UK Money News - July 2008

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31/07/2008

British Gas announces price hike
British Gas has hiked its energy tariffs for the second time this year, it has been announced.
Consumers take blame for credit crunch
People's attitude to debt is almost as much to blame for the credit crunch as lenders and the government, according to a new survey.
House price deflation at 17-year high in July
House prices fell at the fastest rate for 17 years during July, according to new data.
Homeowners warned to insure garden contents
Homeowners have been urged to ensure their garden contents are adequately covered by their home insurance.
Lenders poised to seize defaulting borrowers' possessions
Seizure of assets is set to be the most common means of punishing borrowers who miss repayments this year as opposed to forcing imprisonment, a debt charity has claimed.
HSBC cuts cost of fixed-rate mortgages
HSBC has announced it is cutting the cost of its fixed rate mortgage deals, providing a welcome fillip for would-be buyers.
Retirement age to rise to 70, predicts pensions adviser
Britons face working until 70 if the value of the state pension is to be maintained, it has been claimed.
Debt-hit students living at home
More and more students are opting to live at home during their time at college, in a bid to avoid building up unmanageable debt, it has been revealed.
Debt consolidators urged to shop around for loans
Borrowers looking to consolidate their debts have been urged to shop around for the best deal in order to avoid recent rate hikes from high street lenders.

30/07/2008

Halifax reunites customers with £16.6m
Halifax has returned £16.6 million to customers who had dormant accounts, it has been announced.
Negative equity threat looming for 1.7m
The number of people facing negative equity is set to swell over the next year and a half, it has been predicted.
Homebuying plans stymied by market conditions
Millions of would-be homebuyers have been forced to delay a house purchase due to tough conditions for house purchase in the housing market.
Liverpool Victoria hit with £840k fine
Liverpool Victoria Banking Service (LVBS) has been fined for a lack of transparency over the sale of payment protection insurance (PPI) with personal loans.
Abbey unveils new one-year bond
Abbey has announced the launch of a new fixed-rate one year bond paying up to 6.75 per cent, amid increasing competition for customer deposits among banks and building societies.
Home insurer warns of DIY damage
Millions of careless home improvers are being forced to claim on their home insurance policy after damaging their home, it has been revealed.
Zopa launches service for young borrowers
Peer to peer lending site Zopa has launched a new service aimed at borrowers aged between 20 and 25.
Sainsbury's advises on bike thefts
Sainsbury's Home Insurance has issued a set of tips to cyclists to help them avoid falling victim to theft.
Brits stung by higher living costs
Increasing numbers of consumers are struggling to meet day to day living costs, amid surging inflation and stalling earnings growth.
Tesco unveils 30% off car insurance offer
Tesco has slashed the cost of its car breakdown cover in the UK and Europe for an offer aimed at drivers struggling with the soaring cost of motoring.

29/07/2008

Retirees less confident over equity release
More and more Britons are waking up to the idea that they cannot rely on their property to fund their retirement through equity release, a pension provider's survey has shown.
Mortgage approvals down again in June
Mortgage approvals hit their lowest level since 1993 during June, according to official data.
The Woolwich cuts rates on buy to let deals
The Woolwich building society has announced it has cut the cost of its some of its buy to let mortgage deals.
More Brits dipping into overdrafts
More and more Britons are being forced to rely on their overdraft facility, despite being hit by punitive charges, according to a price comparison site.
Brits giving up on home ownership
Millions of Britons have abandoned the idea of home ownership, as conditions for buyers continue to worsen.
House prices down 1% in June
House prices fell by one per cent during June, as conditions in the housing market continued to worsen.
Consumers fear retirement income shortfall
Britons are becoming more and more concerned over a potential shortfall in their retirement income and are seeking professional help to address their worries.
UK drivers 'skimping on insurance'
Millions of Britons who take their cars abroad this year could be facing an insurance headache in the event of a crash, according to Tescocompare.com.
Savers choosing building societies
Britons are flocking to deposit their money in building society savings accounts, with investors' fears over volatility in the stock markets and attractive interest rates on cash savings products fuelling the trend.

