tourist visa to london from lebanon

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UK Visa Application Centre in Beirut

Our Visa Application Centre is open for new appointments .

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Our Visa Application Centre is open for new appointments.

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Find out all mandatory steps to apply for a UKVI visa.

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TLScontact by your side. You might have some questions as you go through the visa process. You will find below some useful information and links to help you.

WHEN YOU TRAVEL, ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN. WHEN IT DOES, WE'LL BE THERE.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Our Visa Application Centre in Beirut is open for new visa applications. To know which days and times our centre is open, please check our Address page . Reminder: Visit visas paused for issue in red list locations Under the Traffic Light System rules, UK Visas and Immigration will continue to pause the issuing of Visit visas for travellers coming to England from red list countries. If you apply for a Visit visa from a red list location and you meet the Immigration Rules, your application will be paused. You will not receive your Visit visa whilst red list travel restrictions remain in place. Visas will continue to be issued in red list countries for work, study and settlement however they will be subject to quarantine requirements . You can apply for these visa routes in the usual way. More information can be found on GOV.UK . Separate guidance is available for travellers entering Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland . If your 30 day or 90 day visa to work, study or join family in the UK has expired , please consult the gov.uk website for more information. For information on current UKVI processing times, please click here . If you select our Courier Return service, please be advised that delivery of your documents could take longer than usual, due to extended transit times for our courier partners as a result of COVID-19. COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS IN PLACE AT OUR CENTRE In order to comply with local Covid-19 health and safety regulations, you may be required to provide a body temperature reading, wear a mask and respect social distancing guidelines to enter our centre. Where local regulations apply, you may also be required to provide evidence of Covid-19 test results or vaccination status. All customers must have a pre-booked appointment in order to attend the Visa Application Centre. Coronavirus (COVID-19) and entering or returning to the UK: Customers wishing to make an application for a UK visa need to check and comply with UK border control measures and should also consider the impact of local restrictions due to COVID-19 in the area they intend to travel to. Restrictions may change at short notice and details are available online for England , Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland . Anyone entering or returning to the UK must adhere to border health measures and all local restriction measures. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Update to Settlement Visa Application Process. Click here for more details.

For your protection, please note that legitimate TLScontact employees will not ask you to make payment via telephone. All payments related to TLScontact services should be made directly via our website or at our visa application centre .

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UK Standard Visitor Visa for Lebanese Citizens

Planning a trip from Lebanon to the grandeur of the United Kingdom? The UK Standard Visitor Visa is your ticket to exploring London's iconic landmarks, the historical allure of Belfast, and Scotland's scenic highlands.

At iVisa, we've made applying for the UK Standard Visitor Visa a seamless and straightforward process. Our innovative platform and mobile app are designed specifically for ambitious explorers like you.

With our expertly curated guide and committed support, the magic of the UK is closer than you think. Get ready to set sail on an unforgettable British voyage!

Do Lebanese need a UK Visa?

Yes, Lebanese citizens must obtain a valid visa to travel to the United Kingdom. For tourism, business, or short-term studies, citizens of Lebanon will need a UK Standard Visitor Visa.

The Standard Visitor Visa allows individuals outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland to travel to the United Kingdom temporarily. It’s usually valid for up to six months. Learn more about this multiple-entry visa here .

How to get a UK Visa from Lebanon with us?

Get your UK visit visa in Lebanon using our simplified online UK visa application process. Simply follow these steps:

Step 1: Provide your personal and travel information on our online application form or through our user-friendly app . Double-check that all information is accurate.

Step 2: Pay our iVisa service fee and the government visa fee using a debit card, credit card, or PayPal. Please note that you must upload a picture of the physical credit card to complete the application.

Step 3: Complete the remaining sections of our simplified application form following our instructions and upload a scanned copy of your valid passport and a photo before submitting the information for expert review. We will arrange the interview appointment on your behalf at the British Embassy or Visa Application Center (VAC). You'll receive a step-by-step manual providing instructions and a list of supporting documents to prepare for your visa interview.

