and cannot ask for more than one month's rent in advance.
Renters' Rights Act increases ground 8 arrears threshold
From 1 May 2026 private landlords in England need three months of unpaid rent before using ground 8 to evict, up from two months under the Renters' Rights Act.
Rules on 'no fault' evictions changed
The rules on "no fault" evictions changed on 1 May 2026, according to StepChange, which says tenants who receive an eviction notice should act quickly and not leave straight away.
Second Pensions Commission publishes interim report on pension sustainability
The Second Pensions Commission's interim report on pension sustainability has prompted a parliamentary inquiry into whether minimum auto-enrolment contributions should rise and how any increase is shared.
New section 8 possession notice regime applies from 1 May 2026
Section 8 possession notices served on private tenants in England from 1 May 2026 must use Form 3A, under new government guidance published on 7 April 2026.
Universal Credit caseload reaches record 8.4 million people
The number of people on Universal Credit reached 8.4 million in May 2026, the highest since the benefit began in 2013 and up from 7.7 million a year earlier.
Warm Home Discount (Scotland) Scheme continued to 31 March 2031
The Warm Home Discount (Scotland) Scheme has been continued to 31 March 2031 under regulations made on 30 April 2026 and in force from 1 May 2026.
- April 2026
FCA opens consultation on simplifying consumer credit financial promotions rules
The Financial Conduct Authority has opened a consultation on simplifying consumer credit financial promotions rules and improving how the cost of credit is disclosed to consumers.
FCA publishes Research Note informing CONC 3 cost disclosure review
The FCA has published a research note on how consumers compare the cost of credit, findings from which it says informed its discussion paper on cost disclosure rules in CONC 3.
NI Executive agrees in principle to extend Breathing Space to Northern Ireland via UK statutory instrument
The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed in principle to extend statutory Breathing Space debt protections to Northern Ireland through a UK statutory instrument, withdrawing the separate Debt Respite Bill.
Warm Home Discount (Scotland) Regulations 2026 signed and consented
The Warm Home Discount (Scotland) Regulations 2026 were signed on 29 April 2026, continuing the Scottish scheme with a £150 rebate and a scheme period running to 31st March 2031.
90-day notice rule applies to accounts opened on or after 28 April 2026
Accounts opened on or after 28 April 2026 now carry a minimum 90 days' notice before a bank can terminate them, and the bank must give a clear reason for the closure.
Lloyds Banking Group sends Treasury Committee second update on IT glitch
Lloyds Banking Group has sent the Treasury Committee a second update on an IT glitch, reporting a further £62,000 in goodwill payments and, for the first time, that 80,805 joint account holders may have had transactions shared.
Renters Right Act comes into force
The Renters' Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2026, abolishing section 21 no-fault evictions in England and replacing assured shorthold tenancies with periodic assured tenancies.
HMRC publishes Child Benefit take-up statistics showing record low
HMRC estimates show Child Benefit was claimed for 87% of eligible children in May 2025, the lowest take-up since the statistics began in 2003 and ten points below the 2012 peak.
UK House Price Index for February 2026 published
HM Land Registry has published the February 2026 UK House Price Index, showing a 1.2% annual rise in UK house prices and an average property value of £268,000.
Which? warns of PayPal 1p deposit scam triggering fake phone calls
Which? has warned that scammers are sending 1p deposits to PayPal accounts to trigger genuine PayPal emails, then telephoning recipients to extract personal and financial information.
Benefit rates uprated for 2026
Universal Credit, Pension Credit and most other benefits are uprated on 13 April 2026, while Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction change earlier in April under separate timetables.
Bank of England publishes 2026 Q1 Credit Conditions Survey
The Bank of England's 2026 Q1 Credit Conditions Survey reports that secured credit availability to households rose while unsecured availability was unchanged, and secured default rates increased slightly.
Equality screening published for Northern Ireland two child limit consequential amendments regulations
The Department for Communities has published an equality screening of the Northern Ireland regulations that accompany the removal of the two child limit in Universal Credit, and has decided against a full EQIA.
Fair4All Finance opens Small Sum Lending pilot bidding with up to £25m of funding
Fair4All Finance has opened bidding for its Small Sum Lending pilot, publishing an application pack for lenders and setting out plans to allocate up to £25m of funding.
Maximum UC debt deduction amounts updated for April 2026
Shelter has published the maximum amounts that can be deducted from Universal Credit standard allowance for debt from April 2026, with limits ranging from £51 to £100 a month by claim type.
