http://www.financialadvice.co.ukFree answers to your financial questions in under 60 mins from a qualified financial adviser. Get financial advice and help with Pensions, Mortgages, Debt, Savings, Investments, Insurance and more.en-usCopyright (C) 2013 financialAdvice.co.ukNationwide has announced that they will be increasing that age limit for paying off a mortgage to 85 years old, as of July. The changes will mean that somebody aged 65 years old could take out a 25-year mortgage, as long as they can demonstrate that they would be able to afford the repayments.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20160509/nationwide-to-raise-mortgage-age-limit-to-85-years.htmlMon, 09 May 2016 11:35:50 -0700New research has revealed that fraudsters are impersonating homeowners who have recently died to steal money in mortgage transactions. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20160506/fraudsters-impersonating-recently-dead-homeowners-in-mortgage-scamsFri, 06 May 2016 14:54:20 -0700News: Growth in the United Kingdom construction sector fell to the lowest rate in nearly three years in Aprilhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20160504-uk-construction-activity-falls-to-three-year-low.htmlWed, 04 May 2016 11:45:13 -0700A think tank warns that the government's flagship benefit reform has serious design flaws and has gone off track due to cost-cutting.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20160428/resolution-foundation-accuses-universal-credit-of-veering-off-trackTue, 03 May 2016 15:28:40 -0700MPs have criticised the governments plans to extend the Right to Buy to Housing Association tenants.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20160429/mps-criticise-governments-right-to-buy-extension-planFri, 29 Apr 2016 10:23:51 -0700The UK house price growth has slowed down this April, according to Nationwide Building Society. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20160428/UK-house-prices-growth-slowed-down-during-AprilThu, 28 Apr 2016 10:34:16 -0700Over 230,000 people have withdrawn money from their retirement savings, since pension freedoms were introduced a year ago.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20160427/over-230000-withdraw-money-from-pensions.htmlWed, 27 Apr 2016 14:04:34 -0700News | Energy industry regulator has today announced its results of a recent investigation into Scottish Power, which found the firm�s billing, complaint resolution and call handling at inadequate levels. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20160426/Ofgems-investigation-shows-how-Scottish-Power-failed-its-customersTue, 26 Apr 2016 09:33:30 -0700A study has found that fathers out-earn childless men by more than a fifth, whilst the effect is reversed for mothers. The study was commissioned by think tank IPPR for the Trade Union Centre (TUC), and was based on 17,000 people.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20160425/study-reveals-fathers-earn-21-pc-more-than-childless-men.htmlMon, 25 Apr 2016 10:52:06 -0700News | An estimation has been provided by the government that 30,000 people are expected to cash in their pension products when the changes begin.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20160422/risk-to-pensioners-who-choose-to-sell-their-annuities-FCAFri, 22 Apr 2016 10:33:45 -0700It has been reported that more than 5,000 people were conned by fraudsters last year into sending planned payments to false bank accounts.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20160421/victims-fooled-by-fraudsters-during-2015Thu, 21 Apr 2016 10:52:03 -0700UK high street sales have reported a decrease in sales during March compared to the previous year as online shopping proves to be a popular alternative during the recent cold snap.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20160418/high-street-sales-dip-as-the-retail-sector-struggles-with-the-recent-cold-weatherMon, 18 Apr 2016 10:39:09 -0700Uk gas and electricity wholesale prices have dropped to their lowest level which has created a demand for suppliers to cut bills by 10 http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20160403/fall-in-wholesale-energy-costs-creates-call-for-price-cuts.htmlWed, 13 Apr 2016 14:21:48 -0700Tesco has announced that it will offer customers who have valid Sainsbury�s Brand Match money-off vouchers a two month extension to the scheme which is due to end on 26th April.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20160412/tesco-offer-sainsburys-brand-match-customers.htmlTue, 12 Apr 2016 10:17:34 -0700House price growth in the UK could slow down due to the uncertainty of the EU referendum, according to the Halifax. The lender claimed that property prices in the UK have increased by 10.1% over the past 12 months, which means that the average residential property is now worth �214,811. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20160408/eu-vote-could-slow-house-price-growth.htmlFri, 08 Apr 2016 10:35:33 -0700Families could face �serious financial hardship� under new rules around overpaid tax credits, according to campaigners.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20160407/tax-credit-repayment-rate-could-cause-financial-hardship.htmlThu, 07 Apr 2016 14:48:14 -0700Mortgage rates for two and three year fixed rate loans have fallen to record lows in February, according to research by the Mortgage Advice Bureau.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20160404/fixed-rate-mortgag-rates-fall-record-low.htmlMon, 04 Apr 2016 13:15:06 -0700The Chancellor has been told to urgently establish an independent pensions review after confusion over the role of the Lifetime ISAhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20160331-lifetime-isa-government-urged-to-clear-muddy-waters.htmlThu, 31 Mar 2016 15:51:58 -0700News: The Bank of England will try to cool the UK housing market by introducing tougher borrowing standards for buy-to-let investorshttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20160329-landlords-to-face-tougher-affordability-tests-on-buy-to-let-purchases.htmlTue, 29 Mar 2016 15:57:04 -0700Energy bills could rise by more than �500 million by the 2020s if Britain left the EU on 23rd June, according to Amber Rudd, the UK�s energy secretary. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20160324/rudd-leaving-the-eu-could-push-up-bills.htmlThu, 24 Mar 2016 12:09:59 -0700Broadband users could be exempted from landline rental charges if they do not use the service, under new proposals which are to be put forward by the Culture minister.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20160322/landline-charges-could-be-scrapped-for-internet-users.htmlTue, 22 Mar 2016 16:59:25 -0700News: Household debt will continue to increase YOY according to OBR, until at least the end of the decade.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20160318-household-debt-set-to-increase-according-to-obr.htmlFri, 18 Mar 2016 14:08:18 -0700House price growth will slow down over the next three months as tax changes take effect, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20160314/house-price-growth-could-slow-down.htmlMon, 14 Mar 2016 11:46:51 -0700The number of workers on zero-hours contracts has increased to its highest ever level since figures were recorded, according to a report by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/-zero-hour-contracts-on-the-rise.htmlThu, 10 Mar 2016 15:43:29 -0800Up to 90 per cent of people are unaware of changes to the new personal savings allowance, despite it coming into effect in less than one month time.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20160307/most-people-unaware-of-the-new-personal-savings-allowance.htmlMon, 07 Mar 2016 12:13:00 -0800Up to 90 per cent of people are unaware of changes to the new personal savings allowance, despite it coming into effect in less than one month time.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20160307/most-people-unaware-of-the-new-personal-savings-allowance.htmlMon, 07 Mar 2016 12:12:24 -0800The government has been assured that pension freedoms will not result in customers being mis-sold financial products on the same scale as the Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) scandal.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/03032016/pension-reforms-will-not-result-in-ppi-scandal-fca-chief.htmlThu, 03 Mar 2016 11:38:03 -0800The eurozone slipped back into deflation in February, as new figures showed that consumer prices fell by 0.2%. The figures are a surprise, given that inflation increased by 0.3% in January. Additionally, this is the first fall in inflation since September.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20160229/eurozone-slips-back-into-deflation.htmlMon, 29 Feb 2016 17:01:31 -0800Big banks have too much control over the systems that allow customers to pay for things and should loosen their stranglehold on the market, according to the Payment Systems Regulator. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20160226/big-banks-too-much-control-over-customer-payments.htmlFri, 26 Feb 2016 14:03:16 -0800Claims management firms that specialise in payment protection insurance (PPI) claims took almost a quarter of consumer�s compensation, between April 2011 and November 2015.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/insurance/ppi-claims-management-firms-take-25-per-cent-pay-cuts.htmlWed, 24 Feb 2016 13:56:30 -0800Millions of people will be required to pay an increased fee when they die, if new proposals from the Ministry of Justice go ahead.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/tax/probate-fee-proposals-could-mean-milllions-pay-more-when-they-die.htmlMon, 22 Feb 2016 11:46:51 -0800First-time buyers will have already spent an average of �52,900 on rent before they move into their first house, with costs rising to �64,400 for those starting to rent nowhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20160212/first-time-buyers-spend-59000-on-rent.htmlFri, 12 Feb 2016 11:10:09 -0800Parents in their 50s may see their inheritances diminished as their older parents use their assets to assist grandchildren or pay for their own social care needs, according to a report from the Social Market Foundation (SMF). http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20160210/parents-in-their-50s-faced-with-diminishing-inheritances.htmlWed, 10 Feb 2016 11:21:07 -0800Cyber criminals are stealing money by hijacking peoples HMRC self assessment records. Fraudsters are using �phishing� techniques to gain personal information, such as taxpayers HMRC login details. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20160208/cyber-criminals-hijack-HMRC-self-assessment-records.htmlMon, 08 Feb 2016 11:39:55 -0800The new Help-to-Buy ISA has proved to be a success so far with roughly 250,000 people choosing to open an account since its launch on the 1st December. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20160205/250000-help-to-buy-ISAs-opened-since-december.htmlFri, 05 Feb 2016 10:44:44 -0800The introduction of Universal Credit (UC), which will combine six different types of benefits into one monthly payment, will leave working families worse off, according to the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS). http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20160203/universal-credit-to-leave-working-families-worse-off.htmlWed, 03 Feb 2016 10:32:47 -0800The number of people declaring insolvency reached its lowest point in 10 years in 2015, according to official figures from the Insolvency Service. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20160201/personal-insolvencies-fall-to-10-year-low.htmlMon, 01 Feb 2016 10:45:30 -0800Another energy supplier has announced that it will be cutting gas prices in the wake of falling wholesale costs.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20160129/sse-to-cut-gas-prices.htmlFri, 29 Jan 2016 11:09:11 -0800The Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB) has released figures showing that the average house purchase deposit rose to over �80,000 in December. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20160127/average-house-purchase-deposit-hits-over-80000.htmlWed, 27 Jan 2016 11:10:34 -0800Rent prices in England and Wales increased by 3.4% over 2015, according to figures from estate agents Your Move and Reeds Rain. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20160125/rent-prices-increase-3-4.htmlMon, 25 Jan 2016 10:54:45 -0800The number of people switching bank accounts fell by 10% last year, despite high profile campaigns aimed at encouraging people to switch. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150122/current-account-switches-fell-by-10-in-2015.htmlFri, 22 Jan 2016 10:41:48 -0800Energy provider E.On has announced a 5.1% reduction in their gas prices, making them the first of the UK�s big six energy suppliers to cut prices after increased pressure from Ofgem, politicians and campaign groups. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20160120/eon-to-cut-gas-prices-by-5-1.htmlWed, 20 Jan 2016 10:49:42 -0800The new state pension, which from April will replace basic and additional pensions for people reaching retirement age, has been accused of being unduly harsh to women by a group of MPs. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20160118/new-state-pension-unfair-to-women.htmlMon, 18 Jan 2016 15:57:05 -0800The end of 2015 saw wholesale gas and energy prices hit a five year low in the UK, which has lead to increased pressure on the UK�s big six energy suppliers to cut their prices. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20160115/energy-suppliers-under-increased-pressure-to-lower-prices.htmlFri, 15 Jan 2016 10:45:33 -0800A committee of MPs have claimed that poor oversight by regulator Ofwat has lead to millions of families paying too much for their water. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20160113/mps-poor-oversight-by-ofwat-has-lead-to-higher-water-bills.htmlWed, 13 Jan 2016 10:08:48 -0800Santander will be increasing the fees on their 123 current account, almost doubling the amount consumers will have to pay.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20160111/consumers-urged-to-consider-account-options-as-fees-increase.htmlMon, 11 Jan 2016 10:20:03 -0800FTSE 100 retailer, Sports Direct, has issued a warning regarding profits after poor trading over the Christmas period.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20160108-sports-direct-rocked-by-poor-christmas-sales.htmlFri, 08 Jan 2016 16:46:47 -0800Chancellor George Osborne has said that the stability of the UK economy could come under serious threat in 2016. He said that this year is likely to be one of the toughest since the financial crisis, and that 2016 is �the year of mission critical�, rather than �mission accomplished�.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20160107/chancellor-warns-threats--uk-economy.htmlThu, 07 Jan 2016 11:57:01 -0800News: European stock markets record their worst start to the year since 2000, as weak data from China caused worldwide volatility.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20160105-european-stock-markets-record-worst-start-to-the-year-since-2000.htmlTue, 05 Jan 2016 12:12:17 -0800The cost of heavy flooding through the north of England could exceed �1.5 billion according to accountancy firm PwC. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20151229/cost-of-flooding-could-exceed-1-5-billion.htmlTue, 29 Dec 2015 10:46:37 -0800Surveyors have warned that the cost of renting a property in the UK could rise faster than house prices over the next five years.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20151223/UK-rent-costs-to-increase-faster-than-house-prices.htmlWed, 23 Dec 2015 10:44:07 -0800Consumer watchdog Which? has claimed that rail companies are not giving customers enough information about refunds they can receive for delays.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20151221/rail-companies-not-giving-enough-info-on-refunds.htmlMon, 21 Dec 2015 10:32:00 -0800Energy firm Npower has been forced to pay a fine of �26 million after a series of inaccurate bills and failings in complaint handling. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20151218/npower-to-pay-26-million-fine.html Fri, 18 Dec 2015 11:19:46 -0800The UK�s unemployment rate has fallen to the lowest level in nearly 10 years to 5.2% in the three months leading to October. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20151216/uks-employment-rate-falls-as-wage-growth-slows.htmlWed, 16 Dec 2015 11:31:17 -0800The government has announced new plans that mean council tenants will lose the right to stay in their homes for life. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20151211/council-tenants-to-lose-right-to-lifetime-occupation.htmlFri, 11 Dec 2015 10:31:41 -0800Public demand for a guaranteed income in retirement is still high, despite the fears that the recent pension reforms would spell the end for annuities. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20151209/retirees-still-value-guaranteed-income.htmlWed, 09 Dec 2015 10:39:33 -0800Anyone who has bought a house or flat in the past 12 months has saved an average of �4,500 thanks to the Stamp Duty changes introduced by Chancellor George Osborne.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20151207/stamp-duty-changes-save-buyers-4500.htmlMon, 07 Dec 2015 10:35:09 -0800Average rail fares are due to increase by 1.1% from the 2nd January 2016, the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) has announced. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20151204/average-rail-fares-to-increase-by-1-1.htmlFri, 04 Dec 2015 10:52:09 -0800The UK state pension has been found to be one of the least generous in the world, according to a report from The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20151202/oecd-uk-has-one-of-the-least-generous-state-pensions.htmlWed, 02 Dec 2015 10:16:49 -0800The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Standard Chartered have been shown as the weakest out of the UK�s seven largest lenders in a Bank of England (BoE) stress test. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150112/rbs-and-standard-chartered-weakest-uk-lenders.htmlTue, 01 Dec 2015 10:20:29 -0800People in the UK who were mis-sold payment protection insurance (PPI) will now have until 2018 to claim compensation under new regulations introduced intending to draw a line under the issue. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/insurance/fca-ppi-compensation-can-only-be-claimed-up-to-2018.htmlFri, 27 Nov 2015 10:36:35 -0800Charity Age UK has discovered evidence that one person (generally elderly) will die every seven minutes from cold related diseases this winter.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20151125/age-uk-launches-their-campaign-for-warm-homes.htmlWed, 25 Nov 2015 10:08:49 -0800The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) will be investigating 1000 companies that are involved in buying and selling data to ensure that they are acting within the law.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/ICO-looks-into-1000-data-share-companies.htmlMon, 23 Nov 2015 11:22:54 -0800Young people may be poorer than their parents at every step of their lives, according to a new report from the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20151120/young-people-to-be-poorer-than-parents.htmlFri, 20 Nov 2015 10:48:49 -0800Only 26% of people aged 20-39 years old will have their foot on the housing ladder by 2025 according to a report from PwC.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20151811/just-26-pc-of--20-39-year-olds-will-own-a-home-in-2025.htmlWed, 18 Nov 2015 12:10:08 -0800The number of new homes built in England in the last year has increase by 25% according to figures from the Department for Local Communities and Local Government.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20151116/number-of-new-homes-built-sees-25-increase.htmlMon, 16 Nov 2015 11:44:51 -0800Government plans to stop EU migrants claiming in-work benefits would encourage some British workers to give up their job, according to some government officials. The prime minister is making welfare reform within the EU a key demand ahead of the proposed in-out referendum.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20151113/eu-welfare-reforms-could-encourage-low-earners-not-to-work.htmlFri, 13 Nov 2015 16:35:44 -0800Anti-fraud group Financial Fraud Action (FFA) has warned consumers against a new scam were criminals use technology to take over victim�s computers and steal personal information.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20151111/anti-fraud-group-warns-of-new-computer-scam.htmlWed, 11 Nov 2015 11:30:35 -0800Chancellor George Osborne is set to announce spending cuts of an average of 30% for four government departments. The cuts will be introduced over the next four years and are set to affect the transport, local government and environment departments. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20151103/government-to-announce-30-percent-cuts-to-four-departments.htmlMon, 09 Nov 2015 13:57:33 -0800The total property wealth owned by people aged over 55 is set to double to a massive �2.5 trillion by 2035, according to research conducted by Age Partnership. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20151106/over-55s-property-wealth-is-set-to-double-in-20-years.htmlFri, 06 Nov 2015 10:43:42 -0800Figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) have shown that the over 55s have withdrawn �4.7 billion under the new pension freedoms introduced in April. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20151104/over-55s-withdraw-4-7-billion-under-new-pension-freedoms.htmlWed, 04 Nov 2015 10:23:31 -0800The voluntary living wage in the UK is set to rise by 40p from �7.85 to �8.25 per hour.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20151103/voluntary-living-wage-to-rise-by-40-p-an-hour.htmlTue, 03 Nov 2015 10:01:22 -0800Up to 70% of people who lose money in financial scams do not have their money returned, according to figures from the RBS Group.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20151030/70-of-scam-victims-do-not-have-their-money-returned.htmlFri, 30 Oct 2015 11:07:16 -0700A fifth of UK adults are unable to read a bank statement properly, according to research from the Money Advice Service. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20151028/uk-adults-have-subbornly-low-interest-rates.htmlWed, 28 Oct 2015 11:45:03 -0700The House of Lords will today vote on motions that could delay the controversial tax credit cuts or even stop them all together.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20151026/house-of-lords-to-decide-on-child-tax-credit-cuts.htmlMon, 26 Oct 2015 10:07:00 -0700Jobseekers will be given a warning period of 14 days before they are faced with benefit sanctions under a new scheme that will be brought in next year, according to the government.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20151023/jobseekers-to-be-given-14-days-warning-before-sanction.htmlFri, 23 Oct 2015 11:11:44 -0700A committee of MP�s has found that almost 70% of people made to go through the governments welfare-to-work scheme are not successful in finding long term employment. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20151021/work-programme-failing-over-70-of-claimants.htmlWed, 21 Oct 2015 09:22:27 -0700Rent prices have increased by an average of 8.3% over the past year, as the average price of rent paid by private tenants rose to �816 in September. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20151019/rent-prices-rise-8-9.htmlMon, 19 Oct 2015 08:58:25 -0700One in three fraud victims are 65 years old or older, according to data from charity Victim Support. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20151016/third-of-fraud-victims-are-65-or-older.htmlFri, 16 Oct 2015 08:37:14 -0700UK water providers have pocketed a �800 million windfall instead of passing the savings onto customers, according to spending watchdog The National Audit Office (NAO).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20151014/UK-water-providers-fail-to-pass-savings-onto-customers.htmlWed, 14 Oct 2015 10:00:22 -0700Victims of scams via post lose more than �1,000 each year and have an average age of 74, according to an investigation from National Trading Standards (NTS).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20151012/scam-mail-losses-total-13-million.htmlMon, 12 Oct 2015 09:44:02 -0700More than 1.1 million people in the UK were straddled with mortgage debts more than 4.5 times their income in 2013, according to figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20151009/2013-saw-1-1-m-people-with-mortgage-debt-4-5-times-their-income.htmlFri, 09 Oct 2015 12:42:11 -0700Supermarket giant Tesco has seen a fall in profits of 55% due to competition from discount stores and the ongoing supermarket price war.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20151007/tesco-reports-55-fall-in-profits.htmlWed, 07 Oct 2015 13:07:17 -0700Shoppers in England will now be hit with a 5p charge for plastic carrier bags in all supermarkets and large shops in the UK. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20151005/shops-to-charge-5p-for-bags-from-today.htmlMon, 05 Oct 2015 09:09:28 -0700Consumer watchdog Which? has called for regulators to name and shame the worst current account providers in the UK.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20151002/which-calls-for-current-account-market-overhaul.htmlFri, 02 Oct 2015 09:21:57 -0700A firm selling solar panels have been given a record fine from the Information Commissioner for making nuisance calls after new rules were introduced earlier this year.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150930/company-fined-record-200000-for-nuisance-phone-calls.htmlWed, 30 Sep 2015 09:35:08 -0700Motorists are being tricked into buying cars that claim to be more fuel efficient than they really are, according to lobby group Transport & Environment.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150928/report-finds-many-cars-not-as-fuel-efficient-as-claimed.htmlMon, 28 Sep 2015 10:12:40 -0700Young people are facing �stifling� amounts of debt as they borrow from banks, payday lenders and family members, according to debt charity Citizens Advice. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150925/young-people-face-stifling-levels-of-debt.htmlFri, 25 Sep 2015 10:02:17 -0700Borrowers may be paying more than expected in balance transfer credit card fees after being attracted by 0% interest offers, consumer group Which? has warned.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/creditcards/20150923/borrowers-dont-consider-balance-transfer-fees.htmlWed, 23 Sep 2015 09:23:02 -0700The UK government has aimed to build one million new homes in England by 2020 in a bid to combat the current housing crisis.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20150921/government-to-build-one-million-homes.htmlMon, 21 Sep 2015 09:48:35 -0700Complaints to water companies fell by 13.4% this year, which is the seventh year in a row that complaints have fallen.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150918/complaints-to-water-companies-fall-for-7-consecutive-year.html Fri, 18 Sep 2015 09:22:23 -0700The RAC Foundation has claimed that Britain�s diesel pumps could �run dry� due to a continuing dependence on foreign fuel. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150916/UK-could-run-out-of-diesel.html Wed, 16 Sep 2015 08:54:01 -0700Santander, one of the UK�s biggest banks, have announced that they are more than doubling the charges on it�s main current account, leaving customers out of pocket.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150914/santander-ups-fees-on-123-current-account.htmlMon, 14 Sep 2015 09:51:12 -0700Banks are still �paying the price� for the PPI scandal 10 years after the problem erupted, according to Citizens Advice. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/insurance/20150911/banks-still-paying-the-price-for-ppi-scandal.htmlFri, 11 Sep 2015 09:03:10 -0700The number of plastic bags handed out in shops and supermarkets fell by 71% in Wales since a 5p charge was introduced in 2011, a change which England will be hoping to replicate when it introduces the charge next month. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150909/plastic-bag-use-down-71-since-levy-introduced.htmlWed, 09 Sep 2015 09:30:11 -0700Unemployed couples with children will be faced with a �decade of sharply declining living standards� due to cuts in benefits, according to anti poverty campaigners. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150907/families-face-decade-of-declining-living-standards.htmlMon, 07 Sep 2015 09:45:35 -0700New research from Citizens Advice has shown that almost 1 million people are at risk of having their homes repossessed because they have no way of paying off their interest-only mortgage. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20150904/one-million-people-at-risk-of-house-repossessions.htmlFri, 04 Sep 2015 10:18:49 -0700The state pension age may rise to age 70 by 2050 as the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed a sharp rise in life expectancy. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150903/state-pension-age-to-rise-to-70-by-2050.htmlThu, 03 Sep 2015 15:02:18 -0700Paper banknotes are set to become a thing of the past, as the Bank of England (BoE) announces that the new �20 note will be made of plastic. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150903/20-notes-to-become-plastic.htmlThu, 03 Sep 2015 09:09:11 -0700The amount of UK businesses offering zero hour contracts has increased by 6% over the last year, according to official figures. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150902/zero-hour-contracts-increase.htmlWed, 02 Sep 2015 15:20:24 -0700When the National Living Wage is introduced in April 2016, the government will also implement harsher penalties for employers who do not pay their workers the �7.20 an hour minimum. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150902/tougher-penalties-for-none-payment-of-national-living-wage.htmlWed, 02 Sep 2015 10:22:35 -0700The contactless card limit was increased to �30 over the weekend, meaning shoppers will now be able to spend up to �30 on their card without using their pin number. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150901/Contactless-card-limit-increases-to-�30.htmlTue, 01 Sep 2015 15:07:35 -0700Thousands of HSBC customers have not received expected funds in their bank accounts today, just before the bank holiday weekend.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150828/HSBC-customers-not-paid-after-software-problem.htmlFri, 28 Aug 2015 14:03:30 -0700Over half a million people in the UK are planning on taking advantage of the pension reforms to help repay their mortgage, according to data from annuity provider Partnership. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150828/500000-people-to-use-pension-to-pay-off-mortgage.htmlFri, 28 Aug 2015 10:34:19 -0700Local authorities used bailiffs more than 2 million times last year, according to research from the Money Advice Trust (MAT). http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150827/local-authorities-send-out-2-million-bailiffs.htmlThu, 27 Aug 2015 13:51:52 -0700Millions of British Gas customers will be seeing their bills fall after a 5% price slash in the coming months, but many industry experts have claimed that the supplier is still �short changing� their customers. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150827/British-gas-customers-still-being-short-changed.htmlThu, 27 Aug 2015 10:14:37 -0700Bonuses UK workers received in the year 2014/15 were almost as high as pre-financial crisis levels, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150826/UK-bonuses-almost-at-pre-crisis-levels.htmlWed, 26 Aug 2015 13:39:06 -0700Over half of workers in the UK believe that their savings would not last them more than three months if they lost their job due to illness or injury. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150826/UK-workers-not-prepared-for-illness-or-injury.htmlWed, 26 Aug 2015 09:28:01 -0700New figures from the financial ombudsman have revealed that the number of complaints about �package� bank accounts has increased dramatically. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150825/package-accounts-see-complaints-shoot-up.htmlTue, 25 Aug 2015 13:56:27 -0700Iain Duncan Smith is planning cuts to sickness benefit, meaning many claimants may be forced to take up some form of work, even if it�s just for a few hours http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150825/duncan-smith-plans-changes-to-sickness-benefit.htmlTue, 25 Aug 2015 09:26:53 -0700A recent study from Debt Advisory Centre has found that one in five people planning to marry soon are hiding some form of debt from their partner.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150824/20-of-couples-marry-with-hidden-debt.htmlMon, 24 Aug 2015 13:44:31 -0700Finance Ministers in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales have claimed that the UK government is making spending cuts �too fast and too far�. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150824/finance-ministers-criticise-treasurys-spending-cuts.htmlMon, 24 Aug 2015 12:23:05 -0700As London rent prices continue to increase, a group of politicians has called for more controls on landlords.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20150821/politicians-call-for-London-rent-controls.htmlFri, 21 Aug 2015 14:38:50 -0700Retirees in the UK now have more income than ever before, thanks to housing wealth and the introductions of the new pension freedoms.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150821/ageing-population-good-for-businesses.htmlFri, 21 Aug 2015 09:28:18 -0700In just 10 years time, first-time buyers may face having to save up �45,000 for a deposit on a house if they have any chance of getting their foot on the housing ladder.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20150820/first-time-buyers-face-45000-deposit-htmlThu, 20 Aug 2015 14:04:29 -0700Employers are claiming their employees are �self �employed� to avoid paying them holiday pay, the minimum wage, employers� National Insurance, sick pay and pension contributions.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/2015/employers-claiming-employees-self-employed-to-save-money.htmlThu, 20 Aug 2015 09:45:59 -0700A third of people over the age of 50 have turned to the stock market to help fund their retirement, according to research from Saga Share Direct. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150819/over-50s-turn-to-stock-market-to-fund-retirement.htmlWed, 19 Aug 2015 13:13:09 -0700UK interest rates will �rise pretty soon� according to Bank of England (BoE) policy maker David Miles. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150819/UK-base-rate-to-rise-pretty-soon.htmlWed, 19 Aug 2015 09:25:18 -0700People who have been sold unnecessary insurance for their bank cards will be able to claim compensation under new rules from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150818/bank-card-insurance-holders-can-claim-compensation.htmlTue, 18 Aug 2015 13:03:25 -0700Rail fares have increased three times as faster than wages, according to research conducted by the Trade Union Congress (TUC).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150818/rail-fares-rise-three-times-faster-than-wages.htmlTue, 18 Aug 2015 09:24:46 -0700Savings rates, which have been at a record low for years, are finally beginning to edge upwards, according to research from Moneyfacts. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20150817/savings-rates-begin-to-improve.htmlMon, 17 Aug 2015 13:53:36 -0700New research from consumer watchdog Which? has found a large variation in fees car insurance companies charge, with some �eye watering� fees totalling more than double the industry average. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/insurance/20150817/insurance-providers-charging-eye-watering-fees.htmlMon, 17 Aug 2015 09:27:49 -0700The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has warned holidaymakers against travelling without purchasing the correct travel insurance first. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150814/FCO-launches-new-travel-insurance-campaign.htmlFri, 14 Aug 2015 13:27:49 -0700Holidaymakers who travel outside of the EU are unwittingly facing massive phone bills, according to debt charity Citizens Advice. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150814/tourists-outside-of-EU-face-massive-phone-bills.htmlFri, 14 Aug 2015 09:17:39 -0700New research from Debt Advisory Centre has found that Brits are spending thousands on the search for love, with 20% of people in the UK using credit to pay for a date.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150813/20-of-brits-take-out-debt-to-pay-for-dates.htmlThu, 13 Aug 2015 15:37:51 -0700The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) has claimed that the UK government is still not doing enough to fix the current housing crisis. