Five London boroughs are among six councils given permission to raise council tax above 5% in 2026/27. Some have pledged not to, despite facing major budget gaps. Read the latest on the Fair Funding Review.
Official figures show UK retail sales volumes fell 0.1% in November, defying forecasts of Black Friday growth. Shoppers held back amid budget uncertainty and wet weather.
UK retail sales fell 0.1% in November as Budget uncertainty overshadowed Black Friday. Discover the key trends and what it means for the crucial Christmas period.
UK retail sales fell 0.1% in November as cautious shoppers held back, with the Black Friday boost weaker than usual. Explore the ONS data and what it means for the economy.
A House of Lords committee warns that young people will bear the brunt of the UK's ageing population crisis, facing higher taxes and reduced services unless government acts now.
The UK's financial watchdog will let banks set their own contactless payment limits from March 2025, scrapping the £100 cap. Find out how this could boost high street spending.
President Trump quietly signs the 2026 NDAA, authorising a record $901bn in military spending and $800m for Ukraine. The bill curtails his power to reduce US forces in Europe.
An exclusive look at the 2025 spending habits of Guardian readers reveals a move towards travel, culture, and sustainable goods. Discover the data driving consumer change.
Essex Police say a probe into Nigel Farage's election spending is time-barred, but the Electoral Commission is still assessing the claims. Labour demands answers.
Calverton Primary School in Newham will close next year after a council vote. The decision follows a £1.1m budget deficit driven by declining pupil rolls, sparking parent protests.
Manchester, Bradford and outer London boroughs gain spending power in a new three-year settlement, while affluent southern councils face cuts. Will it restore local services?
Darts star Gerwyn Price has lost nearly three stone by eating cleaner and maintaining a calorie deficit. The Iceman feels fitter and more energetic as he begins his World Darts Championship campaign.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers unveils a multi-billion pound budget improvement, yet the deficit is set to nearly quadruple. Discover the fiscal challenges and government savings outlined in the midyear update.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton warns Russia's military is stronger than ever, urging a 'whole of nation' response to rising danger. Read the stark assessment.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage faces a police report alleging he breached electoral spending limits in Clacton by failing to declare an armoured vehicle and a themed bar. Read the full details.
A stark economic divide defines the 2025 holiday season. While a wealthy minority fuels luxury spending, many face rising costs and poverty. Explore the data behind the 'K-shaped' economy.
Exclusive report reveals London councils' £555m reliance on consultants and outsourcing firms for basic services, raising democratic concerns. Read the full investigation.
Greenwich Council is selling three underused car parks to raise funds for essential services, sparking backlash from local businesses and shoppers. Public auction set for December 11.
Halifax reports UK house prices were flat in November, while BDO data shows weak in-store sales growth. Affordability for first-time buyers hits strongest level since 2015. Read the full analysis.
A UK mother reveals how her OnlyFans side hustle earns £10,000 monthly, funding a mortgage-free home and a £5,500 festive spend on her children. Discover her story.
Sky News podcast reveals deep state concerns over UK vulnerability to Russian attacks and a formal leak inquiry into budget tensions between No.10 & No.11. Listen for the full analysis.
The UK government unveils a major £2.4 billion defence investment, funding new submarines, AI, and drones to counter global threats. Read the full strategy.
Future Fund CEO Raphael Arndt faces parliamentary scrutiny over a $20,000 hotel stay for a staff member on a US 'scoping trip'. Watch the video and read the full report.
The UK economy grew by 0.2% in Q3 2025, ending a technical recession. A surge in data centre investment and a rise in household spending drove the recovery. Read the full analysis.
Australian Minister Anika Wells faces questions over the $1.2 million cost of her delegation's UN trip. She defends the expenditure as vital for global engagement. Read the full defence.
Sky News podcast reveals decades of hollowed-out UK defences. Former ministers admit military is short of troops, ammo and medics. Discover the full story.
The surprise resignation of the OBR's chair offers Chancellor Rachel Reeves temporary relief from fiscal scrutiny, but experts warn the underlying economic challenges remain. Discover the implications for UK economic policy.
Ofsted warns of a crisis as children's homes surge in cheap areas, not where needed. Vulnerable teens face unsafe, unregistered placements costing up to £30k a week. Urgent reform demanded.
Brussels has surpassed Belgium's national record, going 542 days without a government. Political deadlock among 14 parties stalls crucial decisions amid a budget crisis and rising social issues. Read the full analysis.
The OECD forecasts UK growth will outpace major EU economies in 2025, but warns household budgets will be squeezed by fiscal policy, limiting consumer spending. Read the full analysis.