Tenant Fees Act 2019 tenant guidance first published
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has published GOV.UK guidance for tenants in England setting out the fees and payments landlords may charge under the Tenant Fees Act 2019.
COBS 15 cancellation rules updated
The FCA updated the COBS 15 Cancellation chapter of its Handbook on 6 April 2026, including the table of cancellable contracts, cancellation periods, disclosure duties and exemptions.
ISA amendment regulations 2026 changes take effect
Amendments to the Individual Savings Account Regulations 1998 took effect on 6 April 2026, changing which investments qualify for stocks and shares, Junior and Innovative Finance ISAs.
Long Term Asset Funds to be permitted in Stocks & Shares ISAs from April 2026
Long Term Asset Funds will be permitted in Stocks and Shares ISAs from 6 April 2026 under regulations made in March, while UK cryptoasset exchange traded notes move to Innovative Finance ISAs.
LTAFs become eligible for stocks and shares ISAs and Junior ISAs and lose IFISA eligibility
From 6 April 2026 Long Term Asset Funds can be held in stocks and shares ISAs and Junior ISAs but lose their Innovative Finance ISA eligibility, while cryptoasset exchange traded notes move the other way.
NICs rates, limits and thresholds for 2026-27 take effect
National Insurance rates, limits and thresholds for the 2026-27 tax year take effect from 6 April 2026, with Class 2 and Class 3 rates and the lower earnings limit rising in line with September CPI.
Paternity leave becomes a day one right for employees
Paternity leave became a day one employment right on 6 April 2026, with the previous qualifying period removed and a rule that removed entitlement on taking shared parental leave scrapped.
Pension Credit toolkit updated with 2026 to 2027 benefit and pension figures
The Department for Work and Pensions has updated its Pension Credit toolkit with benefit and pension figures for 2026 to 2027, in English and Welsh, adding new posters and YouTube videos.
Pension interests brought into inheritance tax from 6 April 2027
Pension pots and other pension death benefits will form part of a person's estate for inheritance tax purposes for deaths on or after 6 April 2027, under the Finance Act 2026.
Plan 5 repayment holiday ends
A repayment exemption for plan 5 student loan borrowers, which applied on or before 5 April 2026, is omitted from 6 April 2026 under the Education (Student Loans) (Repayment) Regulations 2009.
Scottish income tax basic and intermediate thresholds to rise by 7.4% from April 2026
Scotland's draft Budget for 2026-27 raises the basic and intermediate income tax thresholds by 7.4% from April 2026, while the higher, advanced and top rate thresholds stay frozen.
New tax year changes take effect from Monday
The new tax year begins on Monday 6 April 2026 with frozen thresholds, the lifting of the two child limit, and day one rights to statutory sick pay and unpaid parental leave.
Tool updated with 2026 to 2027 tax year rates
HMRC has updated its online tool for checking tax on dividends and savings interest with the 2026 to 2027 rates, alongside its tax code checker and published Income Tax rates and allowances.
Trust CGT guidance updated for rates and UK property reporting changes from 6 April 2026
HMRC has updated its trusts and Capital Gains Tax guidance to reflect rate changes and UK property reporting rules taking effect from 6 April 2026, including a new 18% rate for Business Asset Disposal Relief.
New UC and ESA IR rates come into operation in Northern Ireland
New regulations setting Universal Credit and income-related Employment and Support Allowance rates for Northern Ireland come into operation on 6 April 2026, in parity with the equivalent Great Britain instrument.
Winter Heating Payment replaces Cold Weather Payment in Scotland
The Winter Heating Payment has replaced the Cold Weather Payment in Scotland, paying £62 automatically to people on qualifying benefits between December and February.
2026/27 DLA and CDP child rates published
The 2026/27 rates for the care and mobility components of Disability Living Allowance and Child Disability Payment have been published, with weekly care payments of up to £114.60.
Benefit cap earnings threshold raised to £881
The monthly earnings threshold at which households escape the benefit cap rose to £881 from April 2026, up from £846, under Universal Credit rules that also changed disability and work allowance amounts.
Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods rates updated from April 2026
Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods rates in Scotland rise from April 2026, with the Pregnancy and Baby Payment at £796.65 for a first child and £398.35 for each subsequent child.
