More than a million pensioners are now paying top rates of income tax, new official figures reveal.

The number liable for 40 per cent higher rate tax has doubled to 977,000 over the past five years, while those paying the 45 per cent additional rate has trebled to 115,000 in the current tax year

The new breakdown by tax bracket also shows the number of pensioners paying 20 per cent basic rate tax has risen by a third to 8.48million over this period.

The new HMRC figures, obtained under a freedom of information request by former Pensions Minister Steve Webb, follow a freeze on thresholds which is set to last until 2031 and is set to accelerate the trend.

Webb, a partner at pension consultant LCP, says there were also significant inflation-linked increases to state pensions and other pensions over the past five years.

He notes that during this time the income tax personal allowance has been frozen at £12,570 and the starting rate of higher rate income tax has been frozen at £50,270.

The threshold for the additional 45 per cent tax rate was first frozen at £150,000 and then cut to £125,140 from 2023-24 onwards.

Altogether, more than ten million pensioners are now paying income tax, setting a new record since thresholds were frozen, according to official figures released in July.

‘Many people of working age may have expected that they would be basic rate taxpayers in retirement, but few will have expected to find themselves paying 40 per cent or more out of their pensions in tax,’ says Webb.

‘But this is the norm now for over a million pensioners, with the number set to rise further.

‘Those who are planning their retirement finances will increasingly need to allow for the fact that a significant chunk of the income they had planned to live on will be taxed at 40 per cent or more, and for some that means more pension saving will be needed today to compensate.’

How much do you need for a comfortable retirement

A single person should aim for an income of £32,700 a year and a couple £45,400 for a decent retirement, according to a widely used pension industry benchmark from trade group Pensions UK.

This ‘moderate’ lifestyle covers the essentials plus some splashing out on food and entertainment, trips abroad and running a car.

If you aspire to an affluent retirement, including long weekends away in the UK as well as overseas holidays, and more spending on eating out and social activities, Pensions UK suggests a single person targets a £45,400 income and a couple £62,700.

For a more frugal retirement, covering essential bills plus a few treats, it estimates a single person needs £13,900 a year and a couple £22,500.

These targets assume you will qualify for a full state pension, currently around £12,500 a year.

They don’t account for income tax, housing costs if you are still paying a mortgage or rent, or care costs in later life.

Meanwhile, people in their 30s and 40s looking at present-day forecasts for retirement income need to factor in inflation and aim their sights far higher, warns financial advice platform Unbiased.

A single person needs to target £74,000 a year for a comfortable retirement in 20 years’ time, rather than the £45,400 industry estimate.

And a couple will need nearly £103,000 rather than the current £62,700 a year, warns financial advice platform Unbiased.

What if your pension is falling short

If you are worried about whether you will have saved enough, investigate your existing pensions. Broadly speaking, you need to ask schemes the following questions.

– The current fund value.

– The current transfer value – because there might be a penalty to move.

– Whether the pension is in a final salary or defined contribution scheme. Defined contribution pensions take contributions from both employer and employee and invest them to provide a pot of money at retirement. 

Non-public sector employers have now mostly replaced more generous gold-plated defined benefit – career average or final salary – pensions, which provide a guaranteed income after retirement until you die. 

Defined contribution pensions are stingier and savers bear the investment risk, rather than employers. 

– If there are any guarantees – for instance, a guaranteed annuity rate – and if you would lose them if you moved the fund.

– The pension projection at retirement age. You can use a pension calculator to see if you will have enough – these are widely available online.

You should add the forecast figures to what you anticipate getting in state pension, which is currently £241.30 a week or nearly £12,550 a year if you qualify for the full new rate. Get a state pension forecast here.

Consider whether you can afford to pay more into your pension, especially if your employer matches higher contributions, or if you receive bonuses and pay rises.

If you are tempted to merge your old pensions, read our guide first to ensure you won’t be penalised.

 If you have lost track of old pots, the Government’s free pension tracing service is here. 

Take care if you do an online search for the Pension Tracing Service as many companies using similar names will pop up in the results.

These will also offer to look for your pension, but try to charge or flog you other services, and could be fraudulent. 

By ANGHARAD CARRICK, BUSINESS NEWS EDITOR

Updated: 09:23 BST, 4 September 2026

Brewer and hospitality firm Adnams saw sales slow in the first half after it put some of its pubs up for sale amid ‘continued pressure’ on consumer spending.