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20150813/government-not-doing-enough-to-combat-housing-crisis.htmlThu, 13 Aug 2015 09:22:39 -0700The number of people unemployed in the UK rose in the April to June period by 25,000, taking the current total to 1.85 million. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150812/unemployment-rises-to-1-85-million.htmlWed, 12 Aug 2015 13:24:12 -0700Parents end up paying on average �6,800 throughout their children�s first year of secondary school, according to research from retailer John Lewis. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150812/first-year-of-secondary-school-costs-parents-6800.htmlWed, 12 Aug 2015 09:29:09 -0700A large number of homeowners are racing to get their homes remortgaged before the base interest rate rises.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20150811/homeowners-race-to-get-homes-remortgaged.html Tue, 11 Aug 2015 13:51:27 -0700UK firms are looking to fill skills gaps by hiring young people, which will hopefully help with the tough jobs market young people are faced with. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150811/job-prospects-for-young-people-looking-brighter.htmlTue, 11 Aug 2015 09:55:06 -0700More than 900,000 airline passengers who had their flights delayed in the past are potentially missing out on millions of pounds of compensation. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150810/airline-passengers-missing-out-on-compensation.htmlMon, 10 Aug 2015 14:29:12 -0700In a bid to combat the payday loan industry, the city of Sheffield will be offering a range of loans for poor residents. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150810/sheffield-council-launch-new-loan-service.htmlMon, 10 Aug 2015 09:07:49 -0700Sky is being investigated by the broadcasting watchdog, Ofcom, over concerns that customers who are attempting to cancel their plan are being ignored. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150807/sky-investigated-by-Ofcom.htmlFri, 07 Aug 2015 13:35:07 -0700People over aged 55 are continually being targeted with cold calls and emails from criminals looking to access their pension funds, according to money charity Citizens Advice.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150807/citizens-advice-be-aware-of-pension-scams.htmlFri, 07 Aug 2015 10:21:34 -0700Tenants face being evicted from their homes through no fault of their own when their landlords get into mortgage arrears, according to a report from Citizens Advice. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20150806/tenants-at-increased-risk-of-repossessions.htmlThu, 06 Aug 2015 15:11:18 -0700StepChange, a leading UK debt charity, has called for banks to add incentives to save, so that more families will have a financial �buffer� if something goes wrong.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150806/stepchange-calls-for-savings-incentives.htmlThu, 06 Aug 2015 10:08:37 -0700A claims company making nuisance calls has been fined �220,000 under new government rules. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150805/Claims-company-fined-220000-under-nuisance-call-rules.html Wed, 05 Aug 2015 14:04:39 -0700Citizens Advice has reported a steady decline in the number of people seeking help due to debt from payday loan companies. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150805/citizens-advice-sees-payday-loan-queries-half.htmlWed, 05 Aug 2015 09:21:05 -0700The end of July saw 100 million Direct Debits processed in just one day, setting a new record and marking another milestone on the path of the UK becoming a cashless society. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150804/end-of-july-sees-record-direct-debit-payments.htmlTue, 04 Aug 2015 14:14:19 -0700The latest housing pricing index from Nationwide has shown that the increase of pace in UK house prices accelerated in July to 3.5%. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20150804/nationwide-sees-house-price-growth-accelerate.htmlTue, 04 Aug 2015 09:41:17 -0700People under the age of 25 in the UK are turning to credit cards and loans to help them pay housing costs and utility bills, according to a report from the Debt Advisory Centre.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150803/under-25s-rely-on-credit-for-living-costs.htmlMon, 03 Aug 2015 13:38:02 -0700Private rents paid to landlords rose by 2.5% over the last year, according to official figures from the Office of National Statistics.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20150803/private-rents-increase-by-2-5.htmlMon, 03 Aug 2015 09:31:05 -0700The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has indicated that they will delay any contributions to a Greek bailout. The IMF will likely provide funds at a later date, but could hold off at the initial stages.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150731/imf-likely-to-delay-contributions-to-greek-bailout.htmlFri, 31 Jul 2015 10:01:33 -0700The government has today launched a consultation in regards to the issue of whether pension exit fees should be capped. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150730/government-begins-consultation-over-pension-exit-fees.htmlThu, 30 Jul 2015 13:51:46 -0700Centrica, who own British Gas, have announced that they will be cutting 6,000 jobs, despite doubling profits in the first six months of this year. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150730/British-Gas-to-cut-6000-jobs.htmlThu, 30 Jul 2015 10:42:24 -0700Personal insolvency has fallen to a 10 year low in England and Wales, according to figures from the insolvency service.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/personal-insolvency-falls-to-10-year-low.htmlWed, 29 Jul 2015 14:16:44 -0700Two thirds of people over the age of 45 have admitted to not paying any attention to their pension pot, according to research from Aviva. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150729/two-thirds-of-people-don't-pay-attention-to-pension-pots.htmlWed, 29 Jul 2015 09:44:07 -0700UK economic growth has picked up in the second quarter of the year, thanks to a big jump in oil and gas production. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150728/uk-economic-growth-picks-up-for-tenth-consecutive-year.htmlTue, 28 Jul 2015 13:34:46 -0700The amount of fraud related to pension liberation more than tripled in the month after the introduction of the pension reforms, according to a report from Action Fraud. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150728/pension-liberation-fraud-triples.htmlTue, 28 Jul 2015 09:21:54 -0700Cash Genie, a payday loan company, faces a �20 million compensation bill for charging customers �50 for transferring them to the firms debt collection business. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150727/cash-genie-to-pay-customers-20-million-compensation.htmlMon, 27 Jul 2015 13:36:13 -0700Some of the banks and building societies that will be providing the governments Help to Buy ISA have been named.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20150727/banks-offering-help-to-buy-ISAs-named.htmlMon, 27 Jul 2015 09:31:27 -0700Savers will receive a text message from their bank or building society when their introductory interest rate expires, under new plans by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20150704/uk-savers-to-receive-text-when-introductory-interest-rates-end.htmlFri, 24 Jul 2015 10:15:47 -0700The Greek parliament voted to approve a second set of crucial reforms last night in order to take another step towards securing an �86bn bailout from their European creditors.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150723/greek-parliament-passes-bailout-reforms.htmlThu, 23 Jul 2015 08:20:40 -0700Income Tax and National Insurance could be merged into a single �earnings tax�, as chancellor George Osborne has commissioned a review into the simplification of the tax system.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/tax/201150722/income-tax-and-national-insurance-could-be-merged.htmlWed, 22 Jul 2015 10:06:39 -0700Maintenance grant cuts will mean that the poorest university students will see their average debt rise from �40,500 to �53,000, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150721/maintenance-grants-cut-poorest-students-debt-increase-53000.htmlTue, 21 Jul 2015 09:45:24 -0700Greek banks are starting to reopen after an agreement was reached with Eurozone creditors to extend their debt agreement. The Greek government has been in deadlock with their creditors over the last three weeks, as they threatened to default on their �320bn debt.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150720/greek-banks-to-reopen-following-eurozone-bailout.htmlMon, 20 Jul 2015 10:20:04 -0700UK interest rates could rise at �the turn of this year�, according to Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of England. Interest rates have been at a historical low of 0.5% for the last six years, but this could be set to change as the economic recovery gathers pace.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150717/uk-interest-rates-could-rise-in-new-year.htmlFri, 17 Jul 2015 08:52:06 -0700In response to a �super-complaint� submitted by consumer group Which? the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into supermarket pricing and the confusion it can cause.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150716/CMA-will-support-shoppers-in-supermarketsThu, 16 Jul 2015 13:23:08 -0700The UK inflation rate dropped to 0% in June, down from 0.1% in May, due to a fall in clothing and food prices, as well as a slight reduction in air travel.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150714/uk-inflation-rate-drops-to-0.htmlTue, 14 Jul 2015 14:51:55 -0700Large companies will now be forced to reveal whether they are paying men more than women next year, the Prime Minister will announce this week.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150714/gender-pay-gap-tackeled-by-government.htmlTue, 14 Jul 2015 09:28:07 -0700Research from Aegon, the retirement specialist, shows that 80% of all requests for overseas pension transfers it receives are scams, designed to defraud savers out of their pensions. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150713/80-of-pension-transfer-requests-fraudulent.htmlMon, 13 Jul 2015 13:28:22 -0700Under new rules written into the summer Budget but not announced by George Osborne in his speech, HMRC are allowed to recover tax and tax credit debts directly from debtors' bank and building society accounts, including funds held in cash ISAs.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/tax/20150713/HMRC-allowed-access-to-debtors-bank-accounts.htmlMon, 13 Jul 2015 09:14:56 -0700Thousands of Co-op customers have been charged twice for purchases made from its food stores and petrol pumps. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/creditcards/20150710/co-op-customers-charged-twice-for-transactions.htmlFri, 10 Jul 2015 13:42:04 -0700MasterCard has been accused of overcharging consumers by adding fees when cards are issued outside the European Union (EU) and then used in EU countries. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/creditcards/20150710/mastercard-accused-of-overcharging-by-EU.htmlFri, 10 Jul 2015 08:47:31 -0700The working age benefit changes announced in yesterday�s Budget will negatively effect 13 million families in the UK, according to the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150709/budget-to-leave-13-million-families-worse-off.htmlThu, 09 Jul 2015 13:30:06 -0700The Government will struggle to balance the books as promised by 2020, according to its independent fiscal watchdog, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20150709/shortage-of-homes-pushes-prices-to-record-level.htmlThu, 09 Jul 2015 09:22:58 -0700George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, today unveiled his new Conservative Budget which scrapped student grants, froze benefits and cut billions from tax credits and other welfare payments. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150708/Osborne-unveils-new-budget-for-working-people.htmlWed, 08 Jul 2015 15:05:49 -0700Four UK charities are being investigated by the information commissioner�s Office (ICO) over accusations of calling vulnerable people who have �opted out� of unsolicited sales calls. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150708/UK-charities-investigated-by-ICO.htmlWed, 08 Jul 2015 09:53:17 -0700George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, has claimed that he has decided how the government will make �12 billion worth of welfare cuts that had been promised in the Conservative Party manifesto. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150707/12-bn-worth-of-cuts-to-be-announced-in-budget.htmlTue, 07 Jul 2015 14:42:07 -0700Millions of energy customers have been paying more than they should have for their energy bills, according to research from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150707/millions-of-energy-customers-are-charged-too-much.htmlTue, 07 Jul 2015 09:48:33 -0700A recent study conducted by the Financial Ombudsman has revealed that people aged 55 years and over are more likely to become victims of phone fraud. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150706-Phone-fraud-Over-55s-more-likely-to-become-victims.htmlMon, 06 Jul 2015 11:06:46 -0700The mobile phone operator EE has been fined �1 million by the regulator Ofcom for the way it has been handling customer complaints. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150703/ee-fined-1-m-for-failings-on-customer-compaints.htmlFri, 03 Jul 2015 13:45:05 -0700Citizens Advice has claimed that people with pre-paid meters for gas and electricity are paying on average �226 a year more than they would have done on the cheapest direct debit tariff. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150703/pre-paid-meter-users-pay-extra-226-for-energy.htmlFri, 03 Jul 2015 09:43:44 -0700Phone calls to numbers beginning 0800 or 0808 will now be free from mobile phones as well as landlines.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150702/mobile-calls-to-0800-numbers-will-now-be-free.htmlThu, 02 Jul 2015 13:54:59 -0700Bank accounts have beaten mortgages to become the number one target for financial fraud in the UK, according to Experian. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150702/bank-accounts-number-one-target-for-fraudsters.htmlThu, 02 Jul 2015 12:40:19 -0700Tens of thousands of students are relying on high-interest payday loans to help them finance their daily living costs, according to a survey from Unite Students. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150701/thousands-of-students-relying-on-payday-loans.htmlWed, 01 Jul 2015 13:54:19 -0700The income needed for an acceptable standard of living has fallen for families in the past year, according to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF). http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150701/standard-of-living-income-falls.htmlWed, 01 Jul 2015 09:12:33 -0700Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, has set out plans to help thousands of retirees from the UK who currently live in Greece, and could be effected by the current crisis.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150630/Osborne-announces-plans-to-help-greek-based-retirees.htmlTue, 30 Jun 2015 14:48:40 -0700The average property price in the UK has hit �212,494, which is a 5.6% increase on last year and a 1.4% increase on last month, according to the latest Housing Market Monitor from estate agent Haart.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20150630/average-house-prices-hit-record-high.htmlTue, 30 Jun 2015 09:11:50 -0700Two thirds of people in the UK try to avoid talking about their finances, according to research from the Debt Advisory Centre. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150629/two-thirds-or-brits-avoid-talking-about-finances.htmlMon, 29 Jun 2015 14:42:52 -0700Greece has seen closed banks and defunct cash machines as a break down in talks between Athens and its creditors pushed the country further into austerity. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150629/greece-closed-banks-and-shock-referendum.htmlMon, 29 Jun 2015 10:06:13 -0700Insurers have urged the government not to rush through plans to allow pensioners to sell their annuities for cash.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150626/insurers-government-should-slow-down-on-pension-reforms.htmlFri, 26 Jun 2015 13:48:11 -0700Borrowers are still faced with long waiting times when trying to get an appointment with a mortgage adviser, according to research done by Legal & General. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20150626/mortgage-borrowers-still-face-wait-to-get-advice.htmlFri, 26 Jun 2015 09:20:43 -0700The government has released figures showing that the number of children living in poverty in the UK is at 2.3 million. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/uk-child-poverty-at-2-3-million.htmlThu, 25 Jun 2015 15:00:01 -0700Debt management firms are failing customers and the advice given to vulnerable people is �unacceptably low�, according to a review by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150625/debt-management-firms-failing-customers.htmlThu, 25 Jun 2015 10:09:39 -0700Rental costs in the UK are the highest throughout Europe, according to figures from the National Housing Federation (NHF). http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20150624/UK-rental-costs-highest-in-europe.htmlWed, 24 Jun 2015 13:50:53 -0700Retirement saving in the UK has hit its highest ever level, with 56% of people now saving an adequate amount. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150624/retirement-saving-hits-high-but-savers-expecting-more.htmlWed, 24 Jun 2015 10:13:23 -0700Tesco has been revealed as the worst UK supermarket for complying with industry guidelines designed to protect suppliers, according to a survey of food and drinks suppliers.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150623/Tesco-most-complained-about-by-suppliers.htmlTue, 23 Jun 2015 14:15:57 -0700The Government has sold more Lloyds shares to investors, taking its stake to below 17%. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150623/government-to-sell-off-further-lloyds-shares.htmlTue, 23 Jun 2015 10:25:07 -0700People have lost a total of �23.6 million over the past year to phone scams which encourage people to put their money into a fraudsters account. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150622/phone-call-fraud-scams-peopl-out-of-23-6-million.htmlMon, 22 Jun 2015 14:12:43 -0700Many students believe the experience of education they receive from going to university is not worth the �9,000 a year cost, a survey from the BBC has shown.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150622/university-not-worth-cost.htmlMon, 22 Jun 2015 09:42:00 -0700UK Government borrowing fell to �10.13 billion in May, according to The Office of National Statistics. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150619/UK-government-spending-falls-to-eight-year-low.htmlFri, 19 Jun 2015 15:05:06 -0700The next generation of retirees believe they will be worse off compared to those choosing to retire this year, according to research from retirement firm Prudential. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150619/future-retirees-pessimistic-about-future.htmlFri, 19 Jun 2015 09:34:01 -0700A fifth of British households have had to complain to their energy provider every year for the last 10 years, according to a report from Citizens Advice. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150618/fifth-of-households-complain-to-energy-provider-each-year.htmlThu, 18 Jun 2015 14:08:13 -0700Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) customers who have failed to receive payments into their accounts many be waiting for days for the matter to be resolved. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150618/RBS-customers-to-wait-days-for-missing-payments.htmlThu, 18 Jun 2015 08:24:06 -0700UK unemployment has fallen further between February and April, according to official figures from the Office of National Statistics. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150617/UK-unemployment-falls-further.htmlWed, 17 Jun 2015 14:04:58 -0700Some Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) customers may have payments missing from their bank account this morning, the bank has admitted. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150617/RBS-customers-payments-missing.htmlWed, 17 Jun 2015 13:16:52 -0700The UKs inflation rate has returned to positive in May after one month of negative inflation, official figures have shown.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150616/UK-inflation-returns-to-positive.htmlTue, 16 Jun 2015 14:28:20 -0700The British public overestimates the cost of life insurance by almost 400%, according to research from SunLife.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/insurance/20150616/Public-overestimates-life insurance-costs-by-400.htmlTue, 16 Jun 2015 10:05:07 -0700Mobile banking is set to take over computer banking as the most popular way to bank, according to the British Bankers Association. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150615/mobile-banking-set-to-be-most-popular-form-of-banking.htmlMon, 15 Jun 2015 13:36:41 -0700Almost half of all first time buyers fail to budget home insurance into their costs when buying a home. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20150615/first-time-buyers-make-insurance-mistakes.htmlMon, 15 Jun 2015 12:50:14 -0700UK house prices have been predicted to rise by 25% over the next five years as demand continues to outstrip supply. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20150612/uk-house-prices-to-rise-25-over-five-years.htmlFri, 12 Jun 2015 14:16:02 -0700The International Longevity Centre-UK (ICL-UK) has reached out to mortgage providers to better understand and respond to the increasing number of retirees looking to apply for mortgages. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20150612/mortgage-providers-to-better-understand-retiree-mortgages.htmlFri, 12 Jun 2015 09:37:42 -0700The number of complaints to payday loan companies have almost halved in the past year, according to data from Citizens Advice Charity. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150611/payday-loan-complaints-fall-by-45.htmlThu, 11 Jun 2015 15:22:58 -0700The governor of the Bank of England (BoE), Mark Carney, has claimed that senior mangers of banks and building societies will be held directly accountable for failures in their institutions. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150611/boe-calls-for-accountability-reforms.htmlThu, 11 Jun 2015 14:01:18 -0700A survey from the UK newspaper The Guardian has found that 93% of people working in public services are stressed at work.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150610/93-of-public-workers-suffer-from-stress.htmlWed, 10 Jun 2015 14:43:43 -0700New Apple pay technology is set to be introduced into UK stores in July, and will be welcomed by stores such as Marks & Spencer and Waitrose. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150610/apple-pay-to-be-introduced-in-july.htmlWed, 10 Jun 2015 09:47:06 -0700HSBC chief executive Stuart Gulliver has announced that 8,000 UK jobs will be cut as the global bank plans to split its UK retail arm from its global operations. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150609/HSBC-to-see-retail-arm-split-as-8000-lose-jobs.htmlTue, 09 Jun 2015 14:21:01 -0700A major recruitment firm has claimed that an exit from the European Union (EU) would harm the UKs economy and threaten UK jobs. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150609/exit-from-EU-will-threaten-UK-jobs.htmlTue, 09 Jun 2015 09:57:27 -0700Boots, the high street chemist, has announced that it will be cutting 700 jobs from its UK based offices.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/Boots-to-cut-700-jobs.htmlMon, 08 Jun 2015 14:53:52 -0700A new study by high street bank Halifax has found that there are wide differences in perceptions of the first time buyer market between generations.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20150608/generation-gap-in-FTB-market-perceptions.hmtlMon, 08 Jun 2015 10:23:26 -0700More than 8,000 people in the UK were put at risk of losing their house each week in the first three months of this year, according to housing charity Shelter.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20150605/8300-people-at-risk-of-home-repossession-every-week.htmlFri, 05 Jun 2015 14:58:15 -0700New guidelines for payday loan adverts have been published today by the Committee of Advertising Practice. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150605/payday-loan-advert-guidelines-released.hmtlFri, 05 Jun 2015 09:21:31 -0700The number of houses for sale in the UK has fallen to its lowest level in many years, fuelling the UKs current housing crisis. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20150604/Number-of-homes-for-sale-falls.hmtlThu, 04 Jun 2015 14:29:30 -0700Purchases made by cards have increased by 10% thanks to the introduction and popularity of touch and go contactless card technology.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150604/contactless-payments-increases-card-purchases-by-10.hmtlThu, 04 Jun 2015 09:48:33 -0700Research from Ocean Finances has shown that 13% of people would quickly get into debt to cover their mortgage payments if interest rates rise by just 1% in the near future. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20150603/homeowners-unprepared-for-interest-rate-rise.htmlWed, 03 Jun 2015 13:52:30 -0700Thousands of people over 55 years of age are heading into their retirement with unsecured debt of up to �10,000, according to solutions provider Debt Advisory Centre. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150603/thousands-of-people-head-into-retirement-with-debt.htmlWed, 03 Jun 2015 09:50:49 -0700The �big six� energy companies could be facing pressure from the new Conservative government to prove that their prices are reflecting companies' costs.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/energy-secretary-challenges-big-six.htmlTue, 02 Jun 2015 14:41:58 -0700Childcare providers in England have claimed that the system is at �breaking point� thanks to plans to double the amount for free provision for three and four year olds.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150602/childcare-changes-leave-providers-at-breaking-point.htmlTue, 02 Jun 2015 09:56:54 -0700The number of mortgage products available to first-time buyers has risen to 2,776, double the number of products available in April 2012. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20150601/FTB-products-avaliable-double-over-three-years.htmlMon, 01 Jun 2015 15:07:44 -0700People who employ nannies and personal carers may now have to pay them pension contributions. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150601/carers-and-nannies-to-start-receiving-pension-contributions.htmlMon, 01 Jun 2015 09:55:30 -0700A recent survey by Newcastle Building Society has shown that 99% of consumers would still like to see financial branches on the high streets, and believe there is still a need for them.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150529/customers-still-want-high-street-branches.htmlFri, 29 May 2015 14:45:12 -0700People living in the Scottish Borders have seen a faster rise in income than anywhere else in the UK, according to figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150529/incomes-growing-fastest-in-rural-areas.htmlFri, 29 May 2015 09:32:26 -0700UK economic growth slowed considerably in the first quarter of 2015, with a sharp increase in imports to blame. Analysts were surprised by the figures, as they expected the initial growth estimate to be revised to around 0.4%. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150528/uk-economy-hit-by-rising-imports.htmlThu, 28 May 2015 14:51:24 -0700The Conservative-only Queens Speech marked the start of the parliamentary year today, and set out the governments agenda for the upcoming five years, announcing proposed polices and legislation. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150527/queens-speech-starts-parliamentary-year.htmlWed, 27 May 2015 13:59:00 -0700Three men face fines of up to �80 million for misleading clients by convincing them to invest in �death bonds�.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/investments/fca-fine-individual-75m-for-death-bond-mis-selling.htmlWed, 27 May 2015 13:55:37 -0700The number of people who have been a victim of identity theft in the UK has risen by almost a third, according to research from fraud prevention agency Cifas. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150527/identity-theft-up-by-a-third.htmlWed, 27 May 2015 09:09:27 -0700First minister Nicola Sturgeon has attacked the �scale and speed� of spending cuts that the UK government are planning to make. Speaking at the Tynecastle Stadium, the home of Heart of Midlothian FC, Ms Sturgeon said the SNP will oppose deep spending cuts whilst continuing their support for membership in the European Union.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150526/nicola-sturgeon-attacks-uk-spending-cuts.htmlTue, 26 May 2015 12:48:15 -0700The cost of renting a home has risen by 4.6% over the past year, according to data from property group LSL. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20150522/cost-of-renting-continues-to-rise.htmlFri, 22 May 2015 14:24:13 -0700Many people with an overdraft on their current account believe they are unable to switch their account to a different provider, The UKs competition authority has found. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150522/people-with-overdrafts-can-switch-bank-accounts.htmlFri, 22 May 2015 09:44:48 -0700Many people with an overdraft on their current account believe they are unable to switch their account to a different provider, The UKs competition authority has found. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150522/people-with-overdrafts-can-switch-bank-accounts.htmlFri, 22 May 2015 09:44:16 -0700Payments made using cards, cheques and transfers have overtaken the use of notes or coins for the first time ever, according to The Payments Council. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/creditcards/20150521/cashless-payments-overtake-notes-and-coins.htmlThu, 21 May 2015 14:44:33 -0700Almost a third of people in the UK fell below the poverty line between 2010 and 2013, official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150521/third-of-UK-people-fell-below-poverty-line.htmlThu, 21 May 2015 10:58:40 -0700UK supermarkets are still misleading customers via deals and offers and are breaking government guidelines, according to consumer group Which?.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150520/UK-supermarkets-deceiving-customers.htmlWed, 20 May 2015 14:41:53 -0700The changes in childcare support later in the year may leave families confused, a leading charity has claimed.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150520/new-childcare-vouchers-will-cause-confusion.htmlWed, 20 May 2015 10:32:24 -0700Payday loan company Wonga has reinvented itself with new adverts after a highly controversial year.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150519/wonga-attempts-to-reinvent-itself.htmlTue, 19 May 2015 10:36:14 -0700Millions of people in the UK are not able to top up their gas and electricity pre-paid meters, leaving them without power or heating, according to research from Debt Advisory Centre.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150518/millions-of-uk-people-suffer-from-fuel-povery.htmlMon, 18 May 2015 10:36:27 -0700It has been predicted that the average house price in London will reach �1m by 2030, according to research by Oxford Economics. The research suggested that house prices will continue to rapidly increase as a result of strong jobs growth, a growing population and a severe housing shortage.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20150515/average-home-in-London-to-reach-1m-ny-2030.htmlFri, 15 May 2015 15:41:47 -0700Lucky homeowners, who have gained from the increase of property prices over the past 12 months, are aiming to case in over �9,000 of equity gains by remortgaging their property.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20150515/equity-gains-in-house-prices-are-cashed-in-by-homeowners.htmlFri, 15 May 2015 10:31:46 -0700A report from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has shown that a further drop in the number of people selling their homes has pushed house prices even higher. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20150514/house-prices-rise-as-demand-increases.htmlThu, 14 May 2015 14:01:21 -0700UK unemployment continues to fall to record low levels, as the number of people out of work falls to 1.83 million.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150504/UK-employment-at-record-high-levels.htmlThu, 14 May 2015 11:06:19 -0700Richard Pennycock, the CEO of the Co-operative group, claims bad management in the past has caused the problems the group has battled with over the past few years. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150513/co-op-blames-problems-on-previous-mangment.htmlWed, 13 May 2015 14:10:03 -0700One in six homeowners are considering remortgaging over the next six months thanks to the ongoing mortgage price war driving down rates.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20150513/mortgage-price-war-increases-remortgage-rates.htmlWed, 13 May 2015 10:27:08 -0700Motorists who leave their engine running and are heavy on the accelerator are collectively losing �700 million a year, new research from Barclaycard Fuel+ has shown. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150512/uk-drivers-waste-700-million-a-year.htmlTue, 12 May 2015 14:30:02 -0700UK employees should expect to see a wage growth of only 1.8% in the coming year, a reduction in the 2.0% that was predicted three months ago.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150512/uk-employees-see-low-wage-growth.htmlTue, 12 May 2015 09:38:27 -0700Only 24% of people aged over 55 have adequate savings to fund their retirement, according to a survey from Close Brothers Assessment Management. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150511/less-than-a-quarter-of-over-55s-have-enough-pension-savings.htmlMon, 11 May 2015 14:59:34 -0700The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has called for insurance companies to be clearer about the costs involved in paying premiums in instalments. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/insurance/20150511/FCA-calls-for-insurance-companies-to-be-clearer.htmlMon, 11 May 2015 09:48:22 -0700The pound Sterling has hit a two month high against the dollar after news of a Tory majority in the general election.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150508-pound-strengthens-against-the-dollar-after-tory-majority-in-general-election.htmlFri, 08 May 2015 14:23:30 -0700UK houses prices have seen another increase in value during the month of April of 1.6% according to a survey conducted by the Halifax, with the annual rate of increase rising slightly to 8.5%.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150508-house-prices-see-another-increase-during-april.htmlFri, 08 May 2015 12:04:30 -0700The majority of UK car insurance companies are now accepting dashcam footage as evidence in disputed claims. Dashcams are small cameras that are placed on the driver�s dashboard or windscreen in order to film what is happening on the road ahead of them.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/insurance/20150507/most-car-insurance-companies-accepting-dashcam-footage.htmlThu, 07 May 2015 15:11:26 -0700People in the UK with a history of bad credit are being excluded from important parts of everyday life, according to research from Debt Advisory Centre http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150507/bad-credit-effecting-6-million-brits.htmlThu, 07 May 2015 10:05:38 -0700Polling day begins tomorrow as the leaders of the UKs three main political parties make a last ditch attempt for votes.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150506/polls-open-tomorrow-as-UK-general-election-takes-place.htmlWed, 06 May 2015 14:03:46 -0700The average first time buyer will require a minimum income of �41,000 in order to be approved for a mortgage, according to a report from KPMG. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20150506/first-time-buyers-now-require-41000-wage.htmlWed, 06 May 2015 10:31:46 -0700People who are in rented accommodation face a much higher risk of having their identity stolen, according to credit reference agency Experian. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20150505/young-renters-have-highest-risk-of-identity-fraud.htmlTue, 05 May 2015 14:03:50 -0700Telecoms company TalkTalk is raising its prices for home phone, broadband and TV customers just seven months after it increased its prices.