Step 4: Attend the interview at the Embassy or desired appointment location. Remember to bring all the required documents, including the completed visa application form.

Need more information?

Have more questions about UK visas, visa types, or other visa details for Lebanese passport holders? Contact our customer service team via our [online chat] or email us at [email protected] for further information.

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• How to apply (passport collection)

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

How to create your tlscontact account and book an appointment.

Read the different steps below to correctly submit your visa application at the TLScontact centre.

Want help scanning and uploading your documents?

Want to make sure that your documents have been scanned and uploaded correctly? No time to do this yourself? Get our staff to do this for you when you come to our Visa Application Centre for your appointment.

STEP 1: Register on the GOV.UK website

• •  Find out what type of visa to apply for and the documents you will need to prepare;
• •  Fill out an online application form, pay the visa fee and book your appointment at a Visa Application Centre;
• •  Receive a unique GWF Number.

STEP 2: Choose from our optional services and book an appointment

• •  Easy check-in when attending your appointment at the Visa Application Centre;
• •  A more convenient application experience, through our optional Added Value Services;
• •  Enabling your application status tracker.

STEP 3: Attend your appointment at TLScontact

• •  A printed copy of your appointment confirmation email;
• •  A printed receipt of payment for any Added Value Services (if applicable);
• •  A valid passport or travel document and residence permit (both original and copy) in A4 format (if applicable);
• •  Any supporting documents which you intend to supply (as well as copies of all originals in A4 format);
• •  A printed copy of your checklist form.
• •  A printed copy of your checklist form .
• •  Accept your application and documentation;
• •  Take your fingerprints and photograph to enrol your biometric data (unless you benefit from an exemption);
• •  Transfer your application to UK Visas and Immigration for assessment and processing.
• Escorting a minor, assisting an elderly person or someone with a disability or learning difficulty;
• Non-applicants will be required to submit contact details, ID and declare their connection to the visa applicant.
• •  Documents must not be stapled;
• •  Only A4 colored photocopied documents are accepted;
• •  Do not submit originals or valuable documents, as these WILL NOT BE RETURNED.

STEP 4: Passport collection

We will send you an email notification when your passport has been returned to us and is ready for collection from our Visa Application Centre. Do not visit the Visa Application Centre until you have received an email notification from TLScontact that your passport is ready for collection. Please note that if you applied as part of a family group, decisions are made separately, and each person will be notified individually when their passport is ready for collection.

If you have applied through a third party, such as an agency or a solicitor, and used their email address on the visa application form, email notifications will go to this address. Please check with the third party if they received a notification about the passport being ready for collection. Do not visit the Visa Application Centre until you have received this email.

Important Information: For any details regarding passport delivery and alternative passport delivery options, please take a look at the Help section of this website.

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Visas and entry conditions in Lebanon

Beirut Airport

Lebanon Tourist Visa

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Traveling to Lebanon

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Known as the Paris of the Middle East, Lebanon is popular with travelers for its beautiful nature, rich culture and heritage, pleasant climate, fun nightlife, and Mediterranean beaches and cuisine.

Foreign nationals from the following countries are required to apply for a Lebanon visa, before traveling to Lebanon:

Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Congo, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, North Korea, Pakistan, Palau, Palestinian Territories, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uruguay, Vatican City, Vietnam, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The Lebanese visa-on-arrival is valid for 30 days, extendable for up to three months. Lebanon sticker visas are issued as either a single, double, or multiple entry, valid for 90 days from the date of issue, allowing a 15-day, 1-month, 3-month, or 6-month stay from the date of entry into Lebanon, depending on the purpose of your trip in Lebanon.

Lebanon Tourist Visa Requirements

Foreign nationals traveling to Lebanon for tourism, business, personal visits, or other short-term purposes, should apply for a Lebanon short-term visa by meeting the following requirements:

A passport valid for at least 6 months, with one copy of the passport biometric page. Please note that travel documents are not accepted or passports stamped with Israeli visas or seals.

One recent, standard passport photo

A completed Lebanon visa application form.

Hotel reservation, residential address, or proof of lodging.

