Welcome to the Money blog, Sky News’ consumer and personal finance hub. Today, we follow up on our report about a restaurant owner complaining about diners. There’s also a warning government plans could force 100 supermarkets to shut, and a tip for electric vehicle drivers.
Friday 15 August 2025 13:00, UK
Car insurer Admiral has set aside £50m to compensate customers given an unfair settlement for cars that were written off or stolen.
The company is reviewing decisions on some claims made between 2019 and 2024 that may not have taken into account a rise in used-car prices.
The £50m pot, which does not include the interest Admiral would be required to pay on top, suggests tens of thousands of drivers may have received less than their cars were worth.
Admiral say only 3% of total loss claims over the six years being examined are affected.
Customers should wait to be contacted by Admiral, the Financial Conduct Authority said.
Admiral identifies ‘small percentage’ of affected customers
“Ensuring everyone who trusts us with their insurance has a good customer experience is at the heart of everything we do,” an Admiral spokesperson told Money.
“We regularly review our processes to ensure they meet the needs of our customers and that we are delivering fair value, and this includes the valuation of vehicles following a total loss. 
“Following a review of this, we have identified that for a small percentage of our customers the amount didn’t fully reflect the value of the vehicle at the time of the incident. 
“For these instances, we will therefore be applying a retrospective increase in their settlement amount, including interest.
“Admiral is committed to providing good outcomes for customers and we apologise to those who have been affected.”
Plans to raise business rates could put more than 100 large supermarkets at risk of closure, according to reports.
Tens of Tesco outlets and 50 Sainsbury’s shops will become unprofitable, industry sources told the Financial Times.
But the sources suggested Tesco and Sainsbury’s (with profits of £1.2bn and £420m respectively last year) may be in stronger positions to cope with the change than Asda and Morrisons, which have more debt.
Around 30 Morrisons supermarkets could be put under threat, but this wouldn’t necessarily mean closure for all of them, an insider told the FT.
Some 90% of Asda’s 600 supermarkets would be affected by the rate hike, the FT reported, citing a person familiar with the company.
What is the government’s business rates plan?
The government is planning to increase business rates on properties with a rateable value of more than £500,000 in order to fund a discount for small businesses.
A Treasury spokesperson said: “We are a pro-business government creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and levels the playing field.
“Our reform to the business rates system will introduce new, permanently lower business rates in 2026 while removing the £110,000 cap, benefitting over 280,000 retail, hospitality and leisure business properties. 
“This will be sustainably funded by a new, higher rate on the 1% of most valuable business properties.”
Tesco and Sainsbury’s have been contacted for comment. Asda and Morrisons declined to comment.
Drivers of electric vehicles are being urged to sign up for an automatic payment system that could ease the impact of London’s congestion charge by £1,000 a year.
EVs will no longer be exempt from Christmas Day this year onwards, and the daily rate will increase from £15 to £18 in January, under Transport for London plans.
TfL has proposed a 25% discount for EV drivers registered with Auto Pay, which bills them automatically for journeys within the congestion charge zone or through Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels.
A commuter driving via a chargeable route five days a week could save £1,035 a year with the discount.
Nonetheless, critics like Tom Jervis, consumer editor at Auto Express, have expressed frustration that EV drivers will have to pay the congestion charge at all.
“While we recognise the importance of funding clean air initiatives and reducing congestion in London, it’s deeply concerning that electric vehicle drivers – many of whom made the switch in good faith – will now be penalised,” says Jervis.
The proposed discount is set to be halved to 12.5% in March 2030.
Every Friday, we take an overview of the mortgage market with industry experts and round up the best rates with Moneyfactscompare.co.uk.
The number of homeowners falling behind on their mortgage repayments has fallen by 9% in the past year – but the number of homes being repossessed has increased.
In the second quarter of 2025, 87,380 homeowner mortgages were in arrears of 2.5% or more of the outstanding balance, according to the banking industry body UK Finance. 
The proportion of people with buy-to-let mortgages in arrears fell by 17% to 11,270. 
Overall, the proportion of mortgages in arrears remains low, at 1% of homeowner mortgages and 0.58% of buy-to-let mortgages.
However, the number of homeowner properties being repossessed has jumped by 47% in the past year, UK Finance found. 
A total of 1,340 homeowner-mortgaged properties were repossessed in the second quarter of 2025. 
The number of repossessed buy-to-let mortgaged properties also increased by 11% to 790. 
Despite the rise, UK Finance said the number of home repossessions remains significantly lower than long-term averages.
In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, a peak of 13,200 properties were repossessed in the first quarter of 2009.