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/talktalk-raises-prices-for-second-time-in-7-months.htmlTue, 05 May 2015 11:00:43 -0700British people borrowed more money in March then they have done before the 2008 financial crisis, according to figures from the Bank of England (BoE). http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150501/cosumer-borrowing-at-highest-level-since-2005.htmlFri, 01 May 2015 14:41:59 -0700UK consumer confidence remains at its highest level in more than 12 years, according to market research company, Gfk. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150501/consumer-confidence-remains-unchanged-in-April.htmlFri, 01 May 2015 09:27:41 -0700Almost a quarter of couples planning to get married will take out loans or use credit card to fund their big day, research from Debt Advisory Centre has shown. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150430/a-quarter-of-couples-take-out-credit-for-their-dream-wedding.htmlThu, 30 Apr 2015 14:47:16 -0700The UK government has spent �37,000 on developing a �brand identity� for the guidance service it created in the wake of the new pensions reforms, Pension Wise. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150430/government-spends-37000-on-pension-wise-branding.htmlThu, 30 Apr 2015 09:19:59 -0700The numbers of insolvencies in England and Wales have fallen to their lowest rate in almost a decade. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150429/insolvencies-fall-to-lowest-level-in-10-years.htmlWed, 29 Apr 2015 14:00:48 -0700Housebuilders have claimed that it would be impossible to build the 200,000 new homes in the UK each year, the amount pledged by Labour, the Liberal Democrats and UKIP.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20150429/builders-200000-new-homes-a-year-impossible.htmlWed, 29 Apr 2015 10:13:00 -0700UK households should prepare themselves for lower incomes, no matter who wins the election, according to the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS). http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150428/brits-should-expect-lower-incomes-regardless-of-election-result.htmlTue, 28 Apr 2015 13:56:25 -0700People voting in the general election would like to see the ISA limit raised to �20,000 according to research from investment firm Willis Owen. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20150428/voters-want-to-see-ISA-limit-raised-to-20000.htmlTue, 28 Apr 2015 09:40:44 -0700The Payments Council has announced that they have see a 7% increase in the number of customers switching their current account over the past 12 months. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150427/number-of-customers-switching-current-accounts-improves.htmlMon, 27 Apr 2015 13:42:14 -0700Labour has announced plans to help first time buyers in the UK by abolishing Stamp duty for them on all houses under �300,000.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20150427/labour-plans-Stamp-duty-discounts-for-first-time-buyers.htmlMon, 27 Apr 2015 09:41:34 -0700Private tenants are facing the biggest rent hike in more than 18 months, according to figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20150424/rent-increases-at-highest-level-for-18-months.htmlFri, 24 Apr 2015 14:24:52 -0700Credit card companies are regularly increasing customers credit limits without prior permission, according to research from Debt Advisory Centre.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/15-m-credit-card-holders-see-limits-increase.htmlFri, 24 Apr 2015 08:16:36 -0700There has been a sharp rise in people looking for financial advice over the past 12 months, with more than a third of accountants experiencing an increase in potential clients.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150423/past-12-months-see-sharp-rise-in-demand-for-financial-advice.htmlThu, 23 Apr 2015 09:35:37 -0700Competition regulator Which? has accused supermarkets of duping shoppers out of hundreds of millions of pounds through the use of confusing or misleading pricing tactics. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150422/which-accuses-supermarkets-of-misleading-shoppers.htmlWed, 22 Apr 2015 14:29:08 -0700Competition in the current account market is picking up as major banks come under pressure to offer perks and rewards.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150422/high-street-banks-see-though-competition-for-current-accounts.htmlWed, 22 Apr 2015 10:49:59 -0700Controversial payday lending company Wonga has reported a pre-tax loss of �37.3m for 2014. The losses are in stark contrast to the year earlier, when pre-tax profits of �39.7m were reported by the company. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150421/payday-lender-wonga-reports-37-3-million-loss.htmlTue, 21 Apr 2015 13:20:30 -0700Research from property website Rightmove has shown that house prices for homes in England have hit an all time high. This is due to a fall in the number of properties in the market and a surge in the number of people looking to buy a home. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20150420/UK-house-prices-hit-highest-ever-level.htmlMon, 20 Apr 2015 13:51:52 -0700A new report from EY ITEM has claimed that the uncertainty of the UK general election will not effect the countries economic growth and predicted a rise of 2.8% this year. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150420/ey-item-predicts-strong-growth-for-UK.htmlMon, 20 Apr 2015 09:51:27 -0700The AA believes that people are being ripped off by fuel retailers as the put up the price of petrol and diesel after the recent fall. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150417/AA-claims-motorists-are-ripped-off-by-fuel-retailers.htmlFri, 17 Apr 2015 14:15:52 -0700Joint bank accounts, loans and pay monthly purchases are making it hard for two-thirds of unhappy couples to break up in the UK, according to Debt Advisory Centre. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150417/finances-cause-separation-problems-for-two-thirds-of-couples.htmlFri, 17 Apr 2015 10:02:29 -0700Supermarket chain Morrisons has announced plans to cut over 700 jobs from its head office in Bradford as part of a �simplified management structure� introduced to combat falling sales. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150416/morrisons-to-cut-720-jobs.htmlThu, 16 Apr 2015 14:08:25 -0700The International monetary Fund (IMF) believes that the UK will still be in deficit of �7 billion by 2020, even though the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) predicted at the last budget a surplus of �7 billion. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150416/IMF-predict-7-bn-deficit-by-2020.htmlThu, 16 Apr 2015 10:13:35 -0700A report from Which? has claimed that consumers are losing a �355 million a year by continuing to pay for mobile phone handsets that they have already bought. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150415/consumers-lose-355-m-a-year-on-mobile-phone-handsets.htmlWed, 15 Apr 2015 14:10:27 -0700A third of people in the UK are used to being completely penniless, with no money in their bank accounts or wallets, and no ability to borrow money.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150415/a-third-of-brits-are-used-to-being-penniless.htmlWed, 15 Apr 2015 09:31:20 -0700The UKs inflation rate stayed at 0% in March, according to official figures from the Office of National Statistics. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150414/uk-inflation-rate-remains-at-0.htmlTue, 14 Apr 2015 13:55:52 -0700Supermarket sales figures have risen by 3.2% year on year, according to a survey from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and KPMG.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150414/supermarket-sales-see-sharp-rise.htmlTue, 14 Apr 2015 09:28:19 -0700New research has shown that mobile devices will be used to pay for �1 in every �7 spent in the UKs shops in the next 10 years. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150413/1-in-every-7-will-be-spent-via-smartphone-by-2024.htmlMon, 13 Apr 2015 15:07:32 -0700Only 1% of those aged 50-75 years old have claimed that they will spend their pension pot on luxuries, according to a report from commercial firm Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150413/pensioners-will-not-blow-their-savings-on-luxuries.htmlMon, 13 Apr 2015 12:57:12 -0700Almost a third of recruitment agencies have reported that starting salaries have improved since last month, thanks to skills shortages in certain industries. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150410/starting-salaries-rise-thanks-to-skills-shortage.htmlFri, 10 Apr 2015 14:16:06 -0700Secured lending in the UK has seen its 40th consecutive month on month increase, as the latest Secured Loan Index from Loans Warehouse shows an increase of 10.5% in February.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150409/secured-lending-continues-to-increase.htmlThu, 09 Apr 2015 15:16:35 -0700The Co-Operative group made profits of �124 million in 2014 after it lost �255 million the previous year.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140409/the-co-op-group-sees-124-million-profit.htmlThu, 09 Apr 2015 10:32:43 -0700Discount supermarket chain Aldi has taken over Waitrose as the sixth largest grocer in the UK according to a survey from Kantar Worldpanel.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150408/Aldi-takes-over-waitrose-as-sixth-largest-UK-supermarket.htmlWed, 08 Apr 2015 14:57:46 -0700The Labour party has claimed that if Ed Miliband is elected as Prime Minister in the May general election, they will scrap the non-domicile rule that allows some wealthy UK residents to limit the tax paid on earnings outside of the country.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/tax/labour-would-abolish-non-dom-tax-regulations.htmlWed, 08 Apr 2015 11:10:37 -0700One of the UKs largest energy suppliers, E.On, has accepted a penalty of �7.75 million from the energy regulator, Ofgem, for overcharging its customers. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/Eon-charged-7-75-m-for-overcharging-customers.htmlTue, 07 Apr 2015 14:23:02 -0700A report from Halifax has shown that although the number of first time buyers is rising, 79% of 20-45 year olds believe banks don't want to lend to first-time buyers, and 21% believe it is virtually impossible for first-time buyers to obtain a mortgage.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20150407/Brits-believe-banks-don't-want-to-lend-to-first-time-buyers.htmlTue, 07 Apr 2015 09:28:33 -0700The Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) has claimed that hundreds of thousands of people will be faced with a huge tax bill if they decided to cash in their pensions when the new reforms are introduced. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150402/thousands-face-hefty-tax-bill-thanks-to-pension-reforms.htmlThu, 02 Apr 2015 14:07:43 -0700The leaders of seven UK political parties are today preparing for a live, two hour televised debate which will be shown live on ITV, the BBC news channel and streamed on the BBCs election live page. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150402/live-televised-election-debate-takes-place-tonight.htmlThu, 02 Apr 2015 10:28:46 -0700People who have large amounts of money in their bank accounts for a small amount of time will now have their money protected in the event of their bank failing.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150401/cash-held-in-bank-accounts-temporarily-protected.htmlWed, 01 Apr 2015 14:27:55 -0700The Daily Telegraph has published a letter signed by over 100 company leaders declaring support for a Conservative led government. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150401/business-leaders-sign-letter-endorsing-tories.htmlWed, 01 Apr 2015 09:28:04 -0700Official figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) have shown that the financial wellbeing of households has only improved by 0.2% in the last five years. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150331/financial-wellbeing-improved-only-0-2-in-five-years.htmlTue, 31 Mar 2015 14:52:37 -0700Data from Nationwide building society has shown that homebuyers could save up to �1 billion as a result of Stamp Duty changes.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/stamp-duty-changes-to-save-homebuyers-1-billion.htmlTue, 31 Mar 2015 09:41:59 -0700Financial firms are selling data about people�s pension information to fraudsters and cold calling firms, according to report by the Daily Mail. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150330/pension-information-sold-to-fraudsters.htmlMon, 30 Mar 2015 13:52:57 -0700The Conservatives have not made any decisions yet in regards to benefit cuts they might make if they win the oncoming general election, the BBC has reported.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150330/conservatives-undecided-on-benefit-cuts.htmlMon, 30 Mar 2015 10:31:23 -0700Following our story earlier this week about identity fraud being on the rise [link], Financial Fraud Action (FFA) has confirmed that loses from online banking fraud have risen by 48% in 2014. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150327/online-banking-fraud-rises-by-48.htmlFri, 27 Mar 2015 15:33:23 -0700UK house price growth has slowed for the 7th month in a row, according to the latest figures from Nationwide Building Society. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20150327/uk-house-price-growth-slows.htmlFri, 27 Mar 2015 10:58:39 -0700High street banks will be forced to look for alternatives for customers before they shut down any branches which may be the last in a town, according to a new agreement. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150326/banks-must-make-alternatives-to-branch-closures.htmlThu, 26 Mar 2015 16:21:47 -0700Recorded identity theft fraud has risen dramatically, with 2014 seeing a 25% increase on 2013, according to fraud prevention service Cifas. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150326/identity-fraud-up-by-25.htmlThu, 26 Mar 2015 12:17:06 -0700Loans and overdrafts are becoming more popular as people become more confident in taking them out, according to high street banks. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150325/loans-and-overdrafts-are-becoming-more-popular.htmlWed, 25 Mar 2015 15:12:45 -0700A group of MPs have claimed that benefit sanctions are unfair to benefit claimants, and have called for an independent enquiry into the way sanctions are applied. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150325/mps-call-for-benefit-sanctions-review.htmlWed, 25 Mar 2015 12:02:35 -0700Research from the Debt Advisory Centre (DAC) has shown that 2.3 million people in the UK are struggling with fluctuating incomes due to zero hours, flexible or temporary contracts.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150324/2-3-m-brits-struggling-due-to-zero-hour-contracts.htmlTue, 24 Mar 2015 14:53:04 -0700Ministers have named and shamed 48 UK firms, including a number of high street shops, who have failed to pay their employees the minimum wage. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150324/48-uk-firms-paying-less-than-minimum-wage.htmlTue, 24 Mar 2015 10:44:16 -0700The average UK family will have �10,000 of unsecured debt by 2016, according to accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150323/uk-households-laden-with-10000-debt.htmlMon, 23 Mar 2015 15:18:48 -0700Savers are still unable to access free, face to face guidance from the Pensions Wise service, experts have warned. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150323/savers-still-unable-to-access-pension-wise-guidance.htmlMon, 23 Mar 2015 10:55:46 -0700People with pension savings been warned not to immediately rush to access their money, or �dash for the cash� when the new pension reforms come into place in April. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150320/retirees-warned-not-to-rush-to-access-savings.htmlFri, 20 Mar 2015 15:23:00 -0700The government has announced plans to overhaul transport across the north of England, helping to create a �northern powerhouse�. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150320/transport-in-north-of-england.htmlFri, 20 Mar 2015 11:08:06 -0700The Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) has said that Chancellor George Osborne needs to spell out how he plans to cut �12 billion from welfare spending.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150319/osborne-called-to-spell-out-welfare-cuts.htmlThu, 19 Mar 2015 15:15:37 -0700Chancellor George Osborne announced his annual budget yesterday, which mainly targeted savers, workers and first time buyers.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150319/budget-2015-the-main-changes.htmlThu, 19 Mar 2015 10:38:11 -0700Mortgage lending dipped unexpectedly in January, according to a report from the The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20150317/mortgage-lending-down-in-January.htmlTue, 17 Mar 2015 14:32:59 -0700Almost one in three people planning to retiree this year are still unaware of the upcoming pension changes, according to research from Prudential.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150316/almost-a-third-of-retirees-unaware-of-pension-changes.htmlMon, 16 Mar 2015 14:24:20 -0700Research from The Local Data Company has shown that more high street stores closed than opened last year, at the rate of 16 closures per day. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150316/high-street-shops-continue-to-decline.htmlMon, 16 Mar 2015 11:10:23 -0700National Express transport firm has pledged to pay all it�s workers the living wage from January 2016.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150313/national-express-to-pay-living-wage.htmlFri, 13 Mar 2015 15:15:19 -0700The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has found that people are unaware of the seven day service in place to help people switch bank accounts. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150313/Many-people-unaware-of-seven-day-switch-service.htmlFri, 13 Mar 2015 11:53:30 -0700TD Direct Investing has found that 46% of people do not feel like they have had enough guidance to decide what to do with their pensions following the upcoming pension freedoms. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150312/trust-in-the-pensions-industry-is-falling.htmlThu, 12 Mar 2015 15:00:11 -0700Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, is set to announce his 2015 budget next week in a last minute attempt to swing the May general election in favour of the Conservatives. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150312/osborne-to-announce-budget-to-try-and-win-last-minute-voters.htmlThu, 12 Mar 2015 10:22:11 -0700Almost two million UK adults do not have a bank account, according to the Financial Inclusion Commission. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150311/two-million-adults-live-without-bank-accounts.htmlWed, 11 Mar 2015 15:32:44 -0700A government backed report has claimed that people retiring later and staying on the workforce into their 50s creates more jobs for younger people, not fewer.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150311/older-workers-will-hlp-boost-economy-and-jobs.htmlWed, 11 Mar 2015 11:13:25 -0700Payday loan companies have been accused of not treating customers fairly, after the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) conducted a 12 month review of the industry. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150310/FCA-finds-failings-in-payday-loan-industry.htmlTue, 10 Mar 2015 14:45:52 -0700Homeless charity Crisis has claimed that a benefits sanction map from the Department of Work and Pensions shows how benefits claimants are treated with cruelty in the UK. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/homeless-charity-claimed-uk-is-cruel-to-benefit-claimants.htmlTue, 10 Mar 2015 10:28:46 -0700The amount of money people in the UK are saving has hit a ten year high, according to National Savings and Investments (NS&I).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20150309/UK-saving-at-ten-year-high.htmlMon, 09 Mar 2015 14:59:06 -0700The new pension freedoms allowing savers to access their pensions in full may lead to an influx of fraudsters trying to steal people�s savings. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150309/pension-freedoms-may-lead-to-influx-of-fraudsters.htmlMon, 09 Mar 2015 10:33:05 -0700David Cameron has promised to protect free bus passes, winter fuel payments, free TV licences and medicine related subsides for the old. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150306/cameron-promises-welfare-perks-for-pensioners.htmlFri, 06 Mar 2015 16:04:12 -0800A UK charity has revealed that 1.75 million UK homeowners will never have faced a rise in the Bank of England (BoE) base rate before, meaning they may be unprepared for a rise in their monthly payments. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20150305/1-75-m-homeowners-unprepared-for-mortgage-increase.htmlThu, 05 Mar 2015 14:39:35 -0800Energy supplier Scottish Power has failed to meet regulator Ofgems customer service targets, leading to a 12 day sales ban. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150305/Scottish-power-accept-selling-ban.htmlThu, 05 Mar 2015 12:27:51 -0800Research from Santander has shown that 74% of people in the UK are unaware of the new higher annual ISA allowance, which increased from �5,760 to �15,000 in July of last year.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150304/74-of-people-unaware-of-extended-isa-limit.htmlWed, 04 Mar 2015 15:53:36 -0800The Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) has found that average household incomes are only at the same level that they were before the 2008 financial crisis, and are still more than 2% below their 2009/2010 peak.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150304/household-income-still-at-pre-crisis-level.htmlWed, 04 Mar 2015 11:31:13 -0800Almost half of people in the UK don�t open all the letters they receive in their post, partly due to avoiding bank statements or bills. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150303/43-of-brits-leave-half-of-letters-unopened.htmlTue, 03 Mar 2015 15:04:53 -0800Prime Minister David Cameron has promised that 200,000 new starter homes will be built in England by 2020, if the Tories win this years general election.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150303/cameron-promises-200000-new-starter-homes.htmlTue, 03 Mar 2015 10:23:37 -0800News: The average price of a home fell in January for the first time in five months, as inflation in the UK continued to slow. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150302-uk-house-prices-fall-in-january.htmlMon, 02 Mar 2015 14:37:59 -0800A group of MPs have claimed that the TV licence does not have a long term future in the UK, and may be replaced with a levy in the next 15 years. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/tv-licence-could-be-replaced-by-levy.htmlFri, 27 Feb 2015 10:37:35 -0800A new study shows that 38% of people over 50 are looking to use the new pension freedoms to access additional funds from their pension. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150226/38-of-people-to-take-advantage-of-pension-freedoms.htmlThu, 26 Feb 2015 14:35:40 -0800Nearly three quarters of houses on sale in January this year were sold for less than their asking price, according to figures from the National Association of Estate Agents January Housing Market Report. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20150226/73-of-houses-sold-below-asking-price.htmlThu, 26 Feb 2015 10:59:58 -0800The Government has announced new changes to the law to combat cold calling and nuisance text messages, including the ability to impose fines of up to �500,000. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150225/government-changes-law-to-tackle-cold-calling.htmlWed, 25 Feb 2015 14:46:16 -0800Many employees of the UKs biggest companies are not taking advantage of opportunities to increase their pension pots, research from consultant firm Towers Watson has shown.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150225/employees-may-be-missing-out-on-higher-pensions.htmlWed, 25 Feb 2015 10:32:33 -0800The minimum costs for pensioners to eat, stay warm and have a roof over their heads has risen 8% in the last 12 months to �11,200 per year.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150224/annual-retirement-costs-reach-over-11000.htmlTue, 24 Feb 2015 15:12:39 -0800The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced new regulations and recommendations for payday loan companies, including the fact that payday loans now must make their product details available on at least one price comparison site. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150224/payday-loans-must-now-be-on-price-comparison-websites.htmlTue, 24 Feb 2015 10:50:16 -0800Almost a half of Brits now use internet backing to keep track of their finances, with almost two fifths logging in at least once a day to keep an eye on their money. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150223/half-of-people-in-the-UKMon, 23 Feb 2015 14:33:52 -0800UK workers will receive a pay rise in real terms this year for the first time since 2007, according to data from EY Item Club, the economic forecaster. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150223/wages-to-rise-this-year.htmlMon, 23 Feb 2015 12:05:15 -0800The RAC Foundation has argued that millions of parking tickets enforced on private land should be deemed illegal, meaning some drivers could be due refunds. On behalf of the RAC Foundation, barrister John de Waal QC said that some penalties could be unenforceable in court, and therefore illegal. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150220/millions-of-private-parking-tickets-could-be-illegal.htmlFri, 20 Feb 2015 15:27:32 -0800British Gas have suggested that household gas prices could be cut even further, after recently announcing that their current prices will be reduced by 5% at the end of the month. Wholesale gas prices have plummeted in recent months, and Centrica, the company that owns British Gas, has said that they expect these prices to stay low for the foreseeable future.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150219/british-gas-could-cut-bills-further.htmlThu, 19 Feb 2015 13:40:26 -0800News: Two major high street banks have announced that they will introduce fingerprint recognition technology to their smartphone applications. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150218-fingerprint-recognition-technology-to-be-used-by-banks.htmlWed, 18 Feb 2015 15:04:12 -0800The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has said that many duel-fuel customers are missing out on big savings, as they are not switching energy suppliers. The energy industry has been under investigation from the CMA since June 2014, and some early findings have already suggested that over 95% of duel-fuel customers could have saved money by switching energy suppliers between 2012 and 2014.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150218/loyal-energy-customers-missing-out-on-savings.htmlWed, 18 Feb 2015 11:40:01 -0800Worldwide dividend income paid to shareholders increased by 11% in 2014, reaching a record high of $1.167 trillion. The report, which was published by Henderson Global Investors suggested that companies in the US paid the largest share of dividends, at a total of $52 billion.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/investments/20150217/global-dividend-income-reaches-record-high.htmlTue, 17 Feb 2015 14:26:05 -0800News: Inflation fell to the lowest level ever recorded in January, relinquishing financial pressure on consumers across the UK.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150217-inflation-falls-to-lowest-level-since-records-began.htmlTue, 17 Feb 2015 14:10:26 -0800News: A report from Zurich has highlighted concerns over the amount future pensioners will receive due to the lifetime pension allowancehttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150216-lilfetime-pension-allowance-a-threat-to-retirement-income.htmlMon, 16 Feb 2015 16:42:02 -0800News: A study conducted from figures raised in the Lloyds Bank Savings Index has found that one in three workers in the UK has less than one months� wages savedhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20150216-one-in-three-has-less-than-one-months'-income-saved.htmlMon, 16 Feb 2015 11:43:30 -0800Several finance ministers from the Eurozone are set to meet in Brussels later today, despite growing scepticism that a deal can be made to restructure Greece�s debt. The Greek economy has been bailed out twice by the European Union in recent years. The first of these bailouts was in 2010 when a loan of �110 million was provided. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150216/european-union-ministers-sceptical-that-greece-debt-deal-can-be-made.htmlMon, 16 Feb 2015 11:02:30 -0800More than a quarter of all Npower customers complained to the energy supplier last year, according to figures from Ofgem, the energy regulator. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150213/a-quarter-of-npower-customers-complained-in-2014.htmlFri, 13 Feb 2015 11:54:40 -0800The number of homes repossessed by lenders in the UK has fallen to an eight year low, according to The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20150212/home-repossessions-fall-to-eight-year-low.htmlThu, 12 Feb 2015 14:55:04 -0800The pension reforms being introduced in the UK in April will lead to an abundance of mis-selling claims, according to an announcement from Scottish Friendly. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150212/fears-arise-over-pension-miss-selling.htmlThu, 12 Feb 2015 11:02:56 -0800One in ten pensioners in the UK have been the victim of financial scams during their retirement, research from MetLife shows. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150211/one-in-ten-pensioners-have-been-targeted-by-fraudsters.htmlWed, 11 Feb 2015 15:55:30 -0800A group of MPs believe that people who buy products on a �rent to own� basis are being ripped off.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150211/rent-to-own-schemes-rip-customers-off.htmlWed, 11 Feb 2015 10:35:42 -0800According to research from the Debt Advisory Centre (DAC), 16% of people in the UK believe they have a problem with debt. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150210/problem-debt-effects-Brits-mental-health.htmlTue, 10 Feb 2015 15:16:48 -0800Over a tenth of UK care workers are not being paid the minimum wage of �6.50 per hour, according to research from The Resolution Foundation. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150210/uk-care-workers-are-missing-out-on-minimum-wage.htmlTue, 10 Feb 2015 10:34:24 -0800If Labour are voted into power they will double the amount of paid paternity leave new fathers can take, from two weeks to four weeks, Ed Miliband has said.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150209/labour-promise-to-double-paternity-leave.htmlMon, 09 Feb 2015 16:44:29 -0800The Government backed pensioner bonds are set to be extended for another three months thanks to their enormous popularity, Chancellor George Osborne has said.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150902/pensioner-bonds-deadline-extended-by-three-months.htmlMon, 09 Feb 2015 11:42:45 -0800The number of UK debit card holders using contactless technology to make payments has more than tripled in a year, according to data from the UK card association. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150206/contactless-payments-treble.htmlFri, 06 Feb 2015 15:54:47 -0800New research has found that 44% of people in the UK who have taken out a pay day loan have used it to pay for essentials such as food and travel costs. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150205/44-of-brits-use-payday-loans-for-essentials.htmlThu, 05 Feb 2015 15:22:33 -0800Tesco�s online banking service has been hit by a computer fault, leaving thousands of customers unable to access their bank accounts.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150205/Tesco-bank-customers-unable-to-access-accounts.htmlThu, 05 Feb 2015 10:57:11 -0800HM Revenue and Customs has claimed that up to 890,000 people will face an �100 fine for not filing their tax returns on time, after they missed their deadline on the 31st January.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/tax/890000-people-face-100-fine-from-hmrc.htmlWed, 04 Feb 2015 15:59:29 -0800More than one in five shops in northern towns in the UK are empty, according to research from the Local Data Company. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150204/one-in-five-shops-empty-in-north-of-englang.htmlWed, 04 Feb 2015 11:36:01 -0800Energy comparison websites earn up to �30 in commission every time someone uses their site to switch provider. This doubles to �60 when customers change both electricity and gas accounts. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150203/price-comparison-websites-charge-30-per-switch.htmlTue, 03 Feb 2015 14:52:03 -0800The recent cuts that the �Big Six� energy companies made to customers bills could have been much bigger and have been made a lot earlier, according to consumer body Which?.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150203/energy-cuts-should-have-been-faster-and-further.htmlTue, 03 Feb 2015 11:47:23 -0800News: A report from PwC has suggested that free banking will disappear within a decade as banks will find offering free accounts "unsustainable" http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150202-free-bank-accounts-to-disappear-within-a-decade.htmlMon, 02 Feb 2015 14:34:23 -080012% of UK adults are paying more than 50% of their take home wage on their mortgage or rent payments, according to research from the Debt Advisory Centre (DAC). http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/12-of-people-pay-more-than-half-their-wage-on-housing-costs.htmlFri, 30 Jan 2015 15:11:21 -0800Young people aged 18-34 have seen the level of their debt double within a year, research from the price comparison website, MoneySuperMarket, has found. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150130/young-people-see-level-of-debt-double.htmlFri, 30 Jan 2015 11:17:08 -0800Buildings and contents insurance prices have fallen over the last year, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150129/home-insurance-prices-fall.htmlThu, 29 Jan 2015 11:09:41 -0800One in five people retiring this year will have to do so with debts averaging �21,800, a study has shown.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150128/19-of-people-retire-with-debt.html Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:12:24 -0800EDF energy has announced that it will be cutting its gas prices from the 11th February, joining the other �Big Six� energy firms in the UK. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150128/EDF-energy-to-cut-prices-by-just-1-6.htmlWed, 28 Jan 2015 10:58:15 -0800Two million customers will be offered compensation from their banks for being sold insurance policies they didn�t need, covering the loss or theft of their bank cards. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/creditcards/two-million-offered-credit-card-insurance-compensation.htmlTue, 27 Jan 2015 14:40:32 -0800Margaret Snowdon, a leading pensions expert, has claimed that the governments new pensions advice service �pensions wise� will not be properly staffed by the 6th April launch date.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150127/experts-worried-over-new-pensions-guidance-service.htmlTue, 27 Jan 2015 10:28:05 -0800News: The HMRC has increased tax income from the mass affluent by 60% after increasing resources targeting tax avoidance.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/tax/20150126/hmrc-tax-avoidance-crackdown-increases-payments-by-60pc.htmlMon, 26 Jan 2015 16:03:55 -0800Gas and electricity company SSE has announced that they will be cutting gas prices in the UK by 4.1%, saving the average household around �28 a year. The energy supplier has become the latest out of the �big six� energy companies to cut gas prices, as a result of falling wholesale gas prices.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140126/sse-announce-4-point-1-percent-gas-price-cut.htmlMon, 26 Jan 2015 15:10:24 -0800Energy regulator Ofgem has claimed that customers could save up to �250 a year by simply switching to a fixed rate tariff. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150123/fixed-price-tariffs-save-250-a-year-says-ofgem.htmlFri, 23 Jan 2015 14:26:56 -0800Changes to taxes and benefits that the current government brought in have cost the average UK household �1,127 a year, according to the Instituted of Fiscal Studies (IFS).