The Ghost Ship brewer said trading in its managed pubs and hotels was below expectations, with group revenue falling 8.9 per cent to £27.4million for the six months to the end of June.

It followed the disposal of some of its tenanted pubs last year as it battled ‘extremely challenging market conditions’. 

The 154-year-old Suffolk brewery has come under pressure in recent years, even reportedly considering an outright sale of the business in 2024.

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Adnams suffered a fall in sales after offloading some of its pubs earlier this year 

An onslaught of higher costs, including higher National Insurance contributions and the minimum wage, has thwarted its turnaround efforts. The brewer ended 2025 with debts of £9.2million, down from £15.3million, but revenue was £4.3million lower than in 2024.

Chair Simon Townsend today said the business was ‘resilient despite continued pressure on consumer spending and subdued trading conditions’.

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It said it cut operating expenses by over £2million in the period, which it said helped to mitigate some of the impact on overall profitability. 

Adnams reported a pre-tax loss of £1.42million in the first half, compared to £1.47million in the previous year.

Pub and hotel sales started to pick up over the summer thanks to the warmer weather and World Cup, with like-for-like sales growth of 3.3 per cent in July, while profits climbed 10 per cent.

Direct-to-consumer sales proved more robust in the first half with trading in supermarkets continuing to outperform the wider beer market, as it piles money into its Ghost Ship brands.

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The company added: ‘Adnams today is a more focused business than it was two years ago.

‘Whilst there remains much work to do, the board believes the actions being taken are the right ones to create a more resilient, profitable and sustainable business over the long term.’  

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Four schools in Middlesbrough closing early before the funeral of one of the men killed in the A66 crash have been accused of giving in to ‘thugs’.

The schools will send children home at lunchtime in a decision the Shadow Education Secretary said was ‘wrong’.

Laura Trott, who retained her brief in Kemi Badenoch‘s Conservative frontbench reshuffle, said the Government should ensure ‘criminal gangs don’t get their way’.

Two police officers and five young men were killed on August 22 when a Volkswagen Passat, which had been chased by police, hit a marked armed response car while driving the wrong way down the A66 dual carriageway.

PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, died in the crash, as did Jakub Matusiak, 23, Cole Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and Michael Cahill, 23.

Four of the young men in the vehicle had criminal convictions, including for assaulting a police officer and vehicle offences.

It is understood today’s funeral is Matusiak’s, with crowds, motorbikes and quad bikes expected to gather in Normanby Road in the South Bank area of the town.

The service is due to be held at the St John the Evangelist Church in South Bank – where a silent prayer vigil was also held for PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough last month.

A memorial for Matusiak last month in South Bank, Middlesbrough, saw flares burned and balloons released

PC Tom Clough and PC Matthew Blades were killed in the A66 crash

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At a ‘memorial’ for Matusiak last month, close to the crash site in South Bank, orange balloons were released, fireworks set off and balaclava-clad bikers intimidated residents.

South Bank primary school will close at 12pm ‘to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our pupils,’ it said.

Headteacher Tammy Cooper said in a Facebook statement that the school expected ‘large numbers of people in the area which will inevitably cause congestion and transport disruption’.

She said: ‘This decision has been reached after careful consideration of the potential impact on the departure of pupils, staff and families.

‘We recognise the inconvenience this may cause and thank our families for their understanding and co-operation.’

Ms Cooper said the school also recognises ‘some pupils may feel upset or anxious about the funeral taking place locally’ and the pastoral team would be available for support.

And Mark Robinson, head of Outwood academy in Normanby, said in a letter to parents that his school would also close at midday after discussions with the council.

Archway Academy Teesville and St Margaret Clitherow’s Catholic Primary School will also close early. Mackenzie Thorpe Centre will be closed all day.

Last week a vigil for Cahill was criticised by MPs and police after a crowd set fire to cars in Haswell, County Durham.

A ‘memorial’ for Michael Cahill, who was also killed in the crash, led to cars being set alight in Haswell, County Durham

A spokesman for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said: ‘Following discussions between local headteachers and the local authority, a number of schools in the South Bank area will close earlier than usual on Friday afternoon due to anticipated traffic congestion and transport disruption associated with a local funeral taking place in the area.

‘The decision was made after careful consideration of the potential impact on home-to-school transport and the departure of pupils, staff and families at the end of the school day.

‘Schools have worked with the local authority and transport providers to consider arrangements for pupils, including those who travel to and from specialist educational settings.

‘We recognise that early closure may cause inconvenience for some parents and carers, and we thank them for their understanding and co-operation.’