28/07/2008

Hikes to fuel surge in fuel poverty
The impending round of energy price hikes will push around half a million Britons into energy poverty, it has been claimed.
House prices 'to rise by a quarter in five years'
House prices will rise by 25 per cent in the next five years, it has been predicted.
Borrowers could go mortgage-free with Nationwide
Nationwide is offering ten borrowers the chance to have their mortgage paid for a year through a lucky prize draw
More longer-term mortgage deals available
Borrowers are being offered more and more longer-term mortgage deals, in anticipation that homeowners will increasingly seek for long-term stability in their home loans.
Students urged to insure high-value possessions
Students have been urged to take out home insurance or risk a hefty outlay in the event of a theft.
Shariah-compliant car insurance launched for UK Muslims
Muslim drivers in the UK will be able to take out Shariah-compliant car insurance for the first time with the launch of a company offering cover which adheres to principles of Islamic law.
Pension credit reform to hit poorest hardest
Plans to cut the backdating of unclaimed pension benefit will hit some of the poorest pensioners the hardest, it has been claimed.
Brits urged to act now to secure capped rate energy tariffs
Britons have been urged to act now to limit the impact of hikes to energy tariffs or face further strain on their finances.
A&L challenges Brits to get financially fit
With the Olympics a matter of days away, Britons who cite financial hurdles as the reason for their lack of savings have been issued a sporting challenge by Alliance & Leicester (A&L).
OFT to probe payday loans sector
Companies which provide so-called payday loans are to be probed by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) it has been announced.

25/07/2008

Chelsea Building Society sees desire for past values
Some 87 per cent of respondents to a survey by Chelsea Building Society wish to see a return to past values such as a job for life and service with a smile, the organisation claims.
Reviewing wills regularly is important, states Consilium
Individuals should ensure they review their wills every five years, an expert has claimed.
EDF price rises 'mean cheap energy is over'
A recent increase in the prices of energy from utilities supplier EDF Energy means that days of cheap gas and electricity are over, uSwitch has claimed.
Update home insurance, Asda warns
Asda financial services has noted that consumers should ensure their home and contents insurance policies are kept up to date.
FSA to simplify investment guidance
A new document on guidance that investment advisers can give to customers is set to be issued by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).
Stealth tax concerns highlighted by AA
Some 82 per cent of AA members believe road tax is being used as a stealth tax by the government.
AXA launches saving scheme
Pensions provider AXA has launched a new scheme to increase participation in group pension schemes.
Halifax releases new student account
Halifax has unveiled what it claims to be the market leading student bank account.
Yorkshire Building Society warns of financial disaster
The majority of individuals living in Britain would see their savings last for 52 days if they were unable to work, new research reveals.
Financial jargon use should be limited, NS&I claims
The amount of financial jargon used by financial institutions should be kept to a minimum, it has been claimed.

24/07/2008

Car insurer highlights perils of driving with kids
Misbehaving children are putting drivers at a higher risk of suffering a crash, a new survey suggests.
Skipton Pick'n'Fix bonds available online
Skipton has launched a new issue of fixed rate Pick'n'Fix bonds which will be available online.
ASDA launches property site
ASDA has joined the ranks of online property portals with the launch of a new website today.
ABI calls for higher ISA limit
The government should provide incentives for savers to ensure that people put money aside in the current "choppy" conditions for the economy, it has been claimed
More Brits without bank accounts
Attempts to promote financial inclusion have failed to impact on the number of Britons who do not have a bank account, it has been revealed.
Direct Line unveils all-inclusive home insurance
Direct Line has launched a new all-inclusive home insurance policy, which aims to simplify taking out insurance and reduce the chances of paying for overlapping cover.
Scottish and Southern warns of price hike
Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) is poised to hike its energy tariffs within the next couple of months, the firm's chief executive has announced.
British Gas is 'best for dual fuel tariffs'
British Gas Click Energy 5 is the cheapest dual fuel tariff in the UK, it has been discovered.
Online banking has grown 500%
More and more Britons are recognising the benefits of banking online, new figures have revealed.
Life insurance costs down 50%
Price wars among life insurance providers have sent the cost of cover plunging over the last decade, new figures have shown.
Mortgage approvals slumped in June
The number of mortgages approved during June hit its lowest level since the late 1990s, new data has shown.
Which? slams mortgage advisers
Mortgage advisers have been accused of failing their customers with the standard of service they provide.

