July 2024

Winter Fuel Payments – a tax-free payment made to all pensioners to help with winter energy bills – are to be restricted to those on benefits and Pension Credit, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced. But MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis has urged the Government to include a wider group, and to leave no stone unturned ensuring the 800,000 eligible who miss out on Pension Credit get it.

If you're on certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, you may be able to get up to £200 to put toward the cost of your child's school uniform in the form of a non-repayable grant. We've pulled together a list of the councils that offer the support and how to apply.

Carpet and flooring retailer Carpetright has closed over 200 stores after falling into administration. Many orders now won't be processed, while gift cards and warranties have been rendered virtually worthless. Below we round up what you need to know – including how to try and get your money back if you've been left out of pocket.

Fixed-rate mortgage deals have dropped below 4% for the first time since April – though only for those with at least a 40% deposit or equity in their home. However, mortgage brokers say rates could continue to fall as the year goes on – so what, if anything, should you do about it?

Rules that prevent energy firms from offering cheaper deals to new customers will remain in place until March 2025, regulator Ofgem has confirmed. It means you're less likely to be able to cut your bills by switching supplier for the time being – though there are still some deals worth considering now.

The outcome of a major investigation into hidden, unfair car finance commission will be pushed back from September 2024 to May 2025, it's been announced. But the regulator behind the probe has told MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis that payouts to drivers are now "more likely". Check if you could be due £1,000s back using our FREE car finance reclaim guide and tool.

Can online retailers refuse returns, particularly if they decide you've made too many in the past? MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis answers this question, and talks you through your rights, in a recent episode of the BBC's The Martin Lewis Podcast. 

Demands to repay Carer's Allowance overpayments are having a "shocking" impact on unpaid carers' lives, according to a new report from Carers UK. The charity has called for urgent action to prevent carers from unwittingly building up huge debts – an issue MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) founder Martin Lewis has also raised with the Government. 

Regulation of the buy now, pay later (BNPL) sector WILL go ahead, the new Government has confirmed. It means consumers will finally get much-needed safeguards on BNPL purchases, as well as protection from unsustainable borrowing – something MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) and its founder Martin Lewis have long campaigned for. Though we still don't know when any new rules will take force.

If you bought (or just got quotes for) car or home insurance on Friday 19 July, it's possible you didn't see some of the cheapest deals, as some insurers were unable to offer quotes due to widespread IT problems. It means you may have been offered fewer options and/or higher prices than normal. Here's what you need to know.