Household Bills

Brits putting themselves at financial risk

Brits are putting themselves at financial risk by cutting back on essential insurance, a new survey from Fairinvestment.co.uk has revealed.

Confused.com urges householders to check before cashing-in

Research released this week, has revealed that almost six million householders are in credit to their gas suppliers and people should consider reclaiming their cash.

Brits will be partying on a budget this Christmas

Over three quarters (79%) of Brits won't be hosting a house party this Christmas, according to research from Yorkshire Bank.

Gas giants build £225 million cash float as customers feel the pinch

Despite bill payers having to fork out an extra 47 per cent for gas since the start of this year alone, research from moneysupermarket.com reveals gas suppliers have built up a float of over £225 million of customer's cash.

Credit crunch brings chimney fire danger

To avoid the risk of fire, rural insurer NFU Mutual is urging homeowners to check that their chimney is swept and in good condition before using their fireplace for the first time this winter.

Hard-up Brits ditch traditional honeymoon for 'mini-moons'

The 'mini-moon' - a short break for a couple of days after the big day while saving up for a proper holiday months later - emerged in a study into how the credit crunch has affected young couples who have just tied the knot or are about to.

Reliance on switching leaves elderly paying a premium for energy

Age Concern is warning that relying on people to switch energy suppliers will not tackle fuel poverty and is calling on the Government to take action instead to tackle unfair energy pricing in the forthcoming Pre-Budget Report.

Support needed to help households with energy price hikes

As the weather begins to bite, the government could immediately help 1.6 million households cope with this year's unprecedented rises in energy prices through extending the use of winter fuel payments, Consumer Focus, the new independent champion for consumers, said today.

Stop splashing out on bottled water

Most people think that restaurants overcharge for bottled water, so don't be embarrassed to ask for tap, says The Good Food Guide - particularly in these cost-conscious times.

Confused.com: UK energy prices

Gareth Kloet, energy expert at Confused.com, comments on the latest statistics from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development which found that energy prices in the UK have increased by 29.7% in the past year - twice as fast as the European Union's 15% average increase:

UK energy prices increasing twice the rate of European average

Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, comments on how UK energy prices have increased twice as fast as the European average: "The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has reported on the unprecedented increase in energy bills in the UK compared to the European average.