But Ms Trott urged Education Secretary Lucy Powell to intervene, telling the Labour minister she had a ‘duty to ensure that this does not impact on the honest and decent pupils, parents and teachers in the area’.

She added: ‘Children should not be kept out of school because of the behaviour of thugs on the streets.’

Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott said schools closing early meant giving in to ‘thugs’

She said the Education Secretary Lucy Powell should ensure officers had the resources needed to keep schools open

‘If schools are closing because of concerns about disorder, intimidation or criminality in the surrounding area, then those responsible should be held to account by law.’

‘Intimidation must never be tolerated. No child should lose out on their education because criminal gangs have brought fear and lawlessness to their community.’

The Education Secretary responded saying she trusted headteachers to ‘make judgments that they need to make to keep their school community safe’.

Lucy Powell told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: ‘As Education Secretary, I want schools to be open. I want pupils attending schools all the time.

‘And these headteachers of these small number of schools have taken a very difficult decision with the local authority and the police for the safety of their school community to close early.

‘What I would say is that there are huge anxieties and worries in the communities.’

She added: ‘I trust headteachers to make the judgments that they need to make to keep their school community safe. I hope this doesn’t have to happen again.’

And Ms Powell said it was not a time for ‘party political point scoring’.

‘This is a very, very difficult and delicate situation, as you say, and I will always put the safety and wellbeing of children at the forefront of anything I do,’ she said.

BANGKOK (AP) — The leader of Myanmar’s military-backed government is visiting Vietnam for talks with its leaders in his latest effort to normalize relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and attract foreign investment.

Min Aung Hlaing has stepped up diplomatic engagements since he was sworn in as president in April following an election that critics say was designed to cement the military’s hold on power.

Since taking office, he has traveled to India, China, Laos, Thailand and most recently Kazakhstan, Belarus and Russia, where he met with leaders and sought to draw foreign investment through business forums.

Vietnam has maintained longstanding military ties with Myanmar, including defense cooperation and the involvement of Viettel, Vietnam’s military-run telecommunications group, in Mytel, one of Myanmar’s major telecom operators, which has military-linked ownership.

Economic ties, however, have weakened, with bilateral trade falling from $853 million in 2020 to $590 million in 2025 and $335 million in the first half of 2026, figures Min Aung Hlaing shared with Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung when they met in Myanmar in late August, according to Vietnam’s foreign ministry.

State-run MRTV television said Min Aung Hlaing departed on a flight from the capital, Naypyitaw, Friday morning.

In Hanoi, Min Aung Hlaing is expected to meet Vietnamese President To Lam and other senior officials and attend a business forum with members of his Cabinet.

The diplomatic outreach is the latest in a series of moves to reengage with countries in the region and the international community after relations became frayed or frosty following Min Aung Hlaing’s ousting of Aung San Suu Kyi’s government in February 2021 while serving as army chief.

Friday’s visit marks Min Aung Hlaing’s third visit to an ASEAN member state as he seeks to restore his standing within the 11-member bloc, of which Myanmar and Vietnam are members.

He faced years of diplomatic isolation following his 2021 takeover and was barred from top-level ASEAN meetings for failing to comply with a peace plan agreed upon in April 2021.

The crash happened at 10.37 am on Thursday on Chorley New Road and involved an MG HS Trophy after it veered off the road.

The car, which police say was travelling at relatively low speed, appeared to steer off the road before hitting the bus stop.

The driver, who was the only person in the car, sustained serious injuries.

The road was cordoned off and motorists were diverted as emergency services were on the scene.

Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit is appealing for information.

A GMP spokesperson said: “As part of the investigation, our Serious Collision Investigation Unit are asking anyone with information to please come forward.

“This includes anyone who witnessed the incident, or has CCTV, dashcam, doorbell or mobile phone footage from the area.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741 or via the Live Chat service at https://orlo.uk/2D5Ba, quoting log 982 of 03/09/26.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Russia struck a Coca-Cola factory outside Kyiv, Volodymyr Zelensky has said.

In his nightly address, the Ukrainian president said Shahed drones had targeted a plant operated by the soft drinks giant in Brovary, a city less than 30 kilometres east of the capital.

Mr Zelensky said the latest attack on a facility belonging to a major US firm was a ‘signal to America’.

He said: ‘Today, the Russians have hit a Coca-Cola plant with their drone. Coca-Cola is such an enemy that they set it on fire with their Shaheds.

