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Can I refuse to let security staff search my bag if I set off the alarm leaving a shop?

I set off the alarm when I left a department store, although I hadn't bought anything. Security on the door insisted on searching my shopping bags. I was outraged. Could I have refused? Security personnel have limited powers compared to the police and generally can only enforce store policies.

When in opposition, Keir Starmer's team never missed an opportunity to accuse Liz Truss and the Tories of crashing the economy.

How I'd revive the shellshocked UK economy after Labour's Budget disaster, by ALEX BRUMMER

In her first big speech of the New Year, the Chancellor (pictured) will try to restore confidence and - crucially - to discredit the assessment last month by the Bank of England that it was the record-breaking tax rises in Labour's October Budget that brought the economy grinding to a halt.

I've heard nothing from HMRC after telling them I don't need to file a tax return, and now I don't know what to do. Will I be fined £100?

Oscar Ryan and Adam Roubicek (pictured) bought a one-bedroom London flat for £265,000 at auction which would have normally cost around £300,000.

You have weeks to file an online return and pay what you owe. There's a £100 fine if you file up to three months late. For late payments, you're charged 7.25% interest.

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MARKET REPORT: Amaroq Minerals shares warm to Donald Trump's Arctic ambitions

Donald Trump Jr landed in Greenland on a 'personal day-trip' hours after his father repeated his wish for the US to take control of the autonomous Danish territory. Trump, who takes office later this month, is unhappy that about 90% of the world's supply of certain minerals critical to the manufacture of electric car batteries rests in the hands of Russia and China.

Saba Capital is calling for a shake-up of seven London-listed investment trusts which collectively have a market value of around £4bn

Date from research group Kantar showed Ocado sales rose 9.6% for the three months to December 29. M&S saw food and drink sales rise by 8.7%.

In an upbeat trading statement to the City, the retailer's chief exec Lord Wolfson (pictured) raised his profit forecast for the year by £5m to £1.01bn.

The fast fashion giant's top UK lawyer was yesterday unable to confirm whether there is cotton from China, or specifically the Xinjiang region, in the items it sells.

The company delivered 5,712 cars to customers in 2024 - the third highest annual sales figure on record behind 6,032 in 2023 and 6,021 in 2022.

'I stole from my mother, my brother and my family... I thought Bitcoin would make me a

Stories like that of hairdresser Jacqui Wilson, 57, who told the Mail how she transformed her family's fortunes with the £210,000 she has made on Bitcoin, are inspiring. There is no doubt that some ordinary people, like Jacqui, who spent time educating themselves about crypto, have found it empowering - a way of making money they never dreamed possible. Unfortunately, there is darker side, as many Britons lured in by hopes of easy riches have learned the hard way.

House prices up £10,000 in a year with typical home now worth nearly £300k, says Halifax

House prices fell slightly in December, according to the latest figures from Halifax. The 0.2% fall last month marks the first dip since June, with Halifax having registered five months of consecutive increases since then. It means house prices finished 2024 3.3% up over the year, with the typical home worth £297,166.

Keystone Positive Change investors have been urged to vote against Saba and back the board's plans to merge with Baillie Gifford Positive Change fund.

Treasury Committee will ask questions including whether the £450k house price cap should be raised, and whether early withdrawal fees should be abolished.

Pension perks most sought after workplace benefit replacing private medical care

Alongside competitive salaries, jobhunters are increasingly looking to non-monetary benefits offered by employers when looking for a new job, as people look to make up for salaries that haven't kept up with inflation.

Frequent flyers were not slow to criticise British Airways' announcement last week that it was dramatically changing its loyalty programme from April 1.

Labour-run Dover District Council has made a controversial decision to hike EV parking permits by 162%, while slashing the cost of petrol car permits.

Chip launches best buy easy-access savings account as rivals cut rates

Savers have another top paying easy-access account to pick from after the savings and investing app, Chip, upped its rate in a surprise move today. Chip increased the rate on its Easy Access Saver from 4.72 to 4.85%. On a £10,000 deposit that could enable someone to earn as much £485 of interest over a 12 month period, albeit if the rate remains unchanged.

The best-selling new cars of 2024: Is yours among the 10 most popular models?

SUVs have overtaken superminis as the most popular class of vehicle, which is reflected in a best-sellers list dominated by jacked-up models. We countdown the 10 best-selling cars by registration volumes in 2024 and explain what has made them appeal to UK drivers.

Some 84 motorists in their eighties were also caught using a device while driving between January 2022 and October 2024, and three licence holders in their nineties.

