Section: Money:News Money

HOME Bargains has revealed its new Halloween-themed sweets that are scanning at the tills for just 99p.

But the bargain deal has left shoppers divided after the treats landed in stores this week .

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Many pointed out it’s nowhere near Halloween yet.

The bargain chain, posted on Facebook: “Our Halloween Peelerz Gummies have dropped – spooky, chewy, and scarily delicious!”

The post sparked reactions as shoppers rushed to share their opinions.

One wrote: “Let’s get summer over first.”

Another commented: “Bit early for Halloween stuff not even September yet.”

A third added: “I like seasonal items coming out early. Good to plan ahead.”

And one joked: “We’ve got Xmas stuff next week too.”

Some fans were thrilled, saying it’s never too early to prepare for Halloween.

It’s not the first time Home Bargains has caused a stir with its cut-price treats.

Earlier this month, shoppers went wild when Haribo share bags were spotted scanning at tills for only 29p.

The retailer teased fans with the post: “This is not a drill – Haribo share bag only 29p.”

Shoppers were quick to react.

One said: “That’s cheap.”

Another wrote: “Time to stock up for work.”

Pictures of trolleys stacked high with Haribo have since appeared online.

Fans bragged about filling cupboards for the kids, the office, and late-night snacks.

And the sweet deals don’t stop there.

Rowntree’s has also launched a brand new version of its famous fruit pastilles, called Squidgers, on shelves at Home Bargains.

The 99p sharing bags come with five fruity flavours: strawberry, lime, blackcurrant, orange and lemon.

They’ve been described as “irresistibly squidgy” and “bursting with flavour.”

One review read: “They taste exactly the same as fruit pastilles but in a sugary and spongy sweet texture.”

Another fan said: “They sound so nice, I need to try these.”

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A DAD has revealed how a five-minute money hack slashed more than £1,000 off his household bills and paid for his dream holiday.

Like millions of Brits, Rob Lock, 29, from Shrewsbury, had been paying his monthly bills without giving them a second thought.

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His broadband, mobile and energy costs were ticking along on autopilot, even though some of his contracts had quietly expired.

But when he landed a new job, a perk from his employer gave him access to Nous, a bill-cutting service that uses AI to find cheaper deals.

Within minutes, the tool flagged up where he was overspending and with a few simple switches, Rob saved £1,029 a year.

The biggest saving came from his mobile phone contract.

Rob had paid off his iPhone and Apple Watch months earlier, but was still being charged the full monthly rate, which is a common trap known as “double paying”.

By switching to a SIM-only plan, he slashed £750 off his yearly bill.

His broadband was another eye-opener.

Rob had originally signed up to BT on a new customer deal costing around £50 a month.

But when that deal expired, the cost crept up, without him realising. Nous found a Virgin Media package for £22 a month with the same speeds, saving him another £336 a year.

Finally, he cut his energy bill down to £126 a month, adding to the overall total.

He explained: “I was using the BT broadband until Nous told me that they had found a cheaper rate for me with Virgin Media. 

“They had even checked the connection and download speeds to make sure I wasn’t going to lose out just for a better price. 

“The deal with Virgin was only £22 a month which is a massive saving when compared to the £50 odd I was paying to BT.”

Once he realised he had saved over £1,000, Rob knew exactly how to spend it.

“We booked a trip to Iceland to see the Northern Lights – something we’ve always dreamed of. It really was the holiday of a lifetime.”

“We just thought it’s not every day that you’ll save over a grand so might as well use it for something we really want.”

Rob admitted he used to be “a bit laid-back” about bills, but says the experience has transformed how he manages his money.

He added: “I never really analysed whether I was getting a good deal or not.

“I actually wish that Nous had come into my life sooner as they’re brilliant at monitoring everything and continually checking to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

“It’s very relaxed and Nous give some really sound financial advice on what you can save by switching and when.”

Costly mistakes

Consumer reporter, Lucy Andrews, has warned that thousands of households are making the same mistakes without even realising.

She said: “Think you’re good with money? I bet you’re making some silly mistakes that could be costing you hundreds – just like I did.”

Lucy explained that she too had fallen into the “double paying” trap after forgetting that her 24-month mobile contract had ended.

“I logged into my mobile app and saw loads of upgrade offers,” she said.

“I thought it was weird, because I was still in contract, but when I checked, my deal had actually ended a month earlier.”

She had missed an email warning her that the contract was ending.

As a result, she was still paying £34.58 a month, even though the handset was already paid off.

“I was kicking myself,” she said.

I could have switched to a SIM-only deal and saved a fortune.”

After acting quickly, she moved to a £7 SIM-only plan, saving £27.58 a month or £330.96 a year.

According to Uswitch, five million mobile customers are at risk of overpaying like this, with providers pocketing an extra £1.6 billion a year as a result.

To check if you’re one of them, simply text INFO to 85075. This free service will tell you whether you’re still in contract, and if you’ll face an exit fee.

Lucy also discovered she was paying £4.99 a month for a streaming subscription she’d forgotten about, which was a reality TV channel she hadn’t used in months.

“That was £15 down the drain,” she said. “I cancelled it straight away and saved another £60 a year.”

She now recommends doing a “direct debit spring clean” twice a year, by checking your bank app for forgotten subscriptions.

Research by HSBC found that 48% of people admit to paying for services longer than they should, wasting £61 a year on average.

Lucy said: “These things are easy to miss, but if you don’t keep an eye on them, you’re just handing money away.”

Even small, simple switches can lead to big savings and even fund a holiday.

And as Lucy’s warnings show, millions of Brits are still overpaying on old phone contracts and unused subscriptions.

Whether it’s AI tools like Nous, free services like 85075, or just a quick look at your bank app, the key is to take a few minutes to check what you’re paying and act before it’s too late.

It’s not every day you save over a grand, but it could be if you catch the same mistakes.

SHOPPERS are pleading with Walkers after it changed its blue salt sachets in crisp packets to light-coloured ones, making them hard to find.

The small bags are included in the brand’s popular “Salt & Shake” crisps to allow fans to sprinkle over their own seasoning.

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But lately production problems have meant that the traditional blue bags have been changed to a see-through white colour.

One fan complained on the Tesco website: “I took several crisps into my mouth as there was no blue salt packet amongst them. However, I immediately got a mouthful of salt!

“As a kidney transplant recipient I need to avoid salt… Please make everyone aware.”

There were further complaints on X, where fans complained of struggling to find the condiment.

One said: “For the love of crisps, can you PLEASE go back to the blue sachet in Salt & Shake.

“I’ve been getting these clear/white ones recently and they’re bloody impossible to find in the bag without taking loads of crisps out!”

A second added: “Please make the salt sachet in your Salt & Shake crisps blue again! The transparent ones are impossible to find among the crisps!  

