Tesco is currently considering a significant alteration to its Clubcard program. The Clubcard initiative offers discounted prices on certain items in stores and enables shoppers to accumulate points that can be exchanged for supermarket vouchers. Previously, this loyalty scheme was only accessible to individuals over the age of 18, a policy criticized by Which? as unfair to younger customers who could miss out on potential savings.
In response to feedback, Tesco has announced plans to extend Clubcard eligibility to individuals under the age of 18 within the year. A Tesco spokesperson stated, “We are actively reviewing Tesco Clubcard with the intention of making Clubcard available to under-18s this year.”
Reena Sewraz, Retail Editor at Which?, emphasized the significance of Clubcard savings for consumers striving to manage expenses. She commended Tesco for addressing the exclusion of younger individuals and urged swift implementation of these changes.
Under the Clubcard program, Tesco customers earn one point for every £1 spent on groceries in-store or online, and one point for every two liters of fuel purchased at Tesco petrol stations.
Additionally, Nationwide Building Society has announced the acceptance of electronically signed mortgage deeds in England and Wales without the need for witnesses. This decision aligns with the Land Registry’s acceptance of electronic signatures as part of the mortgage application process, aimed at expediting home-buying procedures.
Furthermore, individuals under the age of 66 have been advised to prepare for an increase in the state pension age from 66 to 67, with the transition scheduled between April 6, 2026, and March 6, 2028. The first group affected by this change includes those born between April 6, 1960, and May 5, 1960.
Asda recently faced a £500,000 fine for selling expired food items at one of its UK stores. Following the discovery of out-of-date products, Asda has implemented enhanced date checking processes across all its stores to uphold customer expectations.
Grandparents providing childcare during the February half-term may be eligible for Specified Adult Childcare Credits, offering potential boosts to their state pension income. These National Insurance Credits can help fill gaps in individuals’ National Insurance records, translating to increased state pension earnings.
Seven councils in England have been granted permission to raise council tax by more than 5%, with some councils allowed increases of up to 9%. This exceeds the typical 5% limit, requiring special approval for larger increments.
Retail sales saw a 2.7% increase in January, attributed to a delay in Christmas spending and a surge in New Year sales. Food sales rose by 3.8%, while non-food sales experienced a 1.7% uptick compared to the previous year. Both in-store and online sales contributed to the positive growth, showcasing a promising start to the year for the retail sector.
