The FTSE 100 (the 100 largest UK publicly listed companies) is expected to pay out a record £88.8bn in dividends in 2026, according to the latest report from investment platform AJ Bell.

Here, we take a look at how you can invest for an income and what to watch out for.

What types of investment pay an income?

While you can earn money from investments as they grow in value, you can also invest to get a regular income.

How to spot a good dividend

One figure to look out for is the dividend yield. This shows you the annual dividend as a percentage of the current share price.

For example, if a company's shares are worth £100 and it pays a £2 annual dividend, the dividend yield is 2%.

A high dividend yield means you'll get more for your money, but more isn't always better.

The yield on a 10-year UK government bond (known as a gilt) is often used as a guide to the 'risk-free rate' because UK government bonds are considered one of the safest investments. It currently sits at 4.9%.

If a yield is more than double the 'risk-free rate', it might be a sign of a falling share price or an incoming cut.

How much will UK stocks pay in dividends in 2026?

Stocks in the FTSE 100 index have a reputation for paying out major dividends.

AJ Bell forecasts that FTSE 100 companies will pay a record £88.8bn in dividends in 2026, surpassing the previous record of £85.2bn set in 2018.

However, much of this is coming from a very concentrated number of companies. 53% of the total forecast pay-out is expected to come from just 10 companies.

The largest payments forecast are due from HSBC (£10.8bn), Shell (£6.5bn), and British American Tobacco (£5.3bn).

But these aren't necessarily the companies paying out the most per investor, which is better indicated by the highest dividend yields. 

The highest dividend yields forecast for the year ahead come from financial firms, with Investec (8.5%), Legal & General (8.1%) and Standard Life (7.3%) topping the list of the highest yields.

Risks to watch out for with an income-paying investment

Some companies with a less than stellar outlook will offer higher dividends to draw investors, but dividends can also be cut or cancelled at any time. Avoid investing just for the dividend if you think the company's future isn't looking so rosy.

Investing can't guarantee you an income. If you're looking for a guaranteed income, you might be better off with a fixed-rate savings account, cash Isa, or annuity – though your money won't have the same opportunity to beat inflation as if you were investing.

While investing could provide higher long-term returns than cash, the value of your investments can also fall, so you could get back less than you invest.

Do you have to pay tax on dividend income?

Income from investments is subject to dividend tax, and the amount you pay will depend on your income tax bracket.

Basic-rate payers pay 10.75% on the income they receive, while higher-rate payers pay 35.75% and additional-rate payers pay 39.35%.

You have a tax-free dividend allowance of £500, before you need to start paying dividend tax.

You can save some money on tax by investing in a stocks and shares Isa, which has an allowance of up to £20,000 each tax year.

But recent figures from life insurance broker LifeSearch suggest many people aren't taking this step. Around one in four customers completed a trust alongside their life insurance policy in 2025, based on around 7,000 trusts set up from 30,000 referrals using trust provider Genie.  

Here, Which? explains what it means to write life insurance in trust, why it matters, and what to check if you already have a policy.

What is a life insurance trust?

Life insurance is designed to pay a lump sum to the people you want to protect if you die while the policy is in place.

A trust is essentially a legal arrangement whereby the trust takes ownership of certain assets, including any outstanding debts. You appoint a trustee or trustees to oversee the trust. These could be family members, friends or perhaps a solicitor. 

What happens if the policy is not written in trust?

If your life insurance isn't written in trust, the payout will usually be treated as part of your estate when you die. 

This means your loved ones may have to wait until probate has been completed before receiving the money, which can take weeks or months.

It could also increase the value of your estate for inheritance tax purposes if your estate exceeds the available tax-free thresholds.

Without a trust, there can also be greater uncertainty about who ultimately receives the payout, particularly if your circumstances are complicated or your will is out of date. This can be especially important for unmarried couples, who don't currently have the same legal rights as married couples or civil partners.

Writing your policy in trust can help avoid these issues by keeping the payout separate from your estate and making it clear who should receive the money.

How to write life insurance into a trust?

You can write a life insurance policy in trust when you first buy it. Most insurers offer this during the application, and there is normally no extra charge.

You’ll need to choose trustees; they will be responsible for making sure the payout goes to the right people. These could be family members, friends or a solicitor. You’ll also name the beneficiaries, such as your partner, children or other loved ones.

You can put an existing policy in trust later, but it may involve extra paperwork. If you need help from a financial adviser or solicitor, there could be a cost.

Think carefully before doing this. Once you put a policy in trust, you generally can't simply change your mind. Depending on the type of trust, it may be difficult to change the beneficiaries or take the policy out of the trust later.

Do you still need a will?

Yes. Writing life insurance in trust can help make sure the policy payout goes to the right people, but it does not deal with everything else you leave behind.

A will sets out what should happen to your money, property and possessions after you die. It also lets you name the person you want to manage your estate and, if you have children under 18, who you would want to look after them.

So even if your life insurance is written in trust, your family may still need a will to deal with your home, savings, personal belongings and any other assets.

The two documents do different jobs. A trust can help with the life insurance payout, while a will helps make your wider wishes clear.

4 things to check with your policy

Whether you've recently taken out life insurance or have had a policy for years, it's worth reviewing it from time to time to make sure it still reflects your circumstances. 

An average £2,200 is held in over 750,000 dormant accounts, opened for children born between 2002 and 2011. But even if you don't qualify, you could still have money waiting to be claimed elsewhere. 

From premium bonds to loyalty points, here are six places to look for hidden cash.

1. Child trust funds

An estimated 6.3m CTFs were set up between 2002 and 2011 to encourage young people to become future savers. If a parent or guardian was unable to set up an account for their child, HMRC opened an account on the child’s behalf. All deposits were tax-free.  

Many CTFs remain unclaimed, however, either because young adults are unaware they have an account or have lost details of it. The latest figures show that a total of £1.6bn is sitting untouched across over 750,000 CTFs.

Letters nudging account holders to take action were sent in April, but now the government has set up a dedicated taskforce to make sure money is reunited with savers. 

The taskforce, which includes major providers such as HSBC and Nationwide, will explore ways to make it easier to find account holders, test better ways of reaching young people, and take practical steps to help more people reclaim their money.   

2. Premium bonds

But if you don't check your numbers, you may not realise you've won a prize. According to the latest NS&I data, there are 2,817,080 unclaimed prizes worth £123,537,625 waiting to be claimed by bondholders.

A prize is recorded as unclaimed if you haven't come forward to claim it after 18 months. The best way to avoid this happening is by opting to automatically receive your prizes via bank transfer or reinvestment. 

3. Old bank and savings accounts

Unfortunately, some savings accounts have been opened and forgotten entirely. Billions of pounds are lying unclaimed in lost and dormant accounts, but finding the money is relatively straightforward. 

If you know which bank or building society held your account, contact them directly and ask how you can make a claim. They may also have paper forms available.

The service, which is a joint venture by the British Bankers’ Association, the Building Societies Association and NS&I, can take up to three months to complete, but getting started is straightforward and free. 

4. Pensions

Since 2018, the number of unclaimed pension savings has soared by 75%, with 3.3m pots worth £31.1bn now sitting untouched, according to the Pensions Policy Institute.

It's surprisingly easy to lose track of a pension. Changing jobs can leave you with several pots scattered across different providers, while moving house may mean important updates and statements are sent to an old address. 

Even if you've gone paperless, forgotten passwords, lost emails or unused online accounts can make pensions harder to keep tabs on.

They then search pension providers' and employers' databases to track down your pot. Once they find any linked to you, you will be notified. 

You can then have your pension pots transferred and consolidated into one or moved to an existing pension plan. This can be done either by the pension tracing provider itself or with another scheme. 

5. Tax refunds and rebates

You could be due a tax refund if you've paid too much tax. Reasons include an incorrect tax code, changing jobs or only working for part of the year. 

Self-employed workers may also be due a refund if their profits have fallen since the previous tax year, although they'll need to submit their tax return before any rebate is paid.

6. Loyalty points

Most major supermarkets and stores offer loyalty points when you spend. Those can be used to get money off purchases with the same retailer or with partner companies on everything from clothes and travel to restaurants and theme parks.

But many shoppers don't realise they're sitting on old loyalty points that could see them save big on their next shop. And with some retailers imposing expiry dates, it pays to check now before those rewards disappear for good.  

There's currently no dedicated service to help you hunt down forgotten points, so the onus is on you to check your loyalty scheme account and redeem earnings before they disappear.

It's the first tablet version of the popular jabs, and it's now available via private prescription for people in the UK who meet the eligibility criteria.

But there are some drawbacks. You'll need to take it daily (vs a weekly injection) and be relatively strict about how and when you eat beforehand and just after, so it might not suit everyone.

Here we explain all the key info you need to know about the new weight-loss pill, including costs, effectiveness and why you need to be careful who you buy from.

How can I get the Wegovy pill?

Currently, the Wegovy pill is only available via private prescription in the UK. 

Some people may be eligible for the jabs via the NHS if they meet certain criteria around BMI levels and related health issues, but access is still very limited.

You can access both the Wegovy and Mounjaro weight-loss jabs – and now Wegovy in tablet form too – via private prescription. Again, you have to meet specific criteria, which include: 

If you've already lost weight on the jabs and your BMI is now lower, there may be some wiggle room here with staying on a maintenance dose. Prescribers will take this into account when screening you.

How much does the Wegovy pill cost - and is it cheaper than the injections?

For now, the Wegovy pill is pretty similar in price to the jab. Prices start from £99 for the entry-level dose and up to around £250 for the highest dose. 

We've seen some pharmacies, such as Superdrug, offer a discount for new patients though, bringing the cost for the starting dose to £79 (for a 30-day supply).

There are hopes that oral weight-loss meds will be cheaper for patients in the long run (as they're less costly to produce than injections). But until the patents on these drugs run out and generic versions become available, it's unlikely that prices will drop significantly. 

Wegovy pill vs jab: which is best for you?

Both the Wegovy pill and injection pen contain the same drug (semaglutide), and cost a similar amount at the moment. The main differences are in how you take them, how they need to be stored and how frequently you have to take them. So it's worth thinking about what will fit your lifestyle best.

The Wegovy pill needs to be taken first thing in the morning every day, on an empty stomach, after eight hours of fasting. And you then can't eat or drink for another half an hour.

The jab is injected once weekly into your upper arm, stomach or thigh. It can be taken at any time, and it doesn't matter whether you've eaten or not, but ideally you'd take it on the same day each week. It does, however, need to be stored in the fridge when unopened, so it's less convenient when you're travelling.

So really it comes down to which of those options you prefer and how consistent your schedule is.

