Household Bills
Over £1.6 billion set to be spent on Valentines presents
Romance is taking over the nation, and it seems our wallets too, as Brits push the boat out this year by spending on average £71.25 each on their Valentine’s gift, according to latest research by PayPal, the secure online payment provider.
uSwitch.com welcomes investigation into UK energy market
uSwitch.com welcomes news that there is going to be a Select Committee investigation into possible anti-competitive behaviour in the UK’s energy market.
UK consumer confidence continues to fall
The Nationwide Consumer Confidence Index fell four points to 81 in January - its lowest level since the survey began.
1.8 million to take lover’s leap this year
1.8 million Brits (eight per cent of singles) are planning to propose to their partners this year, according to new research from cahoot. 1.5 million of these leap year lovers will fork-out a total of £1.8 billion going down on one knee – an average of £1,218 each.
Utility companies still failing on customer service
A new report from national charity Citizens Advice reveals that gas, electricity and telecoms companies are still failing on customer service as the charity calls on companies to improve practices.
Gas and electricity – price is only part of the issue
Michelle Slade analyst at Moneyfacts.co.uk comments: “Once again we are in the situation where double digit price rises are the norm and everyone is wondering where to go for the best deal.
Adults overpaying for financial products
The average household could save up to £547 every year by switching the five financial basics to the best deal on the market, new MoneyExpert.com research shows. And 84 per cent of adults are overpaying for one or more financial product, the analysis shows.
ScottishPower latest to join price hike
In response to ScottishPower’s price rise announced today, averaging 15% for gas and 14% for electricity, Mike Stevenson, Switch with Which? says that this latest increase is yet more incentive for consumers to vote with their feet and switch to a better deal.
moneysupermarket.com: Scottish Power price rises
Commenting on price rises from Scottish Power (14 per cent for electricity, 15 per cent on gas, and 14.8 per cent on dual fuel) Scott Byrom, utilities manager at price comparison site moneysupermarket.com, said:
ScottishPower announces energy price rise
ScottishPower has followed competitors and announced a price rise effective from 2nd February 2008.
Millions set to enjoy free weekend calls
BT today made UK weekend call charges a thing of the past by extending free weekend calls to its 10.8 million Option 1 customers.
OFT launches scams awareness month 2008
The OFT today launches its 2008 Scams Awareness Month to raise awareness of mass marketed scams which cost the UK public £3.5billion a year.
Broadband prices hit all time low but Brits still wasting millions
The broadband industry continues to thrive, with nearly 15 million households now spending over £3 billion subscribing to a service.
Virgin Media to upgrade broadband connections
Commenting on Virgin Media's announcement to upgrade broadband connections in the UK, Rob Barnes, head of broadband and mobiles at moneysupermarket.com, said: "Virgin Media's decision to boost broadband speeds shows real commitment to its customer base, potential customers and the future of broadband.
Housing-related costs average £143 per week
UK households spent an average of £143 a week on housing-related costs in 2006, according to analysis in Family Spending, published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).