“Surely the whole point of them being blue was to be easy to find, and as a homage to the old ‘blue twist’ from the old days?”

A third fumed: “Awful idea to have white salt bags ! I thought I’d found a plaster.”

A fourth asked: “Why have you changed the salt pkt colour from blue which was easy to find in the bag to a clear pkt which can’t be seen.”

Walkers did not comment to The Sun, but said on X.com: “We’re unable to source the blue sachets at the moment, so we’ve replaced these with an alternative. 

“We’ll revert to the blue sachets again as soon as possible.”

Crisps sold with separate salt bags have a tradition of more than 100 years in this country.

According to museumofcrisps.com, the first company to sell crisps commercially was The Smiths Potato Crisps Company Ltd, founded in 1920 by Frank Smith and Jim Viney. 

They provided a twist of salt with their crisps, which were sold in London in greaseproof paper bags. 

Smith’s was later taken over by PepsiCo, along with the Walkers brand.

Why are products axed or recipes changed?

ANALYSIS by chief consumer reporter James Flanders.

Food and drinks makers have been known to tweak their recipes or axe items altogether.

They often say that this is down to the changing tastes of customers.

There are several reasons why this could be done.

For example, government regulation, like the “sugar tax,” forces firms to change their recipes.

Some manufacturers might choose to tweak ingredients to cut costs.

They may opt for a cheaper alternative, especially when costs are rising to keep prices stable.

For example, Tango Cherry disappeared from shelves in 2018.

It has recently returned after six years away but as a sugar-free version.

Fanta removed sweetener from its sugar-free alternative earlier this year.

Suntory tweaked the flavour of its flagship Lucozade Original and Orange energy drinks.

While the amount of sugar in every bottle remains unchanged, the supplier swapped out the sweetener aspartame for sucralose.

Recipe changes that have angered customers

It’s not the first time foodies have expressed their dismay at production changes.

Earlier this year, Ribena fans complained about a change to the popular drink which has left it tasting “vile”.

Ribena had reformulated its blackcurrant squash recipe to slightly reduce its blackcurrant juice content.

The new squash started to be sold at the beginning of March but shortly after fans have flooded social media with complaints about the product.

Other popular brands have caused complaints after they updated their recipes.

Aldi was slammed by fans after it changed its popular Meatsters snack.

The popular snack is an own-brand dupe of the Peperami salami sticks and costs £1.99 for a pack of five.

The Sun understands there has been a change to the way Meatsters are produced.

Meanwhile, fans have previously complained that they could not find the Meatsters in stores.

Meanwhile, Heinz was slammed by shoppers last year after it changed the ingredients in its baked beans with sausages.

Sainsbury’s customers also recently complained about a change to its Sweetened Long Life Soya Drink 1L.

Nestle was also bombarded with complaints on social media about its Fruit Pastilles and Jelly Tots.

THE final batch of £1 coins featuring the late Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait will enter circulation for the last time – and they could be worth a pretty penny.

More than 23million of the coins are being released today, Wednesday August 20 by the Royal Mint has said.

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That means you could spot one in your change in the coming weeks.

These pieces will be the final ones bearing Elizabeth II’s portrait to enter circulation.

Plus, the Royal Mint said these coins dated 2022, are the rarest £1 coins in active circulation.

If you are keen to spot the coin, there are a few details you can spot.

The front, or heads side, of the coin features a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth and the date 2022.

While the reverse, or tails side, features an image of a crown with an English rose, Scottish thistle, Welsh leek and Northern Irish shamrock.

The coin joins a raft of other rare £1 pieces, including the 2011 Edinburgh City coin that has sold for 95 times its face value.

These coins have a mintage of just 935,000, making it a rare find.

Back in June, the coin sold for £23 on eBay after 21 bids.

The coin was part of a series depicting the four capital cities of the UK and is the only £1 coin with a mintage below one million.

In comparison, a recent bidder paid £7.53 for one of the coins after fighting off bids from five others.

But coins are only worth what sellers are willing to pay for them.

So another piece may sell for a higher or lower price later down the line.

It comes as the official maker of UK coins is also set to release 7.5 million new King Charles III £1 coins.

The 50p and £1 are the only denominations with Charles’s portrait to have entered circulation so far.

The King’s £1 coins feature an intricate bee design on the reverse and are part of the Definitive collection, inspired by the flora and fauna of the British Isles.

Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: “This release represents a pivotal moment in British coinage history.

“As we release more of the King Charles III £1 coins into circulation alongside the final coins of Queen Elizabeth II, we’re witnessing the physical representation of our monarchy’s transition.”

She added: “This dual release creates an exceptional opportunity for both seasoned numismatists and those new to coin collecting.”

“Finding these new coins in your change could spark a rewarding hobby that connects you with the heritage, history and craftsmanship behind British currency.”

And that is not the only rare coin that collectors are keen to get their hands on.

The Kew Gardens 50p recently fetched £205 on eBay after 29 buyers battled it out for the piece.

Other rare coins to keep an eye out for are the Atlantic Salmon 50p,

How to spot rare coins and banknotes

Rare coins and notes hiding down the back of your sofa could sell for hundreds of pounds.

If you are lucky enough to find a rare £10 note you might be able to sell it for multiple times its face value.

You can spot rare notes by keeping an eye out for the serial numbers.

These numbers can be found on the side with the Monarch’s face, just under the value £10 in the corner of the note.

Also, if you have a serial number on your note that is quite quirky, you could cash in thousands.

For example, one seller bagged £3,600 after spotting a specific serial number relating to the year Jane Austen was born on one of their notes.

You can check if your notes are worth anything on eBay, just tick “completed and sold items” and filter by the highest value.

This will give you an idea of what people are willing to pay for some notes.

But bear in mind that yours is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it.

This is also the case for coins, you can determine how rare your coin is by looking a the latest scarcity index.

SHOPPERS who use Apple Pay or Google Pay may be at higher risk of fraud, consumer group Which? has warned.

It said the use of one-time passcodes by banks could be making people with digital wallets an easy target for scammers.

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A survey by the consumer champions found that the majority of banks are still using these security features, putting consumers at risk.

Unlike contactless cards, there is no £100 spending cap on cards added to Apple and Google Pay, so fraudsters can quickly drain victims’ accounts once they gain access to it.

Scammers normally trick people into divulging their card details by setting up a fake transaction, Which? said.

People will think they’re paying for a bargain product advertised online, or they might fall victim to a phishing message.

A common example is parcel delivery scams, where you’re asked to pay a nominal amount for re-delivery.

Scammers monitor the transaction in real time, inputting the victim’s card details into a digital wallet on their own phone.

Many banks will then ask for a one time passcode (OTP) to verify the cardholder, which the scammer then asks the victim for to complete the “transaction”.