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150123/benefits-cuts-cost-poorer-households-significantly.htmlFri, 23 Jan 2015 13:35:22 -0800In London, it takes on average 26 years for a family to save up a deposit for their first home, according to a report from housing charity Shelter. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150122/first-time-buyers-need-26-years-to-save-for-deposit.htmlThu, 22 Jan 2015 14:57:30 -0800Energy price comparison websites will now have to adhere to new rules announced by the energy regulator Ofgem, which will force them to become more transparent. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150122/new-rules-for-price-comparison-websites.htmlThu, 22 Jan 2015 10:28:36 -0800UK unemployment has fallen even further to 1.9 million, its lowest level for more than six years, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150121/uk-unemployment-falls-for-26-month-in-a-row.htmlWed, 21 Jan 2015 15:19:53 -0800The AA have claimed that car insurance costs could rise by up to 10% throughout the year.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150121/car-insurance-to-rise-by-10-says-aa.htmlWed, 21 Jan 2015 11:54:50 -0800Scottish Power has become the third of the �Big Six� energy firms to announce a price cut, after Eon and British Gas announced their cuts earlier this month.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150120/Scottish-power-to-cut-gas-prices.htmlTue, 20 Jan 2015 15:11:29 -0800The Financial Conduct Authority has found that competition in savings accounts does not work out well for customers, particularly those with long-standing accounts. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150120/FCA-to-change-savings-account-market.htmlTue, 20 Jan 2015 10:36:50 -0800Energy supplier British Gas has announced that they will cut their gas prices by 5% on the 27th February, reducing the typical families household bill by �37 per year. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150119/British-gas-to-cut-prices-by-5.htmlMon, 19 Jan 2015 16:05:25 -0800A new study by Centres for Cities has shown that the gap between economies in the north and south of the UK has widened. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150119/UKs-north-south-divide-widens.htmlMon, 19 Jan 2015 10:07:28 -0800A survey from LSL Property Services has shown that the cost of renting a home in the UK has risen by 3% throughout 2014. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20150116/rent-prices-up-3.htmlFri, 16 Jan 2015 14:31:19 -0800A new survey from loan.co.uk has shown that a third of Britons don�t think their finances could cope with a rise in the mortgage base rate.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150116/a-third-of-brits-could-not-cope-with-base-rate-rise.htmlFri, 16 Jan 2015 10:24:24 -0800People who are considered �to poor to go bankrupt� with up to �20,000 debt will now be able to use a Debt Relief Order to enter insolvency.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150115/rules-on-bankruptcy-and-debt-relief-orders-to-change.htmlThu, 15 Jan 2015 15:51:12 -0800The new pensioner bonds announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the March Budget last year have been officially launched today. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150115/new-government-pensioner-bonds-take-off.htmlThu, 15 Jan 2015 10:24:09 -0800One in 15 people who have unsecured debt are spending over half of their take home earnings on monthly repayments, according to new research from the Debt Advisory Centre. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20150114/one-in-15-spend-50-of-wage-on-debt-repayment.htmlWed, 14 Jan 2015 15:05:13 -0800Energy firm Eon will cut gas prices for its customers by 3.5% will immediate effect. German company Eon supplies gas and electricity to 4.5 million homes in the UK, who will now save on average �24 off an annual household gas bill. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150114/Eon-cuts-gas-prices-for-customers.htmlWed, 14 Jan 2015 10:52:13 -0800Supermarket giant Sainsburys has announced it will cut 500 jobs at its stores support centres under new plans to save money after sales figures continue to fall. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150113/sainsburys-to-cut-500-jobs.htmlTue, 13 Jan 2015 15:49:31 -0800Government figures have shown that only 45% of pensioners will be eligible for the new state pension in the first five years of the system.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150113/55-of-pensioners-miss-out-on-full-state-pension.htmlTue, 13 Jan 2015 11:04:32 -0800Labour leader Ed Miliband believes Ofgem should be given more powers to force firms to cut gas and electricity bills in relation to the fall of wholesales prices. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150112/ed-miliband-calls-for-more-powers-for-ofgem.htmlMon, 12 Jan 2015 14:22:14 -0800The charity Age UK has warned that the pension changes coming in April could leave significant numbers of older people running out of money in retirement.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150112/pension-changes-could-leave-many-without-cash.htmlMon, 12 Jan 2015 12:02:14 -0800A report from right wing think tank Policy Exchange has revealed that half of those defined as being in fuel poverty in England are actually in employment. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150109/half-of-people-in-fuel-poverty-are-in-work.htmlFri, 09 Jan 2015 14:51:08 -0800Only 12% of people over 40 years old believe they would be able to survive on the state pension of �8,000 a year, according to research from retirement specialists Partnership. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150109/88-of-people-could-not-survive-on-state-pension-alone.htmlFri, 09 Jan 2015 10:29:08 -0800Boilershield- now known as Kwik Fix Plumbers- have been fined for cold calling vulnerable people, many of who were registered with the Telephone Preference Service. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20150108/plumbing-company-targeting-elderly-and-vulnerable.htmlThu, 08 Jan 2015 14:31:13 -0800Supermarket giant Tesco have announced plans to close 43 stores across the UK after its sales fell by 2.9%.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150108/tesco-to-close-43-stores.htmlThu, 08 Jan 2015 11:28:36 -0800Supermarket giant Sainsburys has suffered its first fall in Christmas sales for more than a decade, as they admit the rest of the financial year will �remain challenging� for them. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150107/Supermarket-giant-Sainsburys-in-crisis.htmlWed, 07 Jan 2015 14:37:47 -0800All four major supermarkets in the UK have announced a further fall in fuel prices taking effect this week, bringing petrol even closer to �1 a litre. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20150108/oil-prices-drop-even-further.htmlWed, 07 Jan 2015 11:00:45 -0800Half of homeowners who will be directly affected by a rise in interest rates are not aware that their mortgage payments may increase in the near future. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20150106/half-of-those-effected-unaware-of-rate-rise.htmlTue, 06 Jan 2015 15:24:33 -0800The number of people buying a home for the first time is at a seven year high, according to Halifax�s First Time Buyer Review.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20150106/number-of-first-time-buyers-at-seven-year-high.htmlTue, 06 Jan 2015 11:09:01 -0800The pensions minister Steve Webb has announced that he would like to extend the pension freedoms announced in the Budget to existing pensioners, meaning retired people would be given the right to sell their pensions or annuities. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20150105/new-pension-freedoms-for-retired-people-suggested.htmlMon, 05 Jan 2015 14:32:49 -0800The British Bankers Association (BBA) has claimed that people under the age of 25 are more vulnerable to money transfer scams than any other age group. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20150105/young-people-more-likely-to-be-victims-of-fraud.htmlMon, 05 Jan 2015 10:36:57 -08002015 will be a very tough year for supermarkets, according to Asda�s chief executive, Andy Clarke. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141231/tough-times-ahead-for-UK-supermarkets.htmlWed, 31 Dec 2014 10:22:51 -0800Research from Key Retirement, the retirement specialists, shows that nearly one in five people over the age of 45 will retire in debt. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20141230/one-in-five-people-will-retire-with-debt.htmlTue, 30 Dec 2014 15:02:00 -0800The new pension freedoms and flexibilities announced in the 2014 Budget may mean that pensioners are more exposed to losing their life savings to scammers. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20141230/new-pension-freedoms-could-increase-risk-or-fraud.htmlTue, 30 Dec 2014 10:35:43 -0800Research from insurance giant Aviva shows that one in ten UK families see one parents wages go entirely toward childcare and commuting costs.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20141229/Childcare-costs-spiral-for-families.htmlMon, 29 Dec 2014 14:44:23 -0800The charity Citizens Advice believes customers who use pre-payment meters should be given a debt �holiday� at certain times of the year, especially in winter.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20141229/citizens-advice-urge-energy-suppliers-to-create-debt-holidays.htmlMon, 29 Dec 2014 10:50:23 -0800Power generation firms have received a close to �1 billion pay out from the government to ensure their plants stay open and to reduce the treat of power cuts in the coming years.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20141219/power-generation-firms-given-1-bn-pay-out-from-government.htmlFri, 19 Dec 2014 14:23:28 -0800Some MPs have claimed that large numbers of disabled people are missing out on government support to help them into work.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141219/access-to-work-scheme-not-reaching-all-disabled-people.htmlFri, 19 Dec 2014 10:05:27 -0800Black Friday has caused UK retail sales to rise at their fastest annual rate for more than 10 years in November, official figures have shown. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141218/black-friday-helps-retail-sales-rise.htmlThu, 18 Dec 2014 16:43:59 -0800The UK is using less energy than a decade ago, even with the increase in electrical goods in households. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20141218/uk-using-less-energy-today-than-a-decade-ago.htmlThu, 18 Dec 2014 10:59:26 -0800Payday loan company Wonga have changed their loans cap and interest rates in line with the new regulations introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20141217/wonga-caps-interest-rates-at-facs-maximum-rate.htmlWed, 17 Dec 2014 15:39:25 -0800New research has claimed that a cap on benefits is providing an incentive for people to get back into work. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141217/cap-on-benefits-pushes-more-people-into-work.htmlWed, 17 Dec 2014 10:14:39 -0800The Co-op bank has failed a stress test conducted by the Bank of England (BoE). HSBC, Barclays, Santander, Standard Chartered and Nationwide all passed and Lloyds Banking Group and Royal Bank of Scotland were found to be at risk in the event of a "severe economic downturn". http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141216/Co-op-fails-bank-of-england-stress-test.htmlTue, 16 Dec 2014 15:37:58 -0800The Government is planning to build 100,000 new, discounted homes for first time buyers over the next five years.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20141216/government-plans-to-build-100000-discounted-starter-homes.htmlTue, 16 Dec 2014 10:19:03 -0800Over the next couple of weeks our opening hours are set to change. If for any reason you still need to get in touch with us over the Christmas break, you can still ask us a question online, call us and leave a message or send us an email.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20141215/opening-hours-this-Christmas-at-financialadvice.htmlMon, 15 Dec 2014 15:54:16 -0800People on zero hour contracts in their place of employment end up earning �300 less per week than permanent employees, a new report has shown. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141215/zero-hour-employees-earn-300-less-than-permanent.htmlMon, 15 Dec 2014 15:16:56 -0800The Treasury has announced plans to launch a new fee-free bank account on the high street. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20141215/Treasury-plans-fee-free-bank-account.htmlMon, 15 Dec 2014 10:24:39 -0800The Bank of England (BoE) believe the majority of people with mortgages could cope with a rise in interest rates, as long as wages rise alongside it.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141212/boe-believes-mortgage-owners-could-cope-with-a-2-5-rate-rise.htmlFri, 12 Dec 2014 15:31:59 -0800The average household water bill is set to fall by 5% in 2020, following a decision from industry regulator Ofwat.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20141212/water-bills-set-to-be-reduced-by-5-in-2020.htmlFri, 12 Dec 2014 13:41:13 -0800Former high street bank Northern Rock has been ordered to pay 43,000 borrowers compensation over misleading wording of past loan documents. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20141211/northern-rock-forced-to-pay-43000-customers-compensation.htmlThu, 11 Dec 2014 15:16:30 -0800Some pensioners are missing out on a higher income from their annuity because they did not shop around. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20141112/pensioners-are-missing-out-on-higher-incomes.htmlThu, 11 Dec 2014 11:23:19 -0800A government report has shown that household bills have increase by 75% from 2004 to 2014, much higher than the rate of general inflation, 23%. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20141210/energy-bills-have-increased-by-75-in-last-decade.htmlWed, 10 Dec 2014 15:10:25 -0800The energy industry is encouraging the three million people who are owed money by their energy companies to reclaim it.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20141210/your-former-energy-supplier-might-owe-you-cash.htmlWed, 10 Dec 2014 10:35:26 -0800News: Shares in Tesco have fallen by another 15 per cent as the company issues its third profit warning in a matter of months. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141209/tesco-shares-lose-another-15pc-as-profit-warning-is-issued.htmlTue, 09 Dec 2014 10:55:47 -0800A report by the Bank of England has claimed that the majority of mortgage holders would be able to cope with increased interest rates, on the basis that household incomes increase by 10% at the same time. The report claimed that in the event of interest rates increasing to 2.5%, only 4% of mortgage holders would need to take action in order to keep up with their mortgage repayments.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20141209/majority-of-mortgage-holders-could-cope-with-interest-rate-rise.htmlTue, 09 Dec 2014 10:38:46 -0800Research from YouGov has shown that 16% of people in the UK have taken out credit with no intention of paying it back, and half of those would consider repeating that behaviour. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20141208/16-of-brits-take-out-credit-with-no-plan-to-pay-it-back.htmlMon, 08 Dec 2014 15:29:58 -0800A government taskforce has called for a change in the way companies trade customers personal data, as they believe it is currently �out of control�. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141208/changes-needed-to-use-of-personal-data.htmlMon, 08 Dec 2014 13:34:10 -0800One million more people will be invited to take part in a scheme, which allows people to pay a cheque into their bank account by taking a photo of it on their smart phone. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20141205/Barclays-extends-smartphone-cheque-scheme.htmlFri, 05 Dec 2014 15:04:27 -0800Average rail fares will rise by 2.2% from 2nd January 2015, the rail industry has announced. This excluded regulated rails fares, which will rise by 2.5%.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141205/rail-fares-to-rise-by-2-2.htmlFri, 05 Dec 2014 09:48:05 -0800British Gas has been fined �11.1 million by regulators Ofgem for failing to meet energy efficient targets on time. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20141204/british-gas-hit-with-11-1-million-fine.htmlThu, 04 Dec 2014 11:22:13 -0800We have covered some of the main points of the Autumn Statement in our summary, and addressed how they might affect you and your family. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141203/The-autumn-statment-what-does-it-mean-to-me.htmlWed, 03 Dec 2014 16:55:33 -0800The cost of having a landline telephone is significantly increasing, as more homes turn to other forms of communication and disregard the landline. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20141202/landline-prices-increase-as-usage-falls.htmlWed, 03 Dec 2014 12:07:00 -0800UK family spending stands at �517.30 a week, which is still less than pre financial crisis spending when inflation is taken into account. This has risen from �501 in 2012. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141202/UK-family-spending-at-517-per-week.htmlTue, 02 Dec 2014 15:05:45 -0800The amount of money fraudsters have gained by using telephone scams has risen to �23.9 million, three times as much as it was last year. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20141202/telephone-scams-see-massive-increase.htmlTue, 02 Dec 2014 10:35:04 -0800The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced new regulations for payday loan middlemen, in an attempt to crackdown on unfair and extortionate fees. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20141201/new-regulations-for-payday-loan-brokers.htmlMon, 01 Dec 2014 15:47:34 -0800In April, we heard the budget announcements telling us how the countries money will be spent over the next 12 months. Read what will happen in the Autumn Statement here. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141201/what-will-happen-in-the-autumn-statment.htmlMon, 01 Dec 2014 14:40:14 -080028% of over 55�s do not believe they will ever be able to afford to retire, research from Key Retirement, the independent retirement specialists, shows. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20141201/28-of-over-55s-cannot-afford-to-retire.htmlMon, 01 Dec 2014 11:05:56 -0800The government run Help to Buy scheme has helped 71,000 people across the UK buy a new home, according to official statistics.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20141128/71000-benefit-from-help-to-buy-scheme.htmlFri, 28 Nov 2014 15:00:02 -0800Power generation companies, Drax and InterGen, have both been fined �36 million after failing to meet energy saving targets for low income households. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20141128/energy-companies-fined-36-million.htmlFri, 28 Nov 2014 12:17:19 -0800Over one million customers who have a pre-paid meter have been overcharged by their energy companies because their meter is faulty, Energy UK has revealed. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20141127/one-million-customers-overcharged-for-energy.htmlThu, 27 Nov 2014 16:18:53 -0800Tomorrow, UK retailers will be slashing their prices by up to 70% as thousands of shoppers are expected to descend on the UKs high street. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141127/black-friday-comes-to-the-uk.htmlThu, 27 Nov 2014 11:04:12 -0800MGM Advantage, a retirement income specialist, has released a report detailing how retirees use pension lump sums, showing 28% of retirees use them to pay off debt.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20141126/28-of-retirees-use-pension-lump-sum-to-clear-debt.htmlWed, 26 Nov 2014 15:42:08 -0800Banks have paid out a total of �38.5 billion in fines and compensation over the last 15 years, a joint study by Cass Business School and think tank New City Agenda concludes. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141126/banks-receive-21-million-complaints-in-six-years.htmlWed, 26 Nov 2014 11:45:33 -0800Mortgage approvals have fallen by 16% in the last 12 months, providing further evidence that the housing market is slowing down, according to the British Banking Association (BBA). http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20141125/mortgage-approvals-fall-by-16-percent.htmlTue, 25 Nov 2014 15:36:02 -0800Investors are being warned by Banking Regulators to avoid Channel Offshore Bank, which is claiming to operate in the Channel Islands.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/investments/investors-warned-about-fake-offshore-bank.htmlTue, 25 Nov 2014 15:34:37 -0800Nationwide Building Society�s mortgage lending has fallen by almost �1 billion over the past six months, its interim results show.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20141125/nationwides-mortgage-lending-falls-by-almost-1-b.htmlTue, 25 Nov 2014 11:20:59 -0800Young people and those in work are now more at risk of poverty than the elderly and the unemployed, a report has shown. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141124/the-young-and-workers-most-likely-to-be-in-poverty.htmlMon, 24 Nov 2014 14:59:46 -0800Supermarkets such as Tesco, Asda and Morrison�s are forcing some food production companies into insolvency, according to accountancy company Moore Stephens. The number of food production companies who entered insolvency increased by 28% in the 12 months leading to September, despite an improving UK economic outlook.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141124/cost-cutting-supermarkets-pile-pressure-on-food-producers.htmlMon, 24 Nov 2014 14:41:36 -0800Royal Bank of Scotland customers have had problems using credit and debit cards in shops and at cash machines over the weekend. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20141124/rbs-face-further-it-problems-after-56m-fine.htmlMon, 24 Nov 2014 11:17:25 -0800 Plans to give HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) the power to raid people�s bank accounts for unpaid taxes have been revised, according to the Treasury.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/tax/20141121/treasury-revises-plans-to-give-hmrc-new-tax-powers.htmlFri, 21 Nov 2014 15:01:36 -0800The average gender full-time pay gap is at it�s lowest since records began in 1997, official figures show. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141121/gender-pay-gap-falls-to-9.htmlFri, 21 Nov 2014 15:00:02 -08004G data bills are expected to drop in the future due to Ofcom�s decision to free up more spectrum.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20141121/uk-set-to-receive-faster-cheaper-4g-from-2020.htmlFri, 21 Nov 2014 10:52:45 -0800David Gauke, The Financial Secretary to the Treasury, has said that the new pension reforms will ensure that increases to the basic state pension will not be outstripped by earnings, growth or inflation.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20141120/pension-reforms-mean-pensioners-may-be-�411-better-off.htmlThu, 20 Nov 2014 16:22:35 -0800Royal Bank of Scotland has been fined �56 million for a collapse in its consumer systems that left thousands of customers unable to access their bank accounts.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20141120/rbs-fined-56m-for-IT-meltdown.htmlThu, 20 Nov 2014 10:48:33 -0800Grocery sales have fallen for the first time in two decades, according to a report from Kantar Worldpanel. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141119/grocery-sales-fall-for-first-time-in-two-decades.htmlWed, 19 Nov 2014 15:59:03 -0800Labour shadow ministers have met with business leaders to discuss the current problem of self employed people having little access to mortgages and pensions.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20141118/labour-look-to-break-down-barriers-for-self-employed.htmlWed, 19 Nov 2014 10:47:09 -0800Thousands of people who are owed compensation from pay day loan company Wonga have yet to be given any money. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20141117/wonga-still-owes-1000s-of-customers-compensation.htmlTue, 18 Nov 2014 15:46:30 -0800MP�s have criticised HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for not acting quickly enough when it comes to action against tax avoiders. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/tax/20141117/mps-call-for-HMRC-to-take-action-over-tax-avoiders.htmlTue, 18 Nov 2014 12:03:22 -0800Social policy charity the Joseph Rowntree foundation has released a report advising that the rising cost of private rents are on course to push thousands of people into poverty while adding billions of pounds onto the UK�s housing benefit bill. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20141117/millions-may-be-pushed-into-poverty-by-2040.htmlMon, 17 Nov 2014 16:01:14 -0800Gambling charity GamCare believes not enough young people know where to turn when they have a gambling problem, leaving them to suffer in silence. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141117/young-people-with-gambling-problems-suffer-in-silence.htmlMon, 17 Nov 2014 10:31:00 -0800Lloyds Banking Group is soon to axe its protection advice service, leaving consumers without guidance or advice on protection products. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20141114/Lloyds-to-axe-protection-advice-service.htmlFri, 14 Nov 2014 14:36:29 -0800An investigation by consumer group Which? has found that packaging tactics used by supermarkets and manufactures run the risk of misleading shoppers about products and deals. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141114/which-outs-misleading-packaging-tactics.htmlFri, 14 Nov 2014 11:06:23 -0800The number of homes being repossessed in the UK has fallen for the third quarter in a row.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20141113/number-of-house-repossessions-falls-further.htmlThu, 13 Nov 2014 15:06:37 -0800Supermarket Sainsburys have reported a half year loss of �290 million before tax and a fall in sales of 2.1%. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141113/sainsburys-report-half-year-loss-of-290-million.htmlThu, 13 Nov 2014 12:04:02 -0800The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has revealed new figures that show growth in average pay for workers has overtaken inflation rates in the UK. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141112/wage-growth-overtakes-inflation-for-the-first-time-in-five-years.htmlWed, 12 Nov 2014 15:28:32 -0800UK, US and Swiss authorities have fined five banks more than �2 billion after widespread manipulation by the banks traders in the foreign exchange markets. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/News/ukeconomy/20141112/five-banks-fined-over-2-billion-after-currency-rigging-investigation.htmlWed, 12 Nov 2014 12:29:46 -0800Aldi have announced plans to create 35,000 new jobs in the UK, as it aims to have 1,000 stores in the UK by 2022. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141111/aldi-to-create-35000-uk-jobs.htmlTue, 11 Nov 2014 15:20:55 -0800The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced a cap on the amount of interest that pay day loan companies can charged their customers.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20141111/fca-announce-cap-on-pay-day-loan-interest-rates.htmlTue, 11 Nov 2014 10:42:10 -0800One in three jobs could be taken over by some form of technology in the next 20 years, new research has warned. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141011/10-million-jobs-at-risk-from-advancing-technology.htmlMon, 10 Nov 2014 16:52:45 -0800The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) believe more free childcare and tax cuts for the low paid are two of many measures that are needed in Britain to raise living standards. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141110/CBI-calls-for-wage-rise-and-more-free-childcare.htmlMon, 10 Nov 2014 10:40:13 -0800The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) has called the new pension regulations into disrepute by releasing 101 questions about �unresolved issues� the pension reforms have posed. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20141107/napf-ask-101-questions-about-new-pension-regulations.htmlFri, 07 Nov 2014 14:51:26 -0800MPs call for an urgent review of student loans has been rejected by the Government, despite being told the current system is under threat because of a �large potential black hole� in its figures.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20141107/student-loans-review-rejected-by-the-government.htmlFri, 07 Nov 2014 11:29:36 -0800Sainsburys is set to open 15 discount stores in partnership with Danish discount chain Netto. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141106/sainsburys-and-netto-team-up.htmlThu, 06 Nov 2014 16:12:19 -0800The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) have announced a full competition enquiry into current account and small business banking markets. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20141106/cma-launches-bank-account-competition-investigation.htmlThu, 06 Nov 2014 14:52:53 -0800Parents who miss child maintenance payments may now have their credit files affected, under new government proposals. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141105/child-maintenance-payments-to-affect-credit-files.htmlWed, 05 Nov 2014 16:41:10 -080053% of the UK population, including 27% of people over the age of 55 are not aware of State Pension reforms, according to new research from Prudential. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141105/53-of-brits-unaware-of-pension-reforms.htmlWed, 05 Nov 2014 11:25:48 -0800According to official figures from The Insolvency Service, insolvency is at it�s lowest rate since before the Financial Crisis in 2008.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141104/insolvency-at-lowest-rate-since-2006.htmlTue, 04 Nov 2014 15:08:27 -0800Consumer organisation Which? have claimed that homeowners have to pay �sneaky� and �unclear� mortgage fees. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20141104/which-call-to-stop-sneaky-and-unclear-mortgage-fees.htmlTue, 04 Nov 2014 10:31:12 -0800From this week millions of taxpayers will start to receive details of exactly how their money is being spent by the government.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/tax/taxpayers-will-now-receive-tax-breakdown-letters.htmlMon, 03 Nov 2014 14:48:51 -0800The UK living wage has risen by 20p per hour to �7.85. The rate in London will rise from �8.80 an hour to �9.15.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/03122014/uk-living-wage-rises-by-20-per-hour.htmlMon, 03 Nov 2014 11:41:38 -0800The number of property sales worth �1 million or more is the highest it has even been, according to research from the UK�s largest mortgage provider, Lloyds Bank. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20141031/1-million-home-sales-at-highest-ever.htmlFri, 31 Oct 2014 14:58:45 -0700The Bank of England (BoE) will today announce new regulations for banks to maintain financial safety nets. Industry experts believe this may raise the costs of mortgages and penalise building societies. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20141031/mortgage-costs-may-rise-with-new-boe-regulations.htmlFri, 31 Oct 2014 11:21:33 -0700Less than a quarter of self employed men in the UK have any form of pension, official figures from the Office for National Statistics shows. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20141031/three-quarters-of-self-employed-men-have-no-pension.htmlFri, 31 Oct 2014 09:07:42 -0700Internal documents found by the BBC have shown that ministers are considering severely cutting the main Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) sickness benefit.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141030/ministers-consider-employment-and-support-allowance-cuts.htmlThu, 30 Oct 2014 11:17:43 -0700Consumers are being warned about �rip off� websites for online loan brokers, who offer to find people the best pay day loan, but end up taking money without the consumers permissionhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20141029/beware-of-online-loan-brokers.htmlWed, 29 Oct 2014 15:38:48 -0700Criminals have started to use a new technique to try and get peoples bank details called �number spoofing�. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20141029/new-number-spoofing-fraud-alert.htmlWed, 29 Oct 2014 10:50:29 -0700The Bank of England are set to launch the biggest ever review of the financial markets in history. They are looking to restore consumer trust in the financial industry, after several investigations uncovered a number of rate-rigging scandals. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141028/bank-of-england-to-hold-biggest-ever-review-of-uk-markets.htmlTue, 28 Oct 2014 16:09:56 -0700200,000 people may cash in their pension pots simultaneously next year, when the Governments new pension reforms come in. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20141028/12-of-people-predicted-to-cash-in-pension.htmlTue, 28 Oct 2014 15:55:27 -0700Lloyds banking group have confirmed it will be axing 9,000 jobs and will close 150 branches in the next three years. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141028/lloyds-confirm-9000-job-cuts.htmlTue, 28 Oct 2014 10:10:02 -0700A total of 24 European Banks have failed a financial health check, which was carried out by the European Banking Authority (EBA). The test measured the financial strength of 123 European Banks, as of December 2013. However, some of the banks have taken action to raise extra capital since then.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141027/24-european-banks-fail-financial-health-test.htmlMon, 27 Oct 2014 15:58:32 -0700The clocks going back one hour in October each year adds �630 million to the nation's winter energy bills.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20141027/clocks-going-back-leads-to-bills-increase.htmlMon, 27 Oct 2014 14:42:12 -0700More than five million people in Britain are in low paid jobs, research for think tank Resolution Foundation has said. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141027/record-number-of-people-in-Britain-are-low-paid.htmlMon, 27 Oct 2014 10:42:08 -0700The cost of renting a home in the UK rose 1% over the past year, official statistics have shown. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20141024/cost-of-renting-rises-by-1.htmlFri, 24 Oct 2014 13:22:45 -0700People who change jobs regularly will now no longer have to cash in or move their workplace pension, under new government plans.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20141024/regular-job-movers-can-keep-pension-plans.htmlFri, 24 Oct 2014 11:01:32 -0700The number of mortgages approved for house purchases has fallen 10% in a year, The British Bankers Associate (BBA) have said. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20141023/mortgage-approvals-fall-to-a-14-month-low.htmlThu, 23 Oct 2014 15:21:24 -0700Tesco have suffered a 92% fall in pre tax profits this year, resulting in Tesco chairman Sir Richard Broadbent stepping down from his role in the firm. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141023/tescos-profits-fall-by-92.htmlThu, 23 Oct 2014 10:36:27 -0700The Consumer Finance Association believe borrowers who are denied credit from payday loans may actually end up worse off than they would have done if they were granted a loan. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20141022/pay-day-loan-regulations-may-be-detrimental-to-consumers.htmlWed, 22 Oct 2014 14:58:51 -0700Public Health England have released new guidelines for people in the UK to help them deal with the cold winter weather. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20141022/cold-weather-plan-may-help-save-you-money-on-bills.htmlWed, 22 Oct 2014 10:45:34 -0700The supermarket price war has lead to deflation in the grocery market, and like for like prices have declined by 0.2%.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141021/consumers-are-winners-in-supermarket-price-war.htmlTue, 21 Oct 2014 13:48:30 -0700Shadow chancellor Ed Balls has announced that if Labour come into power in the upcoming general election he will introduce a �mansion tax�http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/tax/20141021/ed-balls-outlines-mansion-tax.htmlTue, 21 Oct 2014 10:00:56 -0700The Mortgage Market Reviews effect on the UK�s mortgage market has reduced recently, according to the Bank of England�s latest trends in lending report. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20141020/mmrs-impact-on-mortgage-market-lessens.htmlMon, 20 Oct 2014 13:33:14 -0700Both male and female employees will be offered full parental pay in the Civil Service from April 2015. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141020/equal-parental-leave-pay-for-civil-service-employees.htmlMon, 20 Oct 2014 09:24:28 -0700Royal London has called for a new independent commission to improve policy on pensions, retirement income, and later life financial provision.