March 2021

Some 1.3 million people are expected to start paying income tax and a million more will become higher-rate taxpayers by 2026 after Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced income tax thresholds are to be frozen after a rise this April. The Government's also freezing the pensions lifetime allowance and the thresholds for capital gains tax and inheritance tax.

The current stamp duty holiday in England and Northern Ireland has been extended until the end of June, and some relief will continue until the end of September, the Chancellor announced in the Budget today. 

The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has delivered one of the most important Budgets we've had for years, with key announcements on the future of coronavirus income support and big news on stamp duty, income tax, universal credit, the pensions lifetime allowance, mortgages, contactless payments and more. We've a round-up of the key news below, plus links to more in-depth analysis.

Guarantor loans have overtaken Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) as the most complained about product that the Financial Ombudsman Service adjudicates on. It's the first time in more than a decade that PPI is not the most complained about financial product.

O2 customers will be hit with price hikes of 1.4% from their April bills, the telecoms provider has confirmed. It is writing to affected customers to inform them of the increase this week. But you won't be able to cancel penalty-free unless you're out of contract as these rises are written into contracts. Here's what's happening. 

TalkTalk is to hit many broadband and home phone customers with price hikes of up to £36 a year from next month - but you can escape the hikes penalty-free as you wouldn't have been warned about them when signing up. Separately, the provider is also warning of larger increases planned for April 2022. 

More than a million households are to be paid a share of £10.4 million after energy regulator Ofgem found 18 gas and electricity suppliers overcharged customers when they switched. Refunds will be paid automatically with average payouts of £10.40, though you should contact your old supplier if you think you're affected but haven't received a payout. 

Self-employed borrowers can once more take out credit cards with Sainsbury's Bank as it has reversed temporary coronavirus lending restrictions, which saw it stop issuing new credit cards to the self-employed. Here's what it means for you.

A landmark legal claim launched against credit reference agency Experian could see 49.8 million adults in England and Wales in line for compensation worth £750 each if successful - although there are no guarantees. Here's what you need to know.

Rail passengers in England, Scotland and Wales all face varying increases to fares from today - with most being hit with above inflation price hikes. Below we explain how different tickets will change, although for most, all but essential travel is currently banned under coronavirus lockdown rules.