Big Council Tax rises take effect in England
Council Tax in England rises for almost every household from April, averaging £111 more a year for Band D homes, with the lowest-income families spending nearly 5 per cent of income on the tax.
Carer Support Payment replaces Carer's Allowance in Scotland
Carer Support Payment has replaced Carer's Allowance in Scotland and is now available across the country, with three further payments for carers also in place.
Certain Universal Credit and ESA rates handled under separate legislation
The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2026 sets most State Pension and benefit rates for April 2026, while certain Universal Credit and ESA rates are handled separately.
New council tax collection rules come into force in Wales
Households in Wales now have 63 days to deal with a missed council tax instalment before enforcement action, replacing a minimum of 14 days under rules that took effect on 1 April 2026.
Council tax rises from April 2026
Council tax bills rose across England and Wales from 1 April 2026, with most authorities increasing by the maximum 4.99% allowed without a referendum and six councils permitted to go further.
Crisis and Resilience Fund launched as successor to Household Support Fund
The Crisis and Resilience Fund opened in April 2026 as the replacement for the Household Support Fund in England, running until March 2029 with crisis payments and resilience support from local councils.
DHPs in England incorporated into the Crisis and Resilience Fund
Discretionary Housing Payments in England were incorporated into the Crisis and Resilience Fund from April 2026, with the DWP confirming DHP statistics will continue as a Wales-only series.
Discretionary Housing Payments become CRF Housing Payments in England
Discretionary Housing Payments in England have been folded into the Crisis and Resilience Fund and renamed CRF Housing Payments from 1 April 2026, under a scheme funded for three years.
Domestic energy prices fell following a reduction in the Ofgem energy price cap
Ofgem's energy price cap reduction cut typical annual energy bills by £117 from 1 April 2026, and official data show gas and electricity inflation falling from April onwards.
DRD rollout to more customers from April 2026
HMRC is widening the use of Direct Recovery of Debts from April 2026, allowing it to take money owed directly from some customers' bank and building society accounts.
Energy bills to be cut as government removes policy costs from electricity bills
The government has removed some policy costs from electricity bills from 1 April 2026, cutting unit rates and standing charges for households on variable and fixed tariffs in Great Britain.
FCA Targeted Support to roll out from April 2026
The Government is working with the Financial Conduct Authority to roll out Targeted Support for consumers from April 2026, allowing authorised firms to suggest products to groups of customers.
Guidance updated and Discretionary Housing Payments information removed
The Department for Work and Pensions has updated its Housing Benefit rent factsheet, removing Discretionary Housing Payments information and pointing claimants to their local council instead.
Higher energy prices from Middle East conflict set to leave typical working-age household £480 worse off in 2026-27
The Resolution Foundation estimates higher energy prices linked to the Middle East conflict will leave the typical working-age household £480 worse off in 2026-27 than it would have been otherwise.
Late submission penalties to apply to MTD ITSA taxpayers with income over £50,000
From 6 April 2026, HM Revenue & Customs will apply its points-based late submission penalties to businesses, self-employed people and landlords with income over £50,000 who are mandated into Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
LHA rates frozen for 2026 to 2027
Local Housing Allowance rates used to work out housing support for private renters will stay at their 2025 to 2026 levels for the year from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax becomes mandatory for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax became mandatory in April 2026 for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000, with the first quarterly update due by 7 August 2026.
National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates increase
The National Living Wage rose to £12.71 an hour on 1 April 2026, with the National Minimum Wage rates for younger workers and apprentices also increasing.
Net mortgage borrowing fell in April while approvals for house purchases rose
Bank of England data show net mortgage borrowing fell to £4.4 billion in April from £6.8 billion in March, while approvals for house purchases rose to 65,900.
Non dependant deduction rates from April 2026
Shelter has published the weekly housing benefit deductions councils can take from claimants who share a home with other adults, ranging from £20.40 to £131.45 from April 2026.
New payment account termination rules come into force
Rules taking effect on 28 April 2026 extend the notice payment firms must give before closing an account to 90 days for new contracts and require detailed reasons for the decision.
Pension Age Disability Payment fully rolled out in Scotland as replacement for Attendance Allowance
Pension Age Disability Payment has replaced Attendance Allowance in Scotland, with awards transferred automatically from the Department for Work and Pensions to Social Security Scotland.
New PIP award durations take effect for people aged 25 or over
Most new PIP awards to people aged 25 or over are now for four years with a review after three, and the same durations apply to existing claims from 16 June 2026.