The fraudsters are then able to drain the victim’s bank account.

Which? surveyed 15 banks and card providers about their digital wallet setup process between April and May this year, and found the majority still use OTPs sent through text message as one of the options for adding cards to a digital wallet.

Of the 14 providers that allow cards to be added to wallets (Capital One is the exception), just two banks confirmed they do not use OTPs, while a third appeared not to when Which? researchers tested the process.

Barclays, Co-op, HSBC (with its sister banks First Direct and M&S Bank), Santander and Virgin Money said they currently use SMS OTPs, though they are not the only verification option.

Starling said it still uses OTPs for setting up Apple Pay alongside other options, but it removed them from Google Pay in 2022.

TSB said it is working to set up in-app verification, but is using OTPs in the meantime.

American Express, Lloyds Banking Group and NewDay (which operates the John Lewis Partnership Credit Card) – did not outline which verification methods they use.

When Which? tested the set up processes for cards, Amex did use SMS and email OTPs, while Halifax did not and instead offered several “more robust methods” including in-app approval.

Chase and Monzo said they have never used OTPs for setting up digital wallets.

It comes after Cifas, UK Finance and the Cyber Defence Alliance previously warned about the link between OTP use and digital wallet fraud.

Providers can also limit how many wallets a card can be added to overall, or within a certain time period, but most banks do not implement these restrictions.

Virgin Money allows an individual card to be added to a maximum of five devices.

Starling with a total limit of 15 devices, while Monzo customers can only add their Monzo cards to a digital wallet twice in a 24-hour period and three times every 30 days.

However, Which? said that even with these limits in place, consumers can still fall victim to scammers as they only need to add one card to a digital wallet to start spending.

Which? Money deputy editor Sam Richardson said: “For millions of us, digital wallets are a quick, easy and secure way to make payments, but weaknesses in card providers’ security means they can also be a gift to scammers.

“Banks have known for years that using one time passcodes (OTPs) to verify account holders is leaving consumers vulnerable.

“It’s clear further investment is needed to make the digital wallet set-up process fit for the threats consumers face in 2025.

“In the meantime, we’d caution shoppers to always think twice before sharing their payment details – or OTPs – online.

“If you think you’ve been a victim of a scam, contact Action Fraud and your bank immediately.”

Apple told Which? it is not responsible for approving or rejecting the addition of a card to Apple Pay, or for approving or rejecting transactions.

It said that it takes users’ security seriously and Apple Pay has been designed in a way to protect users’ personal information. 

A Google spokesperson said: “Security is core to the Google Wallet experience and we work closely with card issuers to prevent fraud.

“For example, banks notify customers when their card has been added to a new digital wallet, and we provide signals to help issuers detect fraudulent behaviour so they can decide whether to approve added cards.” 

An American Express spokesperson said: “Privacy and security are a priority for American Express.

“We have controls designed to protect customer accounts and guard against unauthorised fraudulent activity, and if we identify activity that may be fraud, we will take protective actions.” 

Barclays said that the verification method used for adding a card to a digital wallet will depend on the user journey. It said it does not currently have plans to phase out use of OTPs.

Co-Op Bank said it monitors for fraudulent registrations through its fraud detection systems and has multiple strategies in place to detect digital wallet fraud. It does not currently have plans to phase out use of OTPs.

HSBC said it has no immediate plans to phase out OTP delivery for adding cards to digital wallets, however, it keeps its digital wallet provisioning process under review.

Lloyds said it has invested millions of pounds in multi-layered fraud defences, and continues to regularly review its authentication methods.

Nationwide said that it has multiple layers of protection in place to keep its customers safe from fraud including warning messaging, AI models and sophisticated internal analytics. It is currently exploring alternatives to OTPs.

Natwest said it regularly reviews its customer experience and authentication to ensure security, and said it is reviewing how it uses OTPs.

NewDay declined to comment.

Santander said it is looking at other forms of authentication, and other security measures, which may be less visible to a user than the mechanism used for two-factor authentication.

Starling said it currently only uses OTPs for Apple Pay, and removed this option from Android phones in 2022.

TSB told Which? that it is working closely with card and wallet providers to implement approval via the TSB Mobile App. In the interim, OTP verification is accompanied by the necessary risk verification, alongside fraud controls to keep customer details safe.

Virgin Money said its fraud team has heightened monitoring and controls around digital wallet fraud. It also said that it is looking at in-app verification as an option but has no current plans to phase out use of OTPs.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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FEARS are growing that Rachel Reeves could slap a new tax on people’s homes to replace stamp duty and council tax.

The Chancellor is studying plans for a levy on houses worth over £500,000, according to The Guardian.

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The paper said the Treasury is looking at a “proportional property tax” which would be paid when owners sell their homes.

It claimed the shake-up could also pave the way for a new local levy to replace council tax, which is still based on 1990s property values.

But Treasury officials last night insisted that while tax reform is being explored, the details – including any threshold or rate – have not been decided.

A Treasury spokesperson said: “The best way to strengthen public finances is by growing the economy – which is our focus.

“Changes to tax and spend policy are not the only ways of doing this, as seen with our planning reforms, which are expected to grow the economy by £6.8bn and cut borrowing by £3.4bn.

“We are committed to keeping taxes for working people as low as possible, which is why at last Autumn’s Budget, we protected working people’s payslips and kept our promise not to raise the basic, higher or additional rates of Income Tax, employee National Insurance, or VAT.”

The Sun reported yesterday that homeowners would be forced to hand over £82,000 to the taxman thanks to Reeves’ inheritance tax raid.

Inheritance tax is charged on all assets above the £325,000 threshold, which is called the nil-rate band.

Anything above this threshold is charged at 40%, but your tax-free allowance rises by £175,000 if you leave your home to a direct descendant, such as a son, daughter or grandchild.

Currently, pension pots are exempt from inheritance tax – but this will all change from April 2027, when they will suddenly be subject to the 40% levy, following a tax grab announced in last year’s October Budget.

The change is expected to increase the number of estates paying death duties from 4% to 9.7%, dragging thousands of people into the tax net.

New analysis by Quilter shows that grieving families could face a nasty bill sting following the changes.

SHOPPERS are going wild for huge bags of Popeyes chips which are currently on sale at a major chain. 

The tasty treats are retailing for less than £2 for a huge 1kg pack. 

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Heron Foods is known for supplying high-quality food for low prices and operates 343 locations across the UK. 

Now, the company has gone viral for selling delicious Popeyes chips for staggeringly low prices. 

Popeyes’ Cajun Coated Oven Fries are on sale at Heron Foods in massive 1kg packs. 

Each pack costs just £1.79 and contains fries slathered in the company’s famous seasoning. 

