Families could face challenges affording domestic vacations due to a proposed new “visitor levy,” raising concerns among small businesses such as guesthouses and B&Bs about potential closures. The Labour party is suggesting that regional mayors in England implement this levy on overnight stays, a practice already seen in some European countries. While the exact mechanism is still being determined, it may involve a per-person fee or a percentage of the total stay cost.
Critics argue that for a family of four on a two-week summer break, this levy could inflate expenses by over £100. In a hypothetical scenario, a family of six vacationing in May for four nights in Blackpool at £49 might see their costs nearly double to £97. UKHospitality, representing 200 businesses of various sizes, has sent a collective letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, cautioning about the potential repercussions of this proposed levy.
Meanwhile, a recent study by Zoopla has unveiled the most affordable property locations in the UK, highlighting Sunderland as the top city with average monthly mortgage payments at £408, representing 17% of the average monthly income. Havering in London was recognized as the most budget-friendly borough, while Aberdeen emerged as the most affordable city in Scotland for single buyers.
In other news, Greene King has disclosed plans to introduce 30 new franchise pubs this year, following the establishment of 100 Hive and Nest concept pubs. The company is expanding its franchise operations into Wales and the Southwest of England in 2026, building on its recent growth under the Belhaven brand in Scotland.
Furthermore, mortgage arrears among borrowers have decreased, with UK Finance reporting a 4% decline in homeowner mortgages in arrears in the last quarter of 2025 compared to the previous period. Despite ongoing economic challenges, including the cost of living crisis, this drop reflects several interest rate cuts by the Bank of England. Repossessions of properties due to mortgage default also decreased, indicating a positive trend in the market.
The FTSE 100 index achieved a new record high in early trading, reaching over 10,500 points, buoyed by strong performance across European markets. Notably, Schroders experienced a substantial increase following a significant acquisition deal. This surge in the FTSE 100 index, despite subdued UK economic data, underscores the global earnings exposure of companies listed on the index.
Côte Brasserie has joined other chains in offering a special half-term promotion for kids, providing discounted meal options. Marks & Spencer has been recognized as the top in-store supermarket for customer satisfaction in a recent survey by Which?, with Tesco and Waitrose also receiving commendations. However, Asda and Morrisons ranked lower in customer satisfaction, especially in their in-store shopping experiences.
Lastly, the UK economy exhibited minimal growth of 0.1% in the final quarter of last year, lower than experts’ forecasts but showing an overall improvement from the previous year. Chancellor Rachel Reeves highlighted the government’s economic strategy, emphasizing the country’s resilience and growth trajectory amidst challenges.