PIP and DLA rates up-rated from April 2026
The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2026 raises Personal Independence Payment and Disability Living Allowance weekly rates from April, with the daily living enhanced rate reaching £114.60.
Scottish income limit for free school meals takes effect from 1st April 2026
The household income limit for Universal Credit claimants applying for free school meals in Scotland rises to £11,940 a year, or £995 a month, from 1st April 2026.
SDP transitional element rates set from April 2026
The SDP transitional element rates paid to some Universal Credit claimants who moved from legacy benefits will be £148.82, £353.44 or £502.27 a month from April 2026.
ShPP rate and earnings threshold set for April 2026 to April 2027
Statutory Shared Parental Pay will be £194.32 a week or 90% of average earnings, whichever is lower, with a £129 weekly earnings test, for April 2026 to April 2027.
Social security benefits uprated by 3.8%
Social security benefits across the UK rise by 3.8% from April 2026, alongside a 4.8% state pension increase, Universal Credit changes and the end of legacy benefits.
State Pension age begins rising from 66 to 67
The State Pension age is rising from 66 to 67 on a phased basis between April 2026 and March 2028, with the exact date set by date of birth.
Surplus earnings figures for 2026/27 set out
Turn2us has published the Universal Credit element amounts, work allowances and thresholds used to calculate surplus earnings for 2026/27, setting out how earlier months of earnings can reduce or stop payments.
Third party deduction amounts change from April 2026
Third party deductions from universal credit, taken to repay energy, water and council tax debts, are set at new monthly amounts from April 2026, ranging from £17 to £33 depending on age and household type.
UC Health support for new claimants to halve from April 2026
New Universal Credit health claimants will receive £54 a week from April 2026, half the £105 a week paid to people with the same condition in March 2026, the Work and Pensions Committee has said.
Uprated council tax reduction figures apply from schemes beginning on or after 1 April 2026
Welsh ministers have laid regulations uprating council tax reduction figures and adding new disregards, applying to council tax reduction schemes made for financial years beginning on or after 1 April 2026.
VED rate changes to take effect from 1 April 2026
Vehicle Excise Duty rates for cars first registered on or after 1 April 2017 rise from 1 April 2026, with the flat annual rate increasing from £195 to £200.
VOA functions integrated into HMRC
The Valuation Office Agency's functions move into HM Revenue and Customs on 1 April 2026, and the agency ceases to exist, with council tax band challenges and business rates checks continuing.
Warm Home Discount scheme proposed to continue from 2026/27 to 2030/31
The government has proposed continuing the Warm Home Discount for five more years from winter 2026 to 2027, with options for Scotland including automatic data matching.
- March 2026
ECO funding to end from 31 March 2026
Government funding for the Energy Company Obligation ends on 31 March 2026 under Autumn Budget plans, with savings from scrapping ECO and shifting Renewables Obligation costs due to reach bills from April.
Fake British Gas cold calls reported, with callers knowing recipients' personal details
Which? has reported cold calls from scammers impersonating British Gas, with some recipients saying the callers already knew their email address and postcode.
Legacy benefits end as managed migration completes
Legacy benefits ended on 31 March 2026 after the managed migration process to Universal Credit was completed, with claims closed and claimants invited to apply for the newer benefit.
Treasury correspondence on proposed ISA changes published
The Economic Secretary to the Treasury wrote to the Chair of the Treasury Committee on 30 March 2026 about proposed changes to ISAs, with the correspondence published on 15 April 2026.
Chancellor meets lenders representing 75% of mortgage market and lenders reaffirm Mortgage Charter commitments
The Chancellor met lenders covering 75% of the mortgage market on 26 March 2026 to discuss rates and borrower support, after which lenders reaffirmed their Mortgage Charter commitments.
Current Warm Home Discount regulations end on 31 March 2026
The regulations underpinning the Warm Home Discount end on 31 March 2026, and replacement rules for England and Wales have been made to run the scheme to 2031.
FCA finalises revised motor finance compensation scheme
The FCA has finalised its motor finance compensation scheme, covering 12.1 million agreements made between 2007 and 2024, with an average payout of around £830 per agreement.
ONS releases March 2026 private rent and house prices statistics
The Office for National Statistics reports UK private rent inflation of 3.5% in the 12 months to February 2026 and house price inflation of 1.3% in the 12 months to January 2026.