An airplane ticket proving departure from Lebanon.

Proof of financial means during stay in Lebanon, such as bank statements or salary slips.

A document highlighting the applicant’s profession or occupation.

A residency permit, valid for 6 months, if the applicant lives in a foreign country.

Certain foreign nationals may be required to provide additional requirements, in addition to the basic requirements listed above. Depending on the applicant’s travel purpose, status, and nationality, such requirements may include pre-authorization from the General Security of Lebanon, an invitation letter, a marriage or birth certificate, or other forms of documentation. Please note that documents should be submitted in English, Arabic, or French.

Foreign nationals applying for a Lebanon tourist visa should follow these steps:

Fill out a Lebanon application form with your personal details and other requested information.

• Submit the Lebanon visa application form and all required documents at your nearest Lebanon embassy, consulate, or foreign mission abroad. Some Lebanese embassies and foreign offices accept applications by courier. • Pay the Lebanon visa application fees. If applying through the mail, note that payment through checks is not permitted.

• Collect approved Lebanon visa from the Lebanon embassy, consulate, or representation office where you applied, or receive the visa in the mail if applied by courier. • Verify all visa information is correct and matches your passport.

The application fee for the Lebanon tourist visa varies, depending on the particular Lebanese embassy, consulate, or foreign office where you are applying.

Unless eligible to obtain a visa-on-arrival at a Lebanese port of entry, all foreign nationals are required to apply at their nearest Lebanon embassy, consulate, or foreign mission abroad, or by courier if the Lebanese foreign mission permits.

Processing times for Lebanon visas take several days to weeks, and you are advised to start your Lebanon application at least 2 months before traveling to Lebanon. Foreign citizens required to have a pre-approved authorization from the Lebanon General Security should be aware that authorizations can take 6-8 weeks to be processed.

Approved Lebanon visas can be collected from the Lebanese embassy, consulate, or representation office where you applied, or received by mail if the visa application was done through courier. You should always review the visa and make sure all information is correct and matches your passport details.

Visas acquired upon arrival can be extended for a maximum period of 3 months.

Citizens of the GCC and Jordan can travel to Lebanon visa-free. Foreign nationals from over 80+ countries can travel to Lebanon and obtain a visa-on-arrival at Lebanon ports of entry. All other foreign nationals are required to apply for a Lebanon visa, prior to traveling to Lebanon.

Lebanon tourist visa fees vary depending on the Lebanese embassy, consulate, or representation office where you are applying. You are advised to check with your nearest Lebanon foreign office for their particular visa application conditions.

No, if you wish to travel to Lebanon for employment purposes, you must apply for pre-authorization with the Lebanon General Directorate of General Security and Lebanese Ministry of Labor, and then apply for a Lebanon work visa.

Check if you need a visa for your next destination

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

 Areas where FCDO advises against travel

FCDO  continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon. If you are currently in Lebanon, we encourage you to leave, while commercial options remain available.

For further information on why we advise against travel, see Conflict affecting Lebanon and  Regional risks.

See  safety and security  and  regional risks  for information on known security risks in Lebanon and advice on how to keep yourself safe. You should sign up to  get email notifications  when this travel advice is updated.

Conflict affecting Lebanon

FCDO  advises against all travel to Lebanon due to risks associated with the ongoing conflict between Israel, Lebanese Hizballah and other non-state actors in Lebanon. There are ongoing mortar and artillery exchanges and airstrikes in Lebanon, primarily on the boundary with Israel but also in parts of the Beqaa Valley and some other locations north of the Litani river. The Washington Institute’ provides an online map  which may be helpful to understand recently affected areas.

Following the start of the conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, large protests took place in major cities and near the British and other Western embassies. Further protests cannot be ruled out. Exercise caution and avoid demonstrations.

Tensions are high and events could escalate with little warning, which could affect or limit exit routes out of Lebanon. In the event of deterioration in the political or security situation, commercial routes out of Lebanon could be severely disrupted or cancelled at short notice, and roads across the country could be closed. The British embassy may be increasingly limited in the assistance that it can provide. If you are currently in Lebanon, we encourage you to leave.

