Household Bills
Consumers to spend £53bn over Christmas period
APACS, the UK payments association, released its UK consumer spending predictions for December, which estimate that spending on cards, cash and cheques will reach £53.0 billion, an increase of 4.2 per cent on December 2006, when it was £50.8 billion.
Internet auction sites agree to highlight consumer rights
Following talks with the OFT, a number of internet auction sites have agreed to include and/or update information for consumers about their rights when buying through their sites.
Scottish & Southern Energy introduce new tariff
As the weather gets colder and people start to turn up their heating, energy companies are stepping up the fight to win new customers.
Inflation rises for all age groups
Not only did the official rate of inflation rise more than expected to 2.1% in October, but Alliance Trust’s independent study found that, for the first time since June 2007, all age groups are suffering inflation at above the official rate.
High street under threat from online sales
British broadband users now spend more time shopping online than banking, gaming, or downloading music. In total 13.5 million consumers are shopping online spending an average of 4 days a year doing so.
Heating repairs could burn a hole in household budgets this winter
With weather forecasts predicting the onset of the first real chill this winter, uSwitch.com, the independent switching and price comparison service, is urging householders to ensure their boiler is serviced and working properly – or risk wasting over £64 million this winter on unnecessary boiler and heating system repair bills.
Parents fail to monitor childrens’ use of mobile phones
New research highlights the extent to which mobile phones have become a must-have gadget for children of all ages, with over half (52 per cent) of three to 15 year olds regularly using one. However, the findings indicate some parents remain lax when it comes to monitoring how their children use it.
UK consumer confidence resilient in face of credit crunch
The Nationwide Consumer Confidence Index ticked down one point in October to 98 but seems largely untouched by recent events. Consumer confidence is now at the same level as a year ago having recovered from significantly weaker sentiment during the year.
Brits to blow the Christmas budget
With fewer than 50 shopping days left to Christmas, the countdown is officially on. But, Britons are worried that their finances might not stand the strain with more than half (59 per cent) stating that they think they will overspend on the festive season by an average of £174 each, according to new research on behalf of Lloyds TSB.
moneysupermarket.com: launch of the iPhone
Commenting on the launch of the iPhone, Rob Barnes, head of mobiles and broadband at moneysupermarket.com said: “In terms of timing, the launch of the iPhone is perfect for the pre-Christmas market. However, while UK customers will not have to pay as much as their US counterparts for the phone, the price point is still quite high.
Britain’s big festive fork-out
Despite recent interest rate rises and the credit crunch, the majority of Brits will not be reducing their Christmas spending in 2007; even though almost a third (29 per cent) admits money is tighter this year, according to a study by CreditExpert.co.uk.
Average Christmas shopper spends £384
The average Christmas shopper spends £384 on Christmas presents, according to research from Halifax Credit Cards. Those aged 35-44 years-old are likely to spend the most with an average present bill of £570.
Pipex ditches ‘unlimited’ broadband
Pipex has announced a revamped broadband product range, removing its ‘unlimited’ package and labelling products with a clear usage allowance.
Silver surfers warned to take precautions online
This week Saga announced the launch of a social networking site for the over 50s. Steve Weller, Head of Communications Services at independent price comparison and switching service, uSwitch.com, comments:
Is the end in sight for British Gas’ customer service nightmare?
The latest independent Customer Satisfaction Report, published by uSwitch.com, reveals that there might be an end in sight to British Gas’ customer service nightmare. Although the energy giant has been voted Britain’s worst provider for the third time running, the good news is that it has seen almost a 20% improvement in customer satisfaction levels.