Household Bills
Consumer confidence records new survey highs in 2014
In the lead up to the festive season, consumer confidence has increased to reach its highest score since the start of the index, climbing three points to 154, according to Lloyds Bank Spending Power Report.
Vodafone UK customers able to use 4G in 40 destinations worldwide in time for the festive period
Vodafone UK customers will be able to take advantage of ultrafast 4G roaming in 40 countries with the addition of 17 destinations in time for Christmas and the New Year.
Generous pensioners plan to spend £4.2 billion entertaining this Christmas
Many people will be rockin’ around the Christmas tree with the 5.8 million pensioners (53 per cent) who will host friends and families at home on Christmas Day this year, according to new research from Prudential.
Government secures landmark deal for UK mobile phone users
Consumers and businesses set to benefit from guaranteed £5bn investment into UK’s mobile infrastructure.
Christmas comes early for energy switchers
For the first time ever, fixed rate energy tariffs dominate the top 10 cheapest deals on the market, all offering average bills below £1,000, according to analysis from MoneySuperMarket.
A million ways our homes are warmer this winter
A million home improvement measures will keep Britain’s homes warmer for less this Christmas thanks to the Government’s energy efficiency schemes.
Unhappy New Year as energy tariffs ending this month could see bills increase by as much as £145
Many householders could be starting the new year with a bigger energy bill as 13 fixed-term energy tariffs – including 10 from four of the UK’s ‘big six’ suppliers – will expire on New Year’s Eve, resulting in average bill hikes of almost 8% for those who haven’t yet switched to a better deal.
Three quarters of consumers want a smart energy meter
Almost three quarters (72%) of UK energy consumers with traditional energy meters said they would be happy to have a smart meter installed, according to a survey by uSwitch.com.
Just a quarter of Brits have changed their gas and electricity supplier over the past year
As temperatures start to fall and many Brits struggle to cope with the pressure of paying energy bills, new research from Mintel highlights the widespread consumer inertia which exists in the energy industry, and finds just a quarter (25%) of consumers have changed their energy supplier in the last 12 months.
1 in 5 Brits plan to book a holiday in January
One in five Brits say that they plan to banish the post-Christmas and January blues by booking a holiday in January.
Festive finance - Five ways to be financially savvy this Christmas
Christmas is a time of good cheer and festivities, but for some the sheer cost of this time of year can be a stark reminder of the need to keep a handle on your finances.
Don't ruin your Christmas - avoid fakes
With Christmas spending in the UK set to reach £22billion this year criminals will be on the prowl to take their share of the profits, cashing in on consumers looking out for good deals to ease the financial strain.
£37: the cost of filling a Christmas stocking
On Christmas morning kids will wake up to stockings stuffed, on average, with £37 worth of goodies including chocolate coins, sweets, toiletries and new pens and pencils.
Generous Britain (GB): Brits lead the way in Christmas gifting
A global study by online marketplace eBay has revealed we buy more Christmas gifts for more people than any other nation in Europe surveyed.
Happier families more positive for their financial future
The latest Lloyds Bank Family Finances report reveals feelings towards the economy are growing evermore positive across all household types.