23/07/2008

Eco-devices could cut UK gas bill by £4.6bn
The nation could slash its collective gas bill by £4.6 billion per year through energy saving devices, according to British Gas.
Alarms 'impact negligibly on insurance premiums'
Attempting to cut insurance premiums by fitting an alarm does not result in the reduction consumers may expect, it has been revealed.
Britons making uninformed decisions over savings products
Many British savers could be choosing savings products offering reduced returns as a result of their failure to understand the impact of inflation, new research suggests.
Rates hiked on credit cards
Credit card companies are squeezing cash-strapped customers with higher repayment rates, it has been claimed.
Bank of Scotland launches new Student Current Account
Bank of Scotland has unveiled a new student account, which it claims is the market-leading product in its class.

22/07/2008

£800 bank charges for going overdrawn by 8p
A 20-year-old student has been stung with bank charges of £800 after going overdrawn by just 8p
Satnavs recommending dangerous routes, insurer warns
Satnav systems are causing drivers to take unnecessarily dangerous routes, a car insurance provider has warned.
Borrowers stung by mortgage application fees
Mortgage providers are demanding higher application fees from borrowers in the face of the credit crunch, it has been revealed.
British Gas 'could hike prices by end of month'
British Gas customers have been warned to expect a price hike far earlier than has been suggested.
Choose capped-rate deals to beat price hikes
Consumers can limit the impact of prospective hikes to energy tariffs by opting for capped-rate deals, it has been claimed.
Businesses cutting energy costs in face of soaring prices
Soaring energy bills are prompting more and more UK business to go green, a poll has revealed.
More Than unveils car insurance incentive scheme
More Than has launched a new initiative for motorists, which it claims will bring welcome relief to drivers feeling the squeeze of rising petrol prices and increased living costs.
Improvements 'no longer add value to homes'
Homeowners have been urged to hold off on home improvements or risk not recouping their outlay to carry out the work.
Drivers taking risks with bad habits
UK motorists are continuing to take risks on the roads through bad driving habits, despite the risks of a crash and the prospect of higher insurance premiums if they are caught.

21/07/2008

Rates on two-year fixes fall to below 7%
Rates on two-fixed rate mortgages have fallen back below seven per cent, as a fall in swap rates enables lenders to cut the cost of their offers.
Pensioners fail to budget in retirement
Pensioners are failing to budget adequately for their retirement, leaving many facing an income shortfall in later life.
Nationwide unveils limited period offer on GEB
Nationwide is offering an interest rate incentive to customers who sign up to the latest issue of the Legal & General (L&G) Capital Guaranteed Multi-Index Equity Bond (GEB).
Woolwich cuts rates on fixes
Woolwich has become the latest lender to confirm it is to cut the cost of its fixed rate mortgage products.
Fresh delay in bank charges case
Britons looking to reclaim overdraft charges will have to wait at least another six months before they can pursue legal action, after a waiver was granted by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).
Asking prices down 1.8% in July
Asking prices for houses are continuing to fall in July, as weakening demand impacts on the market.
A&L launches £100 current account incentive
Britons who trade their existing current account for an online account from Alliance & Leicester (A&L) will receive a lump sum of £100, the lender has announced.
L&G cuts cost of life insurance offerings
Legal & General (L&G) has cut the cost of its range of Whole of Life Protection Plans by an average of six per cent.
Securing cheap cover has 'never been more important'
Shopping around for car and home insurance is becoming more important in the face of increasing pressure on Britons' household finances, a price comparison site has warned.
Homeowners urged to save for retirement
The decline in the housing market has highlighted the importance of looking beyond property to fund retirement, according to Friends Provident.

18/07/2008

Car insurer warns of bird muck peril
Bird muck causes tens of millions of pounds of damage to cars every year, it has been revealed.
F&C scoops award for Diversified Growth Fund
F&C Investments has scooped a top award for its pension offering at the 2008 European Pensions Awards.
Halifax cuts price of fixed rate mortgages
Halifax has announced it is cutting the cost of selected mortgages for the second time in a week.
Mortgage lending down 3% in June
Gross mortgage lending fell again during June, as providers continued to tighten their lending criteria.
Brit drivers running on empty as fuel price hikes hit
Soaring petrol prices have caused hundreds of thousands of drivers to drive with low fuel levels, despite the risk this carries of damaging engines.
Young children top cause of household accidents
Young children are the cause of hundreds of thousands of home insurance claims every year, it has been revealed
Middle class Brits bearing brunt of housing downturn
Middle class homeowners are set to experience the worst of the downturn in the housing market, it has been predicted.
Balance transfer sector 'has escaped worst of crunch'
The credit card balance transfer market remains competitive despite the credit crunch, it has been claimed.
British Gas: Gas prices could rise 70%
Gas prices could rise by as much as 70 per cent in the foreseeable future, the UK's largest energy company has predicted.

