THE Chancellor received a pre-Budget boost as inflation fell to 1.7 per cent — its lowest level in more than three years.

It dropped from 2.2 per cent in August to below the Bank of England’s two per cent target.

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Experts reckon it “nails on” a 0.25 percentage point rate cut next month.

But it is a blow for millions on benefits which are pegged to September’s figure.

Rachel Reeves seeks to plug a £40billion shortfall with tax hikes and spending reductions in her October 30 Budget.

The cash will seek to protect key departments from real-terms cuts, create a buffer for economic shocks and fill what Labour have called a £22 billion black hole.

Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said: “It will be welcome news for millions of families that inflation is below 2%.

“However, there is still more to do to protect working people, which is why we are focused on bringing back growth and restoring economic stability to deliver on the promise of change.”

But it emerged last night Cabinet ministers are bypassing her to go straight to No 10 in a last-minute bid to soften brutal cuts — which some warn are unsustainable.

MCDONALD’S fans eager to get their hands on one of its most popular burgers which returns to menus today have voiced their frustration that it is not as tasty as the original.

The McRib burger is back in McDonald’s restaurants for a limited time only after disappearing from menus for nearly ten years.

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The beloved burger includes a pork-based patty, tangy BBQ sauce, pickles and onions in a homestyle bun.

Customers have been eagerly anticipating the item’s return, with some describing it as the “greatest burger of all time”.

But those who have been able to get their hands on it today have already taken to social media site Facebook to voice their disappointment that the burger is a flop.

One user said: “I am a big fan of the McRib but today, I got a McRib without the BBQ sauce. What a disappointment! Can I have my money back?”

Another added: “It’s not the same. Its dry little sauce on top nothing like the pic or what it used to be shame on McDonald’s.”

A third said: “The McRib is BACK, baby. Should have left it in the past to be fair. Poor all round. Flavourless. Not enough sauce. Shoddy.”

But one user disagreed and said: “McRib is back and was lush.”

The burger first appeared in the UK in 1981 but it was discontinued just four years later.

It featured boneless pork strips coated in generous helpings of thick BBQ sauce, with juicy pickles and onions.

The burger has since made several reappearances on McDonald’s menus but has not been seen since early 2015.

McDonald’s has not confirmed how long the burger will be available for but has said it will be for a “very limited time only”.

It is currently on sale for £4.49 as an individual item or £6.19 as part of a medium extra-value meal deal, which also includes fries and a medium drink.

Meanwhile, at 509 calories the burger is far more calorific than a Double Cheeseburger, McChicken and Bacon Double Cheeseburger.

What else is launching today at McDonald’s?

McDonald’s is launching three new menu items today and is making changes to one fan favourite.

What’s joining the McDonald’s menu?

The Halloween menu items are:

• Cheese Side – £2.49
• Cheese Side Sharebox – £6.79
• Toasted Marshmallow Latte – £2.59
• Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate (Only available in Large) – £2.19
• McCrispy® Deluxe – £5.99
• McCrispy® Deluxe Medium Meal – £7.79
• Halloween M&M’s® McFlurry® – £2.19
• Halloween M&M’s® McFlurry® Mini – £1.59
• Galaxy® Caramel McFlurry® – £2.19
• Galaxy® Caramel McFlurry® Mini – £1.59
• Toffee Apple Pie – £1.99
• Mini Hash Browns Single Portion – £1.49
• Mini Hash Browns Sharebox – £2.99

Among the new items is the never-before-seen Toasted Marshmallow Latte.

The coffee-based drink has a toasted marshmallow-flavoured syrup and dusting, which is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

It only comes in a large size and costs £2.19.

There’s also a hot chocolate version of this drink for those who don’t like coffee.

The Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate has the same flavoured syrup and dusting and costs £2.19.

Meanwhile, fans of the Mozzarella Dippers will be eager to try the new mozzarella and emmental Cheese Bites.

The bite-size pieces have a smoky caramelised onion-flavoured breadcrumb coating.

They come in portions of five for £2.49 or a sharebox of fifteen for £6.79.

The Sun got to taste the new menu items before they were launched in restaurants.

McDonald’s is also upgrading one of its popular breakfast items this season.

Its iconic Hash Brown is being given a makeover and will be available in a new mini size with the same crunchy exterior and soft fluffy inside.