Scottish social security up-rating regulations made
The Scottish Ministers have made two sets of regulations uprating Scottish social security payments, including Scottish child payment, disability and carer benefits, with most increases taking effect from 6 April 2026.
SLC opens application service for 26/27 academic year
The Student Loans Company has opened applications for 26/27 full-time undergraduate student finance in England, with Tuition Fee Loans of up to £9,790 and Maintenance Loans for living costs.
GB consequential regulations made and laid
The Social Security (Removal of Two Child Limit) (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2026 were made and laid before Parliament on 19 March 2026, coming into force on 6 April 2026.
Timms Review call for evidence launched
The Timms Review steering group opened a ten-week call for evidence on Personal Independence Payment on 19 March 2026, inviting views on the role and purpose of PIP, assessment, decision-making and the claimant experience.
Royal Assent granted to the Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill
The Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 18 March 2026, removing the two child limit on the child element for assessment periods starting on or after 6 April 2026.
BBC corrects misreported energy bills saving figure
BBC News has corrected a live blog post that overstated the saving from an upcoming energy price cap reduction, putting the figure at £170 when the Prime Minister said £117.
TPR publishes 2025 DC landscape report showing master trusts dominate the DC market
The Pensions Regulator's 2025 defined contribution landscape report shows scheme numbers fell 15% to 790 while assets rose 22% to £249 billion, with master trusts holding 92% of memberships.
New measures to modernise and transform the UK redress system
The Financial Ombudsman Service and the FCA have announced new measures to modernise the UK redress system, saying consumers should get fair and quick compensation when things go wrong.
IT glitch exposed other customers' transaction data at Lloyds Banking Group
Up to 447,936 Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland customers saw other people's transactions or had their data shared during an IT glitch on 12 March, the Treasury Committee has said.
GOV.UK news page first published
The Valuation Office Agency will be integrated into HM Revenue and Customs on 1 April 2026 and will cease to exist as an executive agency, HMRC and the VOA have announced.
Lloyds customers reportedly able to see other people's account information in banking app
The Treasury Committee has written to Lloyds Banking Group after it was reported that some customers could see information relating to other people's accounts through its banking app.
Barclays cuts Rainy Day Saver rates
Barclays cut rates across several savings accounts from 11 March 2026, with its Rainy Day Saver paying 3.96% AER on the first £5,000 and 0.70% AER above that.
ISA amendment regulations laid before the House of Commons
The Treasury laid regulations before the House of Commons on 10th March 2026 changing which investments individual savings accounts may hold, with effect from 6th April 2026.
Treasury makes the Pensions Increase (Review) Order 2026
The Treasury made the Pensions Increase (Review) Order 2026 on 9 March 2026, setting a 3.8 per cent rise in public service pensions in payment from 6 April 2026.
Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2026 made
The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2026, made on 2 March 2026, raises state pensions and benefits and sets new statutory pay rates, with most changes taking effect in April 2026.
Break and bereavement improvements to Carer Support Payment introduced
Social Security Scotland has confirmed that Carer Support Payment changes introduced in March 2026 removed the set caring period for temporary breaks and extended bereavement support to 12 weeks.
Broader Group application process in Scotland proposed for replacement by data matching from winter 2026/27
Consumer Scotland has backed replacing the application-based Broader Group in Scotland with automatic data matching from winter 2026/27, warning that some previous recipients could lose the Warm Home Discount.
DWP launches Timms Review into PIP
The Department for Work and Pensions launched the Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment in March 2026, covering its purpose, eligibility and the claiming experience, with evidence closing on 28 May 2026.
ESA caseload falls 39% as claimants move to Universal Credit
Employment and Support Allowance claimants fell 39.0% to 810,000 between February 2025 and March 2026, as the Department for Work and Pensions reported the move to Universal Credit is close to being complete.
Government announces £53m support for heating oil customers in vulnerable situations
The government announced £53m in March 2026 to help heating oil customers in vulnerable situations, with support delivered differently in each UK nation and a £9,000 heat pump grant opening in July.
Government publishes Fraud Strategy 2026 to 2029
The government has published its Fraud Strategy 2026 to 2029, setting out plans on reporting, victim support and policing as industry figures put banking fraud losses at about £1.3 billion in 2025.
