Convenience costs Brits �536 annually

THE average Brit believes they could save �536 a year if they sought savings over convenience; with the search for an easier life costing the nation �35 billion annually.

The survey from Money.co.uk savings accounts reveals the impact of opting for quick fixes on personal finances, with 35% of people saying they are now overly reliant on services that offer convenience over savings.

When asked how much money Brits think they could save monthly if they didn't do things out of convenience, the average amount totalled �44.72; giving the annual figure of �536. However, this figure rises significantly when shop bought lunches, takeaways, taxi journeys and menial household chores are accounted for, resulting in an additional �2,500 potentially saved.

The cost of living crisis has impacted people's attitude towards spending, with 55% of the UK now looking to cut down on convenience costs, with:- Belfast (61%), Birmingham (60%) and Edinburgh (60%) feeling the pinch the hardest.

64% of Brits now subscribe to premium versions of everyday services, such as:- Amazon Prime and Uber One, and 26% subscribe to recipe box delivery services; with 46% of the latter now saying they spend more on food as a result. Similarly:- 27% of Brits pay extra for next day delivery, with this figure rising to:- 34% for Gen Z.

Household tasks such as:- DIY, gardening and laundry, are costing Brits up to:- �62.03 a month; �744.36 per year. Other costs incurred include:- �254 on taxis and public transport and �381 spent on takeaways annually.

Lucinda O 'Brien, expert at:- Money.Co.UK Savings Accounts, said:- "Our research into the spending and savings habits reveals how adults in the UK, in the search for convenience, are spending significantly more than those who are willing to wait. While spending on convenience certainly isn't wrong, it is important to understand the impact this has on your monthly budget and your ability to save. According to our study, the average Brit could save more than �5,000 a year if they were to cut down on short taxi trips, takeaways and next day delivery services. This spending could otherwise be put in a savings account to earn extra money and used as a buffer against the continuing rising cost of living crisis."

Regionally, those in Plymouth declared they spend the most on making life more convenient, with the South Coast City spending more than:- �60 per month and �720 per year for the pleasure; �184 more than the UK average.

At the opposite end of the scale, those living in the Welsh capital Cardiff are more likely to prioritise finances over convenience; spending just:- �27 on convenience purchases each month, and �324 per year, spending:- �212 less per year than the average UK adult.

Independent Chair sought for Liverpool Safeguarding Children Partnership

THE search is on for an Independent Chair for Liverpool Safeguarding Children Partnership. The position will be a key role in ensuring that local multi agency safeguarding arrangements for young people operate effectively.

Liverpool Safeguarding Children Partnership said:- "We are looking far and wide to find the best candidate and would appreciate your assistance in sharing details of this role with your channels and networks. The appointed person will also provide assurance and scrutiny that all relevant organisations and agencies co-operate to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children and young people in Liverpool and they will review serious child safeguarding cases. The aim of the role is to ensure scrutiny is objective, acts as a constructive critical friend and promotes reflection to drive continuous improvement. The creation of the role follows a review to strengthen the approach to child safeguarding by moving to a best practice model. Currently, the role of Chair alternates between the 3 lead agencies:- Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police and the NHS. The Chair will be expected to work between:- 40 to 50 days per year for a period of up to 4 years, with costs shared among the lead agencies."

Cabinet Member for Liverpool City Council's Children's Social Services, Cllr Liz Parsons, said:- "This is a really important role and is designed to make sure our child safeguarding arrangements are as effective as they possibly can be. A huge amount of effort goes into keeping young people in Liverpool safe, but continuous learning to improve the practice, working and sharing of information between different organisations is absolutely vital. We want to recruit an exceptional individual with extensive knowledge and experience in safeguarding, who will have the skills to act as a critical friend to the organisations involved in safeguarding our young people."

Applications can be made at:- Liverpool.Gov.UK.

Marriage Allowance... Find out if you could be better off in just 30 seconds

COUPLES who are married or in a civil partnership are being urged by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to spend just 30 seconds to see if they can claim Marriage Allowance and boost their finances by up to �252 a year.

By using HMRC's online Marriage Allowance calculator during Talk Money Week, couples can find out instantly if they are eligible. Couples who may be unaware that they could claim include:- those where 1 partner is working and the other has income less than their personal allowance of �12,570, including those who:-

Have retired.
Have given up work to care for children or elderly relatives.
Are unable to work because of long term health conditions.
Have a part time job.
Have a low paid job.

It is quick and easy to claim Marriage Allowance for free via GOV.UK. Applying directly on GOV.UK means couples will receive 100% of the tax relief due.

Angela MacDonald, HMRC's Deputy Chief Executive and Second Permanent Secretary, said:- "The Marriage Allowance calculator helps couples to find out in seconds how much they stand to benefit. Check today and claim right away. It's a quick and easy process that's worth up to �252 a year. Search:- 'Marriage Allowance' on GOV.UK for more information."

With around 68% of people in their 60s married or in Civil Partnerships, many people in this age group may not realise they can claim Marriage Allowance if they have retired and their partner is still working.

UK Men's Sheds, a charity which brings together retired men to meet at community workshops, is flagging this with their members.

Charlie Bethel, Chief Officer, UK Men's Sheds, said:- "If you have retired and your partner is still working, you may not realise that you could apply for Marriage Allowance. As a charity that brings retired men together, we are urging our members throughout the UK to invest the 30 seconds of time it takes to find out if they can claim."

Marriage Allowance saves couples money by allowing the lower or non-earner to reduce the amount of tax their partner pays. Most people have a Personal Allowance, normally �12,570; the amount of income they do not have to pay tax on. Marriage Allowance lets the lower earner transfer �1,260 of their Personal Allowance to their husband, wife or civil partner.

This can reduce their tax by up to �252 annually. If eligible, couples can also backdate their claim for the previous 4 tax years and receive a lump-sum payment worth more than �1,000.

To benefit from the tax relief, 1 partner must have income less than �12,570 and the higher earning partner's income must be between:- �12,571 and �50,270 (�43,662 in Scotland). HMRC has produced a YouTube video to explain who is eligible and how to apply.