Hilary Osborne

Hamptons said the average first-time buyer in London spent £443,550, which was £39,360 more than last year. Photograph: Yui Mok/PA

It is a benefit that brings winter fuel payments with it, but many people are missing out

Pension credit not only can help pay rising energy bills, but can access much more support, too. Composite: Getty, Alamy, EPA/Observer Design

I’ve had chemotherapy, and a film made in aftermath of my treatment would have been much greyer and grottier, says Guardian journalist Hilary Osborne

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news

Payments such as universal credit linked to previous September’s figure, meaning a rise of just 1.7% in April

Rightmove says record number of homes up for sale in September had previously been available to rent

Firms such as Klarna to be required to do affordability checks, but campaigners question delay in new rules

Rachel Reeves's first budget as chancellor included lots of measures that could affect your personal finances. Here we explain the main ones.

Use your Isa allowance if you can, hurry up with your property purchase and review your pension provision