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20141017/royal/london/calls/for/independent/ pensions/commision.htmlFri, 17 Oct 2014 15:19:05 -0700Interest rates could remain at the benchmark low of 0.5% for longer than previously expected, following a speech from the Bank of England�s chief economist. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141017/bank-of-england-recommends-keeping-interest-rates-low.htmlFri, 17 Oct 2014 14:07:21 -07001.6 million pensioners are living in poverty, a new report from the charity Age UK has shown. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20141017/more-than-1m-pensioners-in-poverty-in-the-UK.htmlFri, 17 Oct 2014 09:22:22 -0700Shadow pensions minister Gregg McClymont has expressed concern over lack of pension drawdown controls http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20141016/lack-of-drawdown-controls-concerns-shadow-minister.htmlThu, 16 Oct 2014 15:36:10 -0700Labour leader Ed Milliband has promised priority for first time buyers to buy newly built houses in their communities. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20141016/labour-promise-first-time-buyer-will-be-a-priority.htmlThu, 16 Oct 2014 12:37:51 -07001.2 million bank accounts were switched this year, helped by a government backed scheme created to generate more competition in the bank account market. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20141015/switch-guarantee-causes-1-2-m-bank-account-switches.htmlWed, 15 Oct 2014 15:15:33 -0700UK Water firms have been sending out misleading �debt collection� letters to customers who have missed payments.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20141015/water-firms-issue-misleading-letters.htmlWed, 15 Oct 2014 09:55:02 -0700New data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) has shown the north-south house prices divide is at its biggest everhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20141014/north-south-house-price-divide-widens.htmlTue, 14 Oct 2014 14:18:10 -0700UK banks have launched a new campaign to help consumers protect themselves from fraudsters. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20141014/banks-launch-new-campaign-against-fraud.htmlTue, 14 Oct 2014 12:16:59 -0700The level of income tax collected is likely to miss the governments target for this financial year, even though employment has risen. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141013/income-tax-likely-to-miss-targets.htmlMon, 13 Oct 2014 13:51:27 -0700Just 2.5% of retirees have opted to take free financial guidance from Legal & General.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20141013/only-2.5-of-retirees-take-up-free-pensions-advice.htmlMon, 13 Oct 2014 09:48:02 -0700Private sector pay will rise quicker than pay in the public sector, a report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies has said.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141010/private-sector-pay-to-rise-quicker-than-the-public-sector.htmlFri, 10 Oct 2014 14:21:35 -0700Home buyers in Scotland will no longer have to pay tax on properties valued under �130,000, Scottish finance Secretary John Swinney has announced.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20141010/scotland-announces-no-tax-on-properties-below-130000.htmlFri, 10 Oct 2014 09:39:01 -0700The UK economic recovery is under threat from the potential of another Eurozone recession, chancellor George Osborne has warned. The chancellor said that the UK economy is at a �critical� stage in its recovery, and would be left vulnerable if the Eurozone suffers another financial crisis.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141009/uk-economic-recovery-at-critical-stage.htmlThu, 09 Oct 2014 15:03:59 -0700High streets are losing their number of shops dramatically, a study by PwC and the Local Data Company has shown. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141009/high-street-closures-reach-16-a-day.htmlThu, 09 Oct 2014 12:58:00 -0700Poundworld have been banned from making the �everything �1� claim by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), as some items were found to be on sale for as much as �8.99. They have been told that they could eventually be able to make the claim again, but only once they can prove that every item they sell is priced at �1.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141009/poundland-everything-1-pound-claim-banned.htmlThu, 09 Oct 2014 10:04:18 -0700New regulations have been proposed by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) which would increase price competition between payday lenders and help borrowers get a better deal.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20141009/new-regulations-proposed-for-pay-day-loans.htmlThu, 09 Oct 2014 09:59:42 -0700Mobile phone firm Three has been fined �250,000 by Ofcom for failing to handle customer complaints properly. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141008/three-fined-for-failing-to-handle-complaints.htmlWed, 08 Oct 2014 13:57:08 -0700Problem debt cost the UK �8.3 billion through the damages it causes to peoples lives, a leading debt charity has claimed. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141008/problem-debt-has-massive-cost-on-UK-economy.htmlWed, 08 Oct 2014 12:59:07 -0700The Green Deal Home Improvement fund will receive an extra �100 million funding, a government minister has today announced. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20141007/more-money-for-energy-saving-home-improvements-scheme.htmlTue, 07 Oct 2014 14:54:24 -0700Complaints to water companies have largely fallen for their sixth year in a rowhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20141007/complaints-to-water-companies-fall.htmlTue, 07 Oct 2014 14:52:19 -0700The Tesco crisis has worsened as they have been forced to suspend a fifth senior executive, pending the results of their investigations. An investigation into the company�s finances was recently instigated by the discovery of a �250m black hole in their accounts.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141007/tesco-crisis-worsens-as-fifth-executive-is-suspended.htmlTue, 07 Oct 2014 11:17:19 -0700The Bank of England (BoE) has today launched new proposals to protect savings, making it easier for consumers to get their cash back when banks fail.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20141007/boe-proposes-additional-protection-for-consumers.htmlTue, 07 Oct 2014 09:45:50 -0700One in three employers have reported that absence levels have increased due to staff members struggling to cope with caring responsibilities outside of work. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141006/More-people-absent-from-work-due-to-caring-for-others.htmlMon, 06 Oct 2014 15:13:25 -0700Companies in the Eurozone have continued to struggle throughout the third quarter of 2014, with the French economy performing particularly badly. Figures showed growth in the Eurozone economy has continued to slow down in recent months.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/eurozone-economies-struggle-in-third-quarter.htmlMon, 06 Oct 2014 11:13:40 -0700Vince Cable will today announce plans to raise the apprentice minimum wage by �1.06. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141006/pay-rise-for-apprentices-planned.html Mon, 06 Oct 2014 09:22:28 -0700Morrisons have launched a new loyalty card as it tries to compete with the low prices offered at Aldi and Lidl. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141003/morrisons-launch-price-match-loyalty-card.htmlFri, 03 Oct 2014 14:21:32 -0700The government have announced the expansion of a discount scheme which will allow an extra 200,000 pensioners to get help with their energy bills this winter.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20141003/warm-home-discount-scheme-is-extended.htmlFri, 03 Oct 2014 09:36:19 -0700The Bank of England has been granted new powers, which are intended to enable them to help the UK economy avoid another housing bubble. The new powers will allow the Bank to set limits on how much people are allowed to borrow when purchasing a home. They said this will be based on a �loan-to-income� ratio, which is likely to be set at 4.5 times a household�s annual income. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20141002/bank-of-england-handed-greater-powers-on-mortgages.htmlThu, 02 Oct 2014 15:52:04 -0700Financial analysts have predicted the �Big Six� energy firms in the UK will lose a quarter of their customers over the next six years. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20141002/big-six-enegry-firms-to-lose-quarter-of-customers.htmlThu, 02 Oct 2014 13:24:37 -0700The UK�s biggest pay day lender, Wonga, have today announced they will write off 300,000 customer loans, totalling in �220 million. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20141002/wonga-will-write-off-330000-loan-after-fca-investigation.htmlThu, 02 Oct 2014 10:32:54 -0700David Cameron has pledged to cut tax for 30 million people if the Conservatives are voted in power again in the 2015 general election. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141001/cameron-promises-tax-cuts-for-30-million-people-if-torys-winWed, 01 Oct 2014 14:55:55 -0700The government could receive extra revenue from motorists in the new car tax system, the AA has advised. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20141001/new-tax-discs-result-in-double-money.htmlWed, 01 Oct 2014 13:19:27 -0700The rules surrounding inheritance law have been updated, and they will now give spouses and civil partners more rights when a deceased partner hasn't written a will. Before the rules were changed, a married couple with no children would not be able to leave their entire estate to a spouse without writing a will. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/tax/20141001/inheritance-law-changes-put-in-place.htmlWed, 01 Oct 2014 12:18:10 -0700Just 1 in 5 people struggling to pay back a pay day loan have had their interest frozen and only a quarter of pay day loan customers feel like that are being treated sympathetically, according to the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20140930/payday-lenders-need-to-do-more-to-improve-practises.htmlTue, 30 Sep 2014 13:45:37 -0700Chancellor George Osborne has vowed to crackdown on global technology companies who operate in the UK, but do not pay enough tax. He accused some multinational technology firms of going to �extraordinary lengths� to avoid UK taxes, but claimed things will soon have to change.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140930/osborne-to-crack-down-on-tax-avoidance.htmlTue, 30 Sep 2014 12:27:15 -0700Household incomes are predicted to grow by a modest 1.8% to 2.0% a year over the next few years, according a survey completed by Earnest & Young, a multinational professional services firm. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140930/Brits-still-worse-off-since-recession-hit-in-in-2008.htmlTue, 30 Sep 2014 09:35:08 -0700David Cameron has announced that a Conservative government would restructure the benefits system for 18-21 year olds. The prime minister said that if the Conservatives win the next general election, then they would cut the maximum household benefits cap from �26,000 to �23,000.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140929/conservatives-cut-benefits-for-young-people.htmlMon, 29 Sep 2014 14:08:29 -0700Over half of people who complain to their energy suppliers are not satisfied with the way their complaints are handled, according to new research. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140929/ofgem-criticise-energy-suppliers-complaints-handling.htmlMon, 29 Sep 2014 13:55:49 -0700The Chancellor will abolish a 55% �death tax� that currently applies to untouched "defined contribution" pension pots left by those aged 75 or over. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20140929/chancellor-george-osborne-to-cut-55-pension-tax.htmlMon, 29 Sep 2014 10:43:05 -0700The average house price in London has fallen for the first time in almost two years, according to a report by Hometrack. Prices in London have continuously increased at unprecedented levels over the last two years, but demand finally appears to have levelled off.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20140926/london-house-prices-fall-for-first-time-in-two-years.htmlFri, 26 Sep 2014 09:38:32 -0700The number of unemployed graduates has fallen over the last 12 months, a study has suggested. The Higher Education Careers Service Unit (Hecsu) studied 256,350 recent graduates for six months after they left university, and found that just 7.3% were unemployed in January 2014.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140925/graduate-unemployment-falls.htmlThu, 25 Sep 2014 12:43:07 -0700The car insurance market is set for an overhaul, following an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). One the major changes will be a ban on exclusive pricing deals between insurers and price comparison websites.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/insurance/20140924/car-insurance-market-set-for-overhaul.htmlWed, 24 Sep 2014 14:36:17 -0700Tesco have announced that their new finance director, Alan Stewart, is to start work three months early. The move comes after reports emerged that the company overestimated their profits for the last six months by �250m.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140923/new-tesco-finance-director-joins-three-months-early.htmlTue, 23 Sep 2014 12:25:50 -0700Ed Balls has revealed that Labour will continue to cut costs if they win at the next general election. The shadow chancellor said that the Labour party is serious about �balancing the books�, but claimed that they do this in a �fair way�.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140922/ed-balls-reveals-labour-plans-to-cut-government-deficit.htmlMon, 22 Sep 2014 11:10:22 -0700British retail growth increased significantly last month, according to official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140919/british-retail-growth-increases.htmlFri, 19 Sep 2014 15:17:20 -0700Share prices in companies listed on the London stock exchange have increased as a result of the Scottish independence referendum. It was announced that Scotland voted against independence in the referendum, and as a result the FTSE 100 increased by 0.75% this morning.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140919/shares-rise-as-scotland-say-no-to-independence.htmlFri, 19 Sep 2014 14:45:29 -0700Rent has risen to an all time high of �761 a month, higher than a previous record set in October 2013, according to a survey from LSL property services. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20140919/private-renting-more-expensive-than-ever-before.htmlFri, 19 Sep 2014 09:24:12 -0700Phones 4U, who look set to go bankrupt due to a loss of key suppliers, could be offered a final reprieve by the company�s creditors. The company recently lost contracts with both Vodafone and EE, which essentially meant the business is no longer commercially viable.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/phones-4u-in-11th-hour-rescue-plan.htmlThu, 18 Sep 2014 10:24:18 -0700Voters in Scotland will today answer �Yes� or �No� to the question �Should Scotland be an independent country?�http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140918/financial-advice-watches-as-Scotland-decides.htmlThu, 18 Sep 2014 10:21:08 -0700An official report from The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has shown that unemployment rates have fallen to 6.2% over the last three months, its lowest rate since 2008.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140917/unemployment-at-lowest-rate-since-2008.htmlWed, 17 Sep 2014 13:30:23 -0700House prices are now higher than before the financial crisis in six regions of the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). These six regions include, London, the South East of England, the East of England, the East Midlands, the West Midlands and the South West of England.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20140917/house-prices-hit-new-peak-in-six-regions.htmlWed, 17 Sep 2014 12:57:35 -0700NPower have ranked bottom in a customer service league out of 100 brands, completed by consumer group Which? http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140917/NPower-in-last-place-for-customer-service/htmlWed, 17 Sep 2014 09:46:08 -0700The annual inflation rate fell to just 1.5% in August, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Some of the major factors which have resulted in the falling rate of inflation are the costs of amenities such as food and petrol, which have decreased in recent months due to a supermarket price war.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140916/inflation-rate-falls-to-1-point-5-pc.htmlTue, 16 Sep 2014 13:30:29 -070060% of UK parents are unable to save any money for their children�s future, according to new research from the housing charity, Shelter.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20140916/60-of-parents-unable-to-save-money-for-their-children.htmlTue, 16 Sep 2014 13:14:08 -0700Contactless payments will be introduced on London�s tube, tram, DLR, overground and most National Rail services in London from today.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20140916/contactless-payments-introduced-on-london-travel-networkTue, 16 Sep 2014 09:33:38 -0700Complaints to water companies have largely fallen for their sixth year in a row, according to the water bill watchdog, Consumer Council for Water.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140915/complaints-to-water-companies-fall.htmlMon, 15 Sep 2014 13:18:31 -0700High street mobile phone chain, Phones 4U is to be forced into administration after both Vodafone and EE decided not to renew their contracts with them. Phones 4U employ over 5,500 people, all of whom could potentially lose their jobs. David Kassler, chief executive at Phones 4U said that without the contracts with Vodafone and EE, the company �do not have a business�.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/phones-4u-to-go-into-administration.htmlMon, 15 Sep 2014 12:36:08 -070030 Year fixed rate mortgages could be introduce as a product for first time buyers in the next few months. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20140915/30-year-fixed-rate-mortgages-may-be-introduced.htmlMon, 15 Sep 2014 10:19:35 -0700The number of new homes being built could be set to grow even further, as it was revealed that planning permission to build new homes hit a six year high in the second quarter of 2014. The figures, which were published in the Home Builders Federation (HBF) Housing Pipeline report showed that planning permission for 56,647 homes was granted in England during this time period. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20140912/planning-permission-to-build-new-homes-at-six-year-high.htmlFri, 12 Sep 2014 15:05:37 -0700If Scotland votes yes in the upcoming independence referendum many business have advised that they may have to increase prices of goods and services in Scotland. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140912/independent-scotland-may-face-everyday-price-increases.htmlFri, 12 Sep 2014 12:58:18 -07001.1 million people have decided to switch current accounts in the last year, due to a nation switching service introduce a year ago. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/new/bankaccounts/20140912/1.1m-people-switch-bank-accounts-with-switch-service.htmlFri, 12 Sep 2014 08:50:55 -0700Share prices for RBS and Lloyds Bank jumped today, as they joined a host of other banks who have announced contingency plans to re-register as English companies in the event of a �yes� vote for Scottish independence. Other banks that have made a similar announcement in recent days include TSB and Clydesdale Bank, who are the owners of Yorkshire Bank.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20141109/rbs-and-lloyds-bank-shares-jump-amid-plans-to-move-south.htmlThu, 11 Sep 2014 15:36:02 -0700New research has found that 28.7 million British adults have not yet written a will. The study shows more than half of the population has not yet written a will.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140911/over-half-of-britons-do-not-have-a-willThu, 11 Sep 2014 14:32:11 -0700Annuity rates have fallen at their fastest pace in three years, the information website Moneyfacts has found. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20140911/annuity-rates-have-fallen-at-fastest-rate-in-3-years.htmlThu, 11 Sep 2014 09:30:19 -0700The �big six� energy suppliers have been ordered to refund 3 million households an average of �50 each. It has emerged that energy firms such as Npower, British Gas and EDF have accumulated around �153m in overpayments over the last six years, which are yet to be reclaimed by customers. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140910/energy-companies-owe-153m-to-customers.htmlWed, 10 Sep 2014 15:06:43 -0700Thousands of pensioners and people on low incomes are missing out on a �140 winter fuel bill discount to help with their bills. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140910/are-you-missing-out-on-a-140-winter-fuel-bill-discount.htmlWed, 10 Sep 2014 14:29:28 -0700Smart meters, which are due to be installed into every home in Britain by 2020, will only save consumers 2%, or �26, on their annual bills.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140910/smart-meters-will-only-save-26-a-year-on-energy-bills.htmlWed, 10 Sep 2014 10:08:24 -0700News: The FCA has been quizzed by a Conservative MP about the advice gap that continues to widen since the RDRhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20140910-FCA-quizzed-on-post-RDR-advice-gapWed, 10 Sep 2014 10:01:17 -0700A study has show that removing free bus passes for disabled people and pensioners would actually cost the economy in excess of �1.7 billion a year.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20140909/getting-rid-of-free-bus-passes-would-cost-economy-1.7-billion.htmlTue, 09 Sep 2014 14:46:07 -0700TSB have confirmed that they are planning to open up to 30 local branches in the UK. The bank has declined to confirm where the new branches will be, as they are still negotiating the acquisition of the new sites, but experts say they�re most likely to be in the Midlands and the South East.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20140909/tsb-planning-to-open-up-to-30-new-branches.htmlTue, 09 Sep 2014 13:33:40 -0700British people choose to access their pensions earlier than anywhere else in the EU, but also work later into older age, research by the European Commission has found. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20140909/british-people-access-their-pensions-earliest.htmlTue, 09 Sep 2014 10:06:25 -0700The British pound fell to its lowest level for 10 months, after a poll revealed a narrow support for Scottish independence. The Scottish public are set to be asked the question �Should Scotland be an independent country?� on Thursday 18th October, in a referendum that could see the Scotland leave Great Britain.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140908/pound-falls-amid-scottish-independence-poll.htmlTue, 09 Sep 2014 08:19:18 -0700The increase in house pricing in Britain may have started to ease, according to a survey done by Halifax, the nation�s largest mortgage lender. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20140908/house-price-inflation-may-have-started-to-ease.htmlMon, 08 Sep 2014 13:56:05 -0700New figures released have shown the six biggest energy companies in England are continuing to lose market share to smaller suppliers. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140908/big-six-energy-companies-continue-to-lose-market-share.htmlMon, 08 Sep 2014 09:13:42 -0700Nearly half of Britons think that the Bank of England will raise the interest rates over the next 12 months.. This would affect mortgage, credit card and loan rates for everyday consumers.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/News/ukeconomy/20140905/49-of-britons-think-interest-rates-will-go-up.htmlFri, 05 Sep 2014 14:53:07 -0700HMRC have been heavily criticised for causing confusion by sending out �incorrect� letters to higher rate taxpayers who they suspect have not repaid their child benefits. If a parent in a two child family earns over �50,000, they are required to payback �1,770 in child benefit payments. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/tax/20140905/hmrc-criticised-for-causing-confusion.htmlFri, 05 Sep 2014 12:58:35 -0700Barclays and Hitachi have today launched a new, futuristic way to for customers to access bank accounts, using only their finger.Customers will be able to access their bank account without having to use passwords, pin numbers or electronic number generators.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20140905/barclays-launches-finger-vein-reader.htmlFri, 05 Sep 2014 10:03:47 -0700The Financial Ombudsman has announced that banking complaints have risen by 7% in the last 6 months. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20140905/banking-complaints-rise-by-7-in-six-months.htmFri, 05 Sep 2014 08:25:29 -0700Standard Life shareholders are set to receive a share of a �1.75bn windfall, after the insurance and investments company sold the Canadian side of its business to Manulife. The sale of assets will mean that Standard Life will no longer retain their insurance and investments business within Canada. However, they will still work with Manulife to sell their products in Canada, the US and Asia.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/investments/20140904/standard-life-shareholders-set-for-1-point-7-5-bn-windfall.htmlThu, 04 Sep 2014 14:22:39 -0700Customers are able to have personalised discount offers sent directly to their smartphone whenever they enter a OneStop store from this week. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140904/onestop-shoppers-to-receive-offers-via-app.htmlThu, 04 Sep 2014 11:14:18 -0700The UK economy has grown stronger over the past few years than was previously thought, according to new figures from The Office for National Statistics. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140903/UK-economy-stronger-than-previously-thought.htmlWed, 03 Sep 2014 14:44:07 -0700More than 48,000 people have bought a home through the governments Help to Buy scheme since it started. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20140903/48000-use-governments-help-to-buy-scheme.htmlWed, 03 Sep 2014 09:58:20 -0700The number of people in financial difficulty due to pay day loans has risen by 42% in the last 6 months, according to StepChange debt charity.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20140902/financial-difficulty-due-to-pay-day-loans-up-42.htmlTue, 02 Sep 2014 12:18:59 -0700Pensioners in Britain are now more likely to go bankrupt than they were at the height of the recession, even though overall bankruptcy figures have gone down. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20140902/bankruptcy-among-pensioners-sharply-rises.htmlTue, 02 Sep 2014 09:55:43 -0700A study from Scottish Widows has revealed that more than three-quarters of families in the UK with children under 16 are without income protectionhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/insurance/20140829-less-than-a-quarter-of-families-have-income-protection.htmlFri, 29 Aug 2014 15:58:54 -0700RBS and NatWest are facing a large fine after the FCA revealed "serious failings" in mortgage advice given to customershttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20140827-rbs-and-natwest-fined-for-mortgage-advice-failings.htmlWed, 27 Aug 2014 10:19:49 -0700The British Bankers Association has revealed that the number of mortgage approvals fell in July from the previous month, Junehttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20140826/mortgage-approvals-fall-in-july-according-to-bba.htmlTue, 26 Aug 2014 15:39:21 -0700EDF Energy has been told to pay �3m to a Citizens Advice scheme for the benefit of �vulnerable customers�, after an investigation by Ofgem found the company had poorly managed a number of complaints. Ofgem found that after a new IT system was introduced in 2011, complaints increased by 30%. This was because the system did not give the company the ability to properly receive, record and process customer complaints.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140822/edf-energy-ordered-to-pay-3m.htmlFri, 22 Aug 2014 09:52:55 -0700A cap on pension charges could hand savers a �1bn boost, according to one of the UK�s largest pension providers. In the recent pension reforms, the government announced that management charges on workplace pension schemes would be capped at 0.75% a year. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20140821/pension-charges-cap-could-hand-savers-1bn-boost.htmlThu, 21 Aug 2014 10:43:33 -0700The Bank of England has confirmed that interest rates will remain at the benchmark low of 0.5% for the remainder of 2014. There has been speculation in recent months that interest rate rises would be enforced as the economy continues to recover, however a fall in inflation has eased any pressure on the Bank to increase their rates in the near future. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140820/interest-rates-will-not-increase-in-2014-bank-of-england.htmlWed, 20 Aug 2014 13:52:33 -0700Complaints from payday loan customers about credit broking services have doubled over the last 12 months, according to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). Credit broking websites are essentially middlemen between the payday loan company and the customer, and they are designed to help people find a loan that suits their needs. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20140819/payday-loan-middlemen-complaints-double.htmlTue, 19 Aug 2014 10:07:36 -0700The UK economy performed better than expected in the second quarter of 2014, as it expanded by 3.2% in comparison with the same period last year. It was originally estimated that the economy would only grow by 3.1%, but figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed that the UK economy had its best year since its 2008 peak. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140818/uk-economic-growth-figures-better-than-expected.htmlMon, 18 Aug 2014 09:12:19 -0700Mortgage rates �will rise at some stage� and borrowers should be planning their finances for this eventuality, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). During the second quarter of the year, home repossessions fell to the lowest level since quarterly records began in 2008. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20140815/homeowners-told-to-prepare-for-increased-mortgage-rates.htmlFri, 15 Aug 2014 09:32:10 -0700The income tax threshold would be increased to �12,500 during the next Parliament if Liberal Democrats were to come into power. The �income tax threshold� is the amount of money a person needs to earn within a tax-year before they have to start paying income tax.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/tax/20140814/liberal-democrats-make-income-tax-pledge.htmlThu, 14 Aug 2014 11:22:49 -0700The youth unemployment problem in the UK will not be solved by an economic recovery, the Institute for Public Policy (IPPR) has warned in a report. The report said that although youth unemployment has been falling steadily, there are still around 868,000 unemployed 16 to 24 year-olds in the UK. The IPPR said that one of the biggest problems is a �mismatch� between what these youths are being trained to do and what jobs are actually available.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140813/ippr-warns-government-over-youth-employment.htmlWed, 13 Aug 2014 10:06:19 -0700The average value of a purchase with a credit or debit card has dropped recently, suggesting that card payments are becoming an even bigger part of customer shopping habits. The average transaction for credit and debit cards fell by �1.40 over the last 12 months, and it now stands at �47.51. These figures suggest that more people are using cards for regular everyday spending, rather than just for big purchases.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/creditcards/20140812/credit-and-debit-cards-used-more-often-than-ever.htmlTue, 12 Aug 2014 15:23:10 -0700Energy prices could actually be getting pushed up by aggressive regulation of the market, according to a letter that has been sent to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The letter which was written by a group of former energy regulators, claimed that rising energy costs and a lack of competition could be a result of over-regulation.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140811/energy-prices-pushed-up-by-regulation.htmlMon, 11 Aug 2014 10:05:00 -0700Over a third of pensioners will take cash out of their pension fund when new rules come into effect in April 2015, according to H M Revenue and Customs. That will mean an estimated 130,000 people will take advantage of the changes to the pension system, which were announced by chancellor George Osborne in his 2014 Budget speech. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20140808/pensioners-to-take-advantage-of-flexible-pensions.htmlFri, 08 Aug 2014 14:07:53 -0700Barclays Bank is set to close 11 of their cash ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts), meaning 2.3 million customers will be moved onto a simplified product range. The simplification of their ISA range means that 1.6 million savers will be put on a worse interest rate than before, although 740,000 will be put on the same or a better rate. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20140807/barclays-bank-to-close-11-cash-isas.htmlThu, 07 Aug 2014 15:32:15 -0700Pension reforms introduced by George Osborne in the 2014 Budget speech have already started to have a positive effect, according to a report by pension expert LCP. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/2014/pension-reforms-encouraging-saving.htmlWed, 06 Aug 2014 14:05:41 -0700HSBC are to repay �218m of interest charges to some of their UK loan customers who received insufficient paperwork. Under the Consumer Credit Act, lenders are required to use a customers annual statement to provide information about the option of making overpayments on a loan.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20140805/hsbc-to-pay-218m-compensation-to-loan-customers.htmlTue, 05 Aug 2014 11:26:53 -0700Energy bills are the biggest worry to European homeowners, ahead of rent and mortgage repayments, a survey of 17,000 households has revealed. The survey on attitudes to home improvement, which was conducted by DIY retail group Kingfisher, revealed that 31% of European homeowners intended to introduce measures to cut their energy bills. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140804/energy-bills-are-biggest-worry-to-homeowners.htmlMon, 04 Aug 2014 11:05:15 -0700The Citizens Advice Service has warned that tens of thousands of broadband customers throughout the UK are experiencing unnecessary �costly� charges to change supplier.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140801-the-cost-of-moving-your-broadband.htmlFri, 01 Aug 2014 14:31:35 -0700Energy providers look set to double their profit margins over the next 12 months, according to Ofgem. The regulator said that the �big six� energy providers currently make a pre-tax profit margin of 4% on each �dual-fuel� customer, which is equal to �53 a year. However, over the next 12 months, this is set to double to around 8%, or �106 per year. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140731/energy-firms-set-to-double-profit-margins.htmlThu, 31 Jul 2014 13:37:20 -0700Personal insolvencies have increased at the quickest rate since 2010, according to government figures. The figures showed that 27,029 people in England and Wales became insolvent between April and June 2014, which is a 5.1% increase on the same period 12 months ago.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140730/fears-raised-as-personal-insolvencies-jumps.htmlWed, 30 Jul 2014 12:21:18 -0700The UK housing market finally appears to be slowing down as seven of the 10 regions in England and Wales recorded a month-on-month fall in house prices, according to the Land Registry. However, despite price reductions in more than half of the regions in England and Wales, the overall average house price remained unchanged from May to June 2014.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20140729/housing-market-slowing-down.htmlWed, 30 Jul 2014 12:18:41 -0700The cost of fraud committed by people aged 26-35 increased by 285% during the first half of 2014, according to a report by accountancy company KPMG. Fraudsters in this age group conned their victims out of �62m in the six months to July 2014, meaning there could be a shift in who the stereotypical con artist is.