They cost £1.49 for five or £2.99 for a sharebox of 15.

The Sun got to try them before anyone else.

Several other favourites are returning to the menu today including the McCrispy Deluxe, Galaxy Caramel McFlurry and Toffee Apple Pie.

The McCrispy Deluxe features a crispy chicken fillet with shredded lettuce, Roma tomatoes and mayo.

It costs £5.99 on its own or £7.79 as part of a medium meal.

Other popular treats which are making a comeback are the Halloween M&M’s McFlurry and Galaxy Caramel McFlurry.

They cost £2.19 each or £1.59 for the mini version.

Returning for the second time is the Toffee Apple Pie.

The crispy pastry includes a spiced apple compote and toffee sauce and is complete with toffee pieces.

It costs £1.99.

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GREGGS is set to launch a champagne bar inside a popular department store before Christmas.

The beloved bakery chain is set to open the posh drinks spot inside Fenwick’s Newcastle store from October 24.

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Visitors can indulge in some festive cheer, paired with Greggs’ famous bakes.

Customers can sip on a selection of top-tier Champagnes, with glasses starting at just £10 for a taste of Ca’ di Alte Prosecco, or go all out with a luxurious £75 glass of Louis Roederer Cristal.

Those looking for a fancy treat can splash out on a whole bottle of Cristal for a whopping £425.

This concept follows the success of last year’s Greggs Bistro at Fenwick, which attracted more than 8,000 visitors in just one month.

Diners enjoyed a unique twist on festive fare, featuring the popular festive bake alongside duck fat roasties, smoked pancetta, chestnuts, and sprouts.

This year’s menu, which runs until the end of December, has been crafted by Fenwick’s executive head chef Mark Reid in collaboration with Greggs.

The exclusive menu will only be available at the Fenwick’s Newcastle champagne bar and not chain stores.

Highlights include a steak bake served with a peppercorn aioli for just £4.95, and of course a hearty sausage, bean, and cheese melt with bloody Mary ketchup for £4.50.

Plus, the classic sausage roll has been revamped with a spicy hot honey chilli sauce—perfect for those who like a kick and under a fiver, selling at £4.

And for those with a sweet tooth, the Champagne bar won’t disappoint.

Guests can enjoy signature cocktails inspired by Greggs’ treats.

The bar is also stocked with non-alcoholic options like the refreshing peach Melba cocktail for £7.

The stylish Art Nouveau-style bar will seat just 16 guests at a time, who can summon top-ups by ringing vintage crystal bells.

Reservations are required, and the bar will be open from 11.30AM until the store closes at 7pm.

Hannah Squirrell, Greggs’ customer director said: “While Champagne and Greggs might not be the most immediate food and drink pairing, we’re thrilled to launch the Greggs Champagne Bar at Fenwick.

“We hope everyone who visited us last year—and many more—will enjoy this fun and unique experience, discovering that a chilled glass of Champagne alongside a sausage roll is the hottest ticket in Toon for 2024.”

Leo Fenwick, strategic partnerships director at Fenwick, added: “After the phenomenal success of last year’s Bistro Greggs at Fenwick, we’re proud to partner with Greggs once again to launch the Champagne Bar.

“This pop-up enhances our evolving restaurant offerings, creating a memorable in-store dining experience.”

Greggs doesn’t just offer delicious bakes; it’s also a haven for savvy shoppers looking to enjoy their treats without breaking the bank.

Here are some top tips from Greggs super fan Tony Collins on how to save money on your next visit.

How to Save Money at Greggs

Hit Up the Outlet Stores

One of Tony’s best-kept secrets is to make the most of Greggs outlet stores.

These locations sell baked goods at heavily discounted prices, typically because they’re a day old.

Don’t worry—Greggs assures customers that the food is still fresh, and a percentage of the profits goes to charity.

Tony reports that he usually gets around 20 per cent off compared to regular prices, making it a win-win for your wallet and a good cause

BIG BREAKFAST Deal

If you’re looking for a filling breakfast without the hefty price tag, Greggs’ breakfast deal is hard to beat.

Enjoy a brekkie roll and a hot drink for just £2.85 until 11 AM. It’s a tasty way to kickstart your day without overspending.

