Overview

• From September 1, eligible working parents can access 30 hours of free childcare for children aged nine months to four years, worth about £7,500 a year for full‑time users.
• First Direct will stop posting paper statements for savings accounts from September 1, moving affected customers to digital statements via its app and online banking.
• High‑street retrenchment accelerates next month as NatWest closes 26 branches, Halifax shuts 13 and Lloyds closes one, with the first closures starting September 1.
• The ONS releases wage data on September 16 and August inflation on September 17, feeding into the Bank of England’s rate decision on September 18, with the base rate currently at 4%.
• Households who must claim Winter Fuel Payment can apply by post from September 15, and consumers are advised to take meter readings around September 30 before Ofgem’s October 1 price‑cap change.