Do not rely on  FCDO  being able to evacuate you in an emergency.

You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government. This may include the ability to leave quickly or to shelter in place if you judge it necessary and safe to do so.

Read  FCDO  advice on what to do  if you’re affected by a crisis abroad  and how to prepare.

Help and support in Lebanon

You can contact the emergency services by calling 112.

If you need urgent help (for example, you’ve been attacked, arrested or someone has died), call +961 (0)1 960 800.

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

If you’re in Lebanon and you need advice which is not covered by reading our travel advice, you can contact FCDO online .

While 24-hour consular assistance is available by phone or online, in-person consular support is severely limited outside of Beirut.  

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out  more about  FCDO  travel advice .

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Money blog: Financial shock for Microsoft and Crowdstrike after outages - as markets give clear reaction to IT chaos

Welcome to the Money blog, your place for personal finance and consumer news and tips. Leave a comment with your thoughts below.

Friday 19 July 2024 10:07, UK

• New mortgage deal allows friends, parents and even aunties or uncles to help you get loan
• Wagamama launches its first ever loyalty scheme
• Jaguar to only make one combustion engine car by end of year

Essential reads

• Margarine v butter - which is healthier?
• Women in Business: 'I set up business with £200 and went on Dragons' Den - now it's worth £1.5m'
• Basically... What happens when you go bankrupt?
• Money Problem : 'A £16 phone bill debt has put a default on my credit record and now I can't get a mortgage - what can I do?'

Ask a question or make a comment

By  Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

With the London Stock Exchange Group impacted by the global IT outage, the usual market data is not available to bring a comprehensive update to readers.

But the financial market reaction is clear: share prices are down across the board as the impact of system failures rips through businesses across the world.

Major stock market indexes - which give a picture of company performances on a particular stock exchange - are down as airlines, train companies, banks, tech firms and media businesses are hit.

Across Europe, the French CAC 40, German DAX, Spanish IBEX, and Swiss SMI are all down. All of the British FTSE (Financial Times Stock Exchange) indexes are down more than 0.5%.

As for the companies reported to be at the heart of the outage, their value has understandably dropped. 

The company which is understood to have launched an anti-virus update which sparked the outage - Crowdstrike - saw its share price fall 12.55%. 

Microsoft, whose cloud computing system Azure is also reported to be a source of global glitches, has seen its share price drop 1.9%.

At present, the usual regulatory news service from the London Stock Exchange where companies publish financial results and boardroom movements are not available.

By Ian King, Sky News business presenter

The London Stock Exchange is among the businesses that have been affected by the global outage of IT systems around the world.

Sky News has been told trading on the London Stock Exchange continues to operate as normal and has not suffered an outage. 

However, a statement posted on the exchange’s website early this morning said that a technical issue was being investigated with the publication of RNS – the exchange’s Regulatory News Service – announcements.

It said: "RNS news service is currently experiencing a 3rd party global technical issue, preventing news from being published on www.londonstockexchange.com . Technical teams are working to restore the service. Other services across the Group, including London Stock Exchange, continue to operate as normal."

It was also reported that Workspace, the news and data platform owned by the exchange’s parent LSEG, had also suffered an outage that has affected user access worldwide. The outage first struck when Asian markets were open overnight and prevented news from being published on the platform.

When trading began at 0800, the exchange’s website was still showing prices from the close on Thursday evening and continues to do so.

The FTSE-100 opened 50 points lower – around 0.62% - at the open but no prices were available on the exchange’s website.

Other major European stock indices have also opened to the downside this morning, with the DAX in Germany down by 0.55% half an hour into the session, while the CAC-40 in France and the MIB in Italy down by 0.45% apiece.

Follow the latest in our dedicated live blog on the IT outages...

Superdry will become "so much more relevant" and cool again, the clothing chain's founder has said.

Julian Dunkerton told The Telegraph that the fashion retailer, whose presence on the London Stock Exchange came to an end this week after 15 years, will undergo a "reinvention" in the next few months.

