Cost of raising a child in UK soars to £249,000
New research shows the cost of raising a child to 18 has surged to £249,000, with childcare and teen years being the most expensive. Discover the full breakdown and expert analysis.
New research shows the cost of raising a child to 18 has surged to £249,000, with childcare and teen years being the most expensive. Discover the full breakdown and expert analysis.
A new survey reveals 30% of Brits plan to cut discretionary spending in 2026 to prioritise investing, as living costs rise. Discover the key areas facing the chop.
From dazzling lights to bulky Santa suits, discover the surprising UK laws that could result in fines of up to £5,000 this Christmas Day. Stay safe and avoid a festive penalty.
Families on full DWP benefits will receive £18,000 more than some working households by 2026/27, analysis shows. The Centre for Social Justice report sparks a major political row over welfare spending.
The Met Office predicts a mostly dry, cold, and bright Christmas Day 2025 for the UK, with a brisk wind and a very low chance of snow. Find out the full festive forecast.
Discover the complete festive TV listings for Christmas Day 2025. Find out what films and specials are on BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5. Plan your perfect day of viewing.
Olivia Attwood, Pete Wicks and Strictly's Luba Mushtuk explain their reasons for a solo Christmas Day in 2025. Discover why they're choosing solitude this festive season.
Oscar winner Brenda Fricker, the 'Pigeon Lady' from Home Alone 2, speaks out on Hollywood ageism, her declining health at 80, and coping with Christmas alone. Read her powerful, heartbreaking story.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer uses his Christmas message to thank NHS staff, emergency services and volunteers working over the festive period, as new figures reveal 1.2 million will be on duty.
Your complete guide to the Christmas Eve TV schedule for 2025, featuring festive films, specials, and shows across all major UK channels. Plan your viewing now!
Eagle-eyed viewers have spotted a key Home Alone scene that explains how Kevin's family left him behind. Discover the hidden detail missed for decades.
Discover 17 incredible behind-the-scenes secrets from the 1992 Christmas classic Home Alone 2, from huge salaries to on-set injuries and celebrity cameos.
Melly May Lynch, 29, spent two days and £250 embracing the nostalgic 'tacky Christmas' TikTok trend in her North Wales home. Discover her festive transformation and the hunt for 90s decorations.
Find the full list of 42 Wetherspoons pubs open in the West Midlands on Christmas Day 2024, offering festive meals and company for those alone. Discover your local.
West Midlands Police issue a safety warning after three people were assaulted and robbed by the same man while walking alone in the dark in Chelmsley Wood. Be vigilant.
The festive period is a crucial economic stress test, with UK retail sales forecast to hit £91bn. Discover how Christmas spending impacts jobs, businesses, and high streets across the nation.
A stark Nationwide Building Society survey reveals the cost of living crisis is forcing parents to make tough sacrifices this Christmas, with spending gaps widening. Discover the impact and how to help.
UK households can save nearly £400 this festive season by avoiding eight common Christmas expenses. Experts urge early planning to avoid financial stress. #SaveMoney #Christmas
Dudley Council faces a 300% rise in adult safeguarding cases, deploys drones against off-road bikes, and sparks a £10k spending row. Explore this week's key developments.
From Transylvanian traders to economic impact, we explore the love-hate relationship with Birmingham's sprawling Frankfurt Christmas Market. Discover the facts and share your thoughts.
Official data reveals the UK Government has spent more than £100m supporting its response to the Covid-19 public inquiry, on top of the inquiry's own £192m budget. Discover the breakdown of legal and staffing costs.
The iconic Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour 2025 announces its next destination. Discover the Ipswich schedule, charity support, and how to get a festive drink and bauble.
The iconic Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour 2025 has announced its next weekend location in Ipswich. Find out where to catch the festive magic and enjoy a free drink.
UK shoppers are urged to check festive postal deadlines now, with the first cut-off for overseas parcels on 5th December. Avoid missing Christmas with our essential guide.
Shoppers are snapping up real Christmas trees for a bargain £10.99 at Home Bargains. Discover the best festive tree deals from Tesco and Morrisons too.
Discover Cheltenham's festive magic with four unique Christmas markets, an ice rink, and independent shopping, just a 35-minute train ride from Birmingham. Plan your perfect Christmas day out.
Aldi offers a complete Christmas dinner for eight people for just £1.48 per person. The budget-friendly festive feast includes turkey, trimmings, and gravy. Enter their Advent Giveaway for a chance to win your shop back.
The Independent ranks Leicester's festive market 12th in the UK. Discover its dates, stalls, and the West Midlands favourites also on the list.
The iconic Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour 2025 has announced its next steps. Find out where to see the festive lorry, get a free drink, and capture perfect holiday photos.
The Independent's guide to the UK's best festive markets features Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market and Worcester Christmas Fayre. Discover dates, highlights, and what makes them special.