Charles Roe, director of mortgages at UK Finance, said: “Arrears are continuing to fall across both homeowner and buy-to-let mortgages, reflecting resilience in the market.
“The proportion of mortgages in arrears also remains below long-term averages, even amid the current economic uncertainty. Lenders remain committed to helping customers manage their payments, and we urge anyone concerned to contact their lender early.” 
What’s happening with mortgage rates?
Mortgage rates have continued to fall this week following the Bank of England’s decision to cut interest rates for a third time this year. 
The average two-year fixed-rate mortgage dipped below 5% for the first time since former prime minister Liz Truss’s mini-budget in 2022, hitting 4.99%, according to Moneyfacts.
Adam French, head of news at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said the move was a “symbolic turning point” and will allow a “sigh of relief” for borrowers coming off high fixed rate deals. 
But it still won’t be good news for those coming off a longer-term rate, with French warning they need to be prepared to see their monthly repayments jump. 
“In any case, it is crucial that borrowers choose a new deal suitable for them because there is a difference of more than 2% between typical fixed rates and the revert rate, compared to just 1% back in August 2023 – getting it wrong could add £100s to a household’s monthly outgoings,” he warned. 
If you’re looking to remortgage, Santander currently offers the lowest rates on the market  – all of these deals come with a free valuation, free legal fees or £250 cashback. 
As a remortgage customer, it’s possible you are looking to save on the upfront cost of any deal. You might also want a deal to cover a valuation or legal fees. 
A Best Buy mortgage could be the most cost-effective choice in this instance – here’s this week’s list… 
Professor Green is best known for his rapping talent, but he’s also an entrepreneur on a mission to help young people get their businesses off the ground.  
The musician and mental health advocate has embarked on several ventures since rising to fame more than a decade ago, and now he’s rolling out two more in a month.
I Used To Rave But Now I Roast is focused on events that combine dining and music, but with the bonus of a reasonable bedtime, and the Unlikely Dads Club will start with a podcast focused on parenting, with the aim of expanding into a wider brand. 
He hinted to Money that a third venture is also on the way, saying he’s been tasting for a new “fast food offering” – so watch this space, there’s something in the pipeline. 
“It feels like a really transitional time into a load of really new and exciting things, along with releasing new music almost every month this year,” he said. 
‘I still struggle in business’ 
I Used To Rave But Now I Roast was born from an idea Green (real name Stephen Manderson) cooked up 10 years ago, but which has been sitting on the back burner since then, as other projects took hold.  
It’s kicking off with two events at the Wilderness Festival with the highly acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers in September. 
“I struggle with decision paralysis and that’s long been a problem for me. Action is really, really important,” Manderson said.
He explained that due to “having no education”, he has often approached business decisions “based on feeling”.
He added: “Feeling is important for the creative aspect of it. It’s less useful when it comes to the business side of things  
“I still struggle, I’m very emotional and that makes things quite difficult. 
“I think if I’m to start another business, I need someone who’s less [emotional] who can make those decisions and just let me flourish creatively.” 
Despite this, he said his success has come from his “willingness to continue”. 
“I try not to use the word ‘failures’ but ‘false starts’. 
“I didn’t sell a record until I was 28 after signing a record deal when I was 20. I was always just carrying on, and I think that’s the most important part of anything.” 
‘F*** me was that a lesson’ 
Lots of lessons have been learnt throughout the 41-year-old’s career, especially from the experience of his failed liquid health supplements company Aguulp, which he launched in 2019 with entrepreneur and former soldier Kevin Godlington. 
“Some businesses have done great and some started off great and then failed,” he said.  
“I was walked into near insolvency with Aguulp just after we got our largest order from Boots and couldn’t fulfil it because our manufacturer went into bankruptcy to the sum of £7.2m, and that was in partnership with someone who has incredibly successful businesses and is still a good friend and business partner of mine.” 
When asked what the biggest lesson has been, he said: “Money solves all problems and people are always the hardest part of any business, and f*** me, was that a lesson.” 
‘I found myself in debt at times’
Coming from the East End and leaving school without any qualifications, Manderson said he was never taught any financial skills. 
Instead, he picked up what he knows about money from the stress that existed in his home.  
“My nan worked three jobs and still had f*** all, and there were debt collectors and the stress that came with that. 
“Sadly, some of that’s been repeated. I found myself in debt at times throughout my life,” he said.  
“I just think education-wise, we could definitely do better in teaching people.” 
To play his part in that education process, he has teamed up with Simply Business to help young entrepreneurs find a mentor and hand out 10 grants worth a total of £50,000.  
“The fact that we have to start a fund for entrepreneurship despite over half of the private workforce being employed by entrepreneurs or small and independent businesses is kind of crazy. 