17/07/2008

Better security more effective than vigilantism, warns insurer
Homeowners have been urged to improve the security of their home rather than attempting to tackle would-be burglars physically.
Draw a budget to help tackle mortgage debt, says advisor
Drawing up a budget and sticking to it is crucial for borrowers struggling with mortgage debt repayments, according to a debt advice agency.
Homeowners flocking to equity release loans
More and more homeowners opted for equity release loans during the second quarter, new data has revealed.
Inflation Buster ISA 'makes savings erosion-proof'
Savers can inflation-proof their money by opting for a new savings products from the Leeds Building Society.
Homeowners urged to hold fire before fixing
Homeowners have been urged to delay taking out a fixed rate mortgage, amid signs that deals are beginning to get cheaper.
Crunch proving a boon for savers
Savers are currently benefiting from interest rates as much as 1.30 per cent higher than they were in 2006, it has been discovered.
Government 'should compensate Equitable Life policyholders'
The government should pay compensation to savers who lost money due to its failure to adequately regulate Equitable Life, the parliamentary ombudsman has said.
Homeowners are 'overpaying for insurance'
Homeowners overpaid for their home insurance cover by as much as £9.3 billion in the first six months of this year, it has been claimed.
Britons hit 47 before clearing credit card debt
The average Briton will be paying off credit card debt until they are 47, it has been claimed.

16/07/2008

Pensioners hit by 5.4% inflation
UK pensioners on fixed incomes have been hit hardest by soaring inflation, it has been claimed.
Standard of hospitals impacts on house prices
The proximity and standard of local healthcare can significantly impact on house prices, it has been revealed.
The Cheshire targets 'savvy savers'
The Cheshire building society has unveiled new savings products which claim to offer "competitive rates for savvy savers"
Mobile phone convictions 'send car insurance costs soaring'
Car insurance companies are hitting drivers who are convicted of using mobile phones when driving with punitive premiums, it has been claimed.
Government throws lifeline to first time buyers
First time buyers have been handed a fillip in the form of a new government scheme to help them get on the housing ladder.
Brush up on your Highway Code, warns insurer
Drivers both young and old have been urged to brush up on their knowledge of the rules of the road.
Britons shunning credit card reward schemes
Britons are failing to claim benefits of credit card reward schemes, a new survey has discovered.
Current accounts are 'not serving customers well'
Britons are being poorly served by their bank account providers, according to a consumer watchdog.
Millions set to work past retirement age
More and more Britons are considering working past retirement age due to a lack of financial planning, it has been revealed.

15/07/2008

Borrowers urged to consider variable rate mortgages
Borrowers looking to minimise their mortgage outgoings should consider variable rate deals, according to a property portal.
Brits 'need encouragement to save'
People would be encouraged to save more if they were provided with a more thorough financial education and were given incentives to do so, a new study has claimed.
House sales 'dropped to 30-year low in June'
House sales fell to their lowest level for 30 years in June, according to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (Rics).
Entertaining kids costs UK parents £370m per year
Parents have been encouraged to avoid being hit with unexpectedly high bills to entertain their offspring over the summer by putting more money aside throughout the year.
Pensioners missing out on pension credits
UK pensioners are losing out by failing to claim their pension credits, it has been revealed.
Car insurance premiums on the up
Car insurance premiums are continuing to rise with young drivers being hit hardest of all, according to the AA's new study.
Credit card borrowing becoming more costly
Credit card borrowers are being higher repayment rates and extra charges, a new survey has revealed.
Pensioners facing Treasury tax sting
A mistake on the part of the Treasury is to present pensioners with an unexpected tax bill, it has been reported.
Britons fail to shop around for cheaper cover
Millions of Britons are still failing to shop around for cheaper home insurance cover despite the fact that premiums are continuing to rise, it has been discovered.