Government publishes reforms following its review of the Financial Ombudsman Service in March 2026
The government has published reforms following its review of the Financial Ombudsman Service, with some measures carried in the Financial Services and Markets Bill introduced in the House of Lords on 19 May 2026.
Hargreaves Lansdown to reprice its platform fees
Hargreaves Lansdown's new platform pricing plan takes effect on 1 March 2026, with rival interactive investor reporting a jump in transfers in from the platform.
Household Support Fund extended to end of March 2026
The Household Support Fund, a government-funded cost-of-living scheme run by local councils, is running until the end of March 2026 after being extended in the Spring Budget.
Housing Benefit claims fall 23.2% to 1.4 million
Housing Benefit claims fell 23.2 per cent to 1.4 million between February 2025 and March 2026, as the Department for Work and Pensions moves working age claimants onto Universal Credit.
Legacy benefit payments due to end by 31 March 2026
The remaining legacy benefits are due to end by 31 March 2026, with claimants told to move to universal credit by the deadline in their migration letter or see payments stop.
Lloyds IT glitch affected nearly half a million customers
Lloyds Banking Group has told the Treasury Committee that an IT glitch affected nearly half a million customers, with £201,000 in goodwill payments made to 5,250 people.
Managed migration to be completed by Spring 2026
The DWP has said all migration notices should be sent by the end of December 2025 and the managed migration process completed by Spring 2026, with income-related Employment and Support Allowance claimants last to move.
- February 2026
Evaluation report on managed migration from tax credits to Universal Credit published
The Department for Work and Pensions has published an evaluation of households receiving tax credits only who were invited to move to Universal Credit, covering the period up to April 2025.
DWP begins Automated claimant reviews of Universal Credit claims
The Department for Work and Pensions has started selecting Universal Credit claims for Automated claimant reviews, which can occur at any time and may lead to payments being stopped if claimants do not respond.
Financial Ombudsman Service warns people to be on high alert for online investment and employment scams
The Financial Ombudsman Service received 31,300 fraud and scam complaints in 2025 and has urged the public to stay alert to online investment and employment scams.
DWP publishes Move to UC statistics to end December 2025
The Department for Work and Pensions has published figures showing 2,352,886 individuals were sent migration notices between July 2022 and December 2025, with 356,521 not claiming Universal Credit and having legacy claims closed.
Fair4All Finance launches credit union transformation programme for England
Fair4All Finance has opened a public consultation on a credit union transformation programme for England, backed by £30m of dormant assets funding and delivered with HM Treasury and ABCUL.
Living Standards Outlook 2026 published
The Resolution Foundation forecasts typical non-pensioner incomes will grow 1.2 per cent in 2026-27, with lower-income families seeing gains of 4.7 per cent as benefit uprating and the two-child limit change take effect.
Nationwide cuts variable-rate savings rates by up to 0.25 percentage points
Nationwide cut rates across its variable-rate savings products, including instant-access and Isa accounts, by up to 0.25 percentage points from 10 February 2026, as average savings rates continued to fall.
Minister commits to accept Benefit Fraud and Error Task and Finish Group recommendations
Northern Ireland's Communities Minister has accepted the Benefit Fraud and Error Task and Finish Group's recommendations, pledging around 200 extra staff and a new advertising campaign.
National Trading Standards warns of AI voice-cloning survey scam leading to unauthorised direct debits
National Trading Standards has identified a scam in which cold callers posing as lifestyle survey researchers use AI to clone victims' voices and set up direct debits without their knowledge.
Funeral Support Payment eligibility widened by around 40%
A new nearest relative eligibility test for Scotland's Funeral Support Payment is expected to widen eligibility by around 40 per cent, reaching an estimated 5,000 people each year.
Alcohol duty rates change from 1 February 2026 until 1 February 2027
New alcohol duty rates per litre of pure alcohol apply in the UK from 1 February 2026 until 1 February 2027, under rates published alongside the 2025 Budget.
Lost in the system report launched
The Money Advice Trust has published Lost in the system, a report on council tax in England that finds support is not widespread and sets out recommendations to Government and local authorities.
- January 2026
Net mortgage approvals for house purchases fell to 60,000 in January 2026
Bank of England data show net mortgage approvals for house purchases fell to 60,000 in January 2026, below the recent six-month average, while mortgage borrowing and consumer credit also shifted.
Net mortgage borrowing fell to £4.1 billion in January 2026
Bank of England figures show net mortgage borrowing by individuals fell to £4.1 billion in January 2026, down from £4.5 billion in December and below the previous six-month average.