• All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

Check Out the Freezer Aisles

You can also find your Greggs favourites in the freezer aisles at stores like Iceland.

Currently, a four-pack of sausage rolls is priced at just £3.

It’s a convenient way to enjoy Greggs’ iconic treats at home.

By using these clever tips, you can enjoy all your Greggs favourites while keeping your budget in check.

Meanwhile, If your love for pastry knows no bounds then you are in luck as the bakery giant Greggs is launching its own jewellery line.

CANOODLING couples can skip the cinema’s back row and instead cuddle up and watch the silver screen in front row beds.

And they can even bring a friend, as the extra-wide loungers fit three people.

Cinema chain Odeon has installed its VIP beds at eight of its cinemas so far — with a ninth location by the end of the year.

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They have already proved so popular for couples’ date nights they are being rolled out in every new cinema.

Bosses have made sure the headrest is tilted just right, to avoid painful necks when gazing up at the screen as viewers stretch out.

But cinema staff, concerned about an influx of fumbling teenagers, said the beds are “perfect for young families to cosy up in the best seat and immerse themselves in film”.

Tickets are priced between £22 and £42 for three people, depending on location and times.

Odeon has been upgrading its cinemas to boost the experience for visitors and encourage them to stop streaming and get off their sofa.

It plans to open a string of its upmarket Luxe cinemas later this year amid hopes this winter’s schedule of blockbusters will lead to a film-going revival.

Bumper bookings are expected for upcoming releases including Wicked, Gladiator II, Paddington in Peru and Moana 2.

MARTIN Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert (MSE) has revealed how a quick check could help thousands of Brit households get free insulation this winter.

Many households in the UK could be eligible for a range of freebies offered by energy providers and local authorities under a government scheme.

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And these could help bring down your energy bills this winter.

The finance guru’s website MoneySavingExpert (MSE) has urged people to check if they qualify for the Great British Insulation Scheme which is open to a further 400,000 households.

The scheme is open to households in council tax bands A-E across England, Wales and Scotland.

You also must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)rating of D or lower.

An EPC rating tells you how energy efficient a building is, with A being the most efficient and G being the most inefficient.

F-rated homes are some of the leakiest homes in the country, meaning the heat produced by gas boilers quickly escapes the building.

They’re also unlikely to have double glazing or insulation.

The incredible scheme offers households free insulation, including loft, roof, cavity wall and other types of insulation – which could cut your annual energy bill by £100s.

Low-income households can also get new boilers and heating controls through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme.

Under the ECO scheme, suppliers have a legal obligation to implement energy-saving measures in your home.

Help is offered on a case-by-case basis, but it can mean having a new boiler fitted, or loft or cavity wall insulation put in, often for free.

You can find more details about the scheme here.

The ECO was first launched in January 2013 and has been extended four times.

Not all energy companies are signed up to the ECO scheme. Here is the list of ones that are:

• British Gas
• E (Gas and Electricity) Ltd
• E.ON
• Ecotricity
• EDF
• Octopus Energy
• Outfox the Market
• OVO
• Scottish Power
• Shell Energy
• So Energy (including ESB Energy)
• The Utility Warehouse
• Utilita Energy

You only qualify for the ECO under certain circumstances, such as claiming certain benefits and living in private housing.

You also could be eligible if you live in social housing.

Also, just because you are eligible for the ECO scheme, that doesn’t mean you are guaranteed help.

Meanwhile, you may have to fund part of the energy-improving measures in your home.

You can apply by contacting either your local council or energy supplier.

SOCIAL HOUSING DECARBONISATION FUND

The government recently confirmed fresh funding to help thousands of homes with poor insulation and outdated heating systems are in line for upgrades.

It has boosted the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) by £75million.

The funding will be offered to 42 councils and housing associations across England to help them co-fund installations in up to 8,000 homes.

Under the scheme, council houses will be retrofitted with wall and loft insulation, double glazing, heat pumps, and solar panels.

They will not be limited to one installation and could get their home insulated, have doors and windows upgraded to reduce heat leakage and cut their energy bills.

If eligible, those living in social housing will not need to do anything, as their housing provider will contact them.

Other households will need to check what their local authority has on offer, and they may need to apply for help.

Local authorities will deliver the funding in different ways.

Therefore, you will need to check directly with your council.

