The Monetary Policy Committee voted 7-2 to maintain the base rate, citing persistent services inflation despite headline CPI falling to 2.1%. Millions of homeowners on variable rates will see no relief this month.
The regulator announced the typical annual dual-fuel bill will increase to £1,850 from October 1, driven by higher wholesale gas prices and network costs. Campaigners warn vulnerable households face "impossible choices."
New figures reveal 2.4 million council homes have been sold under Right to Buy since 1980, with only 500,000 replacements built. Housing associations warn the policy is "broken" without mandatory replacement.
The government confirmed minimum pension contributions will increase from 8% to 10% from April 2027. Employers will pay 6% and employees 4%, adding an estimated £200 annually to average retirement pots.
The Chancellor announced the first above-inflation increase to child benefit in a decade, raising the weekly rate to £30.85 for the first child. The move is expected to lift 100,000 children out of relative poverty.
Savings, investments, mortgages & debt
Prices, renting, social housing & policy
State pension, private pots & retirement