Is the Wegovy pill as effective as the jab for weight loss?

Whichever option you choose, it's important to use it alongside healthy lifestyle and diet changes to support weight management and ensure you maintain muscle mass and bone density.

Again, your prescribing pharmacy or GP should offer advice on this.

If I'm already using a weight-loss jab, can I switch to the Wegovy pill instead?

You'll notice that doses for the oral tablet are higher than the jab. This is because it needs to be broken down by your digestive system to be absorbed, whereas with the jab the drug enters your bloodstream directly.

If you currently use Mounjaro, you might need to do things a little differently. As it's a slightly different medication, it's not advised to do a straight swap as the doses aren't equivalent. If switching between jabs, patients are advised to leave a gap, usually of at least seven days, between the two.

Some people may experience mild side effects when changing between medications, but these are usually temporary.

Will the Wegovy pill be available on the NHS and when?

The Wegovy pill is not currently available on the NHS. It needs to be evaluated by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) before this happens, which is likely to take a while longer. Some estimates suggest that 2027 is the earliest this will happen.

The Which? verdict on the Wegovy pill: a big step forward, but still no magic bullet

'When weight-loss jabs entered the private prescription market just three years ago, they had a huge impact on both the health and wider societal landscape, the ramifications of which we're still only beginning to understand. 

'It's not all rosy, though there are plenty of positives: we've heard from Which? members for whom jabs have been transformative, from easing impact on painful joints and getting fit for surgery, to finally shifting the pounds after years of weight-loss woes.

'The increased accessibility of a tablet version will doubtless change the game again.

'However, one big barrier remains for many: the high ongoing monthly cost and the continued difficulty of access to the drugs via the NHS. This risks a two-tier health system that leaves the poorest patients behind. 

'And finally, despite the ecstatic headlines, It’s important to remember that no medicine is a magic bullet, and that making lifestyle and diet changes alongside using GLP1 weight-loss meds is crucial for long-term sustainable weight loss and maintaining essential muscle mass and bone health as you age.’

Last year around 96.8 million foreign tourists visited Spain, and most of them stuck to a few hotspots around the coast.

But away from favourites like Benidorm on the Costa Blanca or Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol, there are other parts of the country where beaches back on to dunes and wild grass, rather than concrete.

These are some of the 'costas' where there’s still space to spread out your towel – and one that we recommend above all the rest.

Costa de la Luz

If you head far enough west from Malaga you eventually leave the Mediterranean – and most of its tourists – behind and find yourself in the wild, open ‘coast of light’.

I’d start with a trip to the coast's great city, Cadiz, wandering through the beautiful, atmospherically crumbling old town. Then hire a car or, as I did on my last trip, take the slow, rambling bus towards Tarifa – mainland Europe’s southernmost point.

Spain’s other lesser-known coasts

Costa de Barcelona

Take the R1 Rodalies train north from Plaça de Catalunya in the centre of Barcelona and you’ll leave most tourists behind in less than 20 minutes.

Stay on the train for an hour and you’ll pass hidden coves and arrive at sleepy fishing villages, such as Sant Pol de Mar. These are popular with locals – especially at weekends – but not yet with overseas tourists.

Costa Dorada 

South of Barcelona on the ‘Golden Coast’ there are well-known resorts such as Salou and Cambrils but also plenty of places that are just as appealing, without the crowds.

Tarragona, with its Roman amphitheatre and atmospheric old town, makes a great alternative to Barcelona itself, while fishing villages such as L'Ametlla de Mar preserve their old fashioned charm.

Costa del Azahar

One reason why the ‘orange blossom coast’, north of Valencia, hasn’t become popular – despite the beautiful name – is that it doesn’t receive anything like the number of tourist flights as Barcelona further north and Alicante in the south.

However, there are now a few direct flights from London and Manchester to Castellon airport, in the north of the Valencian region. From there it’s a half-hour drive to the medieval fortress town of Peniscola, with its twin beaches and rocky coves.

Costa Cálida

Most tourists that do find it end up on the concrete strip of La Manga. Just a short drive from Murcia airport, though, is Calblanque National Park, where no construction has been permitted on the miles of golden sands. 

Costa de Almería

The best way to get away from mass tourism is to walk to one of the province of Almería’s many beaches that are completely inaccessible by car.

Fly to the much-overlooked city of Almería, with its own mighty fortress and Andalusian spirit. Then use small, pretty towns like San Jose or Agua Amarga as a base for hiking along the cliffs and sand dunes of the Cabo de Gata Natural Park.

Costa Tropical

The beaches south of Granada are much quieter than those on the Costa del Sol further west. 

Even a more touristy town, such as Almuñécar, still has an authentic Spanish feel, with its winding alleyways and tradition of sunset family strolls along the palm-lined promenade.

A short drive from Motril, the region's biggest town, is the rocky beach of La Rijana, where clear waters lap against the limestone cliffs. 

In this episode of Which? Money, our investing expert Josh Wilson explains the new rule, which comes into force at the same time as the cash Isa limit is reduced from £20,000 to £12,000 for under 65s.

Josh explores how these changes form part of the government’s attempts to encourage more people to invest, and why it thinks so many rule changes are needed.

Plus, AJ Bell’s director of public policy Tom Selby helps us predict how an Andy Burnham premiership could reshape the UK’s financial landscape and what it could mean for the bond markets.

More podcasts from Which?

The Which? podcast showcases the best content from across our website and magazine. 

Plus, keep an eye out for bonus episodes that tackle important issues, from motoring and tech to health and wellbeing and travel.

How to listen to the Which? podcast

We're always releasing new episodes, and the podcast is available from wherever you usually get your podcasts.

As part of your subscription, Which? members also get access to exclusive podcasts.

If you've waited that long to move, you may not have much choice over the exact day you get the keys to your new home. But if you do have some flexibility, moving on the busiest days of the week or at the busiest times of year could increase your removal costs.

Here, Which? explains how moving at peak times can affect the price of removals, looks at the biggest costs involved in moving home and highlights some of the expenses that are easy to overlook.

The cheapest days to move house

The average cost of moving your belongings is £1,737.29, according to Moving Compared. This includes the cost of a removal company with a professional packing service, contents insurance, packing materials and Royal Mail redirection.

According to the comparison site, this rises to £2,011.29 if you move at busy times, such as weekends or at the end of the month. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the cheapest days to move, with average costs falling to around £1,525.29.

We also spoke to AnyVan, a removals and delivery company, which says the cost of hiring a removals service varies depending on the day of the week and time of year you move.

Its data shows that moving a two-bedroom home on a Friday — typically the busiest day of the week — costs an average of £613, around £100 more than moving between Monday and Wednesday.

AnyVan's figures also show that August is the busiest month for removals, accounting for 10% of annual moves. January is the quietest, with 6% of moves taking place then.

If you're booking a removal service, Angus Elphinstone, founder of AnyVan, advises you to 'always try and book as early as you can, especially if you are moving during the summer when demand becomes extremely high – and if you have the choice, aim for cheaper days of the week, which are usually Monday to Wednesday'

What are the main moving costs?

Research by comparison site Reallymoving estimates that the average cost of moving home is almost £18,000. This includes stamp duty, estate agent fees, conveyancing, surveys, removals and obtaining an EPC. 

This increased by 27% year on year, with the changes to stamp duty thresholds in April 2025 being the main factor behind the rising cost of moving home.

Stamp duty also remains the biggest expense, averaging £9,750. Estate agent fees follow at £4,615, while conveyancing costs average £2,182.

The average cost of buying your first home, including stamp duty, conveyancing, surveys and removals, is £2,315. This is much lower than a home mover because the typical first-time buyer will pay no stamp duty and will not need to pay estate agent fees.

When choosing an estate agent, conveyancer, surveyor or removals company, be sure to compare prices from different providers to get the best deal. 

Unexpected costs of moving house

When moving house the costs can feel endless. To help you budget and ensure you don't get a nasty shock, we've previously researched the most unexpected moving costs. 

We found that common unexpected costs include decorating your property and purchasing curtains and blinds. Buying new furniture and appliances were other purchases that frequently caught movers out. 

Mortgage fees are another cost you might overlook when budgeting for a move. These are often close to £1,000 and can sometimes exceed £2,000. Fee-free mortgage deals are available, but they typically come with higher interest rates.

Following a rule change from the European Commission, airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet and Wizz will no longer be allowed to charge passengers for bringing a small case on board. 

The new rules won’t affect summer holidays this year — they come into effect in 2027, and the start date is yet to be announced.

Will flight fares become more expensive?

Most passengers already pay for hand luggage on top of a base plane fare anyway (such as buying Ryanair’s Priority & Two Bags package).  because these are not included in the base fare of many budget airlines, like Ryanair, Wizz Air and EasyJet

Fees from bags, as well as seats and other extras, are increasingly as important to airlines as the fare, as they now make billions from charging extra for things that were once included in your ticket.

What if I don’t want extra hand luggage?

You’ll still be able to travel light. The new rules allow airlines to have an ‘opt-out’, meaning travellers can choose not to book and pay for a second bag.

It’s not yet clear how this will operate.

Do UK airlines have to follow these EU rules?

It’s likely that UK carriers will implement the same rules on flights to the EU. 

This raises plenty of concerns – killing physical discs will strip gamers of consumer choice and could even harm third-party retailers. There are, however, still ways to save money on games.

Read on to see our expert tips, and learn what this transition will mean for gamers.

Why is PlayStation discontinuing discs?

While digital games are a popular choice among gamers who want to avoid clutter, you don't 'own' them in a traditional sense. 

With digital versions, you own a licence to play a copy of the game you paid for. These are usually revocable and can't be transferred between gamers or accounts.

Your access to a digital game can be revoked if you break any terms of service, if a publisher decides to remove their game from distribution, or if there are licensing issues within the game (such as music rights expiring). The same can't be said about physical discs.

Physical discs also offer an easy way to save money on older games or make some cash back by selling the games you've already finished.

Sony's change won't affect games that are already released or those that come out before the 2028 deadline.

What does this mean for consumers?

Our expert says:

Will you still be able to buy second-hand PS5 games?

After January 2028, however, since code-in-box games typically come with a single-use download code, you won't be able to resell your games or buy newer titles second-hand.

Will I still be able to play my physical games on PS5?

While discs for new games won't be available from 2028, you will still be able to play your existing physical games if you own a PlayStation 5 with a disc reader.

Should you buy a digital-only PS5 now that discs are being discontinued?

Now that PlayStation is discontinuing discs, if you were thinking of getting a PS5, it may be worth saving money now on a digital-only version. 

Even with the recent price hikes to the console, the PS5 Slim Digital retails for £50 less than a 'standard' PlayStation 5. Compare the best prices on the console below:

PlayStation 5 Slim Digital

How can you save money on digital games?