Popeyes’ cajun coating includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to give each chip a smoky flavour. 

Shoppers have gone wild for the treat, after an eagle-eyed shopper spotted the snack yesterday.

One excited fan wrote “these are delicious”, with another adding “they are so good”. 

Others praised Heron Foods for stocking the coated fries, describing the budget-friendly retailer as “underrated”. 

One customer wrote: “Heron is so underrated!! 

“You can find some amazing things!

“Heron is so underrated!! You can find some amazing things!”

The news comes after Popeyes announced plans to open 45 new restaurants across the UK this year. 

The American fast food chain has secured £43 million from Barclays Corporate Banking as it adds to its existing 80 locations in Britain. 

The chain’s UK chief finance officer Drew Taylor said: “Barclays are a highly supportive banking partner of Popeyes in the UK.

“The new finance facilities will enable us to build on our successful growth in the UK to date and execute our expansion strategy over the coming years, with more than 45 openings targeted in 2025 alone.”

Popeyes’ first UK store was opened in the Westfield Shopping Centre in Stratford, London, but now it is eyeing more locations across the country. 

Birmingham, Leeds and Bristol can all expect new Popeyes locations, with Liverpool, Manchester and London all receiving additional branches.

Popeyes’ Savin’ Menu

Popeyes is one of the biggest fast food chains in America.

Now, the company is a hit in the UK as well with many of its products now available at stores such as Heron Foods.

However, the chain’s 83 UK branches have also introduced a brand new menu which makes its food even more affordable.

The Savin’ Menu includes:

• Savin’ Wrap – £1.99
• 1-piece Bone-in-Chicken with Fries – £2.99
• 2 Wings Solo – £1.99 or with Fries – £2.99
• 1 Tender with Fries – £2.99
• 2 Tenders with Fries – £3.49
• 3 Wings with Fries – £3.49
• Regular Fries – £1.99
• Biscuit and Gravy – £2.59
• Mac and Cheese – £3.50
• Gravy Savin’ Box – £5.69
• Mini Whipz – £1.99

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BRITS could receive as much as £2,500 in free cash to spend in the likes of Greggs, M&S or Waitrose, thanks to a scheme run by a major energy supplier.

E.ON has relaunched its ‘refer a friend’ scheme and the company will hand out £50 in retail vouchers for customers and their friend, if there is a successful referral.

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So under the new, improved scheme both the existing customer and the new one will both receive the voucher.

They can be spent at a number of high street retailers, including Waitrose, Argos, Greggs and Ticketmaster.

However, the money is capped at £2,500.

Both parties will receive their voucher once the new customer has paid their first direct debit.

Julian Lennertz, Chief Commercial Officer, E.ON Next, said: “We know our customers have really valued the £50 credit they received on their energy account under our previous scheme.

“We’ve also learned that our customers want more choice over where and how they spend their £50 thank you, so they can get the best value for them.

“That’s why they can now choose from hundreds of retailers.

“And because we appreciate all of our customers, old and new, we have expanded the scheme to reward our new customers as well as the existing ones who are making the referrals.”

E.ON Next’s new scheme has been launched in collaboration with its new referral partner, MentionMe.

To be eligible, all existing customers have to do it simply sign up to the scheme.

There are some strings attached though.

To be eligible for the voucher, the new customer must transfer from another supplier and sign up to through the existing customer’s unique MentionMe link.

Customers can make up to five referrals a day, with an overall total of 25 referrals each year.

Which means that both the customer and friends could be better off to the tune of £2,500.

Last month, millions of households were urged to apply for free energy grants worth up to £1,700.

Families who have fallen behind on their gas and electricity bills qualify for help through a little-known fund.

The British Gas Individual and Families Fund is open to prepayment meter customers who are in up to £1,700 worth of energy debt.

If you can’t get help through British Gas’ Individual and Families Fund, you might be able to knock money off your energy bill through the Household Support Fund.

The fund is a giant £742million pot of money that’s been shared between councils in England.

These local authorities are now distributing their share of the fund and can set their own eligibility criteria.

That means what you’re entitled to depends based on where you live, but you will likely qualify for help if you’re on benefits or a low income, and may be able to get energy vouchers or cash.

Speak to your local council about what help is on offer. You can find your nearest by visiting – www.gov.uk/find-local-council.

Depending on what benefits you’re on, you might be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment, the Warm Home Discount or a Cold Weather Payment too.

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THE Government has confirmed when it’s planning to bring in controversial new powers aimed at cracking down on benefits fraudsters.

Banks will be drafted in to help identify benefits cheats and convicted fraudsters could be stripped of their driving licences under the new Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) plans.

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New Government documents have revealed it’s planning to bring the measures under the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill in April 2026.

The DWP has said it will be the “biggest fraud crackdown in a generation”.

It’s estimated the new powers could save taxpayers £1.5billion over five years.

Last year, an estimated £7.4billion was lost to benefits fraud – around 2.8% of total welfare spending.

A further £1.6bn (0.6%) was overpaid due to unintentional errors by claimants, while £0.8bn (0.3%) was overpaid because of errors by the DWP.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been trying to boost the public purse after it was revealed she needs to plug a £50billion hole in public finances.

The new measures mean banks will help to identify customers who might have breached benefit eligibility rules, such as exceeding the £16,000 savings limit for Universal Credit.

They will share limited data with the DWP but can’t provide transaction details, so officials won’t be able to see how benefit claimants spend their money.

The DWP also won’t gain direct access to claimants’ bank accounts, but it will receive cases flagged for investigation.

Financial institutions face penalties if they overshare information beyond what’s permitted.

Airlines and other third-party organisations might also have to provide information to help detect benefit claims made from abroad that could violate eligibility rules.

According to the Government documents, any information “will not be shared on the presumption or suspicion that anyone is guilty of any offence”.

However officials will gain authority to recover money directly from fraudsters’ bank accounts.

As well as this, persistent benefit fraudsters who fail to repay their debts could face driving bans lasting up to two years.

DWP minister Liz Kendall has pledged to clamp down on benefit cheats, saying back in March: “The social security system that we inherited from the Conservatives is failing the very people that it is supposed to help and is holding our country back.

“The facts speak for themselves. One in 10 people of working age are now claiming a sickness or disability benefit. Almost one million young people are not in education, employment or training – one in eight of all our young people.”

The DWP has said it will have strong safeguards in place, including new inspection and reporting mechanisms.

DWP staff will also receive comprehensive training before using the new powers.

However campaign groups have warned the powers could invade claimants’ rights to financial privacy and it could also lead to legitimate claimants being wrongly investigated.

In a letter to Kendall last year, the directors of Big Brother Watch and Age UK described the plans as “mass financial surveillance powers” which they said would “represent a severe and disproportionate intrusion into the nation’s privacy”.

