https://www.theguardian.com/uk/money Latest personal finance and money news, comment and information on your property, mortgages, insurance, savings and investments from the Guardian, the world's leading liberal voice en-gb Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2026 Sat, 22 Aug 2026 23:22:40 GMT 2026-08-22T23:22:40Z en-gb Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2026 https://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.png https://www.theguardian.com https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/22/plug-in-solar-cost-panel-cut-bills-balcony <p>Britons will be able to buy ‘balcony’ systems they can install themselves from 27 August thanks to rule change</p><p>Despite this summer bringing hours of sunshine, many Britons have been unable to cash in on free electricity generated by the sun. Rooftop solar panels are usually out of the question if you live in a flat or rent your home, and the cost has made them prohibitive to many more households.</p><p>However, this could be about to change because next week the first wave of low-cost “plug-in” solar panels will go on sale in Great&nbsp;Britain.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/22/plug-in-solar-cost-panel-cut-bills-balcony">Continue reading...</a> Energy bills Home improvements Solar power Money Consumer affairs Energy industry Renewable energy UK news Energy Sat, 22 Aug 2026 09:00:03 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/22/plug-in-solar-cost-panel-cut-bills-balcony Photograph: Westend61/Getty Images Photograph: Westend61/Getty Images Photograph: Westend61/Getty Images Zoe Wood 2026-08-22T09:00:03Z https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/22/premium-bonds-chance-odds-win-nsi-ups-prize-fund <p>Savings bank estimates there will be 308,000 more prizes available in September draw than the month before</p><p>Premium bond holders will have more chances of winning prizes after changes announced this week.</p><p>From September there will be more prizes up for grabs for the 22 million people who hold the government-backed savings bonds.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/22/premium-bonds-chance-odds-win-nsi-ups-prize-fund">Continue reading...</a> Savings Consumer affairs Money UK news Isas Cash Isas Banks and building societies Business Sat, 22 Aug 2026 05:00:54 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/22/premium-bonds-chance-odds-win-nsi-ups-prize-fund Photograph: Justin Long/Alamy Photograph: Justin Long/Alamy Photograph: Justin Long/Alamy Rupert Jones 2026-08-22T05:00:54Z https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/aug/22/worst-part-guilt-owners-dog-food-eye-problems-years <p>In the week that Years recalled all of its fresh meals, concerns grow about a potential link to dogs’ health conditions</p><p>“It’s been horrible – Chester developed sudden red and gunky eyes in May,” said Elizabeth, whose six-year-old cavachon “can’t open his eyes” on many days.</p><p>The 29-year-old civil servant is one of a number of people who contacted the Guardian because they are concerned about a potential link between a recalled dog food and their pet’s eye condition.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/aug/22/worst-part-guilt-owners-dog-food-eye-problems-years">Continue reading...</a> Retail industry Food & drink industry Dogs Business Product recalls Pets Consumer affairs Money Animals Veterinary medicine Sat, 22 Aug 2026 07:00:57 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/aug/22/worst-part-guilt-owners-dog-food-eye-problems-years Photograph: Pets Magazine Photograph: Pets Magazine Photograph: Pets Magazine Rupert Jones 2026-08-22T07:00:57Z https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/21/why-dodgy-doors-are-the-latest-casualty-of-the-uk-heatwaves <p>Sticking or unlockable doors are yet another problem caused by the hot summer, but winter can also bring difficulties</p><p>Thursday was another busy day for Alan Hickman, a Bournemouth-based locksmith who works in the area around the New Forest (“though I’m currently dodging the bit between Ringwood and Eastleigh because that’s closed because of the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj03l9ndzd8o">forest fires</a>”).</p><p>Speaking on his way to see a man who can’t close his patio doors – “probably because they’ve got some expansion issues” – he then has a callout to see an elderly woman who needs a lockbox installed for her carer, before visiting a customer in Westbourne “to sort another composite door that can’t lock”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/21/why-dodgy-doors-are-the-latest-casualty-of-the-uk-heatwaves">Continue reading...