He said he was determined to depart from the store's "dad image" and target more Gen Z shoppers after posting losses of £25m. 

The millionaire boss, who established Superdry in 2003, told newspaper: "I genuinely think this is one of the turnaround moments for any brand.

"We grew so quickly and we were so popular that we were bound to be knocked off our perch a bit. There was only so much of that certain stuff we could sell."

As part of the reinvention, Superdry has slashed its clothing range from 4,000 items a season to 1,600. 

It will also move away from the persistence of Japanese influences in some designs.

Mr Dunkerton said his wife Jade Holland Cooper, who is a fashion designer, has also been drafted in to help him with photography and styling.

"It's lucky being married to a woman who has got skills which I patently haven't got," he added.

It can be hard to balance the demands of eating well without spending a lot. In this series every Friday, we examine everyday supermarket products to help you make informed decisions.

Sunna Van Kampen , founder of Tonic Health, who went viral on social media for reviewing food in the search of healthier choices, and dietician  Nichola Ludlam-Raine from nicsnutrition.com  offer their expertise.

This week they're looking at butter v margarine - and, in an illustration that this one might be hard to answer definitively, the expert dietician has a different take to Sunna...

Sunna's view - The right choice

Butter has been a staple in kitchens for centuries. 

"Made from churned cream, it boasts a natural profile that's hard to beat [compared with margarine]," Sunna says.

Given it's a traditional food that is made simply by churning milk, butter is also a minimally processed food. 

Here's where, according to Sunna, butter is good for you... 

• Nutrient-rich - Butter contains essential vitamins like A, D, E, and K, which are fat-soluble and crucial for various body functions.
• No additives - Unlike margarine, butter is free from artificial additives, preservatives, making it a cleaner choice.
• Fats - Butter is rich in saturated fats, which Sunna feels have been unfairly demonised in the past. He points to a  recent study  that tracked 4,150 Swedish 60-year-olds for more than 16 years and found those with the highest intakes of dairy actually had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease than those with low intakes. Sunna says the problems arise when the fats are combined with sugars and low-fibre flours, such as in pies and biscuits. But many dieticians disagree...

Nichola's view - Moderation is key

"There is an overwhelming amount of evidence to support the replacement of saturated fat with unsaturated fat when it comes to health and preventing cardiovascular disease. 

"Unsaturated is fat is predominately found in oily fish as well as plants – from olive oil to nuts, seeds, and avocados too."

Nichola does seems to agree some saturated fats are better than others - but she doesn't include butter in this category.

"The saturated fat found in dairy (including milk, cheese and yoghurt) does seem to act differently - and are better choices for heart health - in the body in comparison with the saturated fat found in butter and foods made from butter including biscuits, pies and pastries. 

"This is down to differences on a molecular level regarding how the fat is 'bound' or encapsulated."

Nichola goes on: "On the whole I wouldn't advise anyone have large amounts of butter, or coconut oil for that matter (another product high in saturated fat), especially as most of the time it may be accompanied with refined carbohydrates, such as white bread. 

"Moderation is key. For butter lovers, though, my advice is simple – use conservatively (on wholemeal bread!)."

Cost - More expensive

A 250g block of unsalted butter costs around £2.50.

It's typically between £9.80-£10.40/kg at major supermarkets.

Sunna's view - Too processed

Margarine was invented in 1869 France in response to Napoleon III's call for a cheap alternative to butter for French workers.

"Today, it's made from vegetable oils and often has added ingredients that makes this an ultra-processed food," Sunna says. 

"Often marketed as 'healthy', they typically combine different seed oils that undergo a process to solidify the oil. 

"It's this process that used to create 'trans-fats' which are now known to be as harmful. 

"Now, margarines today don't contain trans fats - but they do contain seed oils which are highly processed and also contain emulsifiers to improve their spreadability and colourings to mimic the appearance of butter."

Nichola's view - Often recommended if made from olive or rapeseed oil

"Spreads in the UK became healthier in the 1980s when the processes of hydrogenation was stopped, thus preventing the formation of trans fats. 