LIDL will be selling a Thermomix dupe that is significantly cheaper than the original.

Savings of more than £1,000 can be made with this middle aisle purchase from the discount retailer.

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Lidl is about to sell a dupe of the Thermomix worth £1,349 for just £299 for Lidl Plus customers.

Called the Monsieur Cuisine Smart, this exciting kitchen appliance will be in stores from Thursday, September 4.

It is a multi-functional device that can be used for everything you need, from food processing, cooking, searing, steaming, kneading, blending, and stirring.

There are even programming options available for it to chop, shred, grind, pure or emulsify ingredients.

You can therefore make anything from soups, sauces, or vegetable, meat or noodle dishes.

The smart device has WiFi functions that provides free monthly recipe updates with a registered user account, along with over 600 pre-installed recipes with step-by-step instructions through its cooking pilot.

There is also guided video cooking for selected recipes, that can be played on its fast-reacting 8-inch display screen.

On top of that, there is voice control capabilities that can be activated via Google Assistant.

Kitchen scales have been integrated into the device to enable weighing of ingredients that have been placed directly into the pot.

With 1000W power, up to 1kg of dough can be processes, through 10 speed settings including turbo function for pulse blending.

Kneading dough or stirring soups and stews can be carried out in the anti-clockwise motion the Monsieur Cuisine provides.

Furthermore, its facilitates precise cooking with temperatures from 37-130C that can be set in five degree increments.

There is also a 99 minute timer.

All the accessories are dishwasher safe, including the 4.5L stainless steel blender jug and various attachments that include a steamer, blade, and mixer.

The product is exclusively available for Lidl Plus customers to reserve from August 21 to 25 on the Lidl Plus App.

Regular customers can then purchase the Monsieur Cuisine once they are available in store next month.

Lidl’s version of the Thermomix seems to come with many functionalities of the original, at a much more affordable price.

This deal comes after Lidl was also found selling another kitchen appliance that can be used for baking at a price £400 cheaper than others.

It was their Silvercrest Kitchen Tools Stand Mixer, that was sold for only £49.99.

The budget-friendly retailer also had XL dual view air fryer available for just £79.99 this summer.

Lidl’s 15L Salter air fryer was half the price of Curry’s version, with six cooking functions and a sleek LED display.

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THE UK’s economy grew in the three months to June but slowed on the first quarter of the year.

The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 0.3% between April and June.

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This is lower than the 0.7% recorded between January and March, but stronger than expected by analysts.

GDP grew in the second quarter of the year mostly due to the services and construction sectors.

It’s worth bearing in mind these latest quarterly figures are estimations and are open to be revised at a later date.

Liz McKeown, director of economic statistics at the ONS, said: “Growth slowed in the second quarter after a strong start to the year.

“The economy was weak across April and May, with some activity having been brought forward to February and March ahead of Stamp Duty and tariff changes, but then recovered strongly in June.

“Across the second quarter as a whole growth was led by services, with computer programming, health and vehicle leasing growing.

“Construction also increased while production fell back slightly.

“Growth for the quarter was also boosted by updated source data for April, which while still showing a contraction, was better than initially estimated.

“Services also drove growth in June with scientific R&D, engineering and car sales all having a strong month.

“Within production, which recovered, manufacture of electronics performed especially well.”

The data today was largely expected by analysts to show the UK economy slowed to just 0.1% growth in the second quarter of 2025 after a strong start to the year.

Last Thursday, the Bank of England forecast second-quarter UK GDP growth of 0.1%, slowed from 0.7% in the first quarter.

Figures have already shown that GDP contracted by 0.3% in April and 0.1% in May.

Plus, figures on Tuesday showed the UK jobs market weakened again, but overall wage growth remains strong, prompting traders to trim their bets on the possibility of another Bank of England rate cut this year.

What it means for your money

GDP measures the economic output of companies, individuals and Governments.

If it is rising steadily, but not too much, it’s a sign of a healthy and prosperous economy.

This is because it usually means people are spending more, the Government gets more tax and businesses get more money which then means pay rises for workers.

When GDP is falling, it means the economy is shrinking which can be bad news for businesses and workers who face pay cuts or even losing their job.

The Bank of England (BoE) also uses GDP and inflation as key indicators when determining the base rate.

This decides how much it will charge banks to lend them money and is a way to try to control inflation and the economy.

If GDP is low, the BoE cuts its base rate in order to encourage people to spend and invest money.

If it is higher, the BoE may keep its base rate higher in order to keep inflation in check.

A MAJOR snack brand has launched its first new crisps in decades, with packets set to hit stores soon.

The launch comes in two fan-favourite flavours that will be available at a UK supermarkets.

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Nik Naks is shaking up the snack aisle with the introduction of its new shape of crisps that come as Twisters.

This whacky new shape is designed for people to enjoy maximum crunch, to become “the ultimate snack-time sidekick that’ll have you reaching for more”.

It is the first switch up for the iconic knobbly snack that has come for over 40 years.

The Nik Nak Twisters will be available in two fan-favourite flavours – Nice ‘n’ Spicy and Tangy ‘n’ Cheesy.

The snacks will exclusively be available from Sainsbury’s in Octobers.

Buying these new Nik Naks will cost £2.50 per pack for nine 130 gram packets.

John McDougall, Nik Naks and Heritage Portfolio Senior Brand Manager, says “The launch of Twisters marks a revolutionary moment for Nik Naks – our first-ever new shape!

“We’ve taken our iconic flavours and given them a playful new twist.

“We’re so excited for snack lovers across the UK to try them – give them a spin!”

Nik Naks have previously been seen to bring unusual flavours, but known for their knobbly appearance.

A few years ago, they brought back a divisive crisp flavour, which were first available in the 90s.

The Scampi ‘n’ Lemon flavour of Nik Naks were discontinued, in favour of Pickle ‘n’ Onion, in 2008, but made a return in 2022.

Other than the popular Nice ‘n’ Spicy that will soon come in a Twister form, their flavours have also included the Rib ‘n’ Saucy and Cream ‘n’ Cheesy.

Nik Nak’s update also comes just after iconic crisps brand Walkers also launched two new permanent flavours for fans.

This includes the roll out of the a new Sticky Teriyaki flavour, and a Masala Chicken.

LIDL is selling a range of budget-friendly camping gadgets as Brits soak up the sunny weather.

The discount supermarket chain is stocking kids’ sleeping bags and chairs, cool boxes and even an air mattress.

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The new range will be perfect for camping during the end of summer and autumn and getting outdoors to make the last of the year’s light.

There are 30 items Crivit Camping range that range from air mattresses to cool boxes.

And some even have a discount attached to them.

For example, the camping cutlery set selling for £9.99 now has 20 per cent with Lidl Plus and is selling for £7.99.