</a> Extreme heat UK news Society Environment Housing Homes Communities Life and style UK weather Fri, 21 Aug 2026 07:00:29 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/21/why-dodgy-doors-are-the-latest-casualty-of-the-uk-heatwaves Photograph: Aire Images/Getty Images Photograph: Aire Images/Getty Images Photograph: Aire Images/Getty Images Esther Addley 2026-08-21T07:00:29Z https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/21/cut-cost-of-loans-for-solar-panels-on-uk-homes-ministers-urged <p>Report says ‘solar bonds’ could fund wider access to clean energy, reducing household bills</p><p>Solar panels could be cheaper for people on lower incomes if the government stepped in to reduce the cost of loans, a report argues.</p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/the-good-energy-guide/2026/jul/31/are-solar-panels-worth-it-your-questions-answered">Solar panel installations</a> can save households hundreds of pounds a year in energy bills, but at an initial cost of about £5,000 to £10,000 they are beyond the reach of many households.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/21/cut-cost-of-loans-for-solar-panels-on-uk-homes-ministers-urged">Continue reading...</a> Solar power Construction industry Business Energy Environment Renewable energy Energy bills Energy efficiency Energy industry Energy Household bills Fri, 21 Aug 2026 08:00:28 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/21/cut-cost-of-loans-for-solar-panels-on-uk-homes-ministers-urged Photograph: Chris Howes/Wild Places Photography/Alamy Photograph: Chris Howes/Wild Places Photography/Alamy Photograph: Chris Howes/Wild Places Photography/Alamy Fiona Harvey Environment editor 2026-08-21T08:00:28Z https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/19/forecast-energy-price-cap-rise-britain-winter <p>Expected quarterly price cap rise of 4% likely to wipe out benefits of Andy Burnham’s VAT cut on electricity bills</p><p>Household energy bills across Great Britain are expected to climb to a three-year high this winter as the impact of the Middle East war wipes out Andy Burnham’s tax cut on electricity bills.</p><p>The government’s cap on energy prices is on track to rise by 4% from this October to the equivalent of £1,729 a year through the last three months of 2026, which could hit struggling households especially hard this winter, according to analysis by the energy consultancy Cornwall Insight.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/19/forecast-energy-price-cap-rise-britain-winter">Continue reading...</a> Energy bills Energy industry Household bills Consumer affairs UK cost of living crisis Money Business UK news Wed, 19 Aug 2026 14:29:50 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/19/forecast-energy-price-cap-rise-britain-winter Photograph: Richard Newstead/Getty Images Photograph: Richard Newstead/Getty Images Photograph: Richard Newstead/Getty Images Jillian Ambrose Energy correspondent 2026-08-19T14:29:50Z https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/19/students-starting-university-bank-accounts-rent-food <p>From bank accounts to rent and food, students and recent graduates offer advice to those beginning to study</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/18/student-bank-accounts-freebies-perks-overdraft"><strong>Student bank accounts: don’t be swayed by freebies</strong></a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/15/food-tech-travel-best-student-deals-discounts-unidays-student-beans"><strong>The best student deals and discounts</strong></a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/15/university-student-money-spending-free-perks-save-cash"><strong>An insider’s tips on student money</strong></a></p></li></ul><p>We asked students, and recent graduates, to tell us about the biggest financial shock they had when they started university, and what advice they had for freshers.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/19/students-starting-university-bank-accounts-rent-food">Continue reading...</a> Student finance Universities Money Students Consumer affairs Education Higher education UK news UK cost of living crisis Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:00:07 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/19/students-starting-university-bank-accounts-rent-food Photograph: golero/Getty Images Photograph: golero/Getty Images Photograph: golero/Getty Images Kingsley Driscoll 2026-08-19T06:00:07Z https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/aug/19/why-do-you-never-buy-a-round-20-mortifying-money-conversations-with-friends-and-how-to-handle-them <p>Whether it’s paying for dinner, going on holiday or sharing a taxi, friendships can be fraught with financial frustrations, which are very rarely aired. Here’s how to break the taboo</p><p>Summer is the season of socialising, from alfresco drinks to weddings to group holidays. It can get expensive – and suddenly you start noticing those friends who don’t pay their way. Or the ones who splash the cash and make you feel cheap. In fact, there are a host of annoying money-related habits that can cause tension among friends. Here are 20 common sources of financial frustration – and how to&nbsp;resolve&nbsp;them.