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/201400728/young-fraudsters-on-the-rise.htmlMon, 28 Jul 2014 14:15:39 -0700Regulators have suspended the websites of 18 �predators� who run schemes aimed at getting people to try and gain early access to their pension. A person can only access their pension without having to pay heavy tax fees once they turn 55 years old, with the exception that a person is in serious ill-health. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20140725/pension-predators-have-websites-suspended.htmlFri, 25 Jul 2014 15:54:42 -0700A small increase in interest rates could leave over a million households facing debt problems, according to a report by the Resolution Foundation. The Resolution Foundation, who campaign on behalf of those on low and middle incomes in order to improve living standards found that around 600,000 households in the UK are already facing �debt peril�. However, this could increase to 1.1 million in the event of a �relatively benign� rise in interest rates.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/2014/interest-rate-rise-could-hit-one-in-five.htmlThu, 24 Jul 2014 14:50:08 -0700The government has proposed plans to reduce the benefit a person receives for delaying their state pension payments. Under current rules, people nearing the state pension age are encouraged to keep on working and delay taking their state pension. As a reward for deferring pension payments, a person can receive an extra 10.4% state pension for each year that payments are deferred.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20140723/pension-benefits-to-be-cut.htmlWed, 23 Jul 2014 15:36:33 -0700The student loan system is at its �tipping point� and is in need of an �urgent review�, according to a report from a group of MPs. The report, which was produced by the Business, Innovation and Select Skills Committee, claimed that the situation is so bad that the �continued existence� of the student loans system may be under threat.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140722/student-loan-system-needs-urgent-review.htmlTue, 22 Jul 2014 13:09:35 -0700Property prices in the UK have fallen for the first time in 2014, according to a report by online property company Rightmove. The average asking price for a property in the UK fell by �2,116 in June to �270,159, according to the report.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20140721/uk-property-prices-fall-for-first-time-in-2014.htmlMon, 21 Jul 2014 13:29:44 -0700The UK banking industry is set to face an inquiry after a study by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found that the current account and SME lending markets �lack effective competition�. At the moment, the largest four banks own more than 77% of the current account market and more than 80% of small business lending.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20140718/banks-to-face-competition-inquiry.htmlFri, 18 Jul 2014 10:40:05 -0700Unemployment figures in the UK have been given a huge boost as they returned to the benchmark low set in 2005. The number of people without a job fell by 121,000 in the three months to May and they now stand at 2.12 million, according to the Office for National Statistics. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/201400717/unemployment-falls-to-benchmark-low.htmlThu, 17 Jul 2014 14:56:21 -0700Insurance comparison websites are not giving consumers the �appropriate information to make informed decisions�, according to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA reviewed 14 comparison sites and said that some of them were failing to meet regulatory standards. They said that comparison sites focused too much on price, rather than the different features each insurance product included.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/insurance/20140717/insurance-comparison-websites-are-failing-customers.htmlThu, 17 Jul 2014 14:53:21 -0700Payday lenders are likely to see the amount they can charge their customers capped from January 2015, after the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced tougher plans to regulate the industry. The plans will mean that interest rates on payday loans will be capped at 0.8% a day of the original amount borrowed, whilst no person will be obligated to pay back more than twice the value of their loan.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140717/payday-lenders-to-have-charges-capped.htmlThu, 17 Jul 2014 14:48:54 -0700The privatisation of the Royal Mail could have lost UK taxpayers around �1bn, according to a select committee of MPs. Royal Mail shares were priced at 330p when 60% of the company was floated on the stock market; however these have since peaked at 663p per share, and they now stand at around 473p per share.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/tax/20140714/uk-taxpayers-lost-1bn-pounds-on-royal-mail-sale.htmlMon, 14 Jul 2014 11:19:23 -0700House prices in London could be set to fall over the next three months, according to a poll by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics). The poll found that London surveyors believed house prices were likely to fall in the coming months, with one cause believed to be the recent introduction of tougher mortgage lending rules for borrowers.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20140711/london-house-prices-could-fall.htmlFri, 11 Jul 2014 10:46:48 -0700Insurance companies will soon be expected to provide clearer information on renewal quotes, as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) prepares to draw up new rules for the industry. The new regulations are likely to include measures to force insurance companies to provide extra details when a customer comes to renew their policy. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/insurance/20140710/insurers-forced-to-be-clear-over-premiums.htmlThu, 10 Jul 2014 12:46:53 -0700House prices are continuing to increase throughout the country, according to the UK�s largest mortgage lender, the Halifax. When measured on an annual basis, prices had increased by 8.8% in June, in comparison to 8.7% in May, taking the average house price in the UK to �183,462.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20140709/house-prices-continue-to-rise.htmlWed, 09 Jul 2014 12:59:59 -0700The Bank of England has been warned against increasing interest rates in the short term by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). The Bank of England governor, Mark Carney, has recently stated that interest rates could be increased �sooner than markets currently expect�.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140708/bank-warned-against-hasty-rate-riseTue, 08 Jul 2014 10:53:27 -0700The number of graduate job opportunities has increased by 12% over the last 12 months, according to a report. The figures are particularly significant, as it means the graduate job market has recovered to the same level as before the recession in 2007, when employment opportunities fell by 23.3% up to 2009.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140707/graduate-job-market-recovers-to-pre-recessions-levels.htmlMon, 07 Jul 2014 10:51:21 -0700The average worker in the UK is most likely to see their earnings peak in their late 30s according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). A 29 year old worker in the UK had an average wage of �13.93 an hour in 2013, the highest wage of every age range.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140704/workers-earn-more-in-their-late-30s.htmlFri, 04 Jul 2014 15:45:22 -0700The UK construction industry grew at its fastest pace in four months this June as a result of an increase in house building, according to the Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers Index (PMI). The PMI is a measure that determines how quickly the construction industry is growing or shrinking. A measure above 50 indicates growth and vice versa for a measure below 50.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20140703/house-building-boosts-uk-construction-industry.htmlThu, 03 Jul 2014 10:38:10 -0700London house prices are continuing to overwhelmingly outpace the rest of the UK housing market, as prices for the three months to June increased by 25.8% over the last 12 months. As a result, the average home in London is not only higher than the pre-crisis peak in 2007, but they are also selling for over �400,000 for the first time in history.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20140702/london-house-prices-continue-to-outpace-rest-of-uk.htmlWed, 02 Jul 2014 15:54:22 -0700The much anticipated New ISA (Individual Savings Account) savings rules have been introduced today, meaning that UK adults will be able to save up to �15,000 a year in the UK�s most popular tax-exempt savings plan. The changes will give savers more flexibility over how their money is invested, as previous rigid rules have now been relaxed.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20140701/new-isa-savings-take-effect.htmlTue, 01 Jul 2014 09:57:10 -0700Chancellor George Osborne could announce plans to merge income tax and national insurance (NI) into a single payment if they are re-elected in the next general election. The plan was first suggested by the Office of Tax simplification in March 2011, however, consultation on tax reform has so far been pushed back due to the complexity of integrating the two separate systems.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/tax/20140630/osborne-could-merge-income-tax-and-national-insurance.htmlMon, 30 Jun 2014 10:14:31 -0700Central bankers are expected to announce whether or not they will take any action to cool the UK housing market. House prices have been rising significantly in certain areas of the country, especially in London and its surrounding areas.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20140626/central-bankers-to-announce-action-on-housing-market.htmlThu, 26 Jun 2014 11:13:31 -0700Internet security company, Kaspersky Lab, has claimed to have found evidence of cyber-criminals stealing over �400,000 from 190 customers of a European bank. The attack is thought to have happened in January 2014, mainly affecting Turkish and Italian banking customers, who are believed to have lost between 1,700 euros and 39,000 euros each.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20140625/european-bank-hit-by-cyber-criminals.htmlThu, 26 Jun 2014 11:10:56 -0700The government has been urged by the Living Wage Commission to set a target of drastically cutting the number of workers earning less than the �living wage�. They said that the government should aim to cut the number of low paid workers by one million people, as early as 2020.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140624/government-urged-to-enforce-the-living-wage.htmlTue, 24 Jun 2014 13:17:53 -0700Employment opportunities for young and low-skilled workers are deteriorating �rapidly�, a report has claimed. The report, which was released by Trades Union Congress (TUC), described the employment situation for youths outside of full-time education as �alarming�. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140624/job-pospects-for-untrained-youths-deteriorating.htmlTue, 24 Jun 2014 13:16:00 -0700Universal Credit is set to be rolled out across 90 jobcentres in the north-west of England, according to work and pensions secretary, Iain Duncan Smith. The government�s flagship welfare policy is currently in place at just 10 job centres in the UK, however, a gradual roll out will now be implemented as early as next week, after being delayed several times.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140624/universal-credit-to-be-rolled-out-to-90-job-centres.htmlTue, 24 Jun 2014 13:12:56 -0700Inflation fell to 1.5% in May 2014 in comparison with 1.8% the previous month; making it the sixth consecutive month where the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was recorded below the Bank of England�s target rate of 2%. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said that the key drivers of the reduced rate of inflation included falling flight costs as well as a steep reduction in the costs of food and non-alcoholic beverages. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140619/inflation-falls-to-1-point-9-percent.htmlThu, 19 Jun 2014 15:48:30 -0700Credit Suisse and the Yorkshire Building Society have been fined by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for the use of �misleading� marketing when promoting an investment product. Credit Suisse was fined �2.4m, whilst Yorkshire Building Society received a smaller fine of �1.5m.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20140617/savings-providers-fined-for-misleading-marketing.htmlTue, 17 Jun 2014 10:29:36 -0700The Bank of England has admitted it cannot explain why productivity is 16% less than before the 2007/08 financial crisis. They said in their latest quarterly bulletin that despite �modest� improvements in 2013, productivity in the UK has been exceptionally weak.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140617/productivity-gap-leaves-bank-of-england-puzzled.htmlTue, 17 Jun 2014 10:27:00 -0700The governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, has suggested that interest rates could increase sooner than originally anticipated. Speaking at the annual Mansion House Dinner he said the increase �could happen sooner than markets currently expect�.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140613/bank-hints-that-interest-rates-could-rise.htmlFri, 13 Jun 2014 15:26:30 -0700Measures need to be taken to stop a housing boom from �getting out of control� in certain parts of the UK, according to business secretary Vince Cable. Various surveys and reports have revealed that house prices have been rising throughout the country by as much as 8% per year. However, the majority of the country has been outpaced by London, as house prices in the capital have increased by as much as 17% over the last year. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20140612/cable-housing-boom-must-be-stopped.htmlThu, 12 Jun 2014 15:13:21 -0700The Payday loans market lacks competition and is resulting in many customers paying more than they need to, according to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The CMA found that this lack of competition could be resulting in a typical customer�s annual bill increasing by around �30 to �60.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20140611/payday-lenders-lack-competition.htmlWed, 11 Jun 2014 09:54:14 -0700The number of people falling into debt because they cannot afford basic household bills such as energy, water and council tax has increased significantly in recent years. The Money Advice Trust (MAT) claimed it helped 150,000 people with household debts in 2013 � an increase of 140% since 2007.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140610/basic-household-bills-forcing-more-people-into-debt.htmlTue, 10 Jun 2014 10:45:04 -0700A survey has revealed that nine in 10 school teachers believe the government is not doing enough to teach children about money, despite the introduction of a new scheme aimed at doing this. A recent scheme will mean that as of September 2014, children aged 11 and over will learn in secondary school about money and how to manage their personal finances.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140606/children-should-learn-more-about-finance-say-teachers.htmlMon, 09 Jun 2014 15:00:58 -0700A survey by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has revealed that UK consumers are using alternative payment methods more regularly than ever, leading to cash usage for the past five years falling by 14%. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/201400606/shoppers-using-less-cash.htmlFri, 06 Jun 2014 11:05:12 -0700The availability of Brazilian currency, The Real, is running low among some major British suppliers, sparking fears for travellers ahead of the Football World Cup which starts in just one week. Major currency supplier, Travelex, has run out of the Brazilian Real at both Manchester and Heathrow airports, whilst the Post Office will not have the currency in its branches until the weekend.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/201400606/brazil-currency-running-low-ahead-of-world-cup.htmlFri, 06 Jun 2014 11:02:54 -0700The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has announced that it will be restricting mortgage lending from June 2014. This will mean that mortgage applicants can only lend up to four times their annual income for loans of �500,000 or more. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20140604/royal-bank-of-scotland-to-curb-mortgage-lending.htmlWed, 04 Jun 2014 09:35:51 -0700Nationwide Building Society has claimed that the housing market may be starting to cool, despite house prices rising by 11.1% over the last 12 months, the fastest increase in seven years. Whilst house prices have risen considerably over the last year, this looks to have slowed down in recent months as prices increased by just 0.7% in May compared with 1.2% in April 2014.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20140603/mortgage-activity-starting-to-cool.htmlTue, 03 Jun 2014 13:38:32 -0700The number of mortgage approvals has fallen for the third consecutive month, according to the British Bankers� Association (BBA). Whilst approved loans peaked at more than 48,000 in January, this fell consecutively every month up until April 2014 when there were 42,173 approved mortgages.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20140530/mortgage-approvals-fall-again.htmlFri, 30 May 2014 15:46:10 -0700A second monthly premium bond prize of �1m will be launched by National Savings and Investments (NS&I) this August. The announcement means that two people will win a tax-free lump sum prize of �1m each month, instead of the current single winner.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140529/extra-1-million-pounds-premium-bond-prize-announced.htmlThu, 29 May 2014 09:30:22 -0700The London housing market could slow down as a result of a �natural correction� to inflated house prices. House prices have increased nationwide recently, with this effect being particularly exacerbated in the London area. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20140528/london-housing-market-facing-natural-correction.htmlWed, 28 May 2014 09:35:00 -0700The government collected �23.9 billion in unpaid taxes for the 2013-14 tax year, the highest amount collected since records began. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) claimed that they collected the extra money as a result of �increased activity� which is aimed at helping to close the �tax-gap�. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/tax/20140527/hmrc-yield-23-point-9-billion-pounds-from-tax-crackdown.htmlTue, 27 May 2014 13:26:48 -0700Plastic �5 bank notes will be in use in Great Britain as early as next year when 2 million bank notes are issued by Clydesdale Bank branches. However, only Scottish bank notes will be introduced in 2015, with the Bank of England expected to introduce plastic notes into general circulation by 2016.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/201400523/plastic-5-pound-bank-notes-to-be-introduced-by-2015.htmlFri, 23 May 2014 14:53:43 -0700A third of students paying increased tuition fees of up to �9,000 a year claim their degree course is either poor or very poor value for money. Additionally, only 36% said that their course represented good value for money, in comparison with 52% in 2012.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140522/university-students-getting-poor-value-for-money.htmlThu, 22 May 2014 12:36:45 -0700Lloyds Banking Group has announced it will limit mortgage lending to four times an applicants income for mortgages worth more than �500,000. They said the reason for the cap was a result of �specific inflationary pressures in the London housing market�.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20140521/lloyds-to-limit-mortgage-lending.htmlWed, 21 May 2014 15:19:40 -0700An industry report has revealed that those planning their finances for retirement should be aiming to receive an income of at least �15,000 a year. The figures show that 43% of retirees who earn between �15,000 and �20,000 felt financially secure.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20140520/new-study-reveals-comfort-pension-threshold.htmlTue, 20 May 2014 09:42:04 -0700Ed Miliband has announced that if Labour were to win the general election they will take �radical action� against low pay by setting a statutory minimum wage target linked with average earnings. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140519/miliband-announces-labour-plans-to-increase-minimum-wage.htmlMon, 19 May 2014 15:50:04 -0700One in five people who have graduated from University have a net wealth of at least �1 million � taking into account property, pensions, savings and physical objects. In stark contrast, the ONS report shows that only 3% of people without a university degree have a net wealth worth of more than �1 million.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/201400516/one-in-five-graduates-are-asset-millionaires.htmlFri, 16 May 2014 15:58:15 -0700There has been a drastic increase in the number of houses that have started being built in the UK, new government figures have revealed. In comparison with April 2013, when the �Help to Buy� scheme first started, there has been a 31% increase in the number of new houses that have started the building process.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20140515/more-houses-being-built.htmlThu, 15 May 2014 13:40:26 -0700The Financial Ombudsman has received a record number of complaints about mortgages and claimed that a rising number of people are in �debt denial�. The service received 13,659 complaints about mortgages and secured loans in the past 12 months, an increase of 5.63% year-on-year. This is despite home repossessions dropping recently.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20140514/record-number-of-mortgage-complaints-financial-ombudsman.htmlWed, 14 May 2014 12:32:10 -0700The average age of people looking to apply for a mortgage fell below 37 years old (36.9) for the first time in almost four years in April 2014. Younger buyers seemed to be unmoved by the effects of the Mortgage Market Review (MMR) which has been designed to tighten mortgage lending regulations.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20140513/average-age-of-mortgage-applicants-lowest-in-four-years.htmlTue, 13 May 2014 15:19:58 -0700A group of MPs have criticised government plans to give the tax authority the power to take unpaid taxes directly from peoples bank accounts. The Treasury Committee has expressed its concern that the past performance of the HMRC, as it has a track record of making mistakes.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/tax/20140512/mps-question-proposed-government-tax-powers.htmlMon, 12 May 2014 13:14:33 -0700New rules will allow the government to raid an estimated 17,000 bank accounts to recoup unpaid tax, according to the UK tax authority. If approved by Parliament, the new rules will come into force as early as 2015-16, allowing the government to recover tax debts from anybody who owes more than �1,000. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/tax/government-to-raid-peoples-bank-accounts-for-unpaid-tax.htmlThu, 08 May 2014 09:48:58 -0700Jobseekers have been told they could face losing their benefits for up to three months if they turn down zero-hour contract jobs.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140805/jobseekers-told-to-take-zero-hour-contracts-or-lose-benefits.htmlThu, 08 May 2014 09:45:56 -0700The Bank of England has warned house prices in the UK could soon crash as prices continue to increase. The warning has come amid reports that the UK�s most expensive flat ever has been sold for �140m. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20140506/bank-warns-of-housing-crash.htmlTue, 06 May 2014 13:54:49 -0700UK mortgage approvals fell in March for a second consecutive month according to the Bank of England. The figures show that mortgage approvals have fallen by as much as 11.9% over the past two months and are now the lowest since October 2013. This is despite figures from Nationwide Building Society which suggest house price inflation is at its highest for seven years.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20140502/uk-mortgage-approvals-falling.htmlFri, 02 May 2014 11:38:08 -0700Homeowners in the North of England are at far more risk to interest rate increases than those in the South of England. A study has shown that homeowners in the north are at more risk because they are more than twice as likely to have a �variable-rate mortgage� than a fixed rate one. This would mean that their mortgage payments will rise if the Bank of England increases interest rates. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/homeowners'in-north-more-vunerable-to-interest-rate-rises.htmlThu, 01 May 2014 15:53:30 -0700Research has revealed that investors with a �Stocks and Shares ISA� (Individual Savings Account) have benefitted from much more growth in their savings than those with �Cash ISA� in recent years.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20140430/stocks-and-shares-isas-outperform-cash.htmlWed, 30 Apr 2014 12:32:55 -0700The latest UK economic figures are expected to show the highest level of growth in almost four years. The figures also mark the fifth consecutive period of economic growth � something that hasn�t been achieved since the start of the financial crisis in 2007. The encouraging figures are expected to show gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.9% over the last three months in comparison to 0.7% in the previous three months. This has led to increased optimism about the UK economic recovery.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140429/strong-uk-economy-growth-figures-expected.htmlTue, 29 Apr 2014 10:09:17 -0700The long term unemployed will now have to enter the new �Help to Work� scheme or face reduced benefits. Additionally, those wanting to claim Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) will have to prove they are ready for work before they can apply. Under the scheme participants will have to attend the job centre every day, whilst there will also be work experience placements and intensive coaching offered as part of the scheme.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140429/work-experience-for-the-long-term-unemployed.htmlTue, 29 Apr 2014 10:07:12 -0700Mortgage applicants will have to answer more stringent questions about their lifestyle when new mortgage rules come into effect on Saturday. The new rules will mean that mortgage applicants will have to answer questions about their expenditures as well as their income � this will include everything from energy bills to monthly food costs and even leisure activities such as going to the cinema or eating out.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20140425/mortgage-market-review-rules-set-to-take-effect.htmlFri, 25 Apr 2014 13:14:24 -0700The UK government has claimed that for an independent Scottish government to meet the cost of pensions, they would have to fund an extra �450 per working age adult every year. The analysis by the Department of Work and Pensions suggested that these increased costs could arise as soon as the early 2030s.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20140424/uk-and-scottish-governments-clash-on-pensions-analysis.htmlThu, 24 Apr 2014 11:17:08 -0700Business Secretary Vince Cable has written to all FTSE 100 companies, warning them to keep up pressure on executive pay bonuses in order to alleviate public anger. He singled out the banking industry in particular as being �ridiculous�, with Barclays one of the main offenders for allocating around �2.5bn in bonus payments earlier this year, despite posting a dip in profits. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140423/top-companies-warned-over-pay.htmlWed, 23 Apr 2014 14:11:13 -0700In a bid to get pensioners to stretch their savings out long enough to live the rest of their lives, retirees could be given �guidance� on how long they have left to live. The idea is that people will be given a �broad-brush� estimate as to how long they might live, ultimately allowing people to plan their finances more effectively.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20140422/pensioners-could-be-given-death-estimate.htmlTue, 22 Apr 2014 15:57:58 -0700More than 600,000 people have switched to a different current account provider in the last 6 months, following the introduction of a new scheme aimed at making switching banks easier. The scheme enforces new rules that guarantee current account holders to be able to switch providers within seven days, as opposed to previously where it could take up to 30 days. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20140416/more-than-600000-switch-bank.htmlWed, 16 Apr 2014 13:34:05 -0700Almost 4 million families only have enough savings to pay a single month of mortgage repayments or rent, meaning they would be likely to lose their home if they found themselves out of work. Homeless charity Shelter surveyed 7,500 people and found that many people were living with the prospect of losing their home if they found themselves out of work.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/insurance/20140415/3-point-eight-million-families-a-single-pay-check-away-from-losing-their-homes.htmlTue, 15 Apr 2014 09:39:22 -0700Wages could begin growing faster than inflation as early as this month, according to economic forecaster EY ITEM Club. They predicted that average earnings would increase by 1.7% this year, overtaking average inflation forecasts of 1.6% for 2014.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140415/wages-to-increase-faster-than-inflation.htmlTue, 15 Apr 2014 08:00:03 -0700The Co-op bank has apologised to its 4.7 million customers after announcing annual losses of �1.3bn for 2013. Although large losses were expected, the announcement has raised fresh concerns over the future of the bank as it does not expect to make a profit in 2014 or 2015.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20140411/co-op-announces-losses-of-1-point-3bn.htmlFri, 11 Apr 2014 13:35:44 -0700One in seven people in the UK who are planning to retire this year do not have any kind of personal pension, meaning they will be heavily dependant on the State Pension. The figures were uncovered by the Prudential in their annual �Class of� study, which examines the future plans of people who are planning to retire this year.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20140409/one-in-seven-to-retire-without-a-pension.htmlWed, 09 Apr 2014 12:32:17 -0700The number of complaints to energy companies has tripled in the last year according to the Ombudsman, whilst the biggest concern was billing. There were 10,638 complaints in the first quarter of 2014, three times as many as during the same period last year. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140408/level-of-energy-complaints-triple.htmlTue, 08 Apr 2014 10:57:54 -0700The Royal bank of Scotland is set to close 44 UK branches, with 14 of those being classed as the �last banks in town.� The closures have been announced despite the bank making a pledge in 2010 not to close its branches.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20140304/rbs-to-close-44-branches.htmlFri, 04 Apr 2014 13:42:13 -0700Account holders will now be able to pay both friends and traders using only their mobile phone numbers from 29th April, it has been announced. The Payments Council has confirmed that consumers will no longer need to exchange bank details, so long as both parties have registered for the free service.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20140403/new-service-allows-payments-via-mobile-numberWed, 02 Apr 2014 15:38:08 -0700London house prices are now twice as much as outside the capital. It will now cost an extra �183,000 on average to purchase a home inside London compared to the rest of the UK. Whilst there�s always been a premium paid on house prices in the capital, the gap is now at its largest since detailed records began in 1978. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20140402/london-house-price-gap-largest-since-records-began.htmlWed, 02 Apr 2014 10:27:44 -0700The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is to take over regulation of credit providers for debt management firms, credit cards, hire purchase, debt management firms and debt advisers. Until now the Office of Fair trading was the regulatory body for these industries. However the FCA has tougher powers such as unlimited fines, ordering refunds and banning misleading advertisements.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20140401/fca-warns-they-will-take-out-lenders.htmlTue, 01 Apr 2014 09:50:53 -0700The Financial Conduct Authority has fined Santander �12,377,800 after the bank was found to be failing to offer adequate financial advice to its customers. The FCA reported a concern over Santander�s approach to considering investors� risk appetites. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20140331/santander-fined-for-financial-advice-failings.htmlMon, 31 Mar 2014 10:12:21 -0700The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is set to investigate around 30 million financial policies, all of which penalise customers for switching providers. The investigation will proceed on the basis that there are concerns over customers being subjected to �unfair� conditions. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/investments/20140328/fca-to-investigate-30-million-financial-policies.htmlFri, 28 Mar 2014 11:48:28 -0700The first stage of the pension overhaul which was announced by Chancellor George Osborne in his Budget 2014 speech has begun. Pensioners will now have greater access to their pension pots, as they will be able to take up to a maximum of �30,000 from their pension as a lump sum, up from �18,000.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20140327/first-stage-of-pension-overhaul-begins.htmlThu, 27 Mar 2014 13:37:33 -0700A financial loophole allegedly used by Lloyds Banking Group, has allowed tens of millions of pounds to be short-changed from PPI claimants. A recent investigation revealed a little-known regulatory provision known as �alternative redress� has been adopted by the bank, assuming those affected by PPI would have bought a cheaper policy instead.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/insurance/20140327/lloyds-bank-under-fire-over-legal-loophole.htmlThu, 27 Mar 2014 10:07:08 -0700Energy supplier SSE has announced plans to freeze gas and electricity prices until 2016. The move which holds similarities to the Labour energy policy, which promises to freeze energy prices for 20 months if they are elected, is likely to lower profits according to the company.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140326/sse-freezes-energy-prices-until-2016.htmlWed, 26 Mar 2014 10:22:50 -0700The UK�s inflation rate fell to 1.7% in February, down from 1.9% the previous month. The rate of inflation in the UK, which is measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), fell below the Banks of England�s 2% target for the second consecutive monthhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140325/inflation-drops-to-1-point-7-percent.htmlTue, 25 Mar 2014 11:19:16 -0700The number of households in the UK with no working adults between the ages of 16 and 64 continued to fall throughout 2013. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were 3.4 million jobless households recorded in the last three months of 2013, representing 16.6% of all UK households with an adult of working age.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140324/jobless-household-numbers-falling.htmlMon, 24 Mar 2014 15:46:31 -0700House builders have been handed a boost by the government today as the chancellor announced that the first stage of the help to buy scheme will be extended until 2020, allowing a further 120,000 houses to be built.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20140317/help-to-buy-scheme-extended-for-new-homes-until-2020.htmlMon, 17 Mar 2014 15:12:09 -0700The government has announced that the national minimum wage will increase by 3% to �6.50 an hour. It is the first time that the national minimum wage has increased at a higher rate than inflation in six years, and it expected that it will directly benefit one million workers in the UK.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140314/minimum-wage-to-increase-above-rate-of-inflation.htmlFri, 14 Mar 2014 16:27:10 -0700The rapid growth in demand within the housing market is dying down according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20140313/housing-market-dying-down.htmlThu, 13 Mar 2014 15:44:40 -0700Those working in the public sector are earning an average of 14.5% more than those in the private sector according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The average earnings for a public sector employee stood at �16.28 per hour in 2013, compared to an average of �14.16 for private sector workers.