“The word entrepreneur is a bit of a dirty word to some people… but it’s people willing to take risks and to devote their time and energy to something that they want to succeed,” he said.  
“The mentorship is going to be integral, just because of the minefield that starting a business is.” 
People aged between 18 and 30 can apply for the Simply Business Young Entrepreneur Fund until 9 October, with Manderson judging the entries and picking 10 winners who will receive £5,000 and six weeks of tailored business support.  
You can submit your application here.
Lots of you have been getting in touch with your thoughts after we shared the comments of a renowned restaurateur yesterday… 
Ferhat Dirik, of the upscale Mangal 2 Restaurant in northeast London, wrote a newsletter venting his frustrations with diners, saying too many of them are becoming “insufferable pricks”. 
In the piece, he ranted about last-minute cancellations, complaints, what he called unrealistic allergy demands and “loudness”. 
We asked our readers to share their thoughts on his comments. 
Lots of you agreed with Dirik… 
Good for the restaurateur saying this; as guests in restaurants we are also hacked off by these increasingly entitled and noisy people who act as if they are in their own sitting room, not in a public space. No courtesies to others!
freddo_lover
As a fellow operator in the hospitality industry, bravo to Ferhat for having the minerals to highlight some of these issues that the industry is largely afraid to speak up, fearing damaged reputation and being shunned. The “fence” is a relatively safe place, well done for jumping off!
Alex
I feel your pain and could not agree more. Had chippy guy gave 1 star because his two mates got served whilst at the counter, but he was behind them and didn’t. Didn’t think to speak but gleeful in keyboard moan. 
Chip Eater
Spot on.
Angus
Mangal II is spot on! Brits have this delusion that they own and control the world. They don’t. It is the main reason why Brits are utterly unwelcome in Europe and elsewhere. They feel entitled (G-d knows why) and then get hopelessly drunk, and trash the establishment. Ill-mannered.
Altea Messenger
I absolutely agree with Ferhat Dirik. Dining out has become a lottery. Not in the sense of restaurant quality and service, but because of the constant fear of being seated next to boorish, discourteous, or entitled diners.
Victoria Morrison
Rudeness and impatience seems to have become prevalent in all walks of UK life. The general lack of care or consideration is everywhere, just look at the way people drive and how people speak to service providers.
Floss
I think Dirik is absolutely right about customers in restaurants and I applaud his courage in saying it out loud! My wife and I are lucky enough to be able to regularly eat out and there are sadly many occasions where we find exactly this behaviour underway.
Petey980
Others thought he made a couple of good points – but didn’t agree with everything he had to say… 
I take the point about loud customers making it difficult to converse in restaurants. However, in many places, the main problem is that the interior designer did not consider acoustics when designing the restaurant. Tiled floors, metal surfaces and minimalist design are the culprits. 
Alex_C
Don’t disagree about people’s rudeness and the dissatisfaction with the government. But one additional factor could also be the restaurants themselves – over-cheffy, over-priced and often elitist. As usual takes two to tango.
DAG
If the TripAdvisor reviews are anything to go by, I suggest the Mangal 2 owner looks at his own management before criticising his customers. I agree regarding people not turning up when booking a table, but the allergy comments are out of order.
Seggamackem
Some of you had some suggestions for Dirik… 
That owner of that restaurant should be grateful for our custom.
Hammer
If customers are being rude, loud and/or offensive – ask them to leave, just as for those customers living their best imaginary life on a ‘super yatch’ as was described. Basic common decency and social skills are all that’s needed really.
Lauren
While this person didn’t share their thoughts directly with us, they have made it clear that they are a Sky News reader.
They went a step further and left a two-star Google review for the restaurant – which replied on its Instagram story… 
If you’re heading off on a cruise this summer, you’re probably considering whether it’s worth getting a drinks package.
These packages can cost between £25 to £58 per person, per day – meaning you’ll probably have to drink a considerable amount to get your money’s worth.
Consumer champion Which? has analysed different cruise offerings to figure out exactly how much you need to drink to make it worthwhile. 
The number of beers or wines is how many pints or glasses you’d need to drink per day for a package to save you money.
In short, even with the cheapest drinks package offering you’re having to put back at least five beers or glasses of wine a day.
The more expensive ones could see you needing to drink as many as a dozen beers to make it worthwhile.
What makes it even more expensive is that some cruise lines add on a service charge.
Which? has five tips if you are thinking about splashing the cash on a cruise drinks package:
The average price of car insurance has fallen at the fastest rate on record, figures from the Association of British Insurers show. 
A driver will pay around £60 less to insure their vehicle than this time year last, it said. 