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/aug/19/why-do-you-never-buy-a-round-20-mortifying-money-conversations-with-friends-and-how-to-handle-them">Continue reading...</a> Social etiquette Money Saving money Friendship Life and style Wed, 19 Aug 2026 04:00:05 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/aug/19/why-do-you-never-buy-a-round-20-mortifying-money-conversations-with-friends-and-how-to-handle-them Illustration: Sophie Winder/The Guardian Illustration: Sophie Winder/The Guardian Illustration: Sophie Winder/The Guardian Rachel Dixon 2026-08-19T04:00:05Z https://www.theguardian.com/business/nils-pratley-on-finance/2026/aug/19/all-power-to-the-uk-competition-watchdogs-war-on-drip-pricing <p>Competition and Markets Authority on message with PM’s planned purge of hidden fees and add-on charges</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/aug/19/trainline-virgin-atlantic-driving-school-investigated-hidden-ticket-fees">Trainline, Virgin Atlantic and Red Driving School face investigation</a></p></li></ul><p>The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is on-message with Andy Burnham’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/aug/09/burnham-vows-crackdown-on-rip-off-business-practices-to-ease-cost-of-living">declaration of war</a> on the small – and sometimes not-so-small – hassles and expenses of everyday consumer life created by companies’ underhand and misleading pricing tactics. Trainline, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/virginatlantic">Virgin Atlantic</a> and Red Driving School <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/aug/19/trainline-virgin-atlantic-driving-school-investigated-hidden-ticket-fees">found themselves under investigation</a> on Wednesday for various forms of alleged <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/price-transparency-cma209/providing-clear-and-accurate-information-about-prices-summary">“drip pricing”</a> – not being upfront about mandatory add-on charges, in other words.</p><p>The prime minister had nothing to do with the CMA’s pursuit, it should be said. The watchdog’s <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-launches-major-consumer-protection-drive-focused-on-online-pricing-practices">“consumer protection drive”</a> pre-dates his arrival and was encouraged by legislation under the last Tory government – the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act of 2024, which gave the regulator “direct enforcement” powers, meaning it no longer had to go to court under consumer protection laws. And it is using those powers: eight cases were opened last November and driving schools AA and BSM plus the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/jun/23/stubhub-uk-fined-ticket-fees-viagogo-cma-investigation">ticketing site StubHub UK have already been fined</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/nils-pratley-on-finance/2026/aug/19/all-power-to-the-uk-competition-watchdogs-war-on-drip-pricing">Continue reading...</a> Competition and Markets Authority Consumer affairs Consumer rights Andy Burnham Business Money Politics Regulators Rail fares UK news Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:39:16 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/business/nils-pratley-on-finance/2026/aug/19/all-power-to-the-uk-competition-watchdogs-war-on-drip-pricing Photograph: Dado Ruvić/Reuters Photograph: Dado Ruvić/Reuters Photograph: Dado Ruvić/Reuters Nils Pratley 2026-08-19T17:39:16Z https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/17/british-gas-mistake-energy-solar-panels <p>It said that was what I was due after I submitted a claim for £300 for energy exported through my solar panels</p><p><strong>British Gas paid me </strong><strong>more than £38,000 by mistake, then had no idea how to reclaim it. I receive quarterly feed-in tariff (Fit) payments for energy exported by my solar panels.</strong></p><p><strong>In May, I submitted a claim for £300, based on my </strong><strong>meter reading, and I received an email stating that I was due £38,611.59.</strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/17/british-gas-mistake-energy-solar-panels">Continue reading...</a> Energy bills Energy industry Money Consumer affairs Energy Environment Solar power Renewable energy Household bills Consumer rights Centrica UK news Mon, 17 Aug 2026 06:00:48 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/17/british-gas-mistake-energy-solar-panels Photograph: Ashley Cooper pics/Alamy Photograph: Ashley Cooper pics/Alamy Photograph: Ashley Cooper pics/Alamy Anna Tims 2026-08-17T06:00:48Z https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/11/car-hire-firm-no-show-holiday-autos <p>I was delayed, but I had prepaid through Holiday Autos and had provided my flight number as requested</p><p><strong>I booked a car hire at Heathrow through Holiday Autos on a visit to the UK and provided my flight number as requested.