‘It’s a clear Russian signal to America. The Russians cannot be unaware that this is an American facility.’

Andy Hunder, the president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, confirmed that no staff at the plant were injured in the strike.

‘The company is working with the relevant authorities to assess the situation’, he said.

‘Ensuring the safety and well-being of people remains top priority.’

The Ukrainian president also confirmed that a US negotiating team is expected to visit both Kyiv and Moscow in the coming days in a bid to bring an end to the four-and-half-year-old war.

‘There are preliminary dates. We expect to see representatives of the U.S. president here in Kyiv’, Mr Zelensky said in his address last night.

Donald Trump told GB News in an interview broadcast yesterday he wanted ‘to see that end’ to the war, adding ‘I think we’ll get it’.

The US president also reiterated a claim that European nations should reimburse his country for military aid provided to Ukraine.

He wrote on X: ‘Hundreds of Billions of Dollars was given to Ukraine and NATO, free of charge, that Europe would have paid for — If they were only asked, but we will be asking for that money, though somewhat belatedly’.

The US army is thought to have used up much of its stockpile of long-range missiles on the war in Iran, raising questions about its readiness to fight conflicts on other fronts.

Russian forces also claimed to have hit two cargo vessels in the Black Sea which were transporting weapons, ammunition and military equipment to Ukraine.

Ukraine’s navy said it had struck a ship in the Black Sea port city of Sochi, which hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics.

It said the vessel, named Nefrit, was supporting oil and gas operations, servicing offshore facilities, transporting cargo and personnel, and carrying out underwater engineering work.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

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Two key Nigel Farage aides have stepped down pending a probe into an ‘illegal’ donation sting.

James Orr and Dan Jukes are standing aside from their jobs as head of policy and assistant to the leader while allegations are looked into.

The furore is threatening to overshadow Reform’s annual conference taking place in Birmingham, where Mr Farage is hoping to revive the party’s fortunes amid flagging polls. 

A report broadcast by Channel 4 News claimed Reform took funding from a US firm for three polls it commissioned earlier this year costing £32,500.

The purported donors were in fact undercover reporters from investigative group Verbatim posing as an American financier and his UK-based son.

Senior officials including Mr Farage are also said to have discussed a £500,000 donation from the fake businessman through his son. 

A Reform spokesman said: ‘Reform UK has launched an investigation following the broadcast of a Channel 4 News programme.

‘Both individuals involved have stepped down from their respective positions pending the outcome of the investigation.

‘The party believes it is important that the investigation is allowed to proceed independently and without prejudice. No further comment will be made while the investigation is ongoing.’

Reform UK chairman Lee Anderson told Sky News there was ‘no chance’ of them returning to the party. 

However, deputy leader Richard Tice refused to rule out a comeback, telling BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: ‘Let’s wait and see what the investigation says.’

Farage and his senior aide Dan Jukes were filmed meeting a US businessman and his son, who lives in the UK, and discussing donations. The men were both undercover members of Verbatim, a group of investigative journalists

Foreign political donations are banned in the UK. The donation was never made.

The Lib Dems have written to the Metropolitan Police and Electoral Commission about the issue. 

Labour has also reported the allegations to the police, and the Greens have called for a probe.

In a letter to the Met Police, Lib Dem Cabinet Office spokesman Lisa Smart wrote: ‘The breach raises alarming questions about whether there has been a wider complacency toward foreign interference by the individuals involved.’

Mr Anderson told Sky News of Mr Jukes and Mr Orr: ‘They’ve stepped down. They was told, you know, they had to step down, they have stepped down, and that’s got to be the right thing to do on the day, the first day of our conference.

‘Let’s remember, we’ve got 5,000 members coming through the door today to listen to what we’ve got to say about our first 100 days in government and how we’re going to change the course of this country.

‘So it’s right to get rid of this distraction straight away. The pair concerned have gone, and the investigation starts today. It’s as simple as that.’

He added: ‘There’s no chance of them coming back. They’ve stepped aside.

‘You know, we’re a serious party, you know, and sometimes in politics, you have to make tough decisions, harsh decisions.’

Mr Farage is expected to give the first of his two conference speeches on Friday afternoon, in which he will promise to declare a ‘national emergency’ on his first day in government, introducing a flood of legislation and doing ‘anything and everything’ to deliver his party’s policies.

He will say: ‘Within days of winning the general election, we will introduce dozens of Bills and force Parliament to sit all through summer for seven days a week to pass them.