It isn't all doom and gloom: you can still expect to see major discounts on newer games from the PlayStation Store. Plus, retailers are still likely to sell PS5 games at competitive prices – they'll just be digital versions. 

If you want to save money on games, wait for big seasonal sales from the PlayStation Store. 

Just know that you won't be able to resell these games to recoup some of the costs once you're done playing them.

Is Xbox discontinuing discs?

We hope physical discs will remain a staple of gaming, but we can't say for certain that Xbox won't abandon discs, too.

Below, we explain what the changes mean for WhatsApp users and how scammers could exploit the new feature, plus how to add an extra layer of protection to your account using two-step verification (2FA).

How is WhatsApp changing?

Until now, your mobile number has been your main identity on WhatsApp – if someone wanted to start a conversation with you, they'd need your number.

However, WhatsApp's new username system will let you create a unique username that you can share instead. Your phone number will still be linked to your account behind the scenes, but the aim is to reduce the number of situations where you need to reveal it to businesses or people you've only just met.

You can continue using WhatsApp as normal without creating a username. However, if you wait, someone else could claim the username you'd prefer. At the time of writing, WhatsApp is rolling out the feature gradually, so it may not be available to everyone immediately.

Should you get a WhatsApp username?

If you regularly use WhatsApp to buy and sell online or contact people for the first time, creating a username could be an effective way of keeping your phone number private.

WhatsApp says the feature could also be handy for small businesses and organisations that want to 'maintain a consistent presence online', as they'll be able to claim the same username they already use on Instagram or Facebook.

For extra privacy, you can also choose to protect your username with an optional key. See below for how it works.

Creating a username key

As well as securing a WhatsApp username, you can also create a username key – a code that gives you more control over who can contact you for the first time.

For users under 18 whose WhatsApp account is linked to a Meta account, Meta says the username feature will be enabled by default, although this setting can be changed later.

Security concerns

WhatsApp usernames are designed to improve privacy, but they won't completely eliminate scams. As with any new online feature, criminals are likely to look for ways to exploit them.

One potential risk is impersonation, as fraudsters could create usernames that closely resemble those of friends, family members or trusted organisations in the hope of convincing you to hand over money or personal information. Fake customer support accounts are another concern.

WhatsApp says it's reserving the usernames of well-known public figures, government organisations and Meta Verified accounts to help reduce impersonation, although it's still worth checking that an unexpected message is genuine before responding.

Our expert says

'This is one of WhatsApp's biggest privacy changes in years and brings it closer to other messaging apps that let people connect without exchanging phone numbers. For many people, that's a welcome improvement, but remember that a username shouldn't be treated as proof that someone is who they claim to be.

'While we're talking WhatsApp security, consider adding 2FA to your account – it means you'll regularly be asked to enter a Pin to continue using the app. If your phone gets stolen and ends up in the wrong hands, that means your messages will remain locked.'

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Which? Tech Support can help you keep on top of your home tech. Our experts explain things clearly so that you can resolve issues and feel more confident using your devices.

To find out why, we carried out nine in-depth interviews, five focus groups and surveyed more than 1,000 homeowners who had researched heat pumps but ultimately decided against installing one or remained undecided.

We found that people in this group also had concerns about installation, whether a heat pump would keep their home warm enough, new financing options and longer-term uncertainty. 

It's worth noting that studies of heat pump owners tend to show that people are usually very happy with heat pumps once they're installed. 

Below, we've explained more about the barriers homeowners told us about and how to overcome them if you are considering a heat pump for your home. 

1. Upfront and running costs

Cost concern is still the biggest reason homeowners decide not to install a heat pump. Almost half of those we surveyed said that both the upfront installation costs and ongoing running costs were stopping them from going ahead.

Many homeowners also said they had no clear way of knowing whether a heat pump would save them money on their energy bills over the long term. It's worth digging into the data around how your own home's energy use works, and therefore what the costs could be for you, rather than relying on average figures. 

In the initial quoting stages, heat pump installers should talk through the expected energy use of the heat pump and what that would mean for your home.  If you're considering one, get quotes from two or three installers so you can compare installation costs and estimated running costs. 

Energy companies are increasingly offering smart electricity tariffs, which can lower your bills by offering cheaper electricity at certain times of the day. Some are specifically designed for heat pump owners to make the most of off-peak electricity.

You could also ask potential installers whether the models they install come with performance-monitoring technology, which lets you check your heat pump is running efficiently and keeps an eye on your energy costs over time.

2. Homeowners don't trust the installation process

Our research found that many homeowners saw the heat pump installation market as a 'Wild West', with concerns about inconsistent advice, poor workmanship and cowboy installers. Some said they had no clear way of knowing who to trust, making the decision to switch feel even riskier.

This lack of confidence meant some homeowners worried they'd spend thousands of pounds only to end up with a system that didn't perform properly because it hadn't been designed or installed correctly. When heat pumps perform poorly, it's often because they were installed following bad advice or weren't set up well, rather than because there's anything inherently wrong with the technology.

Respondents told us they wanted a recognised standard to help them spot trustworthy installers. One way to reduce the risk is to choose an installer certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), the UK's quality mark for renewable energy installations.

Awareness of MCS is low, though – more than three-quarters of those surveyed said they had never heard of it before taking part in the research. Once the MCS was explained, three-quarters said it would reassure them about getting a heat pump, while only 4% said it would not.

If you're considering a heat pump installer, try to get some real customer feedback from someone else who has used them. Get quotes from two or three installers and always check they're MCS certified.

3. People aren't convinced a heat pump will work for their home

Many homeowners we spoke to weren't convinced a heat pump would work as well as the heating system they already had, and they wanted more reassurance before making such a big decision.

Some worried their home wouldn't stay as warm or comfortable as it did with a gas boiler, particularly during colder weather, while others weren't sure how disruptive the installation would be or whether a heat pump would suit their property.

In our interviews, several homeowners described installing a heat pump as 'a step into the unknown'. They said they didn't know what to expect before, during or after installation, making it harder to feel confident about making the switch.

If you're thinking about getting a heat pump, don't rely solely on what you've read online. Instead, speak to a few installers about how a system would work in your home, what changes (if any) would be needed and what you can realistically expect once it's up and running.

Heat pumps work differently from a gas or oil boiler as they send a constant flow of warm water to your system rather than sudden bursts of very hot water. It takes a little getting used to,  but owners tend to report a more comfortable, consistent warmth rather than the highs and lows that come with a gas boiler. 

4. New finance options don't reassure everyone

One way to tackle the high upfront cost of a heat pump is to spread the payments over time. But our research suggests some of the new finance options that are being proposed are creating fresh concerns instead.

Schemes such as Heat-as-a-Service (a subscription model) and Property-Linked Finance (a loan linked to the home, and not the owner) have been proposed as a way to make heat pumps more affordable, but many of the people we spoke to worried they'd lose control over their heating system or face complications if they wanted to sell their home while the agreement was still in place.

More familiar ways of paying, such as borrowing through an existing mortgage, were generally viewed more positively because people felt they better understood how they worked.

If you're thinking about financing a heat pump, take time to compare the different options and make sure you understand how the agreement could affect your home in the future. For some households, a traditional loan or mortgage may feel like the simpler choice.

5. Heat pumps still feel like a 'gamble'

Our research found that no single issue was enough to put most homeowners off. Instead, it was the combination of concerns around cost, installation, performance and long-term running costs that made many decide not to go ahead.

That uncertainty came through clearly in our research. A third of homeowners surveyed said there were 'too many long-term uncertainties' for them to fully consider getting a heat pump.

By the time they'd weighed up the costs, thought about finding a trustworthy installer and considered how a heat pump would work in their home, many still didn't feel they had enough information to make a confident decision. Some also worried about how installing a heat pump might affect the future sale of their home. As a result, 29% agreed that 'the investment feels too much of a gamble'.

To be eligible for the incentive, you’ll need to move your retirement savings to a Lloyds Ready-Made Pension or Lloyds Self-Invested Personal Pension (Sipp). But there are other criteria attached.

Here, we take a look at the small print and explain what to consider before moving your pension to a new provider. 

How does Lloyds' pension cashback offer work?

Lloyds said the offer, which runs until 30 November 2026, is designed to encourage people to engage with their pension savings, in particular those who have built up multiple small pots over their working lives. 

You can move multiple pension pots to Lloyds and your cashback reward will depend on how much money in total you move. 

Cashback starts at £250 and you'll need to transfer at least £20,000 to get this. But the full £5,000 reward is reserved for those with much bigger pots: you'll need to transfer a total of at least £2m to qualify.

Who's eligible for the cashback?

The promotion applies to UK-based pension schemes, but excludes active workplace pensions and existing Lloyds Banking Group pensions.

You'll need to submit a pension transfer request using the Lloyds online form before 30 November. You will not be able to submit the request over the phone. However, Lloyds says customers can access support and guidance over the phone during the process. 

You'll also need a current account with either Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland to qualify for the cashback. You do not need a minimum current account balance or any direct debits. However, the account will need to be held or opened during the offer period.

Lloyds will pay the cashback directly into this account by 30 June 2027. The cashback amount will be calculated at the point each transfer completes. To keep the cashback bonus, your money must remain inside the Lloyds pension until at least 31 December 2027. 

How do pension transfers work?

If you've decided to move your pension, you'll need to contact the new provider to start the transfer. It will guide you through the process and request any paperwork needed. 

There are two ways in which you can transfer your pension funds: either your old provider sells your investments and moves your money in cash, or the existing investments are moved across as they are (known as an ‘in-specie’ transfer).

Whether or not you can move across the existing investments as they are depends on whether the new provider offers them.

How do Lloyds' pensions compare?

The cashback deal applies to two pensions offered by Lloyds: 

Lloyds Ready-Made Pension

To open a Ready-Made Pension, you must start with a minimum of £150 in regular monthly payments, a single lump sum of £5,000, or one or more pension transfers worth at least £10,000 combined.

This pension is managed by Scottish Widows, which will choose your investments based on when you want to retire. As you get closer to retirement age, your money is automatically moved into lower-risk investment options. 

Here's how much it costs: 

Lloyds Self-Invested Personal Pension (Sipp)

Although Scottish Widows handles the day-to-day management of the account, you'll be able to make your own decisions about where your money are invested.

You'll also need to factor in any fees for the individual investments you hold in your Sipp.

What other pension transfer incentives are available?

Lloyds isn't the only pension provider currently offering an incentive to new customers: 

AI-enabled scams are prevalent in 2026. Spam and fraud call protection company Hiya found that almost one in three respondents in a global survey reported receiving a deepfake voice call (where the caller uses AI to create a sophisticated fake), in the past year.