</strong></p><p><strong>My flight was severely delayed, and when I reached the car hire desk, I was told </strong><strong>I’d been marked down as a “no-show” and that my car had been rehired.</strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/11/car-hire-firm-no-show-holiday-autos">Continue reading...</a> Money Consumer affairs Consumer rights Travel Motoring Heathrow airport UK news Business Tue, 11 Aug 2026 06:00:05 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/11/car-hire-firm-no-show-holiday-autos Photograph: IJzendoorn/Getty Images/iStockphoto Photograph: IJzendoorn/Getty Images/iStockphoto Photograph: IJzendoorn/Getty Images/iStockphoto Anna Tims 2026-08-11T06:00:05Z https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/10/hastings-directs-insurance-kitchen-leak-claim <p>A leak beneath our fridge-freezer last winter caused extensive damage but there’s still no functioning kitchen</p><p><strong>Eight months after reporting a leak to our home insurer, Hastings Direct, my husband and I and our two-year-old are still effectively homeless.</strong></p><p><strong>Last winter, we discovered that a</strong><strong>n unnoticed</strong><strong> leak beneath our </strong><strong>fitted </strong><strong>fridge-freezer had caused extensive damage to the floorboards of our kitchen/living room.</strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/10/hastings-directs-insurance-kitchen-leak-claim">Continue reading...</a> Consumer affairs Consumer rights Money Insurance Insurance industry Business UK news Mon, 10 Aug 2026 06:00:37 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/10/hastings-directs-insurance-kitchen-leak-claim Photograph: Nicholas Jermy/Alamy Photograph: Nicholas Jermy/Alamy Photograph: Nicholas Jermy/Alamy Anna Tims 2026-08-10T06:00:37Z https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/03/littering-fine-coffee-cup-rubbish-bag-next-to-full-bin <p>Reader expresses consternation after enforcement officer issues penalty notice outside station in London</p><p><strong>I was outside London Waterloo railway station</strong><strong> and was looking for a bin to dispose of an empty coffee cup.</strong></p><p><strong>The only bin I </strong><strong>could see was </strong><strong>completely </strong><strong>full, but there was a plastic bag containing rubbish at the base.</strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/03/littering-fine-coffee-cup-rubbish-bag-next-to-full-bin">Continue reading...</a> Consumer affairs Local government Money Retail industry Toys Asbestos Children UK news Mon, 03 Aug 2026 06:00:42 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/03/littering-fine-coffee-cup-rubbish-bag-next-to-full-bin Photograph: Steve Speller/Alamy Photograph: Steve Speller/Alamy Photograph: Steve Speller/Alamy Anna Tims 2026-08-03T06:00:42Z https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/16/scam-ai-holiday-photos-instagram-facebook <p>Fraudsters use pictures posted on Instagram or Facebook to create emails seeking bank account details</p><p>You are on a short break in Porto and post some pictures of your family on Instagram or Facebook. With a small section of the Douro river in the background, you think it could have been taken anywhere.</p><p>A few days later, you get a text saying that your card was compromised. “We detected unusual activity while you were travelling in Porto – please verify immediately,” says the message.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/16/scam-ai-holiday-photos-instagram-facebook">Continue reading...</a> Scams Banks and building societies Consumer affairs Money Travel UK news Europe AI (artificial intelligence) Technology World news US news Sun, 16 Aug 2026 06:00:17 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/16/scam-ai-holiday-photos-instagram-facebook Photograph: Sean Pavone/Alamy Photograph: Sean Pavone/Alamy Photograph: Sean Pavone/Alamy Shane Hickey 2026-08-16T06:00:17Z https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/09/watch-the-odyssey-for-free-online-scam-film-fans-fake-streaming-sites <p>Those tempted to access fake websites run risk of phishing scams and having computer infected with malware</p><p>The Odyssey is the hottest release this summer and you have been looking forward to seeing the much-acclaimed adaptation of Homer’s epic ancient Greek poem. But you have been unable to go to the cinema, so when you spot an ad to watch online, you jump at the chance.