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Consumer finance expert Martin Lewis has condemned local councils for their aggressive council tax collection practices, which he claims disproportionately harm vulnerable residents, particularly those with mental health issues. He calls for government reforms to protect low-income households from punitive measures following missed payments.
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The UK state pension is projected to rise by approximately £460 annually from April 2025, based on a 4% increase in average earnings. This adjustment follows the government's commitment to the triple lock system, which guarantees pension increases based on earnings, inflation, or a minimum of 2.5%.
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A petition to raise the UK Christmas bonus from £10, unchanged since 1972, has gained over 15,000 signatures. Advocates argue the payment should be adjusted for inflation, especially as winter costs rise. The Department for Work and Pensions has not yet responded to these concerns as pressures mount ahead of winter.
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Consumer advocate Martin Lewis has urged the UK government to shift its focus from installing new smart meters to repairing faulty ones. He highlights that 19% of households with smart meters report issues, leading to potential misbilling and consumer frustration. The current rollout strategy is under scrutiny as many meters fail to function properly.