Between April and June, the typical premium cost £562 – down 9.6% from £622 in the same quarter in 2024. 
That’s the largest percentage fall since records began in 2013. 
But, the cost of car insurance claims has increased, thanks to the price of repairs. 
The sophistication of vehicles, featuring complex electronics, advanced sensors, and integrated systems, has made repairs more intricate and time-consuming, the ABI said.
It added that shortages of skilled technicians, slowing repair times, further inflates costs for insurers.
The high cost of claims for theft has also played a role in the payouts, the ABI said.
The average claim for theft of and from a vehicle increased by £319 compared with the previous quarter, reaching £11,800.
Iceland will offer £1 to shoppers if they notify staff about a shoplifter in one of their stores.
Richard Walker, the supermarket’s chief executive, made the announcement in an interview with Channel 5 News, in which he said shoplifting was costing Iceland “over £20m a year”.
Any customer with an Iceland Bonus Card is eligible for the reward, the chain says, which would be credited and available to spend immediately.
The supermarket adds that the scheme will go live tomorrow, and that customers should not approach shoplifters directly, but instead find the nearest member of staff and alert them with a detailed description.
Walker said in a statement: “The scourge of shoplifting on our high streets continues to plague the UK, and the problem is only worsening, with criminal activity spreading across not just big cities, but our market towns and villages too. 
“In order to combat any activity in Iceland stores, we’re encouraging our loyal customers to help sound the alarm, and if they do help to catch a shoplifter, we’ll top up their Bonus Card to spend in store.”
Yesterday, we reported that the Conservative police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley said the public needs to do more to stop the rise of shoplifting.
Matthew Barber said at a Buckinghamshire Council meeting in June that people should not “just stand there and watch, which a lot of people do, which frustrates me”.
Congrats on getting your A-level results! 
If you’re planning to celebrate – or commiserate – but don’t want to break the bank, several restaurants are offering discounts to students today. 
We’ve rounded up all the places where you can use your results to eat for free…
Nando’s
Its results day deals are back for another year, with students offered a free quarter chicken or starter when they show their ID and results at the till. 
You’ll need to spend a minimum of £7 to claim the deal.
Frankie and Benny’s
By purchasing a soft drink, you’ll be able to claim a free margherita pizza that usually costs £11.75. 
You’ll need to show your results to a server and they might need to see your ID. 
Not all restaurants are taking part in the deal, so it’s worth checking before you go. 
Pizza Express
You can get a free portion of dough balls when you buy a main meal, and 25% off your bill.
You need to show a copy of your A-level results letter and a valid UNiDAYS offer code. 
Banana Tree
You can get a free chicken or tofu pad Thai when ordered with a drink – including tap water. 
You need a voucher to claim the deal, which you can get here by using your email address. 
The offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, set menu, voucher or discount. 
You’ll need to show your results, and tell your server you want to use the voucher when you order. 
Ask Italian
You can get a free dessert when showing your results and ordering a main. 
You can get up to six desserts for free per adult main you pay for. 
Unlike the other offers, this one lasts a week from 14 August until 22 August. 
Bill’s
You can get a free dessert when you show your physical A-level results to a server, and you order a main course or a brunch. 
You can only claim this deal in person. 
TGI Fridays
Between Sunday and Thursday throughout August, you’ll get a main for free when you purchase one. 
You need to show your results and say the password – GRADSEATFREE.
Zizzi 
Students with their A-level results will be given an envelope with a mystery freebie inside. 
It might be free mozzarella and garlic bombes, starters, desserts, drinks or a meal worth up to £150. 
The deal is running today [Thursday] and tomorrow [Friday]. You cannot claim the prize in conjunction with another offer. 
Côte Brasserie
You can get a free dessert when you order a main meal and show your results to a server. 
You’ll also get a £10 voucher to use at your next visit. 
If you’ve got an A-level in French, you’ll also be able to get free steak frites or a vegan burger. 
Las Iguanas
You’ll be able to enjoy a free portion of churros without spending a penny. 
You just need to show your A-level results, or a photo of them, to your server and let them know that you would like to claim the deal when you order. 
Byron
Celebrate with a mate with Byron’s 2-for-1 deal. 
Order a burger and show your results and you’ll get a second burger for free. 
Bella Italia 
Students with their results in hand will be able to enjoy a free starter and dessert when they order a main. 
Your family can join in with the celebrations as well because the deal can be claimed for up to six people per table. 
Showcase Cinemas
If a restaurant isn’t the vibe you’re looking for, maybe heading to the cinema is. 
Showcase is giving students a free small ICEE frozen drink when they buy a ticket and show their results. 
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