14/07/2008

Landlords' risk fine through EPC ignorance
The majority of landlords are unaware of legislation that could leave them paying a hefty fine, it has been discovered.
N&P launches new savings offerings
Norwich & Peterborough (N&P) building society has announced the launch of two new savings products.
Economy hits Brits' saving targets
Fewer and fewer Britons consider saving a priority in the face of the UK's economic prospects, it has been discovered.
Brits shocked by £1,000 energy bills
Thousands of Britons with estimated energy bills have been surprised by huge debts, it has been revealed.
Edward Jones unveils 'unique' savings product
Edward Jones has launched a new cash savings product which aims to offer easy access to funds without compromising returns for investors.
Longer-term fixed rate mortgages 'grow in popularity'
Longer-term fixed rate mortgages are growing in popularity as more Britons seek the security that they offer.
Brits 'require £64,000 income to feel secure'
Britons have revealed the size of income they would need to feel financially secure in a new poll conducted by the Wealth Confidence Barometer.
Lloyds TSB launches pick and mix home insurance
Lloyds TSB has launched a pick and mix home insurance product allowing customers to tailor their cover from a range of options.
Brits using ready money to fund holiday trips
Britons are shunning loans and credit cards to fund their holidays this year and are instead set to dip into their savings, a new poll has discovered.
Renters 'hardest hit by energy price hikes'
Britons who live in rental accommodation have been warned that energy price hikes are set to hit them harder than those with mortgages.

11/07/2008

House prices down for fourth straight month
House prices fell for a fourth month in a row during June, according to the latest monthly study from the Financial Times (FT).
Bank of Mum and Dad shuts up shop
Teenagers are set to be the latest victims of the credit crunch as the Bank of Mum and Dad falls victim to funding pressures.
ID theft is UK's number one fear
Falling victim to identity theft is now the number one fear for Britons, a study has revealed.
Britons relying on savings to pay higher housing costs
Soaring housing costs are forcing millions of Britons to raid their savings, it has been discovered
Car insurance dodgers face criminal record
Cash-strapped motorists have been warned of the perils of trying to cut costs by neglecting to take out car insurance.
Abbey cuts rates on fixes
Abbey has announced it is to cut the rates on its two and three year fixed rate mortgage offerings.
Secured loans sector 'to shrink further'
The announcement from Firstplus that it is withdrawing from new lending could be a harbinger for further companies to pull out of the secured loans market, it has been predicted.
ABI agrees to insure high-flood risk homes
Home insurance providers and the government have agreed to a deal to allow homeowners in high flood risk areas to be secure cover.
Brits fearful of energy price hikes
Increasing numbers of Britons are becoming concerned over the prospect of further hikes to energy costs, it has been revealed.

10/07/2008

Rate freeze 'will not help for first time buyers'
The Bank of England's decision to hold interest rates will not bring immediate relief for first time buyers struggling to get on the property ladder, it has been claimed.
ABI calls for clearer pension options
Information to improve awareness of open market option on annuities should be distributed to consumers, it has been claimed.
NFU Mutual scoops two insurance awards
Home insurance giant NFU Mutual has scooped two prizes at a top insurance industry awards.
Debt-struck families encouraged to come forward
Families who are struggling with debt or who have done so in the past have been invited to contribute to a charity campaign.
Bad mortgage decisions can cost £18,000
Britons who do not scrutinise a range of mortgage options can lose out on savings of £18,000 over the course of their home loan, it has been claimed.
House prices at 2006 levels
UK house prices are now over six cent less than they were 12 months ago, it has been revealed.
The Leeds launches 'outstanding value' fixed rate offer
Leeds Building Society has launched a new fixed rate mortgage to capitalise on increasing demand for stable repayments from homeowners.
Tips to beat energy bill hikes
A price comparison site has issued expert advice to help consumers limit the impact of soaring energy prices.
Call for higher SAYE limits
Consumers would be encourage to save money if the upper limit of save as you earn (SAYE) schemes was raised, it has been claimed.