Government confirms Warm Home Discount Scheme will continue for five years to 2030/31
The Government has confirmed the Warm Home Discount will run for a further five years from 2026/27 to 2030/31, merging the two Core Groups in England and Wales and expanding data-matched eligibility in Scotland.
Government responds to Warm Home Discount consultation without increasing the £150 rebate
The Government has published its response to the Warm Home Discount consultation, extending the scheme to 2031 but leaving the £150 rebate unchanged and eligibility rules as they are.
Universal Credit LHA rates 2026 to 2027 published
The Department for Work and Pensions has published Universal Credit Local Housing Allowance rates for England, Scotland and Wales covering April 2026 to March 2027, with a date error corrected in April.
Government announces ground rent cap and ban on new leasehold flats
The government has published a draft bill to cap ground rent at £250 a year, ban new leasehold flats and make commonhold easier, with the cap not expected before late 2028.
Page updated to reflect the change from Action Fraud to Report Fraud
The Valuation Office Agency has updated its business rates agent guidance so that fraud reports are directed to Report Fraud rather than Action Fraud, in a change dated 26 January 2026.
CMA opens consultation on draft revised unfair contract terms guidance
The Competition and Markets Authority has opened a consultation on draft revised guidance and a technical note covering the unfair contract terms provisions in the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Consumer Scotland responds to Ofgem consultation on energy debt at change of tenancy
Consumer Scotland has published its response to an Ofgem consultation on energy debt at change of tenancy, tentatively supporting reform while warning about self-disconnection and pre-move liability risks.
Treasury Committee report warns current approach to AI in financial services risks serious harm
The Treasury Select Committee says the Bank of England, FCA and Treasury are exposing consumers and the financial system to potentially serious harm through their wait-and-see approach to AI.
Legislative Consent Memorandum laid for Universal Credit two-child limit removal Bill
The Minister for Communities has laid a legislative consent memorandum asking the Northern Ireland Assembly to agree that the Universal Credit two-child limit removal Bill extends to Northern Ireland.
Report finds credit score dashboards can encourage overborrowing
A report published on 19 January 2026 finds that credit score dashboards can encourage overborrowing and deter low-to-middle income households from seeking help with debt.
MPs to question DWP officials amid complaints controversy
The Work and Pensions Committee will question Department for Work and Pensions officials on 16 January 2026 about paused remedial actions, carers allowance overpayment debts and the department's annual reports and accounts.
Household Support Fund replaced by Crisis and Resilience Fund
Official guidance on Cost of Living Payments now points households to the Crisis and Resilience Fund, after the Household Support Fund was replaced in an update published on 1 April 2026.
2026 to 2027 Scottish Income Tax rates and bands added
The Scottish Budget on 13 January 2026 set out proposed Scottish Income Tax rates and bands for 2026 to 2027, keeping the six rates but widening the starter, basic and intermediate bands.
Joint proposals published for pension value for money framework
The FCA, DWP and TPR have published joint proposals requiring pension schemes to publish performance, cost and service quality data under a colour rating, with comment open until 8 March.
Consumer Scotland opposes moving Warm Home Discount costs to the unit rate
Consumer Scotland has told the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero that the cost of the Warm Home Discount should stay on the standing charge rather than move to the unit rate.
2026 to 2027 Scottish rates and bands added to guidance
The Scottish Government factsheet on Scottish Income Tax rates and bands was updated on 13 January 2026 to add the 2026 to 2027 rates and bands, alongside the existing 2025 to 2026 figures.
Breathing Space registrations fall 39% year on year
Breathing Space registrations fell 39% year on year to 5,008 in January 2026, the Insolvency Service has said, after the largest money advisor group changed its eligibility and suitability criteria.
Debt charities report unprecedented demand after Christmas
Major debt charities reported unprecedented numbers of people seeking help with debts in early January 2026, as a survey found over 4 million UK households in serious financial difficulties.
Government publishes draft leasehold reform legislation
Draft legislation published in January 2026 would cap ground rents at £250 a year, ban leaseholds for most new flats and create a commonhold conversion route, with law possible from 2027.
PIP waiting times reach 20 weeks, highest in almost four years
Average waits for a new Personal Independence Payment decision have reached 20 weeks, the longest in almost four years, with more than 710,000 people waiting for an outcome as of January 2026.