It also found that the British survey respondents had an average of £784 stolen by a phone scam.

Here, we look at phone scams to watch out for right now and explain how to stay safe.

Phone scams

Sky impersonation scam

This cold call claims to be from Sky and says you are eligible for a 30% discount on your subscription. The caller goes on to ask if there have been any issues with Sky's service and how much they pay each month.

It's an attempt to keep you on the phone long enough to get you to reveal personal and financial details.

Job scam

Common reports of this scam involve a voicemail message claiming to be from job platform Indeed.

The voicemail message says that the caller is from Indeed human resources and that they’d like to discuss a job opportunity, and asks the recipient to add their number.

HMRC impersonation

This is typically a call claiming legal action for a letter being sent and instructing the recipient to 'press 1 to speak to an adviser'. The call comes from a spoofed UK mobile number.

One recipient of an HMRC scam call reported a scam caller claiming to be from HMRC, telling them that their identity and bank accounts had been cloned, and that thousands of pounds had been taken from their account.

Bank impersonation

Bank impersonations are common, and you should always be wary of a cold call claiming to be from your bank. 

There are numerous reports of Barclays impersonation calls. The caller says that an unauthorised payment for hundreds of pounds at Argos has been declined and says that if you didn’t attempt to make the payment, 'press 1 to speak to an adviser'.

‘A Lloyds Bank scam call referenced legit emails and texts’

Rhys Hornett-Evans received a phone call claiming to be from Lloyds Bank, asking about fraudulent transactions on his account.

‘During the call, the scammer referred to emails that were arriving at the same time, which were genuine verification emails to set up a Startselect account. The scammer convinced me that these emails were being generated by fraudsters who had already started taking money from my account,’ Rhys told Which?.

The scammers had his email address and were attempting to create an account with a gift card company called Startselect, which triggered genuine account verification emails.

The fraudster on the phone claimed that they were going to reverse the fraudulent charges and asked Rhys to read out the legitimate one-time passcode as it arrived via text from Lloyds Bank.

The scammer was attempting to log in to Rhys’ online banking account, and this had triggered the legitimate text message. The legitimate text and emails had all added to the theatre of the scam. 

‘The call lasted around 20 minutes. Looking back, much of what the scammer said was clearly designed to keep me on the phone. They claimed my wi-fi may have been hacked, gave me supposed 10-character codes which they said were Financial Conduct Authority reference numbers and asked me to read these back, and asked about any other accounts I held,’ Rhys recalled.

Ultimately, Rhys had £225 stolen, but was reimbursed by his bank.

How to avoid and report scam calls

Scam and spam calls can be a nightmare, but there are ways to reduce these calls and protect yourself from scammers. 

Follow our top five tips to avoid scam calls:

You can also report scam calls. On an iPhone, you can report scam calls by texting the word ‘call’ followed by the phone number to 7726. On an Android phone, text the word ‘call’ to 7726. You’ll then receive a message asking you for the scam number.

For scam calls received through WhatsApp, open the WhatsApp chat with the dodgy phone number and tap 'block.' You can report the contact by tapping 'report contact' and 'block'.

One thing has become clear from our testing: exceptional quality doesn't have to break the bank. 

Here are five fantastic, rigorously tested smartphones that all cost less than £600.

Can an affordable phone match a flagship for holiday snaps?

'You don't have to drain your bank account to capture those holiday memories. Sure, the most expensive flagships on the market pack staggering hardware that will suit photography fanatics. But for anyone just trying to photograph a squinting family or a nice beach sunset, shelling out for absolute peak performance is overkill.

'Look around today, and you'll find phones taking brilliant pictures at virtually every price point – right down to the most affordable tiers. 

'Building a lovely album relies on a dependable handset that focuses in a flash and handles harsh, glaring sunlight well. Just grab a solid all-rounder that fits your budget.'

Phones with great cameras for less than £600

However, I’ve worked at Which? for the past decade, and am primarily known as a travel writer. I was therefore surprised to receive an email about the book to my work inbox ‘from’ the publishing house Hachette. This isn’t my publisher. 

The email is effusive and detailed in its praise and asks about any forthcoming projects. The email then asks whether I’m represented by an agent. It’s signed off with the name, picture and email address of an assistant editor at Hachette. This person is a real Hachette employee, but the email address given on the company's official website is different from the one in the email. 

I then found a warning on Hachette’s website about scams impersonating its employees ‘to trick authors into signing fake book publishing agreements’. The aim is to persuade you to pay a fee for editing or representation.

I’m astonished by this sophisticated scam.

Trevor Baker, Which? Travel

Faye Lipson, Which? senior researcher, says: 

This is a galling scam attempt. Having a public profile has likely made it easier for fraudsters to find you and curate this scam, but targeted scams like this one are getting more common.

The sender has done their homework to hone this approach. The email shows knowledge of your book’s contents, and the scammer has tracked you down to Which?, despite Which? and the book being totally unconnected. 

This type of targeted approach is known as ‘spear-phishing’, and it can be extremely convincing. The reason why it's convincing is that the scammers research you to design a personalised scam. 

It’s a double injustice for affected authors. Their work has been stolen (reportedly to train AI), and it also puts them in the firing line for fraud. 

Protect yourself from scams by always verifying an unsolicited email, as you rightly did. Authors receiving similar emails should use the publisher’s verifiable contact details to talk to it before going any further. 

Forward scam emails like this to report@phishing.gov.uk.

In this episode of Which? Shorts, our travel expert shares his experience of visiting the shores of Lake Annecy, from raclette sandwiches to Michelin star restaurants.

He shares his insider tips on how to make the most of your visit to the towns that surround the lake, even if you’re on a fleeting visit.

More podcasts from Which?

The Which? podcast showcases the best content from across our website and magazine. 

Plus, keep an eye out for bonus episodes that tackle important issues – from motoring to tech, and from health and wellbeing to travel.

How to listen to the Which? podcast

We're always releasing new episodes, and the podcast is available wherever you usually listen to podcasts.

As part of your subscription, Which? members also get access to exclusive podcasts.

We've also drafted in sleep expert Dr Allie Hare, consultant in sleep medicine and president of the British Sleep Society, for tips from the top.

There are varied reasons why you might have interrupted sleep, and some are a normal part of getting older, but there are possible contributing causes you can resolve and some handy techniques for getting back to sleep if you have woken up.

Our sleep expert: Dr Allie Hare

She has a special interest in sleep disorders, including insomnia, restless leg syndrome and sleep apnoea, and has recently chaired a national expert group reviewing outpatient pathways for sleep medicine across NHS England. 

So, she's well placed to answer your burning questions about sleep.

Why do I wake up in the middle of the night?

While we may think of our sleep in terms of total hours — ideally in one nice, long, uninterrupted block — the reality is that it doesn't work that way. 

Instead, sleep typically comes in a series of four to six cycles a night, each lasting about 90 to 120 minutes, alternating between non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

In the first half of the night, your brain tends to prioritise deep, slow-wave sleep, but over the course of the night, it shifts into longer stretches of REM (dreaming) and stage 2 (light) sleep. 

During these lighter periods of sleep, our ‘arousal threshold’ to be woken drops significantly. So something like a car horn, another unexpected noise or even a temperature change can easily jolt you awake.

Why do I wake more than I used to?

Anyone, at any age, can suffer from sleep fragmentation. But some in some stages of life, it's more likely to affect you:

Getting older

As we age, our internal circadian clock naturally weakens. Neurons lose their ability to synchronise, timing signals weaken, and our bodies produce less melatonin and growth hormone. 

As a consequence of all this, sleep becomes more fragile.

Adults over the age of 60 spend significantly less time in deep sleep, making them more susceptible to environmental disruptions, causing wakefulness in the early hours. 

Dr Hare says: 'We tend to fall asleep earlier and wake earlier as we age. We also tend to wake more easily and more frequently during the night. This is part of normal ageing.'

Bladder problems

Certain age-related medical conditions can contribute to this, including prostate issues, hormonal changes, bladder infections and heart problems. It's worth checking in with your GP if this is the case, as there may be options to help ease the issue and prevent it from impacting your sleep.

The menopause link

Women tend to report higher rates of early hours waking than men, a gap that widens drastically during perimenopause and menopause. But while sleep may naturally change as we age, Dr Hare says women shouldn't necessarily write this off as an inevitable part of growing older.

She says: 'What gets normalised in a way that it probably shouldn't is women tolerating worse sleep. 

'Insomnia is the most common symptom of the menopause, affecting more than half of women. It worsens the severity of other menopause symptoms and destroys quality of life. Like many things related to the menopause, women have been told they just have to accept it. But insomnia that develops during the menopause can persist long after it ends if it isn't properly addressed.'

This specific sleep disruption is driven by two key hormonal drops:

Dr Hare advises that insomnia rooted in menopause can be highly effectively treated through specialist Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and personalised HRT.

What to do if you often wake up in the night

When you find yourself awake again, staring at the ceiling, avoid generic and frustrating advice like 'just relax.' Instead, Dr Hare suggests trying the following:

1. Check for physical triggers 

Don’t ignore any physical discomfort. If you are too hot, adjust your bedding. If your bladder is full, go to the bathroom. 

Try to keep all lights as dim as possible, though. Bright overhead bathroom (or bedroom) lighting can act as a daylight simulator, increasing wakefulness.

2. Try 'cognitive distraction' techniques

If your mind is racing with a ‘to-do’ list or with circular thoughts, your brain is in an active state of beta-wave alertness. You can't force beta waves to become sleepy delta waves, but you can scramble them using a technique called cognitive distraction.

Dr Hare says: 'The idea behind these techniques is that they are sufficiently distracting for the brain that you can't think about all the other things keeping you awake – the things you need to do, or the things you're worried about," explains. But they shouldn't be so stimulating that in and of themselves they then wake you up.'

The cognitive shuffle

Pick a word, such as BEDROOM. Think of five words starting with 'B' (banana, basket, baby, bear, bunny) and try to vividly mentally picture each one. Then move to 'E' and do the same (elephant, egg, engine, for example). 

Dr Hare describes cognitive shuffling as 'super-somnolent' because it deploys a push-and-pull mechanism on the mind – pulling you towards sleep while also quietening intrusive worries.

The maths trick

If word games aren't for you, try Dr Hare’s preferred personal recommendation: counting backwards from 1,000 in sevens (1,000, 993, 986...). 

It requires just enough brainpower to stop you from worrying about your day, but is boring enough to invite sleep.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)

If your wakefulness feels more physical, Dr Hare suggests working sequentially from your toes up to your head, tensing and then relaxing the muscles.

