Household Bills
The big six suppliers’ grip is starting to slip
Following a winter of price hikes that will see people’s average annual dual fuel bill rise to £1,371.21, new research indicates that only 4% of householders believe the big six are trying to keep prices down for their customers, and more needs to be done to help consumers make the switch to new tariffs.
Consumers still £53 a year worse off after cut to energy bill levies
npower has become the last of the big six energy suppliers to reveal what action it will be taking to cut prices following the Government’s review of levies on energy bills. It will be cutting prices by £38 on 28th February with a further £12 rebate due to be made on bills later this year.
SSE reveals details of price cut
SSE has announced details of its price cut following Government changes to levies on bills. Despite British Gas cutting its prices from 1st January, SSE has confirmed that it will not be cutting its prices until 24th March.
The rising cost of living is the biggest financial worry for 2014
A new survey into the UK’s New Year money worries reveals that increases in the cost of living and rising bills are Nation’s main financial concerns for 2014.
npower agrees to pay £3.5million to help vulnerable customers
Ofgem’s investigation found that npower had breached its marketing licence conditions. npower accepts this finding and has agreed to pay £3.5 million which will directly benefit vulnerable consumers.
Brits forced to use savings to cope with the rising cost of living
With the rising cost of living taking its toll on UK household finances, a poll by MoneySuperMarket shows that two third of Brits (62 per cent) have had a dip into their savings this year at some point, with a third (28 per cent) doing so to fund general living expenses.
Internet access and use in 2013
Internet access and use is widespread amongst the EU population. In the EU28, 79% of households had access to the internet in 2013 and 76% had a broadband internet connection, compared with 55% and 42% respectively in 2007.
New rules for faster telecoms repairs and installation
Telephone and broadband customers stand to benefit from faster line repairs and installations, under new rules proposed by Ofcom.
£12.7 billion to be spent during the last week before Christmas
People on average intend to spend £268.70 each during the last week before Christmas Day, or in total £12.7 billion, according to Sainsbury's Bank However, 5.15 million people are planning to spend over £500.
London is shopping locally this Christmas
London is going local this year with almost two thirds of Londoners (62%) choosing to shop at small independent outlets this festive season, according to new research by TSB.
Bundles make good financial sense
We all like ways of cutting back on spending, yet many of us are missing out on making significant savings simply by taking time to look at what we spend on those regular household bills.
Boilers could break the bank this Christmas
More than a quarter of people have experienced a boiler breakdown in the last five years, and with some people expecting this winter to be the worst since 1947 – this number could only get worse, according to research by Saga Home Emergency Service.
New guide to improve household energy efficiency
Research from Bosch UK has revealed that most people in the UK want to become more energy efficient but more than two thirds (68%) believe there is a lack of education.
Telephone call charges to be made simpler
The cost of calling businesses and services will become clearer for consumers under major changes to telephone charging, Ofcom has announced.
If in doubt - report your phone as lost or stolen
With the festive season in full swing, people up and down the country will be out socialising or hitting the high street to do their Christmas shopping.