"I often recommend spreads made with olive oil or rapeseed oil to help increase the proportion of preferred fats in the diet, despite the small amounts of additives, which moderation are nothing to worry about in this context."

Cost - Cheaper

Margarine is typically slightly cheaper than butter, with prices at around £2.50 per 450g tub, ranging from £5.56-£9.38/kg.

An alternative (that's also vegan) 

"One thing I always recommend for our vegan friends is do as the Italians do - olive oil on toast is a fantastic option," Sunna recommends. 

"It's the healthiest oil going and tastes amazing once you get used to the drizzle instead of spread."

It's rich in monounsaturated fats, which are great for heart health, and contains polyphenols and antioxidants that help fight inflammation.

Olive oil is a good source of vitamins E and K, which support skin health and bone strength.

However, it is more pricey - at around £5 per 250ml bottle, but Sunna says "the health benefits make it worth every penny".

The expert dietician is clear that butter should only be eaten in moderation despite the argument put forward by Sunna about various health benefits.

And she sometimes recommends margarine as long as it is made from olive or rapeseed oils - but Sunna urges you to consider the additives.

Read more from this series... 

Jaguar will only have one combustion engine car in production by the end of the year, according to reports. 

The luxury brand has previously announced that it would switch to making electric-only models by 2025. 

The company stopped making its XE, XF and F-Type cars at Castle Bromwich in May. 

The Telegraph reported the hybrid E-Pace in Austria and the electric I-Pace will stop being produced by the end of December.

The move will only leave the petrol, diesel and hybrid F-Pace SUV in production at Solihull, it added. 

Adrian Mardell, chief executive of parent company Jaguar Land Rover, said the other cars would be "eliminated" at a recent investor day. 

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) said in a statement: "As JLR transitions to its electric future, current Jaguar production at our Castle Bromwich site came to an end in May 2024 while I-PACE and E-PACE in partnership with Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, will come to an end in December 2024.  

"Jaguar will begin an exciting new era as a pure-electric luxury brand with vehicle production commencing at our Solihull facility from 2025."

Every Friday we take an overview of the mortgage market, speaking to those in the industry before getting a round-up of the best rates courtesy of the independent experts at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk . 

We could have started this week's look at mortgages with the changing forecasts for interest rate cuts - and we will get to that, but another interesting development in the market came from Gen H.

The lender announced it would start allowing friends to act as income boosters for mortgages up to 80% loan-to-value, while extending immediate family to include nieces and nephews up to 95% LTV.

It's aimed at helping people struggling to get on the housing ladder.

Stephen Perkins, MD at Yellow Brick Mortgages, welcomed the innovation - but there was a note of caution.

"The friends or family members in question need to go in eyes wide open," he told Newspage. "Having your income used to assist a friend's mortgage could have a potential impact on your own credit file and personal borrowing potential in the future."

At the top we alluded to changing interest rate forecasts - this followed higher-than-expected services inflation for June, as revealed by the ONS on Wednesday.

Prior to the data dump, the chances of a base rate cut at the Bank of England's next six-weekly meeting on 1 August was 50/50, according to markets.

This fell back to 64/36 - in favour of a hold - but as of Thursday afternoon, following new data on wage growth falling back, the market forecast was 56/44 in favour of a hold at 5.25%.

For now, the average rates being offered on the high street (bear in mind many people will be able to get better deals than this) are...

We asked Moneyfacts to hone in on house purchase rates this week (as opposed to home movers or first-time buyers).

Spokesperson  Caitlyn Eastell said: " House purchase customers will find the lowest two-year fixed rate for those at 60% loan-to-value this week comes from Barclays Mortgage, priced at 4.52%. 

"Those looking to fix for longer will find the lowest five-year fixed house purchase deal at 60% loan-to-value also comes from Barclays Mortgage. The deal is priced at 4.09%."

Moneyfacts also looks at what it calls "best buys" - which considers not just the rate, but other costs and incentives. These are their top picks this week...

Wagamama is the latest high street restaurant chain to launch a loyalty scheme offering people free dishes and exclusive content.