State pension top-ups STILL missing after big rush in 2023 - as next deadline looms

Lynne Cole, pictured, paid more than £800 in early 2023, in the midst of the last big rush to take advantage of a special deal to buy top-ups. Nearly two years on, she had still got no boost to her state pension - until her husband left a comment on a Steve Webb column last month, saying: 'Possibly we'll both be dead before she gets it!' and This is Money stepped in to help. The current extended deadline to buy top-ups going back to 2006 looms again in April.

What landlords should expect in 2025: Higher rents, more stamp duty and the Renters'

As we start the new year, landlords may well feeling that the twelve months stretching out ahead of them are a bit of a mixed bag. We look at the five big issues landlords will have to contend with in 2025 - and how the rental market could look at the end of the year.

I was scammed by Rare Earth Metal Exchange Ltd. Now I have received a letter from a firm claiming to be handling a reimbursement scheme. Is it also fake?

One in five over-50s who have gifted money to family have done so to help with a house deposit, with the average sum standing at £29,000.

How YOU can retire 10 years early: It's not as fanciful an idea as it sounds if you follow

Many of us dream of retiring early to have more time to do the things we enjoy. At this time of year in particular, when the alarm clock goes off on cold, dark mornings, it's easy to fantasise about leaving the employment treadmill behind and gaining control over our time at last. For many, early retirement means stopping full time work in your mid to late 50s - or around ten years before the age at which you can claim your state pension. But even if it's just a few years you'd like to shave off a long career, you'll need to do some meticulous planning.

Nearly a third of small businesses plan to axe staff this year in response to legislation introduced by the new Labour government, survey data suggests.

MIDAS SHARE TIPS: Your funds could fly with engineering specialist Amcomri

Amcomri joined Aim just before Christmas at 55p a share. The stock has risen to 59p and should continue to increase in value in 2025 and beyond. Amcomri buys engineering and manufacturing businesses whose owners are nearing retirement. Thousands of these enterprises are dotted across the country, run by dedicated entrepreneurs who have spent years building up their firms and want to make sure they continue to thrive. Amcomri seeks out these companies and helps them transition to new ownership as their founders move on to life beyond business.

There are certainly concerns about Donald Trump's proposed tariffs, but I am less worried about these than three other features.

Investment trusts have a long and occasionally chequered history. The very best have down the decades done a brilliant job for retail investors.

Food price inflation could rise to 4% in 2025 as analyst DOUBLES forecast

UK food inflation could near 4% by the end of 2025 as supermarkets react to cost pressures arising from Labour's Autumn Budget, according to analysts at Peel Hunt. The broker on Monday doubled its forecast for 2025 food inflation from 1.5% to 3%, reflecting higher employer national insurance contributions, a national living wage hike and the impact of the Employment Bill.

UK construction industry sees slowest growth since last June

The eagerly-watched S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) gave a reading of 53.3, down from 55.2 in November. This was the lowest score since June 2024 and below the 54.4 forecast by analysts, although any figure exceeding the 50.0 threshold denotes growth, while all numbers under indicate contraction.

The high street retailer expects its wage bill to grow by £67m in the year ending January 2026, driven by Rachel Reeves' Budget changes.

Adrian Sainsbury, who became Close Brothers chief exec in 2020, stood down on Monday after taking medical leave in September.

The crucial Christmas trading period failed to save a disappointing so-called 'golden quarter' for British retailers, as sales fell short of expectations, according to fresh data.

US market trading hours will be disrupted throughout Thursday this week as the country undergoes a national day of mourning.

Inheritance tax raid is disaster for pensions: Attack 'horribly reminiscent' of Gordon

Former pensions minister Ros Altmann said the new death duty is 'more like confiscation than taxation' and could 'destroy' the pensions system. And the boss of leading City wealth manager Quilter described the tax raid as 'unconscionable' and warned it risks 'undermining savers' confidence'.

Rachel Reeves unveiled plans to create pension 'mega-funds'. They include moves to unite the sprawling local government pension scheme.

The Budget inheritance tax announcement is a potential disaster for pensions. It will mean less money going in and more early withdrawals.

Why aren't energy bills going down - and what to do if your smart meter goes mad: This is

In a not very happy start to the new year, Ofgem's energy price cap went up on 1 January from £1,717 to £1,738. Energy experts at Cornwall Insight say it will go up again in April - and by more than they initially expected. So why are bills rising? After all, we are a long way from the peak of the gas price crisis back in 2021. This week, Georgie Frost and Helen Crane discuss when they will finally go back to normal - and whether fixed rates are a good deal again.

