Economy
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Economy FCA Chief Outlines Technology-Driven Pensions Reform as Targeted Support Scheme Launches April 2026
Nikhil Rathi emphasises regulatory flexibility and consumer-focused innovation as FCA prioritises pensions savings growth and long-term…
20 March 2026 -
Economy FCA Issues 21 Warnings Against Unauthorised Financial Firms in Single Week
The Financial Conduct Authority’s latest enforcement round targets clone operations and unauthorised firms attempting to defraud consumers…
20 March 2026 -
Economy Cost of Living Concerns Hit 88% as Economic Worries Persist Across UK
The Office for National Statistics reveals that cost of living anxiety remains the dominant public concern, with women reporting higher…
20 March 2026 -
Economy Government Borrowing Falls Below Previous Year as Public Finances Show Improvement
The Office for Budget Responsibility confirms borrowing in the first nine months of 2025-26 totalled £140.4 billion, marking a slight…
20 March 2026 -
Economy ONS Survey Reveals Mental Health Challenges Persist Across UK
New Office for National Statistics data shows one in three adults experiencing high anxiety levels while majority maintain hope for the…
20 March 2026 -
Economy Cost of living pressures persist for majority of households despite government support
More than half of adults report rising costs in February, with food prices driving inflation concerns across Kent and beyond. More than…
20 March 2026 -
Economy UK Public Sector Borrowing Rises to £14.3 Billion in February 2026
Public sector net borrowing hit the second-highest February level since monthly records began in 1993, reflecting seasonal shifts after…
20 March 2026 -
Economy UK Public Debt Liabilities Hit 82.5% of GDP as Borrowing Costs Soar
Government financial liabilities remain elevated at more than four-fifths of national output, with debt servicing costs nearly tripling…
20 March 2026 -
Economy Bank of England Keeps Interest Rate at 3.75% as Inflation Remains Above Target
The Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously to maintain the base rate, marking a shift from February’s divided decision. The Bank of…
19 March 2026 -
Economy UK Payroll Data Shows Mixed Signals as Kent Labour Market Continues to Cool
ONS revised estimates show a modest rise in payrolled workers in January 2026, but the broader picture remains one of a cooling labour…
19 March 2026 -
Economy UK Unemployment Hits 5.2% as ONS Data Reveals Growing Pressure on Kent Job Market
ONS labour market data for November 2025 to January 2026 shows unemployment climbing to 5.2%, with young workers hit hardest. The latest…
19 March 2026 -
Economy Kent Workers Face Slowest Wage Growth in Years as Job Market Cools
Latest figures show pay rises dropping to their weakest level since 2020, with real purchasing power barely improving across the county. If…
19 March 2026