 Focus entirely on the contrast between the tense muscle and the relaxed state to drop your body's physical stress levels.

3. Try 'radical acceptance'

The idea behind this – sometimes called 'radical resignation' – is to stop trying, at least for a bit. So, if you're still awake after 20 minutes, get up.

Dr Hare: 'Don't stay in bed trying to get back to sleep. 'It doesn't work, and you'll just become more awake and frustrated. What happens over time if you spend lots of time in bed awake, frustrated, and tossing and turning, is your body and brain start to associate the bed with a place of frustration and wakefulness rather than a place of rest.'

Instead, move to a comfortable chair in a dimly lit room. Do a quiet activity for 20 to 30 minutes, such as reading a dry, non-gripping book. Dr Hare even says that watching TV during this break is actually fine – provided you strictly avoid social media and work emails, which spark emotional alertness.

Do not, however, check the time. Clock-watching triggers a mental calculation ('If I fall asleep now, I only get three hours...'), which spikes adrenaline. Return to bed only when your eyelids feel heavy.

What else to look out for – or avoid

Although a decline in deep sleep is a natural part of ageing, there are lifestyle and clinical factors that can make it worse. 

If you're struggling, it's worth considering if any of these habits or issues might be contributing and adjusting your routines or seeking medical advice.

1. Regular nightcaps

Alcohol is one of the most effective sleep disruptors available, so those evening tipples may be exacerbating your nighttime woes. 

Dr Hare notes a distinct trend in adults over the age of 50: 'I see a significant amount of regular alcohol consumption in older people. Not heavy binge drinking, but a solid, regular two or three glasses of wine every night. 

'Alcohol fragments your REM sleep – which is crucial for laying down memory as we age – and tends to make you wake up with a dry mouth or needing the loo.'

Ideally, stop drinking at least four hours before your head hits the pillow to optimise your chances of uninterrupted sleep. 

2. Caffeine in the afternoons

Particularly pertinent as we get older, when that afternoon coffee stays in your system much longer than it used to. 

'The way that we metabolise caffeine changes as we age,' Dr Hare warns. 'It tends to hang about in the system for a surprisingly long time, the older we get.'

Keep your caffeine consumption to the early part of the day. and implement a strict cut-off at lunchtime.

3. The nocturnal carb crash

Eating high-glycemic carbohydrates or pure sugar close to bedtime can cause a blood sugar spike, prompting the pancreas to overproduce insulin to clear the glucose from your system. A few hours later – often right around 2am – this can result in a blood sugar crash known as reactive hypoglycemia.

Because glucose is your brain's primary fuel, the central nervous system reacts to this sudden drop, releasing surges of stress hormones to raise blood sugar levels back up. The result? You jolt awake with a racing heart. 

Try to limit sugary evening snacks, especially when not paired with a meal, to avoid this.

4. Fragmented daytime activity

As we age or retire, physical activity levels can naturally taper off, especially the incidental activity that might come from commuting and being out and about, which might be contributing to your sleep woes. 

Dr Hare explains: 'We know that physical activity or exercise of any kind really brings about benefits across sleep.'

So take stock of your movements and prioritise regular daytime activity where possible. Even gentle, mind-body exercises such as yoga, Pilates or a daily walk have been shown to drastically improve sleep maintenance.

5. Micro-apneas

Particularly common in post-menopausal women due to the loss of progesterone (which acts as a respiratory stimulant), the airway can subtly collapse during sleep, causing a micro-suffocation that jolts the brain awake.

This is a clinical issue, not a lifestyle one, so do seek medical advice.

If you regularly wake up gasping, choking or with a very dry mouth, talk to your GP, as you may need screening for sleep apnea. 

We found: 

All of these product categories have been subject to alerts or product safety notices by the Office for Product Safety and Security (OPSS) and we believe they should not be found for sale.

We uncovered the products using a combination of keyword searching, including phrases published in safety alerts by the OPSS, and reverse image searching. 

These concerning findings, and the ease with which we found these clearly unsafe items, show that many online marketplaces simply aren’t doing enough when it comes to safety – even when infant lives are being put at risk.

Baby self-feeding products that risk choking and aspiration

The OPSS safety alert, first issued in 2022, says that businesses must immediately remove these products from the market as they cannot comply with the safety requirements under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. It includes baby self-feeding pillows and ‘prop-feeders’. In June 2026 a safety alert was issued for a self-feeding bottle for sale on OnBuy due to the same risks.

When we checked ahead of contacting the marketplaces, all of the pillow-style self-feeders that we'd found during the investigation had been removed from Amazon, but two further listings were found. 

Alibaba, eBay and Tiktok Shop show the numbers of products sold via each listing. At least 140 had been sold across those marketplaces, and one bottle holder pillow on Tiktok Shop had sold 92 times.

Baby sleep pillows that risk overheating or suffocation 

A report was issued in December for a giraffe shaped baby pillow with patting function that was for sale on Amazon. Despite this we found several similar looking products that we believe pose the same risks for sale on the platform, including one shaped like a giraffe and showing an infant using the product.

Many of the listings on Aliexpress stated that the products shouldn’t be used with children under 1, but clearly stated ‘baby’, ‘infant’ or ‘newborn’ in the product name and included images of the product in use with infants including in cots and cribs. One even showed a young baby lying on its stomach on top of the product - this goes against NHS safe sleep guidance that says a baby should be placed on its back for sleep. 

One reviewer of a baby pillow on Aliexpress said that it was ‘way too heavy for a newborn or child under 1’. At least 1,200 baby pillows had been sold via the listings we looked at just on Aliexpress.

Unsafe baby sleeping bags posing suffocation risk repeatedly found for sale 

We found 38 products on Etsy that we were concerned about, including one knitted sleeping bag with a hood and no arm holes that was shown covering a baby’s mouth and nose. Many were bunny-style sleeping bags.  

We found six baby sleeping bags on Amazon that we have concerns about, some of which actually dispatch from Amazon (as opposed to direct from third party sellers). A novelty shark shaped swaddle wrap has a hood with a shark face and teeth on, and the listing states that the sleeping bag can be used for multiple settings including sleeping. One reviewer posted a photo of their grandson using the sleeping bag, in which the hood appears large enough to cover his face.

Another baby swaddle blanket dispatched by Amazon is for infants aged 0-6 months and has a hood featuring teddy ears but no arm holes. The listing states that it can be used in the nursery and as a sleeping sack. Frustratingly we flagged this exact sleeping bag, although in brown rather than pink, to Amazon in January this year. The listing we shared with the marketplace no longer exists, but the page selling the pink version does.

This shark baby sleeping bag with no arm holes was for sale via Wish.com. On Aliexpress nearly 1,000 unsafe baby sleeping bags had been sold across five listings.

Marketplaces risking infant safety

Once again marketplaces have failed to prevent the sale of dangerous products to consumers, suggesting they aren’t doing enough to stay on top of the issue and continuing to put online shoppers in harm’s way.

Which? believes that online marketplaces will not take meaningful action to protect their customers unless they are compelled to do so by law and face significant fines for breaking the rules. This means that online marketplaces must be given clear responsibilities for ensuring the safety of products that they list on their sites.

The Product Regulation and Metrology Act, adopted in July last year, enables the Secretary of State to impose product safety requirements on online marketplaces through secondary legislation, but these have been delayed and the government has only recently consulted on possible changes. The government urgently needs to use these powers to ensure that products such as these are prevented from reaching UK consumers. 

'Which? has shown how easy it is to find these unsafe products with simple tools, so it's impossible for us to take companies as powerful as Amazon or eBay at their word when they claim safety is a top priority. Lives will be at risk until online marketplaces are finally forced to clean up their act.

'The government must urgently use the new powers it has under the Product Regulation and Metrology Act to update product safety legislation and impose a clear legal duty on online marketplaces for ensuring the safety of products sold through their third-party sellers, with tough enforcement for those that fall short.'

How to shop safely for baby products

When buying products for babies or children, particularly those were safety is crucial such as sleeping bags and toys with magnets or batteries, avoid buying from thirty party sellers on online marketplaces. Buy products from recognisable brands.

What the marketplaces told us

We shared our findings with the marketplaces. 

'We’ve removed the products highlighted by Which? while we investigate. If customers have concerns about any item they've purchased, we encourage them to contact our Customer Service directly so we can investigate and help resolve their issue.'

So use our round-up of the Great Value fridge freezers our test lab has recently uncovered.

It should ensure your new fridge-freezer doesn’t bust your budget, and give you fresh salads and chilled rosé for years to come.

How we test fridge freezers

Our reviews answer the important questions our members have about fridge freezers, including:

Great Value fridge freezers are at least 20% cheaper than the average price of the models we've tested (based on type) and, most importantly, they do pretty well in our tests, scoring 65% or more.

They must get three stars or more in our chilling and freezing tests and, because a fridge freezer is plugged in 24/7, they must get at least four stars for energy efficiency. 

Freestanding fridge freezers must score at least 72% to become a Which? Best Buy, American-style models must score 68%.

New research found that seven in 10 UK adults are unaware that regular gifts made from surplus income can be exempt from inheritance tax. The survey, by insurer Canada Life, also found that three in 10 gifts made by over-55s in the past seven years were funded this way.

Here's how the 'normal expenditure out of income' exemption works, who can use it and what you'll need to do to make sure your gifts qualify.

How does it work?

Giving money away during your lifetime can reduce the value of your estate for inheritance tax purposes. 

Many people know about the £3,000 annual gifting allowance or the seven-year rule, where larger gifts usually become exempt if you survive for seven years. But there's another, lesser-known exemption called 'normal expenditure out of income'.

It allows some regular gifts made from your surplus income to be immediately exempt from IHT, provided they meet HMRC's conditions.

Although IHT currently affects a relatively small proportion of estates, more families could be drawn into the tax in the coming years, as thresholds remain frozen and unused pension pots are due to become part of many estates from April 2027.

Who can use it?

Although the exemption is set out in law, whether your gifts qualify depends on your individual circumstances and whether your executors can show HMRC that the conditions have been met. 

The main conditions are:

1. They must come from your income

The gifts must be made from your regular net income rather than your savings or other capital. Income can include your salary, pension, rental income, dividends and savings interest.

It's not necessarily the account the money comes from that matters. Instead, your executors must be able to show that you had enough surplus income available to cover the gifts.

If income has built up over time or been reinvested into capital products, HMRC may treat it as capital rather than income. If you make gifts from capital, they won't qualify for this exemption, even if you make those gifts every month. Those gifts will instead usually fall under the normal seven-year IHT rules.

