It's budget day

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

Furlough extension

Rishi Sunak will deliver his budget speech at around 12.30pm today. He’s set to announce a 6-month extension to the furlough scheme, plus extra support for the self-employed. He’ll outline a 3-point plan to help the country recover, promising to use “full fiscal firepower” to protect jobs and livelihoods. The other headlines to look out for: possible extensions to the stamp duty holiday and the £20 Universal Credit uplift.

UK’s most-hated

There’s a new winner at the top of the complaints chart according to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). Guarantor loans have overtaken PPI, the previous favourite which dominated for over a decade. Many turned to the loans during the pandemic, requiring friends and family to step up and take on the risk.

Vaccine passports

Dreaming of hot sunshine and beaches? A “digital green pass” could make it happen; opening up European travel for anyone who’s had the jab. Lots of countries - including the UK - are working together on this, and will present plans later this month.

Record-breaking binge

We spent £9.3 billion on entertainment such as films, music, and gaming in 2020 - a record high, driven by lockdown binge-watching and streaming. It’s the sector’s eighth year of growth in a row, with an 18% boost in spending.

Fly me to the moon

Fancy a free trip to the moon? Billionaire Yusaku Maezawa is seeking 8 fellow passengers to join him on a SpaceX flight around the moon in 2023. He’s paid for the whole thing, and says he wants people of all backgrounds to apply.