Customers will be able to collect stamps through the Soul Club app every time they visit and spend at least £12.

Once users have collected three stamps they can claim a free side, while six will unlock a main meal. People who "level up" on the app will also earn access to more rewards such as exclusive experiences and the chance to win a monthly merchandise drop.

The stamps, inspired by the Japanese tradition of hanko stamps, are collected in a digital book.

Kay Bartlett, chief marketing officer at Wagamama, told Restaurant Online that the loyalty programme was an opportunity to thank customers "through Wagamama's ultimate love language, food".

Other high street brands offering loyalty schemes

Wagamama is not the first brand to offer its customers complimentary dishes and exclusive deals, with several big-name high street chains already launching similar loyalty programmes.

Pizza Express 's loyalty app gives customers a free treat on every visit, ranging from a free side, doughballs or a Romana pizza upgrade, depending on the level reached (bronze, silver or gold).

For fans of Zizzi , their "Zillionare's Club" programme allows customers to earn points which they can eventually swap for perks such as free food and drinks, as long as they spend at least £10.

Meanwhile, coffee lovers signed up to Pret a Mange r's Club Pret scheme get up to five hot or iced drinks a day as well as 20% off the rest of the menu for £30 a month - but this will be changing later this year. 

From 3 September, Club Pret subscribers will instead pay £5 a month for 50% off five barista-made drinks a day - with this cost increasing to £10 a month from March 2025. 

Asian-influenced chain Itsu  also recently launched its "Butterfly" scheme, which similarly to Wagamama, sees customers collect butterfly stamps with each visit through its app. Users are offered a free snack, zen'water and meal with their third, fifth and seventh butterflies respectively.

Costa , Caffe Nero , Nando's and Subway also offer their own food and drink reward schemes.

An increasing number of police officers in one of the country's biggest forces are said to be looking for second jobs due to rising living costs.

Sue Murphy, head of vetting and security at Thames Valley Police, said in a report that more staff and officers were looking for a second income "due to the high cost of living and high cost of housing" in the region.

According to the Bucks Free Press , the report said officers used to engage in "'hobby' type roles" - but some were now needing to generate further income to support their families.

Police officers are allowed to take on additional jobs outside their regular work if their force approves it.

According to Ms Murphy's report, Thames Valley Police is "carefully monitoring" the situation in the force, where there has been "continuous turnover of staff" and the risk of an "exhausted workforce" due to staff opting to work longer hours.

Sky News has contacted Thames Valley Police for comment.

NatWest and TSB have become the latest major lenders to announce a range of mortgage rate cuts. 

NatWest will reduce five-year purchase deals by up to 0.23% from tomorrow.

Two-year purchase deals will also decrease by up to 0.14%. 

Remortgage offers will fall by up to 0.18% and first-time buyer deals will be cut by up to 0.14%. 

TSB has said it will reduce rates on two-year fixed first-time buyer and home mover deals by up to 0.1%, and two-year fixed remortgage offers by up to 0.15%. 

The cuts come despite markets now pricing in a less than 50% chance of a Bank of England base rate cut in August - following yesterday's higher-than-expected inflation data.

Hannah Bashford, director at Model Financial Solutions, said the rate changes were "symbolic given the inflation data". 

"The war of rates is still raging. Hopefully the competition between banks and a tussle to be at the top and win business for the second half of the year will mean rates continue to fall throughout the summer," she told Newspage. 

Earlier this week, Virgin Money, Accord Mortgages, The Mortgage Works and Co-op Bank all dropped their rates as they started looking ahead to the Bank of England's interest rate decision in August. 

Carpetright's biggest rival has moved closer to buying its troubled competitor. 

Tapi, which was set up by the family who founded Carpetright, has placed a formal bid to purchase the brand name and a number of stores. 

If approved, the deal could save hundreds of stores and jobs. 

Carpetright put itself up for sale last week, appointing PwC as an administrator. 

It currently trades from more than 270 stores across the UK.

Sky News has contacted Tapi and Carpetright for comment. 

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