09/07/2008

Parents shelter kids from credit crunch
British teenagers are being shielded from the impact of the credit crunch by their parents, a new report has revealed.
Pension changes 'put onus on consumers'
Changing conditions in the field of pension provision means that consumers cannot necessarily expect a comfortable retirement, it has been claimed.
Fixed rate deal costs continuing to rise
Borrowers are continuing to be squeezed by increasingly costly fixed rate mortgages, new figures have shown.
Equitable Life report due next week
Customers of Equitable Life will next week find out if they can claim for compensation from the government over its role in the collapse of the insurer.
Warning issued over sale and rent back schemes
Homeowners have been urged to thoroughly research the terms of sale and rent back schemes before opting for one.
eBay targets online fraud
Consumers using debit and credit cards to shop on online auction site eBay are to be afforded greater protection from fraud, it has been announced.
Savers urged to choose account tailored to their needs
Consumers have been urged to consider their approach to their finances before choosing a savings account.
Women risking ID theft with handbag contents
Women who store documents containing personal information in their handbag are leaving themselves open to identity theft, according to home insurance company Sheila's Wheels.
The Woolwich unveils new fixed-rate mortgage offer
Woolwich Building Society has announced it is to launch a new fixed rate mortgage in the face of soaring demand for the products from consumers.
FirstPlus withdraws from secured loans sector
FirstPlus, the secured loans subsidiary of Barclays, has announced it is withdrawing from the market.

08/07/2008

Mortgage lending edged up in May
Mortgage lending recovered slightly during May, but is likely to remain subdued for the foreseeable future, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).
Pension schemes shift away from equities
Final salary pension scheme funds are reallocating their assets from equities to bonds to limit their exposure to volatility in the markets, new figures show.
Fixed rate deals in demand despite higher costs
Fixed rate mortgages remain in demand despite rates on the products hitting a ten-year high, a new poll has found.
House prices down 0.3% in May
UK house prices fell slightly per cent in May, with detached homes suffering the most marked drops, according to new data from the Communities and Local Government (GLG)
Drivers risking lives after long haul flights
Millions of Britons are risking serious injury or death when driving home after long haul flights, a car insurance company has warned.
Switching current accounts 'can help with finances'
Consumers have been urged to take advantage of attractive current account offers to help limit the impact of the credit crunch on their finances.
Brits expect house price decline to be short-lived
The majority of homeowners and estate agents expect house price falls to be short-lived, a new survey has found.
Crunch still proving boon for savers
Savers are continuing to benefit from the credit crunch, with banks and building societies offering increasingly attractive rates on their savings products.
Pensioners racking up credit card debt
Pensioners on fixed incomes have been hit hardest by soaring living costs and are turning to credit cards to manage, according to a new study.

07/07/2008

Fixed rate mortgages becoming more expensive
Rates charged on fixed rate mortgages are continuing to increase despite signs that lending conditions among banks seemed to have improved.
British Gas ready to announce 15% price rise
Soaring wholesale energy prices are set to prompt a 15 per cent price hike from British Gas, it has been claimed.
Kids cause £0.5bn of damage annually
Children cause millions of pounds of damage to electronic gadgets in UK homes every year, it has been claimed.
Pensioners hit hardest by higher living costs
Pensioners' incomes are being hit by above inflation increases in the cost of living, it has been claimed.
Nationwide suspends ISA transfers
Nationwide has announced it is suspending the transfer of cash Individual Savings Accounts (Isas) from other savings groups.
Crunch-hit consumers choosing peer to peer borrowing sites
More consumers are opting to borrow money through peer to peer websites in order to secure the best rates, new figures suggest.
Tesco unveils Clubcard insurance promotion
Tesco has launched a new Clubcard promotion for customers who buy its home insurance polices.
Consumers turning to debt in face of higher outgoings
Britons turned to loans and credit card debt during the second quarter of the year, in a further sign of the pressure that is being put on household finances.
New shared ownership mortgage from the Cheshire
The Cheshire Building Society has unveiled a new shared ownership mortgage which it claims will prevent "Big Brother-style squabbles" for homebuyers struggling to get on the property ladder.
Equality Bill could drive up premiums
The government's new Equality Bill could have a deleterious effect on the insurance sector, it has been claimed.
Britons raise CTF contributions
Britons are defying the squeeze on household incomes and contributing more and more to Child Trust Funds (CTFs), new figures have shown.
Nationwide cuts rates on fixes and tracker deals
Nationwide has announced it has cut the cost of selected fixed rate and tracker mortgage deals
Women vandals fuelling increase in insurance claims
An increase in the number of women vandalising cars is one of key factors behind a rash of motor insurance claims, a new report suggests.
New issue of Skipton's Pick 'N' Fix bonds
The Skipton Building Society has announced a new issue of its range of Pick ‘N' Fix bonds.
Current accounts rivalling savings offerings for returns
A new wave of current account offerings is rivalling savings accounts for the returns they offer customers, it has been claimed.

