Welcome to the Money blog, Sky News’ personal finance and consumer hub. Today, we report on a new list of the world’s most powerful passports and a forecast for house prices over the next five years. Plus, our Cheap Eats interview is a fascinating chat with a pioneering zero-waste chef.
Thursday 24 July 2025 18:15, UK
Thousands of EE and BT customers have reported they are unable to make or receive calls as the mobile phone network faces an outage.
Downdetector showed spikes of customers experiencing outages this afternoon, with many also reporting issues with other networks.
A message on EE’s website reads: “We’re working urgently to fix the problem and will provide further updates as soon as possible. We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused.”
Ernest Doku, mobile expert at Uswitch, said: “BT and EE’s reported outages will be incredibly frustrating for customers.
“Issues with phone calls have been reported since about 11am this morning, and it remains unclear what the issue seems to be, who is affected and how long it may last.
“Mobile networks and landlines are vital to reach essential and emergency services, it’s important for customers to be reconnected as soon as possible – and kept up to date with any developments.”
Sky News has contacted both EE and BT for comment.
What do I do if my network is down?
The quickest way to check if your mobile network down in your area is by searching your mobile provider on a site like Down Detector.
You can report an issue with your network and check if other people using your provider’s network are reporting an issue, too.
“Ofcom advises that compensation for mobile signal outages is ‘dependent on the circumstances’, however in extreme cases where repairs take much longer you may be entitled to an additional refund or account credit,” says Doku.
He adds that if your landline stops working, you will be entitled to compensation if it has not been fixed within two days, but to make sure to report the issue to your provider as soon as it happens.
You will receive an initial £9.98 if the service is not fixed two full working days after you report it, and then £9.98 for each full day it is still not fixed after that.
Savings giant NS&I has launched fresh versions of its one-year British Savings Bonds with higher interest rates.
From tomorrow, the bonds, which are fixed-term issues of Guaranteed Growth Bonds and Guaranteed Income Bonds, will come with a 4.18% AER – up from 4.05%.
They are available to new customers and those with existing bonds which are due to mature.
Laura Suter, director of personal finance at AJ Bell, said the bonds have been given a “slight facelift” with the rate rise, but “savers shouldn’t get too excited”.
“The new one-year fixed-rate bonds now pay 4.18% if you opt to have your interest paid at the end, or 4.11% if you want monthly payouts. That nudges the bonds closer to the top of the best buy tables, but they’re still nowhere near leading the pack,” she said.
“The rate on offer is a far cry from the original one-year British Savings Bond that launched two years ago, which proved to be a sell-out success, being pulled from sale after just five weeks.
“But back then, savers were offered a generous 6.2% – a rate that now looks like a relic from another era.”
What do you need to consider?
NS&I is backed by the Treasury, so money held with it has 100% security.
Funds held in Guaranteed Growth Bonds and Guaranteed Income Bonds cannot be withdrawn early with fixed-term accounts.
Savers need a minimum investment of £500 and can invest a maximum of £1m per person in each issue.
After the fixed-term period, savers have the choice to withdraw their cash or reinvest it into a new term.
“The key is to weigh up what matters more: a slightly higher return, or the security and simplicity of stashing your cash with NS&I,” Suter added.
“But savers do need to be aware of the downsides. You can’t access your money early, even if rates rise or your circumstances change – it’s locked away for the full 12 months.
“And unlike Premium Bonds, these savings aren’t tax-free. If you’re a higher-rate taxpayer and already maxing out your personal savings allowance, you’ll face a tax bill on the interest.”
There will be two more base rate cuts this year, the chief executive of Lloyds Bank has predicted.
Speaking to Darren McCaffrey on Business Live, Charlie Nunn said he expects the Bank of England’s interest rate to come down to 3.5% next year.
It currently stands at 4.25%, with the Bank widely expected to make a cut to 4% next month.
“We do think rates will be longer in the medium term, just given the nature of what’s going on in the world and the level of government debt, but we see rates falling and a little bit faster than we did last quarter,” Nunn said.
He also expects house prices to get a 2% to 3% boost by the end of the year, despite the market being a “bit softer” over summer.
“There’s lots of uncertainty in the world, and when we look at our forecasts for this year, I’d describe it as a very resilient but slower growth economy,” he added.
Shoppers will be able to buy euros and US dollars from Waitrose stores as the supermarket begins to offer over-the-counter travel money.
Starting in an initial 100 stores, cash will be available in multiples of either $250 and €250, or $500 and €500.
While the supermarket offers a click and collect cash service in more than 50 currencies from its stores, Waitrose said the new offering would allow shoppers to pick up their cash at the same time as their holiday essentials.