</p><p>There are positive reviews posted on the site so you decide to sign up. Although it asks for your bank details – which is unusual for a “free” trial – you are so eager to watch the blockbuster you input your details.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/09/watch-the-odyssey-for-free-online-scam-film-fans-fake-streaming-sites">Continue reading...</a> Scams Consumer affairs Money The Odyssey Film Culture UK news World news US news Sun, 09 Aug 2026 07:00:09 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/09/watch-the-odyssey-for-free-online-scam-film-fans-fake-streaming-sites Photograph: Landmark Media/Alamy Photograph: Landmark Media/Alamy Photograph: Landmark Media/Alamy Shane Hickey 2026-08-09T07:00:09Z https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/02/parking-apps-experts-warn-of-ringgo-text-scam <p>Criminals hope by using threats of enforcement action, people will panic and click link to bogus parking app site</p><p>You use parking apps a lot – you have several on your phone – but it is not always straightforward. Sometimes there is a lack of reliable mobile signal, or the app crashes or behaves oddly, or it does not seem to want to accept your bank card.</p><p>Also, it is sometimes hard to keep track of which apps you have used when. So when you receive a text from RingGo saying you owe it money, you are not totally surprised.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/02/parking-apps-experts-warn-of-ringgo-text-scam">Continue reading...</a> Scams Motoring Consumer affairs Money UK news Sun, 02 Aug 2026 07:00:14 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/02/parking-apps-experts-warn-of-ringgo-text-scam Photograph: David Levene/The Guardian Photograph: David Levene/The Guardian Photograph: David Levene/The Guardian Shane Hickey 2026-08-02T07:00:14Z https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/jul/26/spotify-scam-fake-emails-fraud <p>Criminals send victims to a cloned site that collects login, personal and payment details</p><p>You have had a Spotify account for years and your credit card is linked for the monthly payments. When an email arrives telling you that your payment couldn’t be processed you are not surprised as the expiry date on the card is soon.</p><p>“We encountered an issue while processing your recent payment,” it says. “To keep your access active and avoid interruption, please review and update your information.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/jul/26/spotify-scam-fake-emails-fraud">Continue reading...</a> Money Spotify Scams Consumer affairs Sun, 26 Jul 2026 06:00:03 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/jul/26/spotify-scam-fake-emails-fraud Photograph: Samuel Boivin/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Photograph: Samuel Boivin/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Photograph: Samuel Boivin/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Samuel Gibbs Consumer technology editor 2026-07-26T06:00:03Z https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2026/feb/13/best-vacuum-cleaners-uk-tested <p>From handheld to corded, self-emptying to stick models, these are our resident cleaner’s favourite vacuums for a spotless home</p><p>• <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2025/mar/28/best-cordless-vacuum-cleaners-uk"><strong>The best cordless vacuum cleaners, tested</strong></a><strong><br>• </strong><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2026/feb/13/how-to-make-vacuum-cleaner-last-longer"><strong>How to make your vacuum cleaner last longer</strong></a></p><p>Buying a vacuum cleaner isn’t as easy as you might think. With so many brands and models to choose from, it can be bewildering. Sticking with established brands isn’t necessarily a safe bet, with past performance being no guarantee that the latest models will be as good. Meanwhile, prices can be deceptive, with some affordable models now closing the gap on top-of-the-range brands when it comes to cleaning performance.</p><p>You can’t know all this by browsing through a department store or online. The ideal thing to do would be to take a few models home to try them out – but good luck persuading anyone to let you do that. Thankfully, you won’t have to try because I’ve tested an array of models for you. I’ve measured each one’s ability to perform a range of real-world cleaning jobs, so you can discover the best vacuum cleaner for you.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2026/feb/13/best-vacuum-cleaners-uk-tested">Continue reading...