UK Government Confirms Ransomware Payments Ban Plans

UK Government Confirms Ransomware Payments Ban Plans

The UK government has confirmed its plans to ban ransomware payments, making it illegal for certain businesses to pay cybercriminals.
Additionally, it will introduce a new 'payment prevention regime' requiring businesses to notify the government of their intention to pay ransom demands.
This comprehensive package of measures is designed to disrupt the business model of cybercriminals, bolster national security, and protect key services and businesses from disruption.
While detailed policy is still being formulated, an initial report of an incident will be expected within 72 hours.

UK Has Backed Down on Demand to Access US Apple User Data

A UK spy chief has revealed that the government has withdrawn its previous demands for access to US-based Apple user data.

UK has Backed Down on Demands to Access US Apple User Data

A UK spy chief has revealed that the government has withdrawn its previous demands for access to US-based Apple user data.

M&S Click and Collect Returns Months After Cyberattack

Marks & Spencer has finally restored its click and collect service, months after a cyberattack on a third-party partner forced its suspension.

Parliament library: UK GDP brief summarises Q2 slowdown

A Commons Library briefing summarised Q2 GDP and sector drivers, aiding policy debate and investor understanding.

UK Economic Confidence Plummets to All-Time Low

Business leader optimism in the UK economy has fallen to its lowest level since records began in 2016.

Retailers Warn Against Reeves' Tax Hikes, Threatening Price Rises and Job Cuts

UK retailers have cautioned that potential tax increases proposed by Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves could lead to higher prices for consumers and job losses.

Decline of cash raises risk of exclusion

Study highlights that cashless shift may disadvantage deprived UK communities.

Warm Home Discount Expansion to Benefit 6 Million Households

The Department for Work and Pensions confirms the £150 Warm Home Discount scheme will expand to include Universal Credit claimants from this winter.

Close Brothers Faces New Blow Over Car Loans as Fresh Compensation Set Aside

Lender Close Brothers has set aside an additional £33 million to compensate customers for overcharged car loans, marking a fresh blow amid the ongoing investigation into historical mis-selling in the UK car finance market.

Pension Age to Rise Again, Leaving 1.5 Million Britons Facing Benefit Limbo

The state pension age is expected to rise again, leaving 1.5 million Britons in 'benefit limbo' who are too young to retire but have lost access to key benefits and tax credits.

UK's Largest Crypto Fraud: Money Launderer Convicted After Seven-Year Met Police Investigation

Chinese money launderer Zhimin Qian has been convicted in one of the UK’s largest-ever money laundering cases, bringing an end to a seven-year Met Police investigation into a global scheme to clean illicit cryptoassets by purchasing property.

UK Pension Age Must Rise to 68 Sooner Than Planned, Report Finds

A new report has urged the government to accelerate the rise of the state pension age to 68, arguing that the welfare bill is becoming unsustainable and that past governments have 'treated the issue like a hot potato.'

Global Markets Brace for US Government Shutdown as Asian Shares Trade Narrowly

Asian shares traded in a narrow range as traders prepared for a potential US government shutdown, while Wall Street finished higher, boosted by technology stocks and US interest rate cut expectations.

Ditch Bathtubs for Groutless Showers

Replace bathtubs with groutless showers for easier cleaning, water savings, and timeless design.

Teesside Social Mobility Fund Provides Over £23,000 in Grants to Local Projects

The Jersey Communication Foundation has distributed grants exceeding £23,000 to six local projects, aiming to create a 'level playing field' and tackle social mobility issues in the Teesside community.

Gold Hits Best Annual Performance Since 1979 as Geopolitical Crises Fuel Bullion Bonanza

Bullion has hit a series of record highs, putting 2025 on track for gold’s strongest annual performance since 1979, driven by high inflation, interest rate volatility, and escalating geopolitical crises.

QR Code Parking Scams Warning

Drivers advised to verify QR codes in car parks to avoid fraudulent payment sites.

Natural Cleaning with Everyday Foods

Use lemons, vinegar, and other foods for eco-friendly cleaning, avoiding harsh chemicals.

Beef Shortage and Low Confidence Push US Cattle Prices to Record Highs, Hitting Restaurants and Consumers

US cattle and beef prices have soared to record highs amid tight domestic supply, strong consumer demand, and ranchers’ reluctance to expand herds, with restaurant owners forced to pass on soaring costs to diners.

Bullion Bonanza: Gold Price Hits Record Highs Amid Global Instability

Gold is on track for its strongest annual performance since 1979, with bullion hitting a series of record highs driven by high interest rates, inflation, and increasing geopolitical crises.

Wales Tourism Tax Law Signed: Families Face £36.30 Levy for a Week in a Holiday Cottage from 2027

Wales’ new Visitor Levy has been signed into law, giving Welsh councils the choice to introduce a tourism tax on overnight stays, with the earliest possible implementation date now set for 2027.

British Parliamentarians Propose 'Stealth Tax' on Workers

The Liberal Democrats warn that an estimated 1.3 million people will pay an additional £285 a year in a 'stealth tax' if the chancellor freezes income tax thresholds.

Money Worries Impact Work

22% of workers report money worries harming job performance, with 19% taking sick leave due to financial stress, per BSA research.

BMW Finance Payouts

BMW sets aside £206.9m for potential car finance mis-selling payouts amid FCA investigation.

UK Housing Market Slows

UK housing market sees 2% price drop in Q3 2025, driven by high interest rates and economic uncertainty.

Rundown House Auction in Nantlle

A three-bedroom house in Nantlle filled with rubbish goes to auction with a £45,000 guide price, requiring full renovation.

Central Heating Mistakes Costing Bills

Expert warns of five common central heating errors adding hundreds to UK households' energy bills.

UK’s Cold Weather Payment Triggered

Cold Weather Payments activated in parts of UK as temperatures drop below zero for seven consecutive days.

UK Housing Market Slows in 2025

UK house prices rise just 1.2% in 2025, with high interest rates cooling demand, says Halifax.

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