“We know our customers will often do a last-minute quick shop before heading on holiday,” Matt Richardson, head of foreign exchange at John Lewis Money, said.
“Our new travel money service means customers can collect their holiday money from 100 Waitrose stores at the same time as buying their last-minute teabags and other travel essentials.”
Buying in person at the last-minute might not always be the best strategy for your holiday money – read our guide here…
TalkTalk will turn off its free email services later this year.
It means thousands of former broadband customers who are no longer with TalkTalk will see their emails stop working completely from 31 October.
Anyone affected should have received an email containing the option to subscribe to the paid-for service from the new provider, Everymail.
Those wanting to keep their existing email address will need to pay £5 a month or £50 per year upfront.
Existing TalkTalk customers won’t be affected by the move and can keep using their email addresses for free.
Which email addresses are affected?
Take a look at the list below to see if your email address is affected:
Sir Keir Starmer and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi are signing a trade deal set to be worth at least £6bn.
At the prime minister’s country residence Chequers, Sir Keir said the deal marked a “step change” in relations and a “historic day”.
Mr Modi said they were “writing a new chapter” in the UK and India’s shared history.
The deal is set to be worth £6bn in investment from Indian and UK companies into the British economy, and is expected to have a £4.8bn impact on the UK’s gross domestic product.
Your passport is also a gateway to how many countries you can access without a visa.
The Henley Passport Index is updated every quarter with the best passports which grant holders access to the most countries visa-free.
Singapore has claimed top spot – not for the first time.
Holders have visa-free access to 193 countries, which sees it rank ahead of second-placed Japan and South Korea, which have access to 190.
Seven European countries, including Ireland, come in at third place on the list, with visa-free access to 189 countries respectively.
The US is notably at the bottom of the top 10 list along with Iceland and Lithuania, despite having previously been the world’s most powerful passport in 2014.
It could even drop out of the top 10 for the first time in the index’s history.
The summer holidays are here. While that is great news for kids, it can mean a whole lot of added pressure for parents.
If you are looking for some cheap things to do with your little ones, we’ve rounded up the restaurants allowing children to eat for £1 or less throughout the school break.
Check the list before you head out to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Asda
The supermarket’s cafes are now running their “Kids Eat for £1” deal all year round.
There is no need for adults to pay for a meal in order to enjoy the offer.
The kids’ menu has dishes such as penne pasta with meatballs and a vegan hidden veg pasta meal, alongside firm favourites like fish fingers, chicken nuggets and the all day breakfast. There is also the option of swapping out chips for a salad or peas.
All the hot meals also come with a free piece of fruit.
Ikea
The furniture giant is offering children’s meals starting at 95p from 11am until 5pm.
Little ones can have pasta with tomato sauce, a piece of fruit and a soft drink for less than £1.
Until 29 August, Ikea Family members will also be able to enjoy 50% off main meals and children’s meals.
Some stores also have a supervised play area where your children can stay for free for an hour.
Marco Pierre White
If you dine at Marco Pierre White restaurants, children aged 12 and under can eat for free when you buy a full-price adult meal.
The offer excludes Saturdays after 6pm, and not all restaurants are taking part – you can check the full list of participating outlets here.
Morrisons
Children can eat at the supermarket’s cafes for free when an adult spends £5 or more on a meal.
You will also be able to pick up a free portion of fruit.
Subway
From Monday 28 July until 17 August, you can get a free children’s meal when you buy a footlong sub sandwich.
Bill’s
Up to two kids can eat free until Friday 29 August, when one adult orders any main dish.
The deal cannot be redeemed on Saturdays or Sundays.
The restaurant chain has also teamed up with Cawston Press to create a children’s activity pack.
Tesco cafes
Children can get a free hot meal deal, hot breakfast, or kids’ pick n mix, with every adult item purchased until 29 August in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 22 August in Scotland.
The deal is available Monday to Friday to Clubcard holders.
Toby Carvery
Kids eat for £1 when an adult buys a main meal and uses the voucher in the Toby Carvery app.
The offer is available on weekdays only (but it does include Bank Holidays) until 29 August and is valid for up to four adults and four children under 12 per table.
Brewers Fayre
Until 1 September, children can eat for free when an adult main meal is purchased.
You’ll need to sign up for your restaurant’s newsletter to receive a voucher before 31 August and use it as many times as you like throughout the holidays.
The Kids’ Meal Deal consists of a starter and a main course only, plus two sides. If you want a dessert upgrade, it’s £1.49 extra.
Beefeater
This chain is offering the same deal as Brewers Fayre.