</a> Homes Interiors Life and style Gadgets Technology Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:01:05 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2026/feb/13/best-vacuum-cleaners-uk-tested Composite: PR Image Composite: PR Image Composite: PR Image Andy Shaw 2026-08-18T09:01:05Z https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2024/nov/14/the-8-best-video-doorbells-tried-and-tested <p>Whether you want to improve your home’s security or simply know who’s at the door, the latest generation of smart doorbells will help put your mind at ease</p><p><strong>• </strong><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2024/nov/26/best-robot-vacuum-mop"><strong>The best robot vacuums, tested</strong></a></p><p>Doorbells have evolved. Today, they watch us as we approach, let the people inside the home know we’re coming sooner than our finger can hit the button, and give them a good look at our faces before they open the door. They’re essentially security cameras with a chime function.</p><p>If you haven’t already installed one of these handy tools, there’s a huge array available. Choosing the best video doorbell can be a bewildering task, with various factors to consider, including how much of your doorstep you want to see and whether you’re prepared to pay for a subscription. To help make the decision a little bit easier, I tested 11 popular video doorbells to find the best.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2024/nov/14/the-8-best-video-doorbells-tried-and-tested">Continue reading...</a> Technology Homes Life and style Interiors Gadgets Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:04:01 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2024/nov/14/the-8-best-video-doorbells-tried-and-tested Composite: PR Image Composite: PR Image Composite: PR Image Andy Shaw 2026-08-13T09:04:01Z https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/aug/13/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-ultra-review-the-top-dog-of-folding-androids <p>With great software and battery for two days, the pricey svelte folder strikes best balance between phone and tablet</p><p>Samsung’s top folding phone for 2026 is its first to carry the “Ultra” moniker in its name, packing a much bigger battery and better cameras into the thin and light body of a book-style foldable.</p><p>The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra continues from where the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jul/23/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7-android-review-thinner-lighter-better-folding">exquisite Z Fold 7</a> left off last year. With its svelte chocolate bar dimensions opening into a square tablet, the Ultra sits above the new <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/aug/10/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-review-folding-phone">passport-shaped Z Fold 8</a> as Samsung’s top model. Costing £1,899 (€2,199/$2,099.99/A$2,999), it is a lot of money to pay for a phone, regardless of how many other devices it can theoretically replace in your pocket.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/aug/13/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-ultra-review-the-top-dog-of-folding-androids">Continue reading...</a> Samsung Technology Smartphones Mobile phones Tablet computers Android Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:00:50 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/aug/13/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-ultra-review-the-top-dog-of-folding-androids Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian Samuel Gibbs Consumer technology editor 2026-08-13T06:00:50Z https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/aug/10/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-review-folding-phone <p>Novel squat Android opens to an iPad-like screen for video or multitasking, with plenty of power and battery life</p><p>Samsung’s latest folding phone breaks the mould with a squat, passport-like shape reminiscent of the Blackberry, which opens up to become a tablet similar to an iPad mini. It is certainly a better shape for a tablet than other designs, but is a short and wide phone when closed a compromise too far?</p><p>The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is an entirely new variant in Samsung’s foldable family for this year launched alongside the Z Fold 8 Ultra with a more familiar candy bar shape. Both folders are extremely expensive, with the Fold 8 starting at £1,699 (€1,999/$1,899.99/A$2,699) and the Fold 8 Ultra at £1,899 (€2,199/$2,099.99/A$2,999), with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/06/ramageddon-cheap-phones-laptops-macbooks-ps5s-ai-chips">RAMageddon</a> driving up prices even at the top of the market.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/aug/10/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-review-folding-phone">Continue reading...