UK lenders paid car dealers cash upfront that may have led to costlier loans

Exclusive: ‘Advance commissions’ said to total millions of pounds allegedly pushed customers to certain providers

UK hiring on the rise as confidence lifts, research suggests

Companies increase hiring for first time since June, and households more optimistic about their finances

Rachel Reeves understood to be considering proposal to reduce annual allowance from current £20,000

Profits hit as total held back for payouts rises to almost £1.2bn amid uncertainty over final financial impact

From working out exactly what you’re really using, to getting together all the right evidence

Households face greater than expected rise in Ofgem price cap after Europe’s gas storage levels slump, analysts say

Unemployment rate unchanged in three months to December, while vacancies increased in January

End of ‘de minimis’ policy for Chinese goods also expected to hit bigger online fashion retailers such as Asos and Boohoo

Impending tax rises from autumn budget fuel collapse in sentiment and rising redundancy intentions, surveys show

Resolution Foundation report says failure to reform has ‘slowly recreated the issues that undid the poll tax’

Struggling firm to appeal to competition watchdog to hike fees by more than Ofwat-approved 35% over next five years

Suggestions include standardised packaging in hospitals to tackle power of branding but CMA decides against price cap

Call for means-tested grants or loans to cover upfront costs that prevent poorer households from benefiting

Estimate by Close Brothers follows ‘thorough assessment’ of court case’s impact on UK vehicle loan industry

Company will give up to 20% off treatments such as Wegovy and Mounjaro through private cover