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Commentary submitted by Sarah Coles in their own words.
Back to profileThe latest on tax receipt data
December tends to see income tax payments ramp up to the peak in January, as the millions of people yet to file a tax return at this stage finally get round to it – and pay their bills.
Inflation bounces back in December as Christmas travel fuels price rises
It means these figures are unlikely to have much impact on the Bank of England’s rate cutting decisions.
House prices increased by 2.5% in November despite Budget concerns
The fight to secure a rental property remains fierce.
Wage growth falls as unemployment stays at highest level for nearly five years
There were 2.5 unemployed people per vacancy – up from 2.4 in the previous quarter and 1.9 a year ago.
Average UK house price fell to six-month low in December, says Halifax
The usual December chill set into the property market, with prices falling during the month, and barely rising at all in 2026.
NS&I chops British Savings Bonds rates
The good news is that the bonds are still offering more than they did before the November bump.
342 people filed tax return in the last hour of 2025, says HMRC
While there’s nothing wrong with being motivated by a deadline, it raises the risk of something going awry.
Annual house price growth slowed in October as values fell in London – ONS
Average bills have reached £1,366 and in London it’s £2,271. As landlords continue to sell up, we can expect rents to remain painful.
Inflation drops sharply to 3.2% in November after food prices fall
It’s following the path the Bank of England had forecast – peaking in September and gradually moving south.
Rate cut next week appears all-but nailed on
Coupled with weakness in the employment market and sluggish economic growth, the stage is set for a rate cut on Thursday.
Property price rises grind to a halt
House prices haven’t been going anywhere fast for a while.
English Housing Survey – the real cost of renting later in life
The rise of mortgage rates in 2024/25 means that on average, people spent more on the mortgage than they did on rent.