2. They must form part of a regular pattern

The gifts must form part of your normal spending. This could be a monthly standing order to help a child with household bills, an annual contribution towards a grandchild's school fees or a regular birthday payment.

There's no set frequency, but HMRC will expect to see evidence that you intended the gifts to be regular rather than one-off payments.

There is no fixed period over which you must show a pattern of giving, but a span of three to four years would normally be considered reasonable. A shorter period may still qualify if your executors can show there was a clear commitment to continue the gifts, such as a standing order or written evidence of your intentions.

The gifts should also be broadly comparable in size, although HMRC recognises they may vary if they're linked to fluctuating income, such as dividends, or changing costs, such as school fees.

3. They must not affect your standard of living

After making the gifts, you must still have enough income left to maintain your usual standard of living.

This includes your regular household bills and day-to-day spending, as well as lifestyle costs such as holidays or travel. If gifting means you need to rely on your savings or other capital to cover your normal costs, the exemption may not apply.

The exemption is based on your individual surplus income, not your household's combined income. This means each person's income and expenditure is considered separately.

For example, if your monthly income is £3,000, your usual living costs are £2,500 and you give away £400 each month, you still have enough income left to cover your expenses. But if you gift £800 a month and need to use savings to meet your usual costs, HMRC may decide the exemption doesn't apply.

How to make sure your gifts qualify

Even if your gifts meet HMRC's conditions, your executors will usually need to claim the exemption after your death. Keeping clear records can make it much easier to show that the gifts qualify.

Would you use it?

We asked Which? members in our Facebook group whether they knew about the surplus income gifting rule. While some said they were already using it to pass money to family members during their lifetime, many admitted they had never heard of the exemption or confused it with the better-known £3,000 annual gifting allowance.

One member, Mike, said he had set up a standing order to make regular gifts to his grandchildren.

Others said they had little or no surplus income to give away because of the rising cost of living, with some concerned that regular gifts would affect their own standard of living. One member, Simon, joked: 'Surplus income sounds like leftover wine. Doesn't exist!'

Everywhere you look, there is a new lotion, potion, capsule or gadget claiming to cure your brain fog, switch off your hot flushes and restore your sanity. 

But as an expert who looks closely at the science behind the straplines, I know that a lot of what's out there is simply clever marketing accompanied by a hefty markup. 

So, if you are looking to manage your symptoms without draining your bank account, these are the things I would bypass, and where your money and time is better spent.

1. Menopause supplements that don't live up to the price tag

If you turn over that menopause supplement pack and look closely at the ingredients list, you'll find that some are essentially just a basic multivitamin with a premium price tag slapped on the front. 

This is the menopause edition of the 'pink tax’— like razors, skin creams and more before it, suddenly, because a product has the word ‘menopause’ on it, it costs twice as much as its everyday counterpart.

Save your money. If you want a multivitamin, buy a high-quality, standard one for a fraction of the cost. Alternatively, consider which ingredients you really need more of, and buy accordingly.

2. Expensive herbal blends

There are plenty of expensive herbal supplement blends promising symptom relief, but few I'd actually recommend. 

Some individual botanical ingredients do have modest evidence suggesting that they might help with hot flushes and night sweats, but when I reviewed supplements I found the amount you actually get in a menopause supplement blend is often too low to do anything useful.

You should also never make the mistake of assuming that ‘natural’ means harmless. Herbal supplements can have side effects, and may interact with prescription medications, so always buy from a trusted brand and check with a healthcare professional first. 

3. Menopause branded skincare

Don't fall for moisturisers or serums just because they have ‘menopause’ on the bottle. Your skin does change as oestrogen drops - it can become more dry and lose elasticity - but the ingredients that help are the same ones used in standard skincare. Always check for a non-targeted similar product before you buy and compare the prices and key ingredients. 

Rather than paying a premium for a marketing buzzword or a rebranded product with a hefty mark-up, look for products containing beneficial ingredients targeting your concerns such as niacinamide, squalane, hyaluronic acid, and peptides.

4. Hi-tech menopause gadgets

While some high-tech cooling wearables, such as the bracelets, do have some clinical studies showing they can temporarily take the edge off a flush by changing your body's perceived temperature, it's worth pausing before splashing the cash on pricey tech solutions.

Make sure you've got the medical and dietary fundamentals covered - these can go a long way to help managing your symptoms. And consider cheaper options that don't have the menopause mark-up, such as a basic handheld fan. 

What I would consider taking instead for menopause

A basic multivitamin is a good cheaper alternative, but many of them can't match the amount required for some of the targeted minerals you really do need during this period - in particular calcium, which is too bulky to fit into a standard one-a-day pill in the doses required. 

These are the extras that are actually worth your attention:

Dietary changes that can help menopause symptoms

While turning to supplements is an understandable choice - we're all keen for extra support where we can get it - a food first approach is best where possible, and can save you money. Making tweaks to your diet can be really helpful for supporting your health during perimenopause, menopause and beyond as your body and its needs change.

As oestrogen levels decline, our bodies naturally lose muscle mass and bone density. Adjusting your diet can help to offset this:

Official NHS guidance generally recommends increasing daily protein intake slightly after menopause to around 1.0 to 1.2 grams per kilogram of body weight, which translates to roughly 60g to 85g of protein per day for most women, depending on activity level. 

Don't forget to talk to your doctor about menopause support options and treatments

If your symptoms are impacting your quality of life, talk to your GP about the options available to you. It's worth a conversation about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

HRT isn't the right choice for everyone, but don't let historical rumours or outdated scare stories put you off at least exploring it. It can be extremely helpful for symptom management. And if you start menopause earlier than average (before 45), it can have an important wider protective effect too. 

As we approach midlife, many of us discover that our digestions don't run as smoothly as they used to thanks to a combination of prescription medication, hormonal changes and reduced activity – often due to demanding jobs and busy lives. 

Luckily, many of these changes aren’t inevitable, so we asked gut-health scientist Dr Megan Rossi and nutritionist Emma Bardwell for some tips on how to keep things ticking over. 

How your bowel habits change with age – at a glance

Do our bowel movements naturally become slower with age?

It’s not uncommon for bowel habits to change with age, and constipation is one of the most common afflictions. According to the NHS, constipation affects around one in seven adults of all ages. It’s twice as common among women, and affects about a third of pregnant women and people over the age of 60. 

However, we can’t blame this entirely on the ageing process, as there are usually some lifestyle factors to blame. 

‘Gut motility, which is the movement that helps push food and waste through the digestive tract, can slow down slightly as we get older,’ explains Bardwell. ‘Midlife and menopause can also play a role because declining oestrogen levels may affect digestion, gut sensitivity and bowel regularity. On top of that, factors such as reduced physical activity, stress, medications, poor sleep and lower fibre intake can all contribute.’ 

Most of us start to notice some changes at around age 50. ‘This is the time when medication use, hormonal changes – specifically the menopause – and health conditions become more prevalent. Changes to abdominal and pelvic floor muscle strength can also contribute to constipation, incomplete emptying or difficulty passing stools,’ says Dr Rossi. 

What causes constipation?

Constipation occurs when food moves too slowly through the colon. This gives the body more time to absorb water, resulting in hard, dry poos. ‘When stool moves more slowly through the gut, bacteria have longer to ferment food, which can also increase gas production and contribute to bloating,’ adds Dr Rossi. 

We all have our own digestive timetables: some of us feel constipated if we don’t go every day; others never go more than two or three times a week. However, if you’re pooing less often than usual, straining, or noticing that your poo is unusually big or small, dry, hard or lumpy, then you’re probably constipated.

Which medications cause constipation or diarrhoea?

In some cases, it’s both the health conditions and the medications prescribed to treat them that cause digestive symptoms. For example, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and an underactive thyroid can all slow gut motility, causing constipation. But if you have type 2 diabetes, one of the most commonly prescribed medications – metformin – can cause diarrhoea, especially for the first few months while your body adjusts. 

Does ageing affect how we respond to certain foods?

You might have noticed that more foods trigger digestive symptoms as you get older, typically due to lower levels of stomach acid and digestive enzymes. 

Bardwell sees this frequently, particularly when clients are experiencing stress, hormonal changes or recovering from illness. ‘Common triggers can include very oily meals, alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine, artificial sweeteners and large amounts of highly processed foods. Some people may also become more sensitive to lactose in milk, onions, garlic or foods like broccoli,’ she says. 

High-fibre foods can cause problems, too. ‘Some people may become more sensitive to large amounts of fibre, especially if they increase it too quickly or already have digestive issues. That doesn’t mean fibre doesn’t work for you; it often just needs to be introduced gradually and alongside adequate fluids. Softer fibre-rich foods such as porridge, stewed fruit such as apples and pears, soups, lentils and cooked vegetables are often better tolerated.’

How do hormones affect bowel movements?

‘Fluctuations in hormones can influence gut motility, which is why many women notice changes in their bowel habits throughout their cycle and during perimenopause and menopause,’ says Dr Rossi. 

This shows up long before the hormonal changes of midlife thanks to what’s commonly known as ‘period poos.’  ‘During your period, the body releases hormone-like chemicals called prostaglandins, which help the uterus contract and shed its lining. But they don't just act on the uterus – they can also stimulate the muscles of the gut, which may lead to more frequent bowel movements or loose stools,’ says Dr Rossi. But that’s not all. ‘Progesterone, on the other hand, has a relaxing effect on the muscles of the gut, slowing the movement of food through the digestive system. This can contribute to constipation, particularly in the two weeks leading up to a period.’

This is why some women taking progesterone as part of their HRT struggle with constipation, and it can also be an issue for women taking the progesterone-only contraceptive pill, also known as the mini pill. This makes it particularly important to stay hydrated and pay attention to your fibre intake.

What’s the best way to support healthy bowel function as we age?

‘I recommend aiming for 30+ different plant foods a week across what I call the Super Six (fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, legumes, nuts and seeds, plus herbs and spices), and staying physically active – even a daily brisk walk can help stimulate bowel movements,’ says Dr Rossi. 

Bardwell adds: ‘The biggest wins usually come from gradually increasing fibre intake, staying really well hydrated and moving your body regularly. Fibre helps add bulk and softness to stools, while fluids help keep everything moving. Many people also underestimate the power of simple habits such as chewing really well, eating slowly, walking after meals, not ignoring the urge to go to the toilet, eating regularly and getting enough sleep.’

Should I take probiotics?

‘The important thing is choosing strains with human research behind them rather than assuming all probiotics do the same thing. For example, Bifidobacterium lactis has shown promise for supporting bowel regularity in some people, while Saccharomyces boulardii is one of the better-studied probiotic strains for helping reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.’

