Samantha Downes

London

Editor at Freelance

News Reporter at Daily Express

Journalist, fitness fanatic, wife, mum of two girls, two Beagles and a cat. Views my own - mostly

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Articles

Why a London council can afford to 'freeze' workers pension payments for a year

4 days ago | express.co.uk | Samantha Downes

Why a London council can afford to give its workers a pension 'year off'EXCLUSIVE: One London council has been able to freeze its workers pension payments for a year, due to huge surplus. The borough of Kensington & Chelsea is home to Kensington Palace and gardens (Image: Getty)One London council has made the decision not to pay into its workers pensions for a year, due to huge surplus.
Millions of pension savers get huge boost with 'revolutionary' £300m project

1 week ago | express.co.uk | Samantha Downes

Millions of pension savers get huge boost with 'revolutionary' £300m projectOne of Britain's largest pension firms has become the first to connect its systems to the pensions dashboard project. Pensions Dashboard will help people track lost pensions and see all their savings in one place (Image: Getty)The Pensions Dashboards Programme (PDP), which has cost at least £289 million so far, involves developing an online tool where savers can see all their pensions in one place.
The UK city that's been named the 'best' value for money for buying a new home

1 week ago | express.co.uk | Samantha Downes

The UK city that's been named the 'best' value for money for buying a new homeA city with rich cultural history that was the centre of the industrial revolution and home to the Brontë sisters has regained its title as a top destination for homebuyers.
Divorced women are missing out on millions thanks to 1 thing - finance expert

1 week ago | express.co.uk | Samantha Downes

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Do not ignore a pension when getting a divorce as some can be worth more than the family home (Image: Getty)Bhavna Radia, a former family solicitor and founder of the Divorce Lounge, said many women she advised were often scared to ask their ex about their pension. She said: “Women are worried it will make them look greedy.
Divorced women are missing out on millions thanks to 1 thing - finance expert

1 week ago | finance.einnews.com | Samantha Downes

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Do not ignore a pension when getting a divorce as some can be worth more than the family home (Image: Getty)Bhavna Radia, a former family solicitor and founder of the Divorce Lounge, said many women she advised were often scared to ask their ex about their pension. She said: “Women are worried it will make them look greedy.
Chase update with new savings account booster rate for 6 months

1 week ago | express.co.uk | Samantha Downes

Chase Bank updates customers with new 6-month savings dealSavers with Chase Bank have been told they can take advantage of a fixed deal that pays 1.8% more than the standard rate. 18:46, Thu, May 1, 2025 | UPDATED: 18:51, Thu, May 1, 2025 Share Article Bookmark Savers can offer a Chase saver with a boosted rate and get an interest rate of 4.80% AER (4.70% gross) for 6 months. (Image: Getty)Chase Bank savings customers may be able to boost their easy-access savings to earn up to 4.8%.
DWP payment date changes for May bank holidays with first one due on Friday

2 weeks ago | express.co.uk | Samantha Downes |Levi Winchester |Cait Findlay

DWP payment date changes for May bank holidays with first one due on Friday - full listThe DWP has announced benefit payment date changes in advance of the upcoming May bank holidays. he DWP has confirmed how benefit payment dates will change for the upcoming bank holidays in May (Image: Getty)The DWP and HMRC do not process benefit payments on bank holidays, so they usually arrive on the preceding working day. The first bank holiday falls on Monday, May 5.
IKEA boss offers excting update as major retailer eyes UK city centres

2 weeks ago | express.co.uk | Samantha Downes

IKEA boss offers excting update as major retailer eyes UK city centres for more storesSwedish homeware giant IKEA said it was looking at more UK city centres following the launch of its flagship Oxford Circus store.
Martin Lewis shares the 3 digit to dial if you fear you're a victim of a fraud

2 weeks ago | express.co.uk | Samantha Downes

Martin Lewis shares the 3 digit to dial if you fear you have been scammedThe founder of Money Supermarket Martin Lewis has been working with charities on increasing awareness of financial scams. 18:12, Wed, Apr 30, 2025 | UPDATED: 18:22, Wed, Apr 30, 2025 Share Article Bookmark Lewis is determined to make British consumers aware of financial scams doing the rounds.
The UK's most expensive postcodes - and London isn't number 1 on the list

2 weeks ago | express.co.uk | Samantha Downes

The UK's most expensive postcodes revealed - and London isn't number one on the listThe average amount of rent paid each month on a UK property has reached £1,349, but residents in one county are paying over 300% more. 16:35, Wed, Apr 30, 2025 | UPDATED: 16:35, Wed, Apr 30, 2025 Share Article Bookmark Rightmove said the average advertised rent of new properties was £1,349 a month (Image: Getty)A Buckinghamshire postcode is the most expensive place in the UK to rent a home, it has been revealed.