04/07/2008

Higher bills leaving Britons significantly worse off
Britons are 15 per cent worse off than they were five years ago, with soaring energy bills revealed as a key contributory factor.

03/07/2008

Brits turn to debt to meet higher housing costs
Higher housing costs have fuelled a surge in the number of Britons taking on new debt, a survey has shown.
The Cheshire advises on financial fitness
The Cheshire Building Society has issued tips to help consumers get 'financially fit' for the current economic slowdown.
Retirement costs rising
The cost of funding retirement is growing in line with higher life expectancy, a new study has found.
Negative equity threat has been 'overstated'
The threat of negative equity is minimal for homeowners who bought their property as recently as four years ago, it has been claimed.
Car insurance fraudsters 'now more likely to be caught'
Motorists committing car insurance fraud are increasingly likely to get caught, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has claimed.
Tax changes leave over-50s confused over retirement
Millions of Britons approaching retirement age have failed to enlist professional financial advice despite admitting widespread confusion over changing tax regulations.
Second homes left uninsured
Millions of property owners have failed to take out insurance on their second homes, a new survey has found.
Flood defences 'can help with home insurance'
Homeowners in flood-prone areas can improve their chances of securing home insurance if they invest in flood defences, the British Insurance Brokers Association (Biba) has claimed.
Abbey unveils new ten year fixed rate mortgage
Abbey has launched a new ten year fixed rate mortgage amid the growing popularity of longer term deals.
New credit card helps endangered apes
Credit card users can make regular donations towards the preservation of a species of endangered gorillas with a new prepaid card from the Newcastle Building Society.

02/07/2008

Green energy tariffs becoming more competitive
Consumers who choose green energy tariffs are no longer paying much more for their gas and electricity than those who opt for online offers, new research has shown.
Mortgage lenders 'pressurise customers by cross-selling'
Mortgage lenders put undue pressure on customers to take out home insurance with them, a survey suggests.
New bond unveiled by Abbey
Abbey has announced the launch of a new bond for customers who want a "guaranteed rate of interest for a fixed period of time"
Five Star cover unveiled by Tesco
Tesco has unveiled a new home insurance policy which it pledges will provide Five Star cover for properties.
Sainsbury's online account scoops award
Sainsbury's Internet Saver account has been given an award for consistency by personal finance site Moneyfacts.co.uk.
London house prices down for second month
The decline in London property price growth accelerated during June, new figures have revealed.
Credit card companies 'increasing pressure on debtors'
Credit card companies are putting "increased pressure" on borrowers by applying to take charges over applicants' properties, it has been claimed.
Forgetful Brits 'jeopardise home security'
Forgetfulness on the part of homeowners is undoing attempts to make homes more secure from theft, a new survey has discovered.
Brits shunning equity release loans
The number of Britons opting to release equity from their home has slumped dramatically over the first quarter.
M&S raises rates on savings products
M&S Money has announced it has sweetened the terms of its fixed rate savings products.

01/07/2008

London house prices 'starting to stabilise'
London house prices are stabilising after recording sustained declines for much of 2008, it has been claimed.
Company pension schemes hit by stock market declines
Blue chip company pension funds fell back into deficit last month, after suffering sustained losses.
Brits flock to building society savings accounts
The perceived safety of building society savings of accounts is driving a huge increase in customer deposits, new figures suggest.
Young drivers urged to shop around for cover
Young drivers have been urged to shop around for cheaper car insurance cover until government moves to standardise the cost of cover irrespective of age are made law.
A&L extends offer period of fixed rate savings account
Alliance & Leicester (A&L) has announced it is to extend the offer period for its One Year Fixed Rate savings account until September 30th.
Bike fans urged to insure their cycles
With more and more Britons taking to their bikes to avoid paying sky high prices for petrol, making sure that your bike is covered is more than important than ever, it has been claimed
Rias launches cut-price insurance offer
Over-50s specialist insurer Rias has announced the launch of a new money saving offer for a limited period.
Mortgage lending down 63%
Lending for house purchase has fallen dramatically over the last 12 months, as conditions in the housing market continue to worsen.
Barclays gives customers free anti-fraud software
Barclays has become the first UK lender to offer free security software to its customers with online bank accounts.