Different probiotic strains provide different benefits. Whether a strain works for you depends on the bacteria already living in your gut, so a probiotic that's effective for one person may not work for another. 

Is it better to treat constipation with diet rather than laxatives?

Where possible, focus on your diet first. ‘Adding fibre-rich options such as psyllium husk, chia, and flaxseeds to your meals can be an effective first step because they support both bowel function and gut health,’ says Dr Rossi. 

However, if you’re prone to constipation, it might be wise to keep some laxatives in your bathroom cabinet. These are generally intended for short-term use unless advised by a healthcare professional. 

There are different types of laxatives, which work in different ways:

‘Sometimes laxatives are absolutely necessary and appropriate, particularly if someone is very uncomfortable or taking medications that make them constipated,’ says Bardwell. ‘The most important thing is not to ignore persistent bowel changes and to speak to a healthcare professional if symptoms are ongoing (more than two weeks), severe or new.’

When should bowel changes be checked by a GP?

Changes in bowel movements are often nothing to worry about, and some symptoms can be caused by other conditions. If in doubt, check the list below and contact your GP if symptoms persist for more than three weeks. 

In this episode, Erica McKoy sits down with Which? retail expert and senior researcher Hannah Walsh to discuss her investigation into bogus boutiques. Hannah reveals how these misleading websites sell cheap items for a premium price under the guise of being an independent business. 

We also chat about the clever tactics used to lure shoppers in, from fake countdown clocks to convincing AI-generated family sob stories. Plus, Hannah shares advice on how to use tools such as reverse image search and exactly what to do with your bank if you’ve been caught out.

More podcasts from Which?

The Which? podcast showcases the best content from across our website and magazine. 

Plus, keep an eye out for bonus episodes that tackle important issues, from motoring to tech, health and wellbeing to travel.

How to listen to the Which? podcast

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'Even non-taxpayers get rewarded for saving for retirement'

Non-taxpayers can also benefit from tax relief at the basic rate (20%) on pension contributions, although the limits are lower: either 80% of your earnings in a year or £2,880 if you have no earnings. 

This means you don’t have to pay back the tax relief you’ve already received. 

In fact, you were able to benefit from tax relief on further contributions of up to £2,380 before the end of the tax year on 5 April 2026.

Which? Money 1-to-1 guidance

Our team of money experts can answer your questions big and small, on topics from pensions to tax and savings to scams.

Which? Money members and their immediate family get unlimited access to 1-to-1 guidance sessions.

By comparison, hotel prices in Geneva, Switzerland, a famously expensive destination, cost £100 less than those in Barcelona, on average.  

The Post Office also checked the price of typical holiday items like a small beer, cup of coffee, a 48-hour travel card and admission for the city’s top museum, art gallery and heritage tourist attractions to estimate a typical average holiday price. With these factors included, Geneva ended up slightly just £3 more expensive than Barcelona, at £644.22 compared to Barcelona’s £641.03. The only cities more expensive than Barcelona and Geneva were Edinburgh (£668.10), Copenhagen (£670.65), and Oslo (£733.99).

Some other cities once known for cheap and cheerful getaways have also risen in price — the cost of a trip to Lisbon, for example, has risen by 22% to £358, meaning the city has dropped from fifth place in last year’s barometer to number 16 of 50.

Sarajevo: the cheapest city break for 2026

At £248.29, the cost of a citybreak to Sarajevo, in Bosnia & Herzegovina was less than half the price of visiting Barcelona. 

The average cost of two nights accommodation is just £157, a beer is around £2.50, while a sightseeing bus tour costs just £2.46. The weather is warm until late September, at around 18°C, and there are direct flights from London.  

Where else is cheap for a city break?

The cheapest destinations were all in East or South East Europe. Bucharest, Tirana and Belgrade were the next-cheapest options after Sarajevo, all costing less than £266 for a weekend trip. Two French destinations made it into the top ten — Eurostar destination Lille was ranked seventh cheapest, at £289.33, and Strasbourg the ninth at £319.13.

Lille, along with six other cities saw a fall in price compared to last year’s data — Florence, Nice, Rome, Salzburg, Stockholm and Venice. That means that while some of those cities aren’t necessarily budget options, 2026 may be the year to visit them if they’re on your bucket list.

Of the UK cities included in the barometer, only Cardiff made it into the top 25 rankings, at position 21 and an overall average cost of £377.64. Belfast and London were ranked 33rd and 34th, Dublin at position 45, and Edinburgh at 48 of 50.

1. Filler falls through because there’s no backing behind the plasterboard

Filler can sometimes fall through if there’s no backing behind the plasterboard. The best fix is:

This gives a solid repair that won’t fail.

If refitting the stair gate, avoid plasterboard fixings – secure it into a stud or add timber behind for strength.

2. Fit timber battens or a sheet of plywood behind the hole

It’s often best to cut a larger rectangular or square hole that covers all the existing damage.

Take the plasterboard out and fit timber battens behind (or a small sheet of 18mm plywood that you can insert through the opening you cut). If you fit timber battens, make sure that one of them is positioned where you originally wanted to fit the rawl plug.

Then screw through the plasterboard into the timber/plywood to hold it in place. 

Cut a matching plasterboard patch to cover the hole you cut and fix it by driving screws into the timber battens/plywood.

Tape the joins with scrim tape or jointing tape, then fill over with Polyfilla, EasiFill or similar fillers. Let it dry, sand (for the best finish, fill again, let it dry and sand) with 180-grit sandpaper and paint with two coats (let the paint fully dry between coats).

If you managed to get the plywood or timber batten positioned where you want to fit the rawl plug, you can now drive a screw directly into it through the plasterboard. This will provide a strong fixing for your stair gate.

3. Use expanding foam for a quick fix

For a relatively quick fix, some traders recommend using expanding foam, followed by a coat or two of filler.

Other traders caution against it, however, as expanding foam is notoriously sticky and can expand unpredictably. You'll likely get better results with expanding foam on solid walls. 

It also cures into a porous, spongy texture, so the filler you apply over the top could crack. You can use scrim tape for extra reinforcement and to help prevent cracks. 

The Which? The Trusted Traders we asked had slightly different methods when it comes to using expanding foam, so we've summarised each below.

Find a Which? Trusted Trader near you

Just like our well-known Best Buy logo, the Which? Trusted Trader logo is a mark of reputation and trust. It's awarded only to traders who successfully pass an assessment carried out by our trading standards professionals.

In this episode of Which? Money, our scams and fraud expert Faye Lipson explains what an automatic billing updater is and how handy it is when our cards expire. But she also unpacks how it aids financial criminals to maintain access to our money once they’ve already scammed us.

Faye tells us how she investigated nine banking brands and card providers to find out what processes they have in place to protect our money from scammers. She also details any inadequacies she saw during her research.

Plus, she shares her expert advice on what to do if your card details have been compromised to ensure you get all your money back.

More podcasts from Which?

The Which? podcast showcases the best content from across our website and magazine. 

Plus, keep an eye out for bonus episodes that tackle important issues, from motoring and tech to health and wellbeing and travel.

How to listen to the Which? podcast

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Lloyds Banking Group, which also owns Bank of Scotland, said the Halifax brand will be gradually phased out during 2026 and 2027.

If you bank with Halifax, you'll start seeing the changes over the coming days and weeks. Here's what you need to know.

What's happening to Halifax?

The Halifax brand, along with its products and branch branding, will be phased out during this year and next. 

This includes current accounts, savings accounts and credit cards, while Halifax mortgages will continue to be available through intermediaries until 2027. 

The changes mean Lloyds will become the group's only banking brand in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Bank of Scotland brand will not change.

Halifax branches will be rebranded as Lloyds during 2027, with the group confirming there will be no branch closures or staff reductions as part of the rebrand.

However, this doesn't rule out future closures. Which? research shows Lloyds Banking Group has closed 1,609 branches since 2015 – more than any other banking network. 

What does it mean for existing customers?

Lloyds says there's nothing you need to do.

The banking group will start contacting customers over the coming days and weeks through trusted channels, including the Halifax app, online banking, email and by letter.

Your account number, sort code and login details will stay the same

You'll gradually move to the Lloyds app over the coming months and your account will be rebranded over time. 

If you already have a Halifax product, your existing deal – including your savings rate or credit card terms – shouldn't change because of the rebrand.

Once your account has moved to Lloyds, you'll be able to renew, upgrade or downgrade your product without changing your account details. You'll also have access to Lloyds' range of products and perks, including Club Lloyds and the Lloyds Rewards programme.

Why is Lloyds retiring the Halifax brand? 

Retiring the Halifax brand will bring to an end one of the UK's best-known names on the high street.

Halifax was founded as a building society in 1853 in the town of Halifax, West Yorkshire, and spread across the UK during the following decades. Since 2009, Halifax, along with Bank of Scotland, has been part of Lloyds Banking Group.

Lloyds says bringing customers under a single brand will give Halifax customers access to the products and services already available to Lloyds customers.

Jas Singh, CEO for consumer relationships at Lloyds Banking Group, said: ‘As Halifax changes to Lloyds, our Halifax customers will keep everything they know and love today – the same fantastic app design, the same friendly faces in our branches – even the same sort code and account number. 

‘But as Lloyds customers, they’ll get the best innovation and experiences we offer. Our Lloyds customers are already benefiting from a significant investment into propositions like Club Lloyds, Lloyds Premier, Lloyds Ultra and Lloyds Rewards – and now we’re really excited that Halifax customers can bank on Lloyds for more.’

Since early 2025, customers of all brands have been able to manage their accounts across all Lloyds Banking Group branches, and customers can also manage all their accounts in a single app or phone call.

New research from Compare the Market suggests couples who say 'I do' pay £213 on average for their home insurance, compared to £162 for single homeowners.

But is marriage really pushing up the cost of cover? We looked more closely at the data and asked some of the UK's biggest insurers what role your marital status actually plays.

How does marriage affect home cover costs?

Getting married could mean paying more to protect your home, new research from Compare the Market suggests. 

This table shows how your status can affect the cost of cover. Results are ordered by price:

As the table shows, married homeowners pay an average of £213 a year for home insurance. That's 31% more than single homeowners, who pay £162 on average. That £51 gap makes single homeowners the cheapest marital status group to insure.

Homeowners in civil partnerships and those living with a partner also pay noticeably less than married couples – £177 and £179 respectively.

The good news is premiums are heading in the right direction. Since 2024, average home insurance costs have fallen by 12% for married homeowners, with even bigger drops for those in civil partnerships (18%), cohabiting couples (17%) and single homeowners (18%).

Joint home insurance policies are a popular option for married couples looking to cut down on paperwork and avoid longer claims processes. But it isn't necessarily the cheapest option, especially if one policyholder has made previous claims or has a higher-risk job. 

