Overview

• From 1 September, eligible working parents can claim up to 30 free hours for children aged nine months to four, with the government saying typical savings could reach about £7,500 a year.
• Applications are made via GOV.UK using a childcare account, which issues an 11‑digit code that must be reconfirmed every three months and given to providers.
• First Direct will stop posting savings account statements on 1 September, switching affected customers to digital statements via its app and online banking.
• NatWest and Halifax will permanently close dozens of branches through September, with the first closures beginning on 1 September and further sites scheduled across the month.
• The ONS releases wage data on 16 September and August inflation on 17 September ahead of the Bank of England’s 18 September rate decision, while the Household Support Fund remains available through local councils with £2.5bn allocated since 2021.