The Crivit Aluminium Camping Table normally sells for £24.99, but with the Lidl Plus card is currently selling for £19.99.

The air mattress in a double size is selling for £14.99, while sleeping bags are selling for £12.99.

A range of four cool bags are selling for £3.99 while backpacks are selling for £14.99.

It comes after Crivit released a number of tents and festival gear for summer at Lidl several months ago.

The incredible Crivit camping range has everything festival-goers need to set themselves up in the Wilderness, including the 4-Person Blackout Tent – popping up in stores for just £99.00 with Lidl Plus.

Crivit was even selling stand up paddleboards at supermarkets.

The Crivit All-Round Inflatable SUP is priced at just £99.99, and was available at Lidl stores from Thursday May 29.

This bargain bed comes after Lidl have begun selling ice cool gel pillows that are easy to use and would be perfect for keeping cool on those hot car trips.

For just £7.99 on the Lidl plus app, shoppers can get their hands on the Silentnight Cooling Gel Pillow Pad.

That’s more than £12 cheaper than a similar product on Argos, with the low price available until June 7.

Described as perfect for restless sleepers and over heaters, the pillow give you instant cooling comfort, so you don’t need to flip your pillow during the night.

At 60x40cm it covers your entire pillow and simply needs to be slid inside your pillowcase on top of your normal pillow.

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IKEA fans won’t have to wait much longer — the Swedish giant’s long-awaited new store will open its doors in just 48 hours.

The brand-new branch, located in Brighton’s Churchill Square Shopping Centre, takes over the former Debenhams site which has been empty since 2021.

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Shoppers will be able to step inside from 10am on Thursday, August 14 , to explore thousands of affordable homeware items, and tuck into the famous meatballs.

Spread across two floors and 6,695 square metres, the store will offer 2,600 products for immediate takeaway and access to the full 12,000-strong range via delivery or collection.

It’s the first full IKEA store in the city, meaning Brighton locals will no longer need to trek to Croydon or Southampton for the full shopping experience.

Bosses say the new shop has been created with the “city at its heart”, with displays inspired by local homes and Brighton’s seaside style.

Six roomsets have been co-created with residents, including ceramicists Adam Johnson and Dan Mackey, to show off colourful, space-saving ideas and a nod to the city’s famous beach huts.

Adam said: “We’ve always loved IKEA because it’s like an interiors disco – and what’s life without a little sparkle?”

The first floor houses a 100-seat Swedish Deli serving meatballs, plantballs and sweet treats, all with sweeping sea views.

The Swedish Food Market will sell ingredients and snacks to enjoy at home.

On the ground floor, bargain hunters can snap up pre-loved and discontinued items in the Re-shop & Re-use area.

There’s also a home planning hub where shoppers can get one-to-one help designing kitchens or bedroom storage.

Quick bites and drinks will be available at the Swedish Bite kiosk.

Market Manager Karina Gilpin said: “Our city centre location in Churchill Square means customers can conveniently drop in while out and about, to seek inspiration for their homes, browse our range, access our expert planning advice, or enjoy our delicious meatballs or plantballs.”

To celebrate the launch, the first 100 IKEA Family Members through the doors will get a blue FRAKTA bag with a mystery gift card worth between £1 and £1,000.

Brighton will be IKEA’s third city-centre store in the UK, following Oxford Street and Hammersmith in London.

The opening is part of the retailer’s push for smaller, high street-friendly locations, moving away from giant out-of-town warehouses.

The Churchill Square store will open 10am to 8pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 5pm on Sundays.

Where is my closest Ikea?

A quick way of figuring out if you have an Ikea store near you is by using the retailer’s locator tool on its website.

You just have to enter the town or city where you live, or your postcode and it will pull up the nearest site.

The same page has a helpful map showing where all of the 21 current stores are located.

Below we reveal the full list of Ikea stores in the UK:

• Croydon
• Hammersmith
• Greenwich
• Lakeside
• Wembley
• Birmingham (Wednesbury)
• Nottingham
• Bristol
• Cardiff
• Exeter
• Belfast
• Manchester
• Warrington
• Edinburgh
• Gateshead
• Glasgow
• Leeds
• Sheffield
• Milton Keynes
• Reading
• Southampton

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SIX in 10 Gen Zers reckon music gigs are overpriced – but are making financial sacrifices so they don’t miss out.

A study of 2,000 adults found 46 per cent of 21- to 24-year-olds believe concerts are out of reach for most people.

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Gen Zers are nonetheless determined to make it work, with 67 per cent having been to at least one gig in the past year – and spending an average of £117 on their priciest ticket.

To cover the cost, nearly one in five young adults (18 per cent) cut back on essentials, while 26 per cent scrapped a subscription – and 15 per cent admitted to spending more on a live music event than on their monthly bills.

The study was commissioned by Greene King, which staged the ‘biggest pub gig ever’ – with Sam Ryder giving a surprise performance at the iconic pub The Anchor on London’s South Bank.

As one of 800 acts in Greene King Untapped – a competition to find the next big music talent – Sam performed a 35-minute set, free for fans to watch.

The BRIT-nominated Eurovision star, who has also been appointed the pub chain’s Head of Gigs, said: “Playing in pubs and smaller venues was where it all started for me, with intimate venues, borrowed PA systems, and a handful of pub-goers who might become fans.

 “Grassroots music is at the heartbeat of the scene and those early gigs shaped who I am as an artist.

“These spaces allow live music to be an experience available to everyone, that’s why they’re so important, and I’m stoked to be a part of the team helping to keep that alive.” 

The study also found that 40 per cent of adults have skipped live music because of high ticket prices – missing an average of three events in the past year.

Half of those surveyed said they’ve wanted to attend a music event but couldn’t because tickets sold out too quickly.

The study also found that 53 per cent believe live music ticket prices are unfair, with 67 per cent saying prices have become unreasonable in recent years.

Meanwhile, 61 per cent claimed they would go to more gigs if tickets cost less.

The research also revealed that 41 per cent feel most alive when attending a gig, while 63 per cent admit the energy of a live performance doesn’t translate the same way digitally.

And 38 per cent have suffered FOMO (a Gen Z term meaning Fear of Missing Out) after seeing concerts on social media they couldn’t attend.

Zoe Bowley, managing director at Greene King Pubs, said: “Pubs have long been the heartland of grassroots music, a place where emerging talent takes root, stars are born, and communities come together. 

“It’s where British people do what they do best: connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories.”

In other news, The Sun recently revealed Oasis are getting big-money offers for more shows almost daily.

Insiders told Bizarre editor Ellie Henman last month the brothers are flooded with bids from across the globe.

This comes after their epic 41-show reunion tour sold out in minutes on 31 August.

