Household Bills
Britain pours its heart out to complete strangers
People in Britain are willing to pour their heart out and share personal details about their love life, family life and work problems with complete strangers, research by secure online payment provider PayPal reveals.
Skyscraping US prices defeat strong pound
Tourists heading across the Atlantic as soaring exchange rates give them almost two dollars for every pound may believe they’re in for the cheapest of bargain breaks.
Big price gap opens up in the energy market
A big price gap has opened up between those suppliers who have announced or implemented price cuts and the two smallest suppliers, who have yet to make any announcement, according to research by energy regulator Ofgem.
Less TalkTalk and more action
Following today’s strategy update from The Carphone Warehouse for the year to March 2008, Steve Weller, Head of Communication Services at independent price comparison and switching service uSwitch.com, comments: “TalkTalk’s target of reaching 3.5 million customers by March 2008 – an increase of one million over three years - is relatively modest compared to the growth the business has seen over the last 12 months.
uSwitch.com: ScottishPower/Iberdrola merger
Geoff Slaughter, energy product manager at uSwitch.com, the independent online comparison and switching service, says: “The merger brings good news for the environment with Iberdola’s commitment to renewable energy, good news for competition as there will still be six major players in the market and good news for customers in that ScottishPower has promised business as usual.
Scottish Power and EDF Energy under pressure to cut bills
Scottish Power and EDF Energy have come under pressure to cut bills after regulator Ofgem said their prices were lagging behind rival operators.
Online consumers not scared off by cyber criminals
UK consumers are not as risk-averse when it comes to using online services as previously thought, according to recent research conducted by BT. Despite daily warnings about security threats and cyber-criminals, people are willing to take risks online, as long as they feel informed, and it is clear how consequences will be addressed.
Broadband helps small business get better work-life balance
Eighty two per cent of the UK’s small business owners with broadband report a better work-life balance thanks to their internet connection, according to research from BT Business.
Surge in British Gas complaints
British Gas has seen customer complaints more than double since last year, according to Energywatch. From October 2006 to March 2007, the firm had 21,427 complaints, most of which were from customers disputing their bills.
The 'friends’ generation are the UK’s biggest debtors
18 to 30s are much less reliant on credit – but they are far less likely to get on the housing ladder.
moneysupermarket.com: launch of British Gas New Energy
In response to today’s launch of British Gas New Energy, Paul Schofield, head of utilities at moneysupermarket.com, said: “Any move from the UK’s largest energy supplier to boost awareness of eco-friendly options is welcome and clearly reflects increasing customer concern for the environment.
British Gas launches new green business
British Gas, household energy supplier, has announced the launch of a new business which will lead the company’s drive to offer green, low carbon products and services to customers who want to manage their impact on climate change.
moneysupermarket.com: Scottish Power's new Energy Price Fall product
Commenting on Scottish Power's new Energy Price Fall product, Paul Schofield, head of utilities at moneysupermarket.com, said: "Wholesale gas prices have dropped a staggering 50 per cent since 2006 and other providers have passed this saving on by reducing standard tariffs by around 15 per cent for gas and six per cent for electricity.
Top tips for spring cleaning your finances
With the arrival of a new tax year, households could save thousands of pounds by shopping around for a better deal on financial products and by mopping up unused tax free allowances, according to Find.co.uk, UK consumer finance portal.
Long term care more expensive than Eton
Over 50s drastically underestimate the potential cost of long term care for themselves or their loved ones, according to research by Saga Personal Finance.