UK Retail Sales Fall Unexpectedly in November
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.
Category : Search result: government spending
Budget Uncertainty Dampens November Retail Spending
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 Fall in November as Black Friday Effect Weakens
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.
Ageing UK population to hit young hardest, Lords warn
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.
FCA Scraps £100 Contactless Cap, Banks Set Own Limits
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.
Trump signs $901bn US defence bill with Ukraine aid
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.
What Guardian Readers Bought in 2025: Key Trends
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.
Farage avoids police investigation over election spending
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.
Funding boost for England's most-deprived councils
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?
Armed Forces Chief: UK Must Prepare for Russian Threat
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.
Farage reported to police over election spending claims
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.
K-Shaped Christmas: Wealthy Splurge as Many Struggle
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.
London councils spend £555m on private firms in 2024
Exclusive report reveals London councils' £555m reliance on consultants and outsourcing firms for basic services, raising democratic concerns. Read the full investigation.
UK House Prices Stagnate, Retail Spending Weak in November
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.
Mum's OnlyFans side hustle funds lavish £5,500 Christmas
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.
Deep State Worries Over UK Defence & Budget Leaks
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.
UK announces £2.4bn defence boost for new tech and submarines
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.
Crossbench fury over Labour's 'undemocratic' FOI changes
Opposition and crossbench MPs slam the government's proposed Freedom of Information reforms, including new fees and extended response times, warning of a threat to democratic accountability.
Future Fund CEO questioned over $20k hotel stay
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.
UK Economy Grows in Q3 2025 on Data Centre Boom
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.
Anika Wells defends $1.2m UN General Assembly visit cost
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.
UK 'unprepared for war', ex-defence secretaries warn
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.
Ofsted: Children's home providers prioritising profit over need
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.
OECD warns UK tax and spending policies will slow consumption
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.
Food inflation slows to 3% amid Black Friday deals
UK food inflation eased to 3% in November, down from 3.7% in October, as Black Friday discounts hit shops. However, experts warn of persistent pressures and challenges ahead for retailers and consumers.
Black Friday discounts slow UK shop price inflation
Early Black Friday discounts helped slow UK shop price rises to 0.6% in November, below the three-month average. Read the full analysis from the British Retail Consortium.
BOM Chief Defends $965m Website Cost Blowout
The head of Australia's Bureau of Meteorology faces Senate scrutiny over a near-billion dollar website overhaul. Read the full defence and the concerns raised.
The Secretive Process of Joining a Government Board
An insider's look at the opaque and often baffling process of securing a seat on a UK government board. Discover the unspoken rules and hidden pathways to public appointments.
Readers debate Rachel Reeves' Budget impact
Metro readers share mixed reactions to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Budget, debating tax burdens, NHS spending, and the nation's economic future. Join the conversation.
UK 2026 Growth Forecast Slashed to 1% by KPMG
KPMG forecasts UK GDP growth will slow to 1% in 2026, with unemployment rising to 5.2%. Business surveys reveal deepening pessimism across services and manufacturing sectors.
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