At £208 on average, joint policies are still 19% more expensive than sole policies.

Why might married couples pay more?

The figures don't necessarily mean marriage itself pushes up the cost of home insurance.

We searched for home insurance on comparison site Confused on 29 June 2026. Changing the applicant from married to single for a two-bed terraced house in south London changed the cheapest buildings and contents quote by less than £3 (£388.58 vs £385.66).

The higher cost for married homeowners is likely down to the homes they insure. Compare the Market says couples and families tend to live in larger properties with higher rebuild costs and own more valuable possessions.

We also asked four of the UK's biggest insurers – Admiral, Aviva, Direct Line and Hastings – whether they consider marital status a risk factor when calculating the cost of home insurance cover.

Aviva and Direct Line told us marital status is not taken under consideration when providing home insurance quotes.

Hastings and Admiral said it does, but stressed it's just one of many factors. A home's location, size, value, security features and contents all play a role.

Admiral said being married can actually reduce your premium slightly. It told Which? that married customers tend to make lower-cost theft claims. It stressed, however, that changing only your marital status from single to married or in a civil partnership would shave less than 1% off your quote.

Why it pays to be honest  

It can be tempting to think tweaking your details might lower the cost of cover, but giving inaccurate information can have serious consequences

That's because dishonesty, when either applying for cover or making a claim, counts as fraud. 

As a result, you could also potentially have your name added to the Insurance Fraud Register. This is an industry-wide database of known fraudsters, used by insurers when making underwriting decisions and assessing claims. 

If you end up on the list, you could struggle with any future insurance applications, credit rating and mortgage applications.

4 ways to get cheaper cover

Here, we outline four ways to keep prices down without being dishonest.

1. Shop around

It's a cliché, but seeing what other deals are out there before renewing or buying a new policy is one of the most effective ways to secure lower premiums. 

Price comparison sites such as Compare the Market, Confused.com, GoCompare and MoneySuperMarket allow you to view multiple home insurance quotes at a glance. 

2. Renew early

Renewing early could also save you hundreds of pounds. With home insurance, you'll often get a cheaper price if you buy your cover a few weeks (rather than a few days) in advance of the policy's start date.

Shopping around early also allows you to more widely research the market or negotiate your insurer's price to make sure you get the best deal.

Plus, never agree to the auto-renewal clause included in your 12-month home insurance agreement. This means that once your initial one-year contract lapses, you'll be automatically enrolled for another year.

3. Choose annual cover

While paying for insurance in instalments can make the costs easier to manage, interest charged on the monthly payments increases the amount you pay overall. 

If you need to spread your payments, one alternative is to buy cover upfront with an interest-free credit card, and pay off a 12th of the card's balance each month.

4. Cheaper isn't always better

Opting for the very cheapest policy you find won't necessarily save you money in the long run.

If your policy comes with steep excesses or significant exclusions, you'll feel the pinch when it's time to claim. This means it's vital you check the policy details carefully before buying the cover. 

This five-star all-inclusive resort is, it says, a beachfront resort ‘popular with many travellers’. ‘Spacious rooms’, ‘lively entertainment’ and ‘friendly staff’. It also highlights the ‘diverse restaurants’ which, it says, ‘earn rave reviews’. Those words are directly from the Tripadvisor ‘reviews summary’ at the top of the page and created by AI. Scroll down to the real reviews, and it’s a different story. 

Recent guests at the Riu Palace reported ‘exceptionally poor hygiene,’ ‘no basic cleaning or hygiene standards’ and that the food was ‘awful, bland, unsafe and inedible’. One guest said that she was served raw chicken. Another review shared photographs of flies and birds in the buffet food, and another spotted ‘dead little roasted mice by the sitting area’ on her ‘nightmare’ holiday. 

One guest whose whole family fell ill wrote: ‘This place will destroy holidays and [has the] potential to take lives.’ When we checked in March, there were a staggering 102 mentions of food poisoning at the Riu Palace. That doesn’t necessarily mean 102 guests suffered from food poisoning, but many clearly did. 

The resort also had 32 one and two-star reviews posted between December 2025 and April 2026 alone, 14 of which say at least one member of the party fell seriously ill with some form of food poisoning. Many were hospitalised and some flew home early. One guest died this year. 

Riu Hotels & Resorts told us that its hotels in Cape Verde ‘follow the strictest international health and hygiene standards, certified by external prestigious consultancy firms, specialised in health and safety’. 

However, the hotel is now involved in a group legal action representing at least 412 holidaymakers who say they became ill after staying at the property, with seven deaths reported since 2023. 

None of this is Tripadvisor’s fault. But when reading the AI summary of the resort, provided by the world’s most popular hotel review platform, you'd have no idea of the dangers potentially posed by staying there. 

Instead, Tripadvisor surmises the hotel’s cleanliness as ‘spotless’. Another of Tripadvisor’s AI tools, an interactive trip-planning bot called Ollie, also failed to warn us about poor hygiene. When asked directly about the risk of contracting food poisoning at the Riu Palace, Ollie told us food poisoning was ‘quite unlikely’ and that the resort had a ‘strong reputation for high hygiene standards’. 

When we asked Tripadvisor about its AI summaries, it said it prioritises ‘transparency and impartiality’, and its summaries ‘surface a range of both positive and negative community feedback associated with listings’. 

Tripadvisor told us its AI chat assistant tool Ollie ‘draws from a selection of reviews based on detail and recency, and matches by language and context’, but it added that it's a ‘product in development’ and that it's now actively looking into several examples we provided where reviews didn't match the intended property.

When ‘abundant’ amenities mean no water

The Riu Palace wasn’t the only hotel we found with serious reports of food poisoning missing from its Tripadvisor AI summary. Several guests who stayed at the Garza Blanca resort in Cancun in the past 12 months also left reviews saying they fell ill, including a wedding party. Yet Tripadvisor’s AI overview is once again glowing, describing ‘immaculate cleanliness’, adding that its dining options ‘earn [it] positive feedback’. 

Recent reviewers of the Occidental Caribe in the Dominican Republic called it a ‘disaster and disturbing’ as recently as March 2026. Another called it the ‘worst place imaginable’. One guest said her room smelled of sewage and that half of the 68-person wedding party she’d travelled with fell ill. 

Someone who visited in January reported that the whole hotel smelled of mould. Several mentioned the lack of access to running water – one guest resorted to showering with bottled water. Others were leaked and dripped onto by broken toilets in the room above. The AI review summary? ‘Abundant’ amenities, with only a vague nod to ‘inconsistent’ cleanliness and ‘maintenance issues’.

Friendly service or sexual harassment? 

There are other dangers Tripadvisor’s summaries don’t share. At Kaia Coracesium on the Antalya coast, several reviewers who visited last summer wrote that they felt unsafe due to repeated sexual harassment from male hotel staff, including inappropriate jokes and gestures, and repeated requests to connect on social media. Two different guests reported that a male member of staff followed their daughters to request their social media details. 

In one of these cases, the reviewer says a restaurant worker ‘followed her up the stairs to our room – obviously, this scared her and [she] didn’t feel comfortable walking around on her own’. The Tripadvisor AI review summarises the service as ‘friendly’. The closest it comes to referring to these serious allegations is: ‘Lapses [in service] noted by a few.’ This, at least, demonstrates that its AI is aware of these allegations and reasons that the opinion of ‘a few’ could be worth mentioning. So why isn’t it doing so consistently – and when it does, why does it downplay the severity? Repeated accusations of sexual harassment by staff aren't a lapse. 

Many travellers would almost certainly consider an alternative hotel based on these ‘red flag’ reviews. According to The Safer Tourism Foundation, nearly two thirds of women prioritise safety when choosing accommodation. This sort of information is vital to their planning. 

Which? reached out to all hotels mentioned, but none apart from Riu responded. Tripadvisor said its summaries ‘use large language models and natural language processing to read recent reviews, identify the most common themes and then turn those themes into short, plain-English overviews’. It added that its goal was to ‘make content from Tripadvisor’s reviews and opinions as easy as possible to digest, but also to capture and highlight the broad spectrum of positive and negative opinion without favouring one sentiment or the other’. 

It told us summaries are updated on a monthly basis ‘and are rooted in the previous 12 months of reviews at the time of each update’, and that reviews are treated equally regardless of rating, highlighting what reviewers mention most often. 

It added: ‘The system does not deliberately up-weight older or more positive ones, or suppress specific comments… As a result, issues that are serious, but relatively rare (for example, a small number of reports of illness or a one-off incident), may not be identified as a dominant theme, even though they are clearly important to the travellers who experienced them. Conversely, things that come up in a large share of reviews (for example, “great location”, “busy pool”) tend to appear prominently in summaries.’ 

This suggests that phrases like ‘I was hospitalised’ or ‘I was followed to my room by a member of staff’ are treated with the same importance as ‘I had a relaxing stay’ by Tripadvisor. We asked Tripadvisor to confirm whether this was in fact the case. It didn’t clarify, but told us its systems ‘automatically suppress AI summaries for listings that feature warnings from travellers about serious safety incidents such as death, drugging or sexual assault’. 

What Tripadvisor says about the UK’s worst hotel chain 

Other sites, like Google, manage context in their AI summaries far better. Google’s overview for Riu Palace Santa Maria warns about ‘potential for illness’, and when we checked again with the location name ‘Sal’, it flagged recent hygiene, ‘outbreaks of illness (shigella/parasites)’ and ‘concerns over birds in the buffet areas’. 

It accurately shared that the hotel was ‘frequently rated as one of the worst hotel chains in the UK’ and further highlighted guest reviews of ‘filthy’ conditions and ‘horrendous’ service, ‘though some find it acceptable for very cheap prices’. Tripadvisor’s own summary of the same hotel said guests ‘often praise the clean rooms’ and described the atmosphere as ‘charming’. 

Any negative comments were mild — mentions of ‘dated’ decor and ‘inconsistent’ service. And when we asked Ollie, the AI chatbot Trip Planner, for more information, at times it seemed to confuse the Britannia with another hotel, before telling us, ‘it’s generally clean, and most guests describe rooms as spotless/fresh’. 

One thing is certain – Tripadvisor’s roll-out of some AI tools has made it money. Head of data and AI, Rahul Todkar, said that ‘users engaging with our AI-powered features, like trip planning, are showing two to three times more revenue’. Tripadvisor has since clarified that this revenue uplift was only through a separate itinerary planning tool ‘during its beta testing phase’, and that it has ‘no connection to content integrity’. 

But the point remains, AI tools, no matter how lucrative, should only be rolled out when they’re truly safe to use – and Tripadvisor’s aren’t.