‘Britain is in serious trouble. We don’t have time to wait around to fix it.’

The two-day conference in Birmingham is expected to hear from other senior Reform figures setting out their own pledges for their first 100 days in office, as well as an address from Jordan Bardella, leader of the French National Rally.

Mr Farage is expected to announce that any frontbenchers who fail to deliver on their pledges ‘will be sacked’.

He is also due to make his own promise to focus on reducing the cost of living and lead on efforts to end small boat crossings in the Channel.

Originating across the Atlanic, this popular breakfast side dish is made from finely shredded, grated or diced potatoes, fried in a pan or on a griddle until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

The term ‘hashed brown potatoes’ first appeared in American cookbooks in the 1880s to describe chopped and fried boiled potatoes, later evolving into the grated patty popular in diners. They were introduced here much later via fast-food chains

Now they are popular in the UK, I thought I’d give them a go.

Cooking could either be oven bake – which I did – or air fryer. Some can be deep-fried.

*Iceland Hash Browns, 800g, £2.00

This was an appetising golden colour, which was a good start. A bit greasy on the outside, inside it was fairly solid in consistency – I could see a few small chunks of potato and onion. Strangely, it had a slightly cheesy taste – cheese is not among the ingredients. I tried another to make sure and again it tasted cheesy. I didn’t like them at all and they left an unpleasant taste in my mouth.

Pros: appearance.

Cons: taste, price.

Mark: 1/5

*M&S Food Hash Browns, 750g, £3.50

Neatly shaped, this one was a darker brown in colour and thicker than the others. With a lovely crisp exterior, it was finely mashed and had a soft consistency. I liked the mild potato/onion flavour. I enjoyed it. The bag was, however, a lot more expensive than the others.

Pros: consistency, taste.

Cons: price.

Mark: 4/5

*Morrisons Hash Browns, 750g, £1.75

An appetising brown colour, this one were a little thinner than the others and didn’t crisp up too well on top. Inside it were finely mashed, with a nice soft consistency. The taste, though, wasn’t great – it was very potatoey and reminded me of oven chips. They are a reasonable price, but that’s where it ends.

Pros: consistency, price.

Cons: taste.

Mark: 2/5

Hash browns are a breakfast staple in the USA

Morrisons Hash Browns

Hash Browns from M&S Food (Image: Newsquest)

Hash Browns from Iceland

Tesco Hash Browns

*Tesco Hash Browns, 750g, £1.75

A good colour and neat shape, with visible pieces of potato and onion in the mix. The outer coating crisped up nicely, and the inside was suitably soft and well-mashed. I loved the taste – they were nicely seasoned and reminded me of the potato and onion rissoles my mum used to make. They are a budget-friendly price too – I’d definitely buy these again.

Pros: appearance, consistency, taste, price.

Cons: none.

Mark: 5/5

*Four Seasons Hash Browns, Aldi, 750g, £1.75

This one had a neat triangular shape and cooked to a crisp golden brown on top. It contained a few chunks of potato within the mix, giving me something to get my teeth into, and I could pick out the taste of onion. I liked it, and the affordable price.

Pros: appearance, taste, price.

Cons: none.

Mark: 4/5

*Harvest Basket Hash Browns, Lidl, 750g, £1.75

A decent size and triangular shape, this was an unappetising yellow in colour and didn’t brown on cooking. Sadly, there was barely any flavour other than potato, and salt – it was far too salty for me. Three of these make up 20 per cent of your recommended daily salt intake, which was far higher than any of the others.

Pros: none.

Cons: taste.

Marks: 1/5

Four Seasons by Aldi

Harvest Basket from Lidl

Asda Hash Browns

Sainsbury’s Hash Browns (Image: Newsquest)

*Crispy Hash Browns by Asda, 800g, £2.25

A bit like Harvest Basket, this were a pale yellow colour. It crisped up on the outside, but didn’t go brown. Things didn’t improve as I bit into it – it was soft verging on soggy in the middle, like mashed potato. I did not pick up any onion taste at all. A bit more expensive, but it’s a bigger bag.

Pros: none.

Cons: appearance, consistency, taste.

Mark: 1/5

*Sainsbury’s Hash Browns, 1.2kg £3.10

A neat shape, this one baked to a light brown colour. It crisped up nicely on the outside, while the inside was soft, with shredded potato and onion combining for a lovely flavour. I enjoyed it. This was more expensive, but it was a bigger bag.

Pros: appearance, consistency, taste.

Cons: none.

Mark: 4/5