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A MAJOR high street retailer has launched a huge closing down sale ahead of the closing of six of its branches across the UK.

GAME – which operates around 240 stores across the UK – has slashed the prices of some of its products by up to 20 per cent across the closing outlets.

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The retailing giant announced the closure of six of its stores across the UK in August and September, including outlets in Eldon Square in Newcastle and at Galleries Shopping Centre in Bristol.

Fans of the gaming store spotted major discounts at their local outlets that are due to be shut.

GAME, which stocks video games, consoles, and even LEGO products, is owned by Frasers Group – the company behind brands Sports Direct and House of Fraser.

Closing down sale signs were seen outside the popular store in Eldon Square last month, reports ChronicleLive.

Even more have appeared since the first sighting, with discounts slapped on countless products in the store.

These savings could grow even larger as the store heads closer to its final day of trading.

It is not yet clear, however, whether this will be in August, September, or at a later date.

Other stores due for the chop include one outlet in the Metrocentre Shopping Centre in Gateshead as well as another in Southend, Essex.

This follows the closure of a number of other GAME stores in recent months, including shops in the Trafford Centre in Manchester in June and the outlet in the Victoria Centre in Nottingham in July.

GAME was acquired by the Frasers Group, owned by businessman Mike Ashley, in 2019, as part of a £52 million deal.

However, in January 2020 the retailer announced plans to close 40 of its more than 300 stores across the UK.

Today, there are roughly 240 Game stores operating across the UK.

HIGH STREET STRUGGLES

The high street has majorly struggled in recent years due to a combination of factors.

Shoppers are buying much more of their products online, while retailers have faced higher rental, wage and energy costs.

The Centre for Retail Research says the sector has been going through a “permacrisis” since the 2008 financial crash.

Figures from the Centre show 34 retail companies operating multiple stores stopped trading in 2024, leading to the closure of 7,537 shops.

Businesses have cautioned more closures are to be expected this year as well due to the hike to employer NICs and staff wages.

The rate of employer NICs was hiked from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent and the threshold at which they are paid lowered from £9,100 to £5,000 in April.

The national minimum wage was also increased by up to £12.21 a hour.

Some big names have already announced mass store closures in 2025, including Poundland, Hobbycraft and The Original Factory Shop.

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A BIG high street banking chain is axing a lifeline service for all customers within weeks.

M&S Bank is stopping customers from paying off their credit card bills in-store, by cheque, or using bank giro credit – a move campaigners say will make life harder for older and vulnerable people.

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The bank, run as a joint venture between HSBC and M&S since 2004, had already paused in-store credit card payments back in April.

Now, the decision has been made permanent, according to This is Money.

To make matters worse, a letter sent to customers confirmed that from October, payments by cheque or giro credit will no longer be accepted at banks, building societies, or post offices.

The decision has caused a stir, with critics claiming it’s yet another blow to older people who are being left behind in an increasingly digital world.

Baroness Ros Altmann, a pensions expert, said: “You’re pushing away your most loyal, older customers who’ve probably shopped with you for decades.

“It might only be a minority who use these methods, but with M&S Bank’s huge customer base, it’s still a lot of people.

“These changes tend to hit older folks hardest.

“Many don’t have access to online banking or smartphones, and some prefer cash to help them budget better.”

M&S Bank currently offers credit cards, personal loans, travel insurance, store payment cards and a buy now pay later credit to over three million UK customers.

Caroline Abrahams, Age UK’s charity director, also raised concerns.

She highlighted research showing that 27% of people still manage their accounts through branches, while 31% feel uneasy about banking online.

“Reducing payment options will limit some older people, especially those who aren’t online or who prefer cash,” she said.

M&S Bank has defended the decision, saying only “1%” of customers use these older payment methods.

A spokesperson said: “Most customers are choosing to use digital channels for their banking needs.

“We’ve introduced a pay-by-bank option via the M&S Bank app, alongside direct debit and bank payments, to make things easier for them.”

They added that the axed options were “legacy payment methods” and pointed out that customers can still pay at a bank, but giro forms will no longer be printed with statements.

M&S Bank used to offer current accounts prior to 2021.

However, the bank closed this product offering on August 31, 2021, in a shock move that also resulted in the closure of all 29 in-store bank branches on July 2 of the same year. 

Since the shake-up, the bank has completely shifted its focus to credit cards, insurance and reward offerings.

What other banking changes are coming?

NatWest is making changes to its business current accounts by increasing fees for cash payments, cheque transactions, and certain online transfers.

From August 30, cash payments into and out of business accounts will see their fees surge from 70p per £100 to 95p per £100. 

Cheque payments, whether processed by hand or via mobile, will also jump from 70p to 75p per cheque.

The bank is also increasing some charges related to its BACS payment system.

The BACS system is a UK payment network used by businesses to make electronic bank-to-bank transfers, such as Direct Debits and Direct Credits.

The fee for processing each individual payment or instruction, will soon rise from 18p to 21p.

The cost to process a file containing multiple payments or instructions will also increase slightly from £5.25 to £5.35.

Meanwhile, Santander is closing its 123 Lite current account, which offers up to 3% cashback on household bills for a £2 monthly fee, on August 21.

Customers affected by the closure will be automatically switched to Santander’s Everyday Current Account.

This account has no monthly fee but does not include cashback benefits.

Plus, new customers applying for the bank’s Edge Credit Card will now face a monthly fee of £4, an increase from the previous £3.

Plus, customers of Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland will soon lose the ability to deposit their cheques at any of the 11,500 Post Office branches nationwide.

From December 31 this year, Lloyds Banking Group will withdraw this service for all customers.

A MAJOR bank with millions of customers is make a huge change to dozens of bank accounts starting within days.

The Co-operative Bank is cutting interest rates on 36 savings accounts, delivering a fresh blow to savers.

It comes just days after the Bank of England lowered the base rate from 4.25% to 4%, marking the fifth interest rate cut since 2020.

The decision means lower mortgage payments for homeowners but often leads to smaller returns for savers.

That’s because the base rate impacts the interest rates banks offer on savings accounts and loans, including mortgages.

The Co-operative Bank has wasted no time, announcing that interest rates on dozens of accounts will be reduced starting on August 14 and October 22.

On August 14, the Base Rate Tracker accounts will see reductions, with interest rates dropping from 4% to 3.75% and from 3.75% to 3.5%.

For example, if you had £1,000 deposited for 12 months, the interest earned at 4% would have been £40.

After the rate drops to 3.75%, you would earn £37.50 – a difference of £2.50.

Similarly, with the rate falling from 3.75% to 3.5%, the interest earned would decrease from £37.50 to £35, meaning £2.50 less over the year.