BOILER UPGRADE SCHEME

Meanwhile, through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you might be able to get a grant to help with the cost of installing a heat pump.

The grant was first launched in 2022 and was originally worth £5,000 or £6,000, depending on the type of heat pump.

But as heat pumps are typically expensive to purchase and install, costing between £5,000 and £8,000, the government boosted the grant in October to £7,500.

The grant can be used towards both air-source heat pumps and ground-source heat pumps.

Those wishing to install a biomass boiler can also apply for a £5,000 grant.

You must find an MCS-certified installer to claim the grant on your behalf.

MCS is the certification scheme for energy-efficiency product installers.

You can find the nearest ones to you by visiting www.mcscertified.com/find-an-installer, but it is worth shopping for a few quotes.

Once you agree on a price, the installer will apply for the grant and you will then be contacted by Ofgem, the energy regulator, to confirm that the work is being done on your behalf.

You must pay the difference if the pump costs more than the grant.

CHOCOLATE fans will be doubly disappointed this Christmas as Cadbury has shrunk its classic Santa Selection Box by ditching the Double Decker.

The 1970s and 80s favourite chocolate bar has been replaced with a caramel Freddo, which is around half the size.

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This year’s box weighs just 125g, down by 14 per cent from 145g last year. It is more than a quarter smaller than the box was in 2018, when it was 169g.

But the price has increased. 

In 2021 – when it was bigger – it was available in supermarkets for between £1.25 and £2. 

This year, it costs between £1.75 and £2.75 at the UK’s four main supermarket chains.

Consumer expert Martyn James described the exchange of the Double Decker for a caramel Freddo as an “outrageous example of shrinkflation” – where companies sell a smaller product for the same or a higher price.

“A Freddo is the lowliest of chocs and is not a fair swap for the majestic Double Decker,” he said, adding that Cadbury had “ruined” the Christmas classic.

This is not the first time that Cadbury’s has left fans furious this year after it made changes to its chocolates.

Shoppers were in uproar in April after noticing Dairy Milk orange bars have been axed from shelves.

Meanwhile, in August the popular Darkmilk bar suddenly vanished from supermarket shelves.

And last month it announced that Festive Friends will not be returning this Christmas.

It follows the decision not to bring back the Cadbury Caramel Bunnies this easter.

The former British brand Cadbury’s – now owned by US food giant Mondelez – came under fire in 2018 for removing the Fudge from the Santa selection box and replacing it with an Oreo bar.

But since U-turning on the move and reintroducing the family favourite in 2019, it has made repeated changes to the box which have left customers short-changed.

The latest move is thought to be the fourth time in six years the chocolate maker has cut the size of its traditional selection box.

In 2020, it shrunk the size of the Fudge in the box by 12 per cent. 

Then a year later it cut the size of the Wispa and Double Decker bars, meaning customers got 24g less chocolate, compared with 2018.

Now the 37.3g Double Decker is gone completely, with the replacement caramel Freddo weighing it at just 19.5g.

Overall, there is 44g less chocolate in the box this year than there was in 2018.

It now includes small versions of Fudge, Wispa and Crunchie, a treatsize pack of mini buttons and small Dairy Milk bar and the caramel Freddo.

A 180g bar of Dairy Milk contains more chocolate and costs less at most supermarkets, at between £2 and £2.50.

Mondelez has been approached for comment. 

How to save money on chocolate

We all love a bit of chocolate from now and then, but you don’t have to break the bank buying your favourite bar.

Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how to cut costs…

Go own brand – if you’re not too fussed about flavour and just want to supplant your chocolate cravings, you’ll save by going for the supermarket’s own brand bars.

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Shop around – if you’ve spotted your favourite variety at the supermarket, make sure you check if it’s cheaper elsewhere.

Websites like Trolley.co.uk let you compare prices on products across all the major chains to see if you’re getting the best deal.

Look out for yellow stickers – supermarket staff put yellow, and sometimes orange and red, stickers on to products to show they’ve been reduced.

They usually do this if the product is coming to the end of its best-before date or the packaging is slightly damaged.

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Buy bigger bars – most of the time, but not always, chocolate is cheaper per 100g the larger the bar.

So if you’ve got the appetite, and you were going to buy a hefty amount of chocolate anyway, you might as well go bigger.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

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