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140312/public-sector-pay-outstrips-private-sector-due-to-higher-skilled-staff.htmlWed, 12 Mar 2014 14:30:04 -0700According to The Family and Childcare Trust�s annual report, many parents are now paying more for childcare annually, than for the average mortgage bill.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/childcare-costs-more-than-te-average-mortgage.htmlWed, 05 Mar 2014 16:01:32 -0800Following an investigation, a staff member has been suspended by the Bank of England for potentially rigging the foreign currency exchange market. Traders are alleged to have been involved in setting key exchange rates in the �3bn-a-day foreign exchange market.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20140305/bank-of-england-staff-member-suspended-in-rigging-probe.htmlWed, 05 Mar 2014 13:54:56 -0800The Nationwide has today reported that house prices are now getting close to the peak of 2007, after the average property price jumped 6pc in the last monthhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20130228/house-prices-close-in-on-2007-peakFri, 28 Feb 2014 16:18:57 -0800Royal Mail have as announced they will be increasing the price of both first and second-class stamps as of March the 31st. The price of a first-class stamp is set to increase by 2p to 62p, while a second-class stamp will increase by 3p to 53p. Additionally, large letter stamps up to 100g will also be increasing, as the first-class variation will rise by 3p to 93p, whilst second-class large letter stamps are set to increase by 4p to 73p.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140228/royal-mail-to-increase-price-of-stamps.htmlFri, 28 Feb 2014 16:12:25 -0800Debt charity, StepChange, has said the that the number of people seeking help with payday loans has soared by 82pc in the last yearhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20130227-people-seeking-help-with-payday-loans-up-82pc.htmlThu, 27 Feb 2014 16:23:18 -0800The number of privately rented homes in England now stands at 4 million for 2012-13, in comparison to the 3.7 million homes that are rented by councils and housing associations, according to a survey published by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Additionally, the number of owner-occupied homes fell to 14.3 million (65.2% of all homes in England), which is the lowest percentage of home ownership since 1988.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20140227/private-renting-outstrips-council-and-housing-associations.htmlThu, 27 Feb 2014 13:52:21 -0800The British Bankers� Association (BBA) has said that it expects the UK property market to continue growing strongly, as mortgage lending continues to increase.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20130226/property-market-will-continue-growing-according-to-bba.htmlWed, 26 Feb 2014 15:27:17 -0800The Chairman of Centrica, the company that owns British Gas is �scaremongering� over plans to introduce a price freeze on the cost of energy according to Caroline Flint, shadow energy secretary.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140224/british-gas-chairman-scaremongering-over-energy-price-freeze.htmlMon, 24 Feb 2014 15:06:06 -0800British Gas have reported a small drop in profits from their residential business in 2013, citing factors such as warmer weather and increasing wholesale costs.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140220/british-gas-reports-drop-in-profits.htmlMon, 24 Feb 2014 12:03:11 -0800UK financial figures have shown that the January surplus for 2014 has decreased by around �1.3bn in comparison to the same period in 2013, as income from taxes and company profits fell.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140221/uk-government-finance-shows-reduced-january-surplus-of-4-point-seven-billion-pounds.htmlFri, 21 Feb 2014 16:03:09 -0800The UK�s inflation rate, as measured by consumer prices index (CPI) fell below the Bank of England�s target for the first time in over four years in January. The reduced inflation rate is largely due to a fall in costs of recreational and cultural activities such as DVD prices and lower entrance fees to local attractions. Additionally, reductions in the costs of other items such as alcohol, tobacco and household goods helped to reduce the rate of inflation.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140219/uk-inflations-falls-to-1-point-9-percent-in-january.htmlWed, 19 Feb 2014 14:55:11 -0800The Yorkshire Building Society will refund a total of �8.4 million to nearly 34,000 of its customers after an investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) ruled that the building societies procedures were not thorough enough, as thousands of customers were wrongly charged for missing their mortgage repayments.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20140218/yorkshire-building-society-to-refund-8-point-5-million-pounds.htmlTue, 18 Feb 2014 10:57:52 -0800Lloyds Bank chief executive Antonio Horta-Osorio has defended his �1.7 million bonus, claiming that it is aligned with taxpayers� interests.Lloyds Bank chief executive Antonio Horta-Osorio has defended his �1.7 million bonus, claiming that it is aligned with taxpayers� interests. The bank has increased its overall staff bonuses for 2013 to �395 million, up from �365 million the previous year. Mr Horta-Osario claimed the reason behind this, was due to increased performance, which seen the bank report it�s first pre-tax profit since the �20.5 billion government bail out, which was funded with tax-payers money. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20140214/lloyds-bank-chief-executive-defends-1-point-seven-million-pounds-bonus.htmlFri, 14 Feb 2014 14:11:07 -0800The average income in England would need to increase by more than double in order for the average earner to be able to afford their first home, according to research from the charity �Shelter�. The research shows that wages have increased by around 50% since 1997, however, this pales in comparison to house prices which have increased by more than 200%. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20140213/average-wage-needs-to-double-to-keep-up-with-house-prices.htmlThu, 13 Feb 2014 16:07:12 -0800Profits posted by British Gas have been questioned by the energy minister, Ed Davey, who has further suggested the company may have to be broken up if proof of a monopoly is found.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140211/british-gas-profits-questioned-by-energy-minister.htmlTue, 11 Feb 2014 15:40:41 -0800Profits posted by British Gas have been questioned by the energy minister, Ed Davey, who has further suggested the company may have to be broken up if proof of a monopoly is found.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140211/british-gas-profits-questioned-by-energy-minister.htmlTue, 11 Feb 2014 15:40:37 -0800The number of individual insolvencies in England and Wales fell to an eight year low in 2013, according to official government figures. There were a total of 101,049 individual insolvencies in 2013, an 8% decrease in comparison to 2012 and the lowest figures since 2005. Furthermore, there were 14,982 companies that went into liquidation in 2013, representing a year-on-year decrease of 7.3%, whilst the figures are the lowest since 2007. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140207/insolvencies-in-england-and-wales-at-eight-year-low.htmlFri, 07 Feb 2014 15:59:00 -0800A report from Halifax has suggested that the housing market is continuing to exhibit an upward trend, as transactions in 2013 reached one million for the first time since the financial crisis in 2007.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20140206/annual-housing-transactions-reach-one-million-for-first-time-since-2007.htmlThu, 06 Feb 2014 14:21:43 -0800Prospective young homeowners are becoming more determined to get onto the property ladder according to figures released in the Post Office�s annual House Buying Habit Report, which claimed that 36% of 18-34 year olds are hoping to buy a house in the immediate future.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140205/prospective-young-homeowners-becoming-more-optimistic.htmlWed, 05 Feb 2014 16:34:00 -0800Banks are beginning to fade from the high-street as some of the biggest financial institutions are cutting branches and staff. Financial institutions cutting their high-street services include Lloyds banking Group who will be cutting managers, as well as back office and operations staff, whilst Barclays recently confirmed that they will be closing some high-street branches over the next few years.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20140104/banks-fading-from-high-street-and-cutting-financial-advisers.htmlTue, 04 Feb 2014 16:43:44 -0800The trend of real wages dropping since 2010 is now the longest period of falls since 1964, according to the latest report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140131/latest-report-shows-consistent-wage-drops.htmlFri, 31 Jan 2014 16:11:04 -0800House prices rose for the 13th consecutive month in January as annual inflation jumped to 8.8pc, according to the Nationwide building society.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20140131/house-price-inflation-rises-to-8.8pc.htmlFri, 31 Jan 2014 14:43:49 -0800Today the coalition government have claimed that the majority of British workers outside of the top 10% of earners have seen their take-home pay rise in real terms.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140124/coalition-claims-rise-in-uk-real-term-wages.htmlFri, 24 Jan 2014 16:11:31 -0800A senior figure from the Bank of England has stated that the bank is in no hurry to raise interest rates, despite unemployment falling to 7.1%. The bank of England did state that it would consider increasing interest rates from it�s current historic low of 0.5% when unemployment fell to 7%, however, this wasn�t predicted until 2016, so the bank are in no rush to tighten policies.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140123/rise-in-interest-rates-still-some-way-off.htmlThu, 23 Jan 2014 13:54:17 -0800The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show unemployment drop to 7.1%, in what BNP Paribas, Chief UK economist David Tinsley has described as �staggeringly strong.� http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140122/staggeringly-strong-figures-show-uk-unemployment-fall-to-seven-point-one-percent.htmlWed, 22 Jan 2014 15:13:01 -0800A record number of electricity customers changed their supplier in November, according figures measured by ElectraLink. ElectraLink, which measures data for the industry has released figures showing that more than 615,000 people switched electricity suppliers in November. The highest number since records began. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140121/record-numbers-switching-electricity-providers.htmlTue, 21 Jan 2014 14:41:25 -0800The number of properties on the market in the UK has dropped to the lowest level since the recession ended, as prices continue to rise. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20140120-available-homes-for-sale-in-uk-drops-to-post-recession-low.htmlMon, 20 Jan 2014 15:53:18 -0800Shoppers in the possession of old-style �50 notes featuring the image of Sir John Houblon have been warned that some retailers and banks could decline to accept the notes as of May 2014. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140117/shoppers-urged-to-spend-or-deposit-their-old-style-�50-notes.htmlFri, 17 Jan 2014 13:52:40 -0800Almost 40% of people say that their main financial aim within the next year is to get a mortgage, shows data collected from our online pollhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20130116/mortgages-top-2014-wish-list.htmlThu, 16 Jan 2014 14:36:02 -0800Inflation fell to 2pc in the UK for the first time since November 2009, as food price rises slowed to the slowest rate since 2006.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140114/uk-inflation-falls-to-2pc.htmlWed, 15 Jan 2014 15:57:47 -0800The cost of having your child cared for while you work rose by 19% year-on-year to December 2013, according to parenting website, findababysitter.com. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140113/childcare-costs-rose-by-19pc-last-year-according-to-parenting-website.htmlMon, 13 Jan 2014 14:35:18 -0800Sainsbury�s has cut the borrowing rate on personal loans of between �7,500 and �15,000 to 4.6%.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20140110/good-news-for-borrowers-as-loan-rate-falls-to-4.6pc.htmlMon, 13 Jan 2014 14:30:21 -0800Npower has become the last of the major energy suppliers to announce price cuts following the governments changes to green levies on bills.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140108/npower-cuts-bills-by-2-point-6-percent.htmlWed, 08 Jan 2014 15:02:35 -0800Britain�s new car market recorded its best year for sales in 2013 since before the 2007 financial crisis. British consumers bought more than 2.26 million vehicles in the past 12 months, representing a rise on 10.5pc on the previous 12 months, consolidating Britain�s position as Europe�s second largest car market, behind Germany.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140107/uk-car-market-records-best-year-since-financial-crisis.htmlTue, 07 Jan 2014 15:45:30 -0800A report from Lloyds bank has claimed that confidence from UK businesses in the wider economy and export prospects has hit a 20 year high across all regions and sectors in the UK.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140106/business-confidence-hits-20-year-high.htmlMon, 06 Jan 2014 13:37:26 -0800The UK housing market continued its recovery throughout 2013, with prices rising by an average of 8.4%, according to the Nationwide Building Society.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20140102/house-prices-up-by-8.4pc-in-2013.htmlFri, 03 Jan 2014 16:52:59 -0800One in 11 people are living in fear that they will not be able to meet their household bills such as rent and mortgage payments in January following the costly Christmas period, according to charity Shelter.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20140103/new-year-rent-and-mortgage-crisis-for-millions.htmlFri, 03 Jan 2014 14:38:04 -0800Lloyds bank has today announced that it is to become the latest mortgage provider to offer a product that allows prospective home owners to take advantage of the government led Help to Buy initiative. The banking group will therefore be allowing homebuyers the opportunity to apply for a mortgage with a 5% deposit as of Friday 3 January.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20140102/llyods-bank-announces-help-to-buy-mortgage-product.htmlThu, 02 Jan 2014 15:22:01 -0800The number of people using more than half of their disposable income on debt repayments could almost double from 600,000 to 1.1 million by 2018 if interest rates rise to 3% according to the Resolution Foundation. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20131230/uk-debt-crisis-could-effect-millions.htmlMon, 30 Dec 2013 11:22:23 -0800The number of UK homes being sold has risen by 24% over the last year, with sales in November reaching the highest levels since December 2009. HM Revenue and Customs figures shown that 96,979 flats or houses were sold in November, with these figures being further complimented by figures from the British Bankers Association (BBA) that claimed new mortgage approvals rose by 39% over the year. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20131224/uk-home-sales-up-24-percent.htmlTue, 24 Dec 2013 12:19:32 -0800The government has announced plans to allow savings invested into a Child Trust Fund to be transferred to the newer child savings account, the Junior ISA following a public consultation. The move could potentially benefit over 6 million children with savings deposited in a Child Trust Fund.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20131223/child-trust-fund-holders-to-be-able-to-switch-to-junior-isa.htmlMon, 23 Dec 2013 15:53:53 -0800The average cost of renting a home in the UK is rising twice as fast as wages, as demand for properties outstrips supply in ever more competitive market. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/rent-costs-rising-twice-as-fast-as-wages.htmlFri, 20 Dec 2013 14:16:14 -0800The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has said that mortgage lending was higher than expected in 2013, but is not yet at the level witnessed in the housing boom.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20131219-mortgage-lending-below-boom-level-according-to-cml.htmlThu, 19 Dec 2013 15:29:06 -0800It is expected during 2014 that house prices could increase by 8%, which would push the average house price above �250,000.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20131216/2014-could-put-many-homes-out-of-reach-for-buyers.htmlMon, 16 Dec 2013 11:09:53 -0800An annual report recently published by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) showed that first time buyers returned to the housing market substantially during the month of October, with the value of loans rising by nearly 50% on 2012 figures.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20131213/october-lending-to-first-time-buyers-up-by-half.htmlFri, 13 Dec 2013 12:16:56 -0800Figures from the debt charity, Money Advice Trust (MAT), have revealed that the number of people falling behind on rent payments has more than doubled in the last six years. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20131212/rent-arrears-more-than-double-since-2007.htmlThu, 12 Dec 2013 16:26:08 -0800The rises in the cost of household energy mean that families are now spending more on gas, electricity and home expenses than anything else, for the first time in history. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20131211/energy-bills-and-other-housing-costs-top-family-expenditure-list.htmlThu, 12 Dec 2013 16:19:34 -0800Some insurance and pension providers have been criticised by the Financial Services Consumer Panel (FSCP) for confusing consumers and charging over the top commissions on annuities when they retire.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20131210/pension-providers-criticised-for-confusing-retirees.htmlTue, 10 Dec 2013 15:34:38 -0800The rate in which job vacancies are growing has hit the fastest levels in 15 years according to the job vacancies index, which uses data from 400 recruitment firms, whilst the report also shown that salaries for permanent staff were also rising at the highest level of six years.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20131209/job-vacancy-growth-at-15-year-high.htmlMon, 09 Dec 2013 16:33:14 -0800George Osborne has been releasing his Autumn statement for 2013 today, making some key statements which claim the austerity agenda is working. In fact, Osborne has claimed that the UK�s economy is growing at a faster rate than any other country from the G7, and further claimed that Britain will be back in the black by 2018/19. However, Labour claimed that the conservative party were in denial about the cost of living crisis, stating that �for most people, there is no recovery at all.�http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20131017/autumn-statement-2013.htmlThu, 05 Dec 2013 16:51:41 -0800More potential home buyers have said that they would rather have been offered better savings rates to help them save to buy a home than the cheaper credit that has been made available from mortgage lenders http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20131204/better-savings-rates-wanted-over-help-to-buy.htmlWed, 04 Dec 2013 14:16:17 -0800If you�re looking to save for your child�s future, then you may be wondering what the best way to do so ishttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20131203/stocks-and-shares-or-cash-the-junior-isa-two-years-on.htmlWed, 04 Dec 2013 14:13:41 -0800The Bank of England has revealed that �23 billion has been withdrawn from long-term savings accounts over the last 12 months, in what is the biggest drop in savings for almost 40 years.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20131203/savers-withdraw-over-23-billion-from-savings-accounts.htmlTue, 03 Dec 2013 16:36:18 -0800The �big six� energy firms have all announced that they will be using a Government-led initiative to cut the cost of household fuel priceshttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20131202/household-fuel-bills-to-be-cut-following-green-levy.htmlMon, 02 Dec 2013 14:13:59 -0800The Nationwide has revealed that house prices in the UK have risen again, and are now at the highest rate since April 2008.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20131129/house-prices-up-again-to-highest-post-recession-level.htmlMon, 02 Dec 2013 10:33:59 -0800Energy giant Npower which employs 9,600 workers in the UK is to cut 1,400 UK jobs, with a number of these being outsourced to India. The cuts are expected to be in relation to site closures at Peterlee in Durham, Thornaby in North Yorkshire, and Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire, however it�s expected that Npower will confirm exact details later on.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20131128/npower-to-cut-1400-uk-jobs.htmlThu, 28 Nov 2013 13:31:39 -0800A new report has revealed that just short of nine million people in the UK consider themselves to have a serious financial problem related to debt. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20131128/18-of-britons-are-struggling-with-debt.htmlThu, 28 Nov 2013 09:12:20 -0800The big six energy companies saw their profit margins increase by 4.3% in 2012, which does not include the effects that could be felt from the recent rise in energy prices. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20131126/energy-companies-see-profits-rise-further.htmlTue, 26 Nov 2013 13:36:23 -0800It has been confirmed that the average price of petrol and diesel has been reduced again, signalling the lowest average for more than two and a half years, the AA has revealed.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20131122/motorists-experience-further-falls-in-fuel-costs.htmlFri, 22 Nov 2013 16:54:34 -0800It has been revealed in an independent survey that energy companies are making at least �650m a year due to errors in the billing processhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20131121/billing-errors-make-energy-companies-650m-a-year.htmlThu, 21 Nov 2013 16:02:57 -0800Four UK building societies have launched 5pc mortgage deals to consumers, beating rates offered by the Governments Funding for Lending scheme. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20131120/5pc-mortgages-are-back-as-four-building-societies-make-them-available.htmlWed, 20 Nov 2013 13:46:45 -0800Npower has sold 770,000 of its gas and electricity customer accounts to Telecom Plus to help turn the �big six� into the �big seven�, in a move that could increase competition in the energy market.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20131120/npower-sells-777000-customer-supply-accounts.htmlWed, 20 Nov 2013 13:42:57 -0800Supermarkets have been found to be continuing to mislead customers with multi-buy offers and discounts, despite the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) previously raising concerns about such issues. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20131119/supermarkets-continuing-to-mislead-customers.htmlTue, 19 Nov 2013 15:56:31 -0800The number of people who have fallen behind on their rent is now at a five year low, making this the healthiest month since this particular data was first recorded in November 2008. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20131115/late-rental-payments-at-five-year-low.htmlFri, 15 Nov 2013 09:43:16 -0800Another well known high street provider has announced today that it is set to shut 72 out of its 264 stores throughout the UK, and cut 452 jobs after confirming earlier in the week it was going into administration. The troubled DVD rental chain Blockbuster is one of the many high street stores that have come under pressure from its online competitors and supermarkets.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20131114/blockbuster-goes-into-administration.htmlThu, 14 Nov 2013 14:21:11 -0800EDF Energy have officially announced that they are the latest major energy supplier to increase their gas and electricity prices, with a price increase of 3.9% expected to be implemented, meaning their new average standard variable will be priced at around �1,300. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/edf-energy-increase-prices-by-3point9pc.htmlTue, 12 Nov 2013 14:37:25 -0800Water industry regulator, Ofwat, has rejected a planned increase in the in water prices by Thames Water, stating that it is �not convinced an extra bill increase is justified�.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20131110/ofwat-rejects-thames-water-bill-rise.htmlTue, 12 Nov 2013 11:07:25 -0800A report from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has revealed that over a quarter of household spending goes on energy bills, household costs and waterhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20131112/household-bills-account-for-a-quarter-of-spending.htmlTue, 12 Nov 2013 11:05:35 -0800Twitter shares have been priced at $26 per share ahead of its stock market debut valuing the company at more than $18bn (�11bn).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/investments/20131107/twitter-ipo-priced-at-26-a-share.htmlThu, 07 Nov 2013 15:57:08 -0800House prices have continued to rise for the ninth consecutive month. The average price increased by 0.7% in October to almost �172,000, creating an annual increase of 6.9%.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20131006/house-prices-continue- to-increase.htmlWed, 06 Nov 2013 16:10:57 -0800The national living wage has been increased by 20p to �7.65 an hour, affecting more than 30,000 low paid workers.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20131104/national-living-wage-increased.htmlMon, 04 Nov 2013 14:30:09 -0800The Royal Bank of Scotland has today ended speculation of the bank being split into good banks and bad banks by placing �38bn worth of �bad assets� into an internal ringfenced bank.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20131022/RBS-ringfences-38bn-worth-of-bad-assets.htmlFri, 01 Nov 2013 15:43:53 -0700Energy secretary, Ed Davey, has prepared plans for an annual review into energy companies, in order to investigate and regulate competition within the sector. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20131031/energy-companies-to-be-forced-into-annual-review.htmlThu, 31 Oct 2013 14:28:43 -0700The chief executive of one of the largest energy suppliers in the UK, E.On, has called for a competition enquiry into firmshttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20131030/thorough-competition-enquiry-needed-warns-energy-boss.htmlWed, 30 Oct 2013 15:10:09 -0700The Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), the biggest pension fund in the country, which is facing a massive deficit of �7.9bn according to the BBC�s figures could be in even worse trouble than originally thought.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20131028/university-pension-fund-faces-deficit-of-10-bn.htmlMon, 28 Oct 2013 14:11:12 -0700With energy prices rising across the board, Age UK has revealed that a quarter of over 65�s living in the UK have genuine worries about staying warm this winterhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20131028/25pc-of-over-65-are-worried-about-staying-warm-this-winter.htmlMon, 28 Oct 2013 13:21:54 -0700The UK economy grew between July and September as GDP increased by 0.8% according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the best quarterly performance since 2010.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20131025/uk-gdp-rises.htmlFri, 25 Oct 2013 14:45:11 -0700Scottish Power has raised electricity prices by an average of 9%, whilst gas prices are expected to rise by an average of 8.5%. The price rises will become effective from 6th December 2013, just in time for the Christmas period in a move that follows a dramatic price increase from British Gas to become the fourth major energy supplier to increase their prices. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20131024/scottish-power-latest-energy-company-to-increase-prices.htmlThu, 24 Oct 2013 14:53:12 -0700Ofcom have announced changes which will mean mobile users will be able to switch contracts without paying a penalty in the event of their contract provider increasing prices mid-term.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20131024/mobile-users-to-be-able-to-switch-contracts-without-penalty.htmlThu, 24 Oct 2013 11:36:15 -0700The cost of insuring your car has fallen at the fastest rate in the last 20 years, as an average of �80 was saved per policy over the last 12 months.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/insurance/20131023/car-insurance-cost-falls-and-ministers-target-whiplash-claims.htmlWed, 23 Oct 2013 13:47:46 -0700The Co-op group have confirmed that they are in talks to sell off a majority stake of the banking arm of the mutual organisation, due to the bank facing a shortfall of �1.5 billion.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20131022/co-op-group-set-to-lose-control-of-co-op-bank.htmlTue, 22 Oct 2013 14:49:15 -0700According to the AA, petrol prices have fallen by 5.49 pence per litre, which is officially the biggest fall since November 2008, when prices fell by 11.5 pence.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20131022/petrol-prices-in-biggest-fall-since-2008.htmlTue, 22 Oct 2013 14:46:59 -0700Prime Minister, David Cameron, has urged consumers to switch energy supplier, after British Gas announced a price hike of 9.2pc in a move the PM has described as �disappointing�.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20131018/british-gas-hikes-prices-by-9.2pc.htmlFri, 18 Oct 2013 09:21:02 -0700Unemployment in the UK fell by more than 18,000 to less than 2.5 million in the three months to August according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Additionally, those claiming job seekers allowance fell by 41,700 to 1.35 million last month alone, the lowest since January 2009.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20131017/uk-unemployment-falling.htmlThu, 17 Oct 2013 15:36:31 -0700The Office for National Statistics (ONS) recorded record house prices in the month of August, as their house price index eased past the previous record set in January 2008http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20131016/house-prices-hit-record-high-in-august.htmlWed, 16 Oct 2013 15:03:42 -0700Burberry Chief Executive Angela Ahrendts is to join technology giant Apple as the �Senior Vice President of Retail and Online Stores. The move was an unexpected one, with Ahrendts spending almost a decade at Burberry and being viewed by some as CEO material. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/investments/20131016/apple-to-hire-burberry-chief-executive.htmlWed, 16 Oct 2013 13:21:08 -0700The prompt payment code, backed by the UK government has been failing it�s objectives of ensuring that small suppliers are paid on time. Around 1,500 firms signed up to the scheme when it was originally set up in December 2008 in order to facilitate a need for small suppliers to recover over �30.2 billion in owed payments. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20131014/government-backed-payment-scheme-failing-small-businessesMon, 14 Oct 2013 15:48:10 -0700Opinion on whether the new Government-led scheme to get more people on the property ladder, Help to Buy, will cause a housing bubble has been splithttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20131014/opinion-split-over-possibility-of-housing-bubble.htmlMon, 14 Oct 2013 13:03:47 -0700Royal Mail shares rocketed by as much as 38% at the start of conditional dealings, peaking at 456p per share, from an original pricing of 330p per share.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/investments/20131011/royal-mail-shares-rocket.htmlFri, 11 Oct 2013 13:19:07 -0700According to reports from the BBC, Royal Mail is expected to reward smaller investors who subscribe to the minimum investment of �750 whilst setting a maximum cap of �10,000, meaning bigger investors will likely be shunned.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/investments/20131010/smaller-firms-to-be-favoured-by-royal-mail-in-ipo.htmlThu, 10 Oct 2013 12:54:03 -0700The second stage of the �Help to Buy� scheme has been launched three months early in the hope that the housing market will further benefit from growth in a similar way it did under the initial stage of the scheme.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20131009/help-to-buy-scheme-extension-launched.htmlWed, 09 Oct 2013 08:42:26 -0700The National Union of Students (NUS) have claimed that students are facing a financial shortfall of more than �7,600 a year as loans and grants are failing to keep pace with rent and the cost of living.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20131008/students-face-cost-of-living-crisis.htmlTue, 08 Oct 2013 11:03:49 -0700The renewed faith in the housing market has been reflected by reports from the Halifax that house prices are rising at their fastest rate in three years due to increasing demand for properties.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20131003/house-price-increases-at-three-year-high.htmlThu, 03 Oct 2013 09:49:07 -0700Within this feature we like to recap the previous month, looking at the top finance news and how it might affect you.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20131003/monthly-news-roundup-september.htmlThu, 03 Oct 2013 09:40:00 -0700City regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), has announced plans to tighten regulations around the payday loan industryhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20131003/payday-lenders-to-face-tighter-regulations.htmlThu, 03 Oct 2013 09:35:01 -0700The Bank of England has announced that the number of mortgage approvals hit a five-and-a-half-year-high in August. Mortgage approvals rose to 62,226 in August from 60,914 in the previous month. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20131001/mortgage-approvals-at-five-year-high.htmlTue, 01 Oct 2013 10:27:02 -0700The Help to Buy scheme, which was announced in the Budget in April, has been launched three months earlier than plannedhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20130930/help-to-buy-scheme-is-launched-three-months-early.htmlMon, 30 Sep 2013 13:40:39 -0700The price gap between houses in the North and South of the UK has widened, according to the Nationwide, and now stands at over �100,000.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20130927/north-south-house-price-gap-widens.htmlMon, 30 Sep 2013 13:04:54 -0700Reports are suggesting that fewer people are choosing to opt out of automatic pension enrollment schemes than what was originally expected. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20130930/fewer-than-expected-opting-out-of-automatic-pension-schemes.htmlMon, 30 Sep 2013 12:24:57 -0700Consumers improving confidence has been reflected in claims made by the British Bankers� Association (BBA) that consumer borrowing through mortgages, loans and credit cards have increased over the last month. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20132609/consumer-confidence-up-as-appetite-for-credit-growsThu, 26 Sep 2013 09:01:51 -0700The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has ordered a crackdown on schemes that offer poor value to savers. The crackdown involves recommending a series of reforms that will give new and increased powers to the Pensions Regulator.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20130919/oft-to-crack-down-on-poor-value-pensions.htmlThu, 19 Sep 2013 10:17:31 -0700The government has sold a 6% stake in the Lloyds banking group, raising �3.2 billion, in what George Osbourne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, acclaimed to be an �important step� in plans �to get their money back and fix the economy.� During the banking crisis, the government bailed out the Lloyds banking group, purchasing 38.7% of the group at an average of 73.6p per share.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20130918/government-sells-6-percent-stake-in-lloyds-banking-group.htmlWed, 18 Sep 2013 12:29:45 -0700The banking industry has undergone a major IT overhaul at a cost of �750ml to reduce the time it takes for consumers to switch their current account to a new provider.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/230130916/banks-make-it-easier-for-consumers-to-switch-accounts.htmlTue, 17 Sep 2013 08:23:13 -0700The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) has argued that the Bank of England should cap house price rises at 5% to prevent another housing bubble.