Discount meals squash inflation

The 1-minute read to get the money news you need with expert adviser commentary.

Inflation shrinks

Inflation fell to 0.2% in August - the lowest it’s been since 2015. Cut-price meals, discounted plane tickets, and bargains in clothes shops all meant that prices barely grew overall. In normal times the Bank of England aims to keep inflation at around 2%. Low inflation is good news for shoppers and borrowers, but not great for savers.

Rent freeze?

Sadiq Khan wants to freeze rents in London, preventing any increases for 2 years. The mayor has warned half a million Londoners are at risk of eviction. Courts will restart eviction proceedings on Monday, when coronavirus protections for tenants come to an end.

Hey BBB

The British Business Bank (BBB) has had its big moment in 2020, providing many of the government-backed business loans during the lockdown. The UK’s economic development bank says its lending increased by 21% in the last year, supporting over 98,000 businesses.

Insurers got it wrong

Insurers shouldn’t have rejected compensation claims from businesses affected by coronavirus. That’s the decision on a case brought by the FCA against some of the world’s biggest insurance companies. It affects 370,000 businesses and involves billions in claims.

Waspi women lose

In another court battle that ended with a bang yesterday, women affected by the state pension age increase won’t get compensation* for lost pension income. The age was increased for women from 60 to 65, to bring it in line with men. Many felt they weren’t given enough time to prepare for the changes - but judges ruled that there wasn’t any discrimination.