From October 22, various other accounts will experience cuts, including the Future Fund, which will see its rate fall from 1.53% to 1.46%, and the Online Saver, dropping from 2.12% to 2.06%.

Other affected accounts include the Smart Saver, Select Access Saver 5, and Privilege Premier Savings, with reductions ranging from 4.15% to 3.9% and 3.53% to 3.4%. 

Cash ISA holders will also be impacted, with Cash ISA 2 rates falling from 3.25% to 3%.

Fortunately, several savings providers still offer returns of up to 5%.

With the average bank customer holding around £10,000 in savings, according to Raisin, switching could be a smart move.

To help you get the best returns, we’ve listed the top savings rates for each account type below.

What’s on offer?

If you’re looking for a savings account without withdrawal limitations, then you’ll want to opt for an easy-access saver.

These do what they say on the tin and usually allow for unlimited cash withdrawals.

The best easy access savings account available is from Cahoot, which pays 5% – and you only need to pay a minimum of £1 to set it up.

This means that if you were to save £1,000 in this account, you would earn £50 a year in interest.

Meanwhile, West Brom Building Society’s easy access account offers customers 4.55% back on savings worth £1 or more.

If you’re okay with being less flexible about withdrawals, a top notice account could be a great option.

These accounts offer better rates than easy-access accounts but still let you access your money more flexibly than a a fixed-bond.

RCI Bank UK’s 95 day notice account offers savers 4.7% back with a minimum £1,000 deposit, for example.

This means that if you were to save £1,000 in this account, you would earn £47 a year in interest.

Meanwhile, GB Bank’s 120-day notice account offers 4.58%, requiring a minimum deposit of £1,000.

If you want to lock your money away and keep the same savings rate for a set time, a fixed bond is a good choice.

The best fixed rate currently offered is Vanquis Bank’s one-year fixed bond, which pays 4.44%, requiring a minimum deposit of £1,000.

Meanwhile, Atom Bank’s one-year fixed bond offers 4.42% back on a deposit of £50 or more.

This means that if you were to save £1,000 in this account, you would earn £44.20 a year in interest.

If you want to build a habit of saving a set amount of money each month, a regular savings account could pay you dividends.

Principality Building Society’s Six Month Regular Saver offers 7.5% interest on savings.

It allows customers to save between £1 and £200 a month.

Save in the maximum, and you’ll earn £25.81 in interest.

While regular savings accounts look attractive due to the high interest rates on offer, they are not right for all savers. 

You can’t use a regular savings account to earn interest on a lump sum.

The amount you can save into the account each month will be limited, typically to somewhere between £200 and £500.

Therefore, if you have more to save, it would be wise to consider one of the other accounts mentioned above.

FASHION accessories chain Claire’s is facing an uncertain future on UK high streets, after its US parent firm filed for bankruptcy.

It is the second time the ear-piercing favourite has declared itself bust, after previously filing for bankruptcy in 2018.

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Its finances are now under pressure from weak consumer demand and supply chain uncertainty.

The filings showed that the parent business reported liabilities of up to $10billion (£7billion) and owed between 25,000 and 50,000 creditors.

Claire’s operates 2,750 stores worldwide, including 280 in the UK.

While British stores remain unaffected for now, the UK arm has lost £25million over the past three years and is at risk of collapsing into administration later this month.

It has been working with advisers to explore a sale or restructuring.

However, potential buyers, such as Hilco Capital, are understood to have walked away.

Retail experts say Claire’s is struggling to stay relevant.

Julie Palmer, from Begbies Traynor, said: “Claire’s low-price offering is clearly not strong enough to win over its core customers — teens and young adults — as they now have access to a vast array of affordable and convenient products online through platforms like Amazon and Temu.”

Claire’s boss Chris Cramer said: “We remain in active discussions with potential strategic and financial partners and are committed to completing our review of strategic alternatives.”

METRO BANK ON THE UP

METRO BANK has bounced back, posting a £43.1million pre-tax profit for the first half of 2025 — up from a £33.5million loss reported in the same period last year.

The lender doubled new corporate and small business loans to £1billion, and cut 8 per cent from its costs by axing a third of its workforce and reducing branch hours.

Boss Daniel Frumkin said: “Our strong performance reflects the decisive actions we have taken.”

Elsewhere, Sabadell shareholders have approved the £2.65billion sale of TSB to Santander.

THE viral brand behind Labubu dolls will soon be on sale at one of Britain’s biggest toy chains at stores across the country.

From today, shoppers will be able to find toys from the highly sought-after brand.

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The Entertainer will see POP MART toys at select stores around the UK, as the start of a larger nationwide roll-out in coming months.

POP MART has grown its global audience, particularly with consumers’ increasing love for collectible toys like Labubu dolls.

The company, based in China, has pioneered the collectable toy market that is for both children and adults by merging art, fashion and pop culture.

They have revealed UK fans fans will be able to get their hands on iconic blind box collectables from POP MART.

This includes limited-edition favourites like MOLLY and SKULLPANDA which will be at select The Entertainer stores today.

The brand is already available at the latest The Entertainer store in Bluewater.

Six locations are included in the trial of POP MART products at The Entertainer, before they are rolled-out to additional stores nationwide in coming months.

The stores where the toys can be found include:

• Manchester Arndale
• Kingston The Bentall Centre
• Lakeside Shopping Centre
• Milton Keynes Centre: MK
• Sheffield Meadowhall
• Stratford Westfield

Coming in mystery-style blind boxes, a surprise figure is contained inside.

This has added to the growing excitement and demand for these products, which have even been popular amongst celebrities like Dua Lipa and Rihanna.

Chief Product Officer at The Entertainer, Brian Proctor, said: “As the POP MART phenomenon continues to rapidly grow, we’re thrilled to reveal that The Entertainer will stock the popular toys in selected stores.

“The upcoming arrival of POP MART at The Entertainer highlights our ongoing commitment to offering innovative and exciting products to our customers. In addition to the arrival of POP MART, we will continue to ensure that our diverse product range offers plenty of choices for toy fans across the country.”

The Entertainer has over 160 stores across the UK, with thousands of toys and games to offer customers.

It also provides through a thousand concessions like Tesco and Matalan, as well as trading internationally and online.

News of the products coming to the UK comes just as huge crowds have been swarming to toy stores to snap up the viral Labubu Dolls at POP MART stores countries across the world.

A queue in the German city of Berlin was seen extending all the way around the block of a POP MART store as it just opened with Labubu dolls.

The craze for these collectable toys has also being going off online.

TikTokers have been raving about the collection of new plush toys that have labelled the “next Labubus“.

The Wakuku dolls have been compared to Labubus, and shoppers are also able to get a blind box of the toys online.

These toys have really taken the internet by storm – with Chinese toymaker POP MART’s valuation skyrocketing to £31.6bn.

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