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20130913/housing-prices-should-be-capped-at-5-percent-a-year.htmlFri, 13 Sep 2013 14:13:33 -0700Twitter are planning to join the stock market in what looks to be one of the most followed stock market flotation�s since Facebook�s IPO (initial public offering) in 2012.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/investments/20130913/twitter-plans-ipo.htmlFri, 13 Sep 2013 12:54:57 -0700The number of mortgages advanced to first time buyers in July has increased by a huge 41% compared to a year ago and 5% in comparison to last June; reflecting recent reports of increased activity in the housing market.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20130912/41-percent-increase-in-first-time-buyer-loans.htmlThu, 12 Sep 2013 13:36:51 -0700Housing developer Barratt�s has claimed the recovery of the housing market is �spreading beyond London and the South East� http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20130911/housing-market-recovery-is-spreading.htmlWed, 11 Sep 2013 15:19:59 -0700Two unnamed banks are reportedly under investigation for the mis-handling of PPI complaintshttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/insurance/20130909/banks-under-investigation-for-ppi-mis-handling.htmlTue, 10 Sep 2013 14:22:21 -0700So-called �teaser� rates on cash savings accounts are to be investigated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20130909/introductory-rates-on-savings-accounts-to-be-investigated.htmlMon, 09 Sep 2013 16:02:29 -0700The amount of people buying a first home in the UK has risen by 45pc year-on-year from July 2012, according to a report by LSL Property Serviceshttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20130906/first-time-buyers-up-45pc-year-on-year.htmlFri, 06 Sep 2013 16:12:04 -070005/09/2013 A study by the Resolution Foundation has uncovered the fact that one in every five UK employees is being paid below the living wage.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/201309805/1-in-5-uk-employees-is-paid-below-living-wage.htmlFri, 06 Sep 2013 16:06:16 -0700Payday lender Wonga, a company which has come under stark criticism about how it operates, has posted record profits, and has become one of the most popular lenders in the UKhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20130904/wonga-defies-critics-to-post-record-profits.htmlWed, 04 Sep 2013 14:56:54 -0700Four out of ten two-year-olds in England will benefit from free childcare from next September under a new scheme offered by the Government.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20130901/government-offers-free-childcare-scheme-to-40pc-of-two-year-olds.htmlTue, 03 Sep 2013 12:59:07 -0700House prices rose again in August for the 11th straight month, according to Nationwide, further highlighting the increasing strength of the UK property market. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20130901/house-prices-still-on-the-rise-according-to-nationwide.htmlMon, 02 Sep 2013 08:37:41 -0700New changes to the state pension are set to adversely affect millions of UK workers, who could be thousands of pounds a year worse off, according to the TUChttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20130821/state-pension-under-attack-as-changes-will-disadvantage-millions.htmlThu, 22 Aug 2013 14:37:54 -0700The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has again reported a house price rise in the UK, as Government schemes continue to strengthen the property market. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20130813/house-prices-rise-again-according-to-ons.htmlTue, 13 Aug 2013 15:49:32 -0700Thames Water has asked its regulator, Ofwat, for permission to raise water bills by as much as 12pc.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20130812/thames-water-asks-regulator-for-permission-to-raise-bills.htmlMon, 12 Aug 2013 15:26:07 -0700Energyhelpline has told consumers to brace themselves for massive energy price hikes which could be as high as 10pc. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20130809/gas-and-electricity-prices-to-rise-by-as-much-as-10pc.htmlFri, 09 Aug 2013 15:49:36 -0700Research from the Post Office has indicated that second-time buyers are experiencing significant barriers that are preventing them from moving from their starter home into a second home.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20130808/second-time-buyers-struggling-to-move-from-starter-home.htmlThu, 08 Aug 2013 16:00:51 -0700The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has announced three firms who target homeowners struggling to sell their properties by promising them quick sales. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20130808/quick-house-sales-firms-warned-by-OFT.htmlThu, 08 Aug 2013 08:51:14 -0700Research from the Money Advice Service has revealed that, despite the fact an increasing amount of UK adults are struggling to pay bills, people are generally falling into better money habits.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20130802/money-habits-improving-but-more-people-struggle-to-pay-bills.htmlFri, 02 Aug 2013 12:45:32 -0700Consumer groups have urged energy supplier, British Gas, to consider scrapping any proposed price increase planned this year, after the company reported record profits on the back of a cold winterhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20130801/british-gas-urged-to-freeze-prices-after-record-profits.htmlFri, 02 Aug 2013 12:43:04 -0700The energy industry is once again under scrutiny from MPs, after insights into the amount of profit the �big six� energy providers are making. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20130730/mps-call-for-energy-industry-transparency.htmlTue, 30 Jul 2013 08:51:17 -0700The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that the UK economy experienced growth of 0.6pc in the three months leading up to Junehttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20130725/uk-economy-grows-by-0.6pc.htmlThu, 25 Jul 2013 13:53:17 -0700The increase in the number of people buying property in the UK, especially first-time buyers, has meant that the cost of renting has stopped rising as aggressively. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20130719/rent-price-inflation-halts-as-more-people-opt-to-buy.htmlFri, 19 Jul 2013 16:04:08 -0700The amount of mortgages approved for first-time buyers has risen to the highest level recorded in the last five-and-a-half years, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20130712/first-time-buyer-mortgages-at-five-and-a-half-year-high.htmlFri, 12 Jul 2013 15:00:43 -0700With mortgage rates falling, Leeds Building Society has taken a step further than the competition and is now offering the first 0% interest mortgage to hit the market.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20130711/first-0pc-interest-mortgage-launched-by-lbs.htmlThu, 11 Jul 2013 13:56:40 -0700The outlook for UK house sales has been described as the strongest since 1999, after data from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) was released.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20130709-house-sales-could-increase-to-highest-level-in-14-years.htmlThu, 11 Jul 2013 13:54:32 -0700Research from Halifax has highlighted the fact that children as young as eight have admitted that they share some of the concerns their parents have about their financeshttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20130705-almost-9-in-10-children-are-worried-about-money-htmlThu, 11 Jul 2013 13:52:46 -0700There has been a significant rise in the amount of mortgages approved for first time buyers in 2013, according to the Building Societies Associationhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20130702-approved-mortgages-for-first-time-buyers-up-50pc.htmlTue, 02 Jul 2013 14:47:41 -0700The cost of buying a house in the UK is continuing it�s steady rise, at the fastest rate since 2010. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20130628-house-prices-continue-to-rise.htmlFri, 28 Jun 2013 16:00:41 -0700The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has referred payday lenders to the Competition Commission http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20130627-payday-lenders-competition-inquiry.htmlThu, 27 Jun 2013 15:04:03 -0700Employees working in the public sector in the UK are set to miss out on automatic pay rises, as part of a Government initiative which is set to save �11.5bn.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20130626-public-sector-staff-lose-automatic-pay-rise.htmlThu, 27 Jun 2013 08:49:41 -0700Millions of customers of two of Britain�s largest energy suppliers, E.On and EDF Energy, have been overcharged on part of their gas billshttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20130625-eon-and-edf-customers-overcharged-due-to-weak-gas.htmlWed, 26 Jun 2013 09:02:58 -0700National Savings and Investments (NS&I) officials have released details about nearly 900,000 unclaimed premium bond prizes, which amass to a total value of �44m.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20130605-unclaimed-premium-bond-prizes-top-�44m.htmlWed, 05 Jun 2013 16:09:52 -0700The average pensioner in the UK will see their income fall by over a third once they enter retirement and stop working.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20310605-average-incomes-drop-by-more-than-a-third-on-retirement.htmlWed, 05 Jun 2013 16:08:14 -0700A survey from Save the Student has found that as many as 8 out of 10 students don�t have enough money to live on.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20130603-80pc-of-students-don't-have-enough-money-to-live-on.htmlMon, 03 Jun 2013 15:24:07 -0700The UK housing market gained further momentum in May as average prices rose again month-on-month, according to Nationwide building society, who reported a 0.4pc rise.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20130530-house-prices-rise-again-in-may.htmlMon, 03 Jun 2013 08:37:41 -0700Complaints to financial institutions rose to the highest recorded level over the course of the last year, after a 92pc rise on the previous year.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/insurance/20130529-financial-ombudsman-reports-record=-number-of-complaints.htmlWed, 29 May 2013 13:39:17 -0700The Co-operative bank has followed in the footsteps of Barclays, by installing talking cash machines on the streets of the UKhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20310524-cooperative-bank-launches-talking-atms.htmlTue, 28 May 2013 14:46:11 -0700A study from Prudential has further highlighted the bleak outlook for pensioners looking to retire this year, as it was revealed one in seven will have to rely on the state pension for incomehttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20130523-one-in-seven-retiring-in-2013-will-rely-on-state-pension.html Thu, 23 May 2013 08:34:34 -0700According to property website Rightmove, average house prices across the UK have risen for the fifth consecutive monthhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20130520-another-rise-in-house-prices-takes-london-average-past-500k.htmlMon, 20 May 2013 14:02:43 -0700HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has reported that as many as 5.5m UK workers paid the wrong amount of tax in financial year 2012-2013. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/tax/20130517-3.5m-owed-tax-rebate-but-2m-owe-hmrc-as-much-as-�500.htmlFri, 17 May 2013 08:57:09 -0700The Government has launched a consultation into planned changes which will allow parents to swap their Child Trust Funds (CTF) for Junior ISA�shttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20130515-government-consults-on-ctf-to-junior-isa-transfers.htmlWed, 15 May 2013 12:44:38 -0700House prices have reached a three month high and demand from buyers is at the highest level since 2009, according to The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (Rics)http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20130514-housing-demand-and-prices-continue-to-rise.htmlTue, 14 May 2013 14:32:23 -0700The cold weather in the first four months of 2013 has meant that gas use in the UK was 18pc higher than that of the same period in 2012http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20130513-cold-weather-raises-gas-use-by-18pc.htmlTue, 14 May 2013 08:04:01 -0700For the first time in their 14 year history, Isa�s have experienced a fall in their savings value, as low interest rates, rising inflation, and a lack of trust deter savers.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20130513-isas-suffer-first-ever-fall-in-savings.htmlMon, 13 May 2013 09:08:51 -0700The amount of mortgages approved on a buy-to-let basis was up by 13.5pc in the first quarter of 2013http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20130509-buy-to-let-mortgage-lending-up-in-first-quarter.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800The average price of a house in the UK rose by 1.1pc in April, compared to March, but activity in the housing market remains low, according to Halifax.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20130508-UK-house-prices-rise-in-april.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800The Financial Conduct Authority has said that there has been no mass evidence collected in relation to the mis-selling of interest-only mortgages to homeowners in the UK.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20130502-fca-no-evidence-interest-only-mortgages-mis-sold.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has spoken of its concern over the ability of more than a million people to pay off final charges on interest-only mortgages. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20130501-fca-raises-fears-over-interest-only-mortgages.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800Thousands of borrowers who took out tracker mortgages with the Bank of Ireland (BOI) will see their rates increase from Wednesdayhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20130501-thousands-to-experience-rise-in-mortgage-rates-from-BOI.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800Members of the Kodak Pension Plan (KPP), of which there are thought to be 15,000, will receive reduced pension benefits.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20130430-kodak-pension-plan-members-to-receive-reduced-benefits.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800The UK economy avoided what would have been devastating news today, as first quarter growth of 0.3pc was reported, and a triple-dip recession avoided.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20130425-UK-economy-avoids-triple-dip-recession.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800Nationwide has become the latest financial organisation to suffer a system failure, which has meant customers are unable to access online banking as well as account details in brancheshttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20130423-computer-systems-fail-at-nationwide.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has hinted that it could launch an investigation into �teaser� rates http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20130418-fca-could-probe-teaser-rates.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800The amount of people unemployed in the UK rose by 70,000 between December and February according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20130417-uk-unemployment-hits-2.56-million.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800A study from Which? has revealed that record numbers of people are expected turn their back on their bank in the coming yearhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20130416-more-people-set-to-ditch-bank-after-poor-treatment.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800The number of people buying their first home is at the highest level for five years, according to data from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20130415-first-time-buyers-reach-5-year-peak.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800One in four people say that they have lost touch with or misplaced a pension pot after changing their job. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20130411-25pc-misplace-pension-job-hopping.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800The amount you pay to organise your mortgage has risen to a new high, despite the fact the Government has set up new schemes to make borrowing and getting on the property ladder easier.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/22130410-mortgage-arrangement-fees-reach-new-high.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800The number of households in the UK that are in debt to their energy supplier has risen by over one million during the past twelve months.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20130409-five-million-households-in-debt-to-energy-supplier.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800The price of a house for a first time buyer has risen 5pc since the summer, according to a report representing data collected by Halifax.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20130405-house-prices-for-first-time-buyers-up-5pc.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800A group of cross-party MP�s have expressed their concern that the Government has not done enough to explain to the public how the forthcoming revamp of the state pension will affect themhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20130404-pension-reform-is-unclear-say-mps.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800We take a look at the new Help to Buy scheme, proposed by the Chancellor in the recent Budget. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20130327-help-to-buy-what-is-it.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800Following on from repeated pressure to act, the Government has announced that they will consider allowing the transfer of Child Trust Fund (CTF) accounts to Junior ISA�s.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20130326-ctf-to-junior-isa-transfers-to-be-considered.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800A round up of the 2013 Budget delivered by Chancellor George Osborne, and how this will affect you. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20130322-the-budget-2013-as-it-happened.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800The cash ISA limit would have to be raised to �8000 for savers to receive the same interest rates as a year agohttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20130320-isa-limit-should-be-raised-to-8000-chancellor-is-told.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800Only 15pc of savers have used their full ISA allowance this year, according to figures released by Halifax. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20130319-just-15pc-use-full-isa-allowance.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800The cost of living has risen at four times the rate of incomes since the start of the economic downturn according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20130312-household-bills-rise-at-four-times-the-rate-of-earnings.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800Customers of Natwest, the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Ulster Bank have been hot by another system failure which left them without access to their money.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20130312-natwest-customers-affected-by-another-system-failure.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800Companies� which provide consumers with �payday loans� are to face new restrictions on advertising their service, after fears that consumers are being harmed by serious problems in this sectorhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20130306-payday-loan-companies-to-face-new-advertising-restrictions.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800Orange and T-Mobile will raise the prices of pay-monthly tariffs from April 2013, in a move which will affect an estimated 5.5 million existing customers. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20130304-orange-and-tmobile-to-raise-monthly-prices.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800House prices in the UK rose again in February, for the fifth successive month.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20130301-house-prices-rise-for-fifth-consecutive-month.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has reported it handed out bonuses to senior employees amounting to a massive �607m, despite making a pre-tax loss of �5.2bn in 2012.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20130301-RBS-hands-out-607m-bonus-despite-making-loss-of-5.2bn.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800British Gas has reported a rise in profits of 14pc throughout 2012.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20130227-british-gas-profits-rise-14-percent.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800A study administered by Scottish Widows has uncovered the fact that eight million Brits have no savings to their namehttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20130226-8m-brits-have-no-savings.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800H M Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has released a list of companies and individuals who have deliberately avoided tax, naming and shaming them publicly.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/tax/20130222-hmrc-publishes-list-of-tax-evaders.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800Figures from a study administered by HSBC have revealed that British workers are the worst in the world at preparing for retirement through a pension scheme.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20130221-brits-worst-in-world-at-saving-for-retirement.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800Energy watchdog Ofgem has issued a warning to consumers that energy prices may well be set to rise again. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20130219-ofgem-warns-of-energy-bill-rises.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800A report from the Payments Council has revealed that in 2011 supermarkets took 58pc of the entire retail spend in the UKhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20130219-supermarkets-take-58p-of-every-retail-pound.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800According to a report published by Aviva, personal injury claims are adding an astonishing �118 to every motor insurance premium. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/insurance/20130214-ending-personal-injury-compensation-culture-could-save-motorists-�60.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800Barclays has said it will cut 3700 jobs and will close its tax avoidance unit after the latest strategic review from the companyhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20130213-barclays-cut-3700-jobs.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800The cost of water and sewerage in the average UK household is set to rise at an inflation-beating rate, by some 3.5pc.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/201302/07-household-water-bills-rise-3.5pc.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800There is fresh optimism that another period of recession, the third in just over five years in the UK, will be avoidedhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20130205-triple-dip-recession-may-be-avoided-after-all.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800The FSA have launched an investigation into pension annuities, a market that is worth �11bn, after it was revealed that there are growing concerns British pensioners are not getting a fair deal in return for their pension fund when they retire. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20130204-FSA-launces-pension-annuity-probe.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800After the collapse of HMV, Jessops and Blockbuster in the last month, Amazon, one of the online retailers widely considered to have taken over a large part of the market these companies operated in, reported very contrasting results. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20130131-Amazon-records-record-sales.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800The UK economy shrank by 0.3pc in the last four months of 2012, making the possibility of entering into recession for the third time since 2007 all the more likely.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20130125-uk-gdp-contracts-as-triple-dip-threatens.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800A survey carried out by the TheRetirementCentre.com has revealed that an incredible 81pc of over 50�s say they will no longer be seeking financial advice, as the fee they have to pay upfront is too much.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20130122-81pc-of-over-50's-will-stop-seeing-financial-advisor.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800The cost of childcare is on the rise, and has gone up by 6pc in the last three months alone, according to childcare website Findababysitter.comhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20130122-childcare-costs-rise-6pc-in-3-months.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800Another blow has been dealt to UK savers as the ISA interest rate has fallen below 3pc for the first time since the accounts were launched in 1999http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20130118-isa-best-buy-rate-drops-below-3pc.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800Blockbuster, another high street entertainment chain has reportedly entered into administration in the same week as competitor HMV.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20130116-blockbuster-follows-HMV-into-administration.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800A recent study from the Post Office has revealed that one in three British credit card users rely on their plastic in order to pay for daily items throughout the month of January. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/creditcards/20130116-one-in-three-brits-rely-on-credit-cards-for-daily-buys.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800Research from Castle Trust has revealed that home buyers in London must save up to 5 times more than those in other areas of the UK for the average deposit on a househttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/property/20130116-london-homes-5-times-more-expensive.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800High street music chain HMV has called in the administrators after months of financial uncertainty have finally come to a head.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20130115-hmv-goes-into-administration.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800On the 21st December an EU ruling was passed meaning that there would be equality across the board when dealing with gender and pricing for insurance products. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20130110-eu-gender-directive-hits-pension-annuities.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -08002012 saw sales of new cars in the UK peak at an 11 year high, as motorists swapped old cars in need of expensive repairs for newer, more reliable alternatives.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20130109-2m-new-cars-sold-in-2012.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800A quarter of pensioners between the ages of 65 and 74 in the UK are continuing to take a wage, despite passing the retirement age.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/20130108-1-in-4-between-65-and-74-still-work.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800The work and pensions secretary, Iain Duncan Smith believes benefits should no longer automatically increase at the same rate as inflation. He stated that it is unreasonable for wages to rise at a slower rate than benefits.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20130104-wages-set-to-rise-at-same-rate-as-benefits.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800The days of strong arm tactics to collect debts may be drawing to a close as creditors seek new ways to get paid out. While the number of orders for assets to be sold, or County Court Judgements fell by over 20% in 2011, the number of applications for debtor�s earnings to be docked at source rose by 15%, to over 60,000. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20130104-D-for-Debt-Day-set-to-be-Monday-14th-January.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800You would be forgiven for thinking that giving up chocolate or quitting smoking would be the top of people�s New Year�s resolutions list; however an independent study has revealed that people are most concerned with reading more and saving moneyhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20130102-a-new-year-a-new-motivation-to-save.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800In an attempt to eliminate the risk of people getting into increased levels of debt over the Christmas period, Dundee City Council have blocked access to pay-day loan websites. The authorities IT department has been instructed to disable access to such websites on council computers. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/loans/20121221-dundee-city-council-say-no-to-pay-day-loans.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800According to officials, the UK economy saw a 0.9% growth in the third quarter of this year. This figure fell just short of the 1% that had been previously estimated. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20121221-0.9pc-growth-in-q3-for-uk-economy.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800The EU Gender Directive relates to a ruling across the EU for equal treatment between men and women, which means that providers will no longer be able to price insurance and annuities on the basis of gender. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/insurance/20121220-eu-gender-directive.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800A European court of justice ruling, made in 2011, means insurance companies will no longer be able to vary premiums according to gender. The change will come into force on the 21st December 2012. Some insurers have not yet declared how much they plan to charge in the future but in most cases this will mean that women will be paying higher premiums than they currently do. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/insurance/20121218-insurance-premiums-no-longer-varied-according-to-gender.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800Last year �136 million of taxpayer�s money was spent on delayed or unanswered calls to the HM Revenue and Customs. The National Audit Office (NAO) reported that delays cost customers �33m in call charges while they waited for HMRC to answer the phone and the estimated value of customer time while they waited was �103m.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/tax/20121218-136-million-a-year-on-missed-calls-to-hmrc-at-taxpayers-expense.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800Australia introduced the concept over a decade ago and a number of countries like Romania, Vietnam, Mexico and Malaysia, have followed suit. It now looks as though the UK could to turn to polymer based bank notes to replace the current paper ones.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20121218-uk-sterling-notes-may-be-replaced-by-plastic-cash.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800Official data has shown that there was no change in UK consumer prices inflation last month as it remains at 2.7%. According the Office for National Statistics; Cereals, fruit, bread and energy bills saw the most rapid increase in prices, whilst petrol prices fell 3p a litre to �1.35 and diesel dropped 1.5p to �1.42 a litre. Carpets, beer and plane ticket prices also saw a decrease in November from October.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20121218-uk-inflation-remains-constant-in-november.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has urged Christmas shoppers to hide gifts in the run up to the festive periodhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/insurance/20121211-insurers-urge-consumers-to-hide-christmas-gifts.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800The Chancellor, George Osbourne, today gave the annual autumn statement highlighting a wide range of economic issues, and we look at how these could affect youhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20121205-the-autumn-statement-how-does-it-affect-you.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800There is a positive outlook with regards to the housing market, as British mortgage approvals hit a record high since January, according to figures released by the Bank of England (BoE).http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/mortgages/20121129-funding-for-lending-mortgage-approvals-on-the-rise.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800There were not many organisations across the UK that didn�t feel the full effects of the double-dip recession, but Comet, one of the biggest electrical retailers in Britain, are in a class of companies that failed to emerge from the downturn intact.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20121128-comet-staff-face-losing-job-before-Christmas.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800Millions of customers of high street Bank, Lloyds TSB, will soon receive a notice detailing a change in their banking details, as the license behind their account is transferred to Lloyds TSB Scotlandhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20121127-millions-of-lloyds-customers-to-be-transferred-to-tsb-bank.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800Customers of banks within the UK have seen a sharp rise in the amount they are paying out in penalties for accidental mistakeshttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/bankaccounts/20121119-rising-bank-penalties-cause-concern-over-consumer-awareness.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800Research from Defaqto has revealed that consumers who spend over �500 per month on a credit card could be in line get earn up to �131 a year back in cashback.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/creditcards/2012/11/13-cashback-cards-earn-up-to-130-pounds-per-year.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800A deal by Japanese firm, Hitachi, which has secured the nuclear project �Horizon� at a cost of �700m, will create as many as 12,000 jobs within the UK.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/2012/10/30-hitachi-nuclear-deal-could-create-12000-uk-jobs.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800Pension annuity rates, the amount you are paid as a regular income once you retire, have fallen again, in the biggest drop since 2002.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/pensions/2012/10/30-pensions-suffer-again-as-annuities-continue-to-fall.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800EDF Energy has become the latest in a long line of providers to hike their energy prices, after moves by British Gas, SSE, Scottish Power and npower to do the same in the past month.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20121029-edf-is-latest-energy-company-to-hike-prices.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800There have been fresh calls for the Government to consider allowing children who hold Child Trust Fund (CTF) accounts to be allowed to transfer their plan to a Junior ISA (JISAhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/savings/20120829-more-calls-to-transfer-from-ctf-to-jisa.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that the UK double-dip recession is officially over, after the economy grew by 1pc in the third quarter leading to September.http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20121025-the-recession-is-over-as-gdp-rises.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800British Gas has announced that it will raise the prices of gas and electricity by 6pc in a move to cover rising costs, said to be largely outside of the companies� controlhttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/householdbills/20130227-british-gas-raises-prices-by-6-percent.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800The UK economy is confirmed to have shrunk since the coalition Government took office two years ago. http://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/ukeconomy/20120725-economy-shrinks-since-coalition-takeover.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800Despite only yesterday suggesting that the UK economy was well on the way to recovery, the Bank of England has backtracked slightly with a suggestion that pre-credit crunch levels will not be reached until 2011 at the earliesthttp://www.financialadvice.co.uk/news/12/ukeconomy/12691/uk-economy-could-take-two-years-to-recover.htmlWed, 31 Dec 1969 16:00:00 -0800