Children can also burn off energy in the restaurants’ soft play areas, available at select sites with sessions from just £4.50 for 90 minutes or a two-week pass for only £8.
Expect games, crafts, discos and daily activities, all supervised by a qualified team.
Pizza Express
Children can get a full meal for free when an adult main is ordered. This includes dough balls with salad, a pizza or pasta, dessert and a Bambinoccino to finish.
As an adult, you’ll also be able to enjoy two cocktails for £12 throughout the summer.
This deal is available until 10 August. To claim the offer, simply speak to your waiter, who will be able to apply it to your bill.
Premier Inn
When an adult purchases a meal and a drink, children can eat for free, until 1 September.
You don’t have to be a guest at a Premier Inn hotel to enjoy the deal but not all locations are taking part – you can check the full list here.
Frankie and Benny’s
Children eat for free when an adult buys a main meal until Sunday 31 August. In fact, they can enjoy a main, two sides, a drink, plus a dessert.
There’s no need for a voucher – you just need to mention the deal when you order.
Cote Brasserie
Until 1 September, children aged 12 and under can enjoy two complimentary courses when dining with an adult, no sign-ups or codes required.
Las Iguanas
Each adult ordering a main course from the a la carte menu can claim a free kids meal from the Niños menu for an accompanying child under the age of 12.
A kids meal includes a choice of main, two sides and a dessert, but the lunch menu is not included.
It is also not available on big event days at The O2, Wembley, Resorts World, Cardiff Mill Lane or Brindley Place restaurants.
Banana Tree
Between Sunday and Thursday until 31 August, children under 12 can enjoy a free main and dessert for every adult main meal you order.
Drinks are not included in the offer, and it cannot be redeemed at the Banana Tree in Cardiff.
Travelodge
If breakfast is more your thing, then Travelodge’s offer might be more suited to you.
Children aged under 15 can get breakfast for £1 with a paying adult at some locations.
Dunelm
Children can eat for free when an adult spends £4 in Dunelm’s in-store cafes.
The offer is available in all Dunelm cafes, every day of the week.
Dobbies
Children can eat for £1 when an adult main meal is purchased.
Kids can choose from the breakfast and lunch menu. The Dobbies website says the deal is available every day.
It’s running at most stores apart from Beaconsfield, Hungerford, Keston, Andover, Lelant, Marple, Reading, York & Anchorwood.
Bella Italia
From Monday to Thursday, until 28 August, children can enjoy a meal for free with the purchase of any adult main.
You don’t need a voucher to claim the deal; it will be reflected automatically on your bill.
While most of its restaurants are taking part in the deal, some are not, so it’s worth checking before you visit.
Hungry Horse
Up to two children can eat for £1 when an adult purchases a main meal, Monday to Friday, until 5 September.
Check if your local is offering the deal here.
Sizzling Pubs
You can get a kids’ meal for £1 when you purchase a main meal. It’s available Monday to Friday, from 12pm.
Harvester
Children can eat for £1 until 29 August when you order an adult main meal.
To enjoy this offer, you need to register or log in to your Harvester account or download the Harvester app to get your voucher. Check the voucher for the terms.
By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire, business and economics reporter
The UK’s biggest mortgage provider, Lloyds Banking Group, announced today profits are up as it earned more money from high interest rates on loans it issued.
Half-yearly profit at the lender reached £3.5bn as people borrowed and deposited more.
The bank has benefited from high interest rates, set at 4.25% by the Bank of England to control inflation, which have made borrowing more expensive for households and businesses.
Over the last six months, the difference between what Lloyds earns on loans and what it pays savers rose.
As well as posting strong results, Lloyds’s chief executive Charlie Nunn gave a strong assessment of the economy, saying: “The fundamentals of the UK economy are robust.”
It was just one of the nearly 20 updates from the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 companies posted this morning, including British Gas owner Centrica, BT, Vodafone and Dettol and Gaviscon maker Reckitt Benckiser.
It was good financial news from the updates and optimism over a potential US-EU deal on tariffs that boosted the UK’s benchmark FTSE 100 by 0.84%.
It meant another record high of 9,100 points was reached.
Stocks in Europe followed those in Asia-Pacific and climbed on trade deal optimism.
The pan-European Stoxx 600 index gained 0.64% as stock indexes of major EU economies also rose.
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This week, we’ll reveal the hidden refund available when you miss your flight or cancel a seemingly non-refundable plane ticket – it’s worth up to £224.
As the school holidays get under way, we’ll also tell you about all the places offering free or discount food for children – and how you can get free tickets for West End shows.
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