Do I make friends and family pay who charge their EV using my electricity when they visit?

Should I ask my father-in-law to pay to charge his EV on my home charger? He comes at least once a month and I'm always paying for his charge. As plenty of EV owners are tiptoeing around the subject in a typical British way, we asked some EV experts on what's the fairest and politest way to handle the situation.

While a few are predicted to rise in value in the future, others have been selected for their superb value for money and rewarding ownership experience.

Real-world tests reveal the best-case scenario will see range slashed by 16.5% - and the worst results in two fifths of the quoted distance disappearing.

The ultimate 'Divorce Day' guide: From protecting your assets to choosing the right

New year, new you? It might just be given the first working day after the festive period is known as 'divorce day', because solicitors see a surge in enquiries about separating from spouses. Family lawyers say January is typically their busiest month of the year. John Roberts (right), a partner at Austin Lafferty Solicitors, says this is because couples spend more time together over the holiday period than normal and household tensions can run high. Some may see the New Year as a time for a fresh start. 'The first working Monday of the year - the 6th January this year - tends to be referred to as Divorce Day with many unhappy couples looking to make a change to their domestic situation,' says Mr Roberts.

What you should be doing with your money in 2025... according to financial advisers

A new year is upon us and many will be setting their money goals for 2025. With purse strings remaining tight and inflation once again on the rise, it is as important as ever to take a hands-on role with your finances. However, knowing where to start is easier said than done.This is Money spoke to three financial advisers about how to set your financial priorities for the new year. From moving your emergency fund to getting to grips with your pension, this is what they recommend.

What do home buyers want in 2025? Three estate agents on how sellers can make a house

What can we do to ensure our house sells quickly next year? We want to ideally be in a new home by August and were thinking of putting our home on the market at the beginning of March. We were wondering what tips you would give that will put our house ahead of the competition in our local area. We'll have two months to spruce it up.

One of the nation's most respected economists has warned that homeowners should expect high borrowing rates to last indefinitely and added that cheap deals are a thing of the past.

Pensions in 2025: What savers need to know on shock IHT move, and a crunch state pension

The new Government has already made its mark by announcing significant pension changes since the election, and there could be much more to come. Chancellor Rachel Reeves promised a major review of the pension system, which is now underway. The shock move to slap inheritance tax on pensions will continue to reverberate as affluent families seek to protect their estates before the change in a few years' time. We delve into that and other big issues facing pension savers and retirees - here's what you need to know in 2025.

Keir Starmer should learn from the post-war Attlee Labour government which didn't tarry and rapidly legislated for a 'cradle-to-grave' welfare system.

British Airways Executive Club rules to change: How will new tier points scheme work?

The points programme has rebranded to the British Airways Club, and from 1 April new tier points requirements will kick in for those aiming to earn elite status. From then, members will earn tier points - which are separate from Avios - based on the cost of their flight. The new scheme means points will be awarded on the basis of money spent - rather than distance flown - at a rate of one tier point per £1. The number of points members will need to reach each status has also risen sharply.

The number of home loans approved dropped to 65,720, a three-month low, after the Chancellor's announcement. Economists had expected the figure to hit 68,500.

Boiling the kettle for a cup of tea sent Ford and Ann Jones into a panic when their newly installed smart meter showed it adding £5 to their electricity bill.

Best stocks & shares Isas: Pick the right investment account

Choosing the right DIY platform is crucial but a wealth of choice and a variety of charges can leave investors scratching their heads. We pick some of the best. We pick some of the best. We also highlight why investing in an Isa makes sense, as it should protect your hopefully growing investments from tax forever.

Fixed mortgage rates are continuing to fall back from their summer peak, with a number of fixed rates deals now less than 5 per cent.

If you are planning on investing, or just want to know more, we tell you the 10 essential things to consider for a successful buy-to-let investment

We pick our five favourite cash Isas for savers. This is essential reading to help you choose a top savings account for your money that can also protect you from tax.

We asked trusted experts to recommend the best funds that cover different investment sectors - and included This is Money's selection of active and passive options too.

Premium Bonds Winners

Prize Area Value of bond
£1,000,000 Liverpool £18,025
£1,000,000 Gloucestershire £17,480
£100,000 South West Wales £49,000
£100,000 Inner London £10,000
£100,000 South Yorkshire £5,000
£100,000 Inner London £15,000
£100,000 North Yorkshire £20,000
£100,000 Wales £10,000
More January 2025 winners
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