</a> Samsung Android Smartphones Tablet computers Mobile phones Technology Mon, 10 Aug 2026 06:00:37 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/aug/10/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-review-folding-phone Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian Samuel Gibbs Consumer technology editor 2026-08-10T06:00:37Z https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2026/aug/22/best-supermarket-ketchup-tested-rated <p>It’s a saviour at family mealtimes, but which bottle of red sauce does our reviewer relish the most? (Spoiler: it’s not Heinz)</p><p>• <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2025/jun/07/best-supermarket-mayonnaise-tom-hunt">The best supermarket mayonnaise</a></p><p>I was that kid who put ketchup on everything, from fries to french toast, and if my parents wanted me to eat vegetables, they’d have to cover them in the stuff (the sugar cravings of my youth have subsided, but I still love ketchup mixed into peas). So I was pleasantly surprised by this test group, because even the most economical sauces performed well.</p><p>Tomato content varied greatly (though not always in line with price), with the most tomato-heavy products containing almost twice as much fruit as the least. This information is presented in two ways: the first is the amount of raw tomato used before the sauce is cooked down into puree (more than 200g per 100g of finished product is high, less than 150g is low); the second is a straight percentage of tomato puree used, which is a more transparent measure (above 50% is high, while less than that I’d consider low, so check the label if you want more fruit in your sauce). Products made with fewer tomatoes are sometimes thickened with modified maize starch. I’ve also listed the total sugar content.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2026/aug/22/best-supermarket-ketchup-tested-rated">Continue reading...</a> Sauces and gravies Food Life and style Family Tomatoes Sat, 22 Aug 2026 12:00:03 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2026/aug/22/best-supermarket-ketchup-tested-rated Photograph: Robert Billington/The Guardian. Food styling: Loïc Parisot. Photograph: Robert Billington/The Guardian. Food styling: Loïc Parisot. Photograph: Robert Billington/The Guardian. Food styling: Loïc Parisot. Tom Hunt 2026-08-22T12:00:03Z https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2026/aug/21/eco-homes-that-can-stay-cool-for-sale-in-england-and-wales-in-pictures <p>From a triple-glazed barn conversion in a Welsh valley to a thermally regulated home in a busy area of London</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2026/aug/21/eco-homes-that-can-stay-cool-for-sale-in-england-and-wales-in-pictures">Continue reading...</a> Money Environment Energy Energy efficiency Ethical and green living UK news England Wales Fri, 21 Aug 2026 06:00:27 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2026/aug/21/eco-homes-that-can-stay-cool-for-sale-in-england-and-wales-in-pictures Photograph: The Modern House Photograph: The Modern House Photograph: The Modern House Anna White 2026-08-21T06:00:27Z https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2026/aug/14/tiny-homes-for-sale-in-england-in-pictures <p>From a historic former stable in the heart of London to a new-build ‘barn’ surrounded by open countryside</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2026/aug/14/tiny-homes-for-sale-in-england-in-pictures">Continue reading...</a> Money Property UK news England Fri, 14 Aug 2026 06:00:20 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2026/aug/14/tiny-homes-for-sale-in-england-in-pictures Photograph: Sandersons Photograph: Sandersons Photograph: Sandersons Anna White 2026-08-14T06:00:20Z https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2026/aug/07/homes-for-sale-in-former-pubs-in-england <p>From a house in the country once used as a drovers’ inn to a high street landmark in a bustling part of London</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2026/aug/07/homes-for-sale-in-former-pubs-in-england">Continue reading...</a> Property Pubs Money UK news England Fri, 07 Aug 2026 06:00:10 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2026/aug/07/homes-for-sale-in-former-pubs-in-england Photograph: Foxtons Photograph: Foxtons Photograph: Foxtons Anna White 2026-08-07T06:00:10Z https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2026/jul/31/charming-homes-for-sale-with-family-gardens-in-england-in-pictures <p>From the heart of the Peak District to the Kent Downs, houses with outside space to suit all ages</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2026/jul/31/charming-homes-for-sale-with-family-gardens-in-england-in-pictures">Continue reading...</a> Property Money UK news England Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:06 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2026/jul/31/charming-homes-for-sale-with-family-gardens-in-england-in-pictures Photograph: Jon Cruttenden Photography Photograph: Jon Cruttenden Photography Photograph: Jon Cruttenden Photography Anna White 2026-07-31T06:00:06Z