Guardian's 2026 Plan for Sustainable Consumer Guides
The Guardian's Down to Earth newsletter outlines its 2026 focus: rigorous product testing to help UK readers make sustainable, long-lasting purchases and cut waste. Subscribe for weekly insights.
Category : Search result: unfashionable spending
Unfashionable Spending Trends to Avoid in 2026
Personalised number plates, obnoxious sinks, and over-engineered homeware are officially out of style. Discover what not to waste your money on as we head into the new year.
Government spends £1m+ on influencers since 2024
Exclusive figures reveal the UK government has spent more than a million pounds on social media influencers since 2024 to promote policies. Discover the departments and personalities involved.
Australians to spend $3.8bn in Boxing Day sales week
A third of Australians are forecast to shop in the Boxing Day sales, spending $3.8bn. Regulators warn of deceptive sales tactics by major retailers. Discover the trends.
Pfizer spent 18% on R&D, 27% to shareholders in 2024
Analysis reveals US pharma giant Pfizer allocated more revenue to shareholders than R&D in 2024, as Trump's drug price rhetoric targets allies over corporate profits. Explore the real drivers of high US medicine costs.
TikTok Owner Eyes £17bn AI Investment for 2026
ByteDance, TikTok's parent, plans a massive £17bn AI infrastructure spend in 2026, despite US chip restrictions. Discover how this fuels the global AI race.
Labour's Difficult Year: Denial of Hard Choices Ends
Sir Keir Starmer faces a perilous year as Labour's failure to confront tough decisions on tax and spending fuels leadership speculation. Can honesty replace 'cakeism'?
Young Australians drive 'little luxuries' market amid cost crisis
Cash-strapped Gen Z Australians are redefining spending with 'little luxuries' like mini alcohol bottles and rented wardrobes, even as debt rises. Discover the new consumer mindset.
UK Economic Outlook Brightens for 2026
After a tough 2025, UK economic prospects are looking up. Discover four key reasons, from consumer spending hopes to rising productivity, that point to a better 2026.
Reform UK's Kent Council Criticised for Adviser Spending
Reform UK's flagship Kent council votes to spend tens of thousands on political assistants, facing accusations of hypocrisy after promising to cut waste. Details on the budget crisis and controversial appointee inside.
UK Retail Sales Fall Unexpectedly in November
Official figures show UK retail sales volumes fell 0.1% in November, defying forecasts of Black Friday growth. Shoppers held back amid budget uncertainty and wet weather.
Budget Uncertainty Dampens November Retail Spending
UK retail sales fell 0.1% in November as Budget uncertainty overshadowed Black Friday. Discover the key trends and what it means for the crucial Christmas period.
UK Retail Sales Fall in November as Black Friday Effect Weakens
UK retail sales fell 0.1% in November as cautious shoppers held back, with the Black Friday boost weaker than usual. Explore the ONS data and what it means for the economy.
Ageing UK population to hit young hardest, Lords warn
A House of Lords committee warns that young people will bear the brunt of the UK's ageing population crisis, facing higher taxes and reduced services unless government acts now.
FCA Scraps £100 Contactless Cap, Banks Set Own Limits
The UK's financial watchdog will let banks set their own contactless payment limits from March 2025, scrapping the £100 cap. Find out how this could boost high street spending.
Trump signs $901bn US defence bill with Ukraine aid
President Trump quietly signs the 2026 NDAA, authorising a record $901bn in military spending and $800m for Ukraine. The bill curtails his power to reduce US forces in Europe.
What Guardian Readers Bought in 2025: Key Trends
An exclusive look at the 2025 spending habits of Guardian readers reveals a move towards travel, culture, and sustainable goods. Discover the data driving consumer change.
Farage avoids police investigation over election spending
Essex Police say a probe into Nigel Farage's election spending is time-barred, but the Electoral Commission is still assessing the claims. Labour demands answers.
Funding boost for England's most-deprived councils
Manchester, Bradford and outer London boroughs gain spending power in a new three-year settlement, while affluent southern councils face cuts. Will it restore local services?
Armed Forces Chief: UK Must Prepare for Russian Threat
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton warns Russia's military is stronger than ever, urging a 'whole of nation' response to rising danger. Read the stark assessment.
Farage reported to police over election spending claims
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage faces a police report alleging he breached electoral spending limits in Clacton by failing to declare an armoured vehicle and a themed bar. Read the full details.
K-Shaped Christmas: Wealthy Splurge as Many Struggle
A stark economic divide defines the 2025 holiday season. While a wealthy minority fuels luxury spending, many face rising costs and poverty. Explore the data behind the 'K-shaped' economy.
London councils spend £555m on private firms in 2024
Exclusive report reveals London councils' £555m reliance on consultants and outsourcing firms for basic services, raising democratic concerns. Read the full investigation.
UK House Prices Stagnate, Retail Spending Weak in November
Halifax reports UK house prices were flat in November, while BDO data shows weak in-store sales growth. Affordability for first-time buyers hits strongest level since 2015. Read the full analysis.
Mum's OnlyFans side hustle funds lavish £5,500 Christmas
A UK mother reveals how her OnlyFans side hustle earns £10,000 monthly, funding a mortgage-free home and a £5,500 festive spend on her children. Discover her story.
Deep State Worries Over UK Defence & Budget Leaks
Sky News podcast reveals deep state concerns over UK vulnerability to Russian attacks and a formal leak inquiry into budget tensions between No.10 & No.11. Listen for the full analysis.
UK announces £2.4bn defence boost for new tech and submarines
The UK government unveils a major £2.4 billion defence investment, funding new submarines, AI, and drones to counter global threats. Read the full strategy.
Future Fund CEO questioned over $20k hotel stay
Future Fund CEO Raphael Arndt faces parliamentary scrutiny over a $20,000 hotel stay for a staff member on a US 'scoping trip'. Watch the video and read the full report.
UK Economy Grows in Q3 2025 on Data Centre Boom
The UK economy grew by 0.2% in Q3 2025, ending a technical recession. A surge in data centre investment and a rise in household spending drove the recovery. Read the full analysis.
Anika Wells defends $1.2m UN General Assembly visit cost
Australian Minister Anika Wells faces questions over the $1.2 million cost of her delegation's UN trip. She defends the expenditure as vital for global engagement. Read the full defence.
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