Household Bills
Buy now, think later – “generation spend” exposed
Over 7.5 million consumers are only considering their financial situation in the short term, according to research from Unbiased.co.uk. Even worse, about 3 million Britons make purchases based solely on desirability rather than affordability and describe themselves as “Frivolous Spenders”.
Don't let impulse buying this Bank Holiday leave you sitting out in the cold
As the bank holiday weekend approaches, Consumer Direct, the government advice service, is encouraging people to think carefully before buying furniture on impulse.
Consumer confidence improves
The Nationwide Consumer Confidence Index rose for the third consecutive month to 88.
Capped price deals come to an end
Over the coming weeks many capped price energy deals come to end, leaving householders paying up to 51% more for their energy.
Wedding guests spend £13.8bn attending weddings
British wedding guests spend £13.8 billion attending weddings every year, according to new research.
Urgent action needed to lift millions out of fuel poverty
The National Consumer Council (NCC) and energywatch today warn the government and the energy industry that time is fast running out to eradicate a Victorian affliction that still haunts our affluent 21st century society.
Consumers support ban on ‘unlimited’ broadband marketing
Despite promises from Broadband companies of providing ‘unlimited’ broadband, an investigation earlier this month by price comparison and switching site uSwitch.com lifted the lid on broadband companies prepared to disconnect customers they considered to be using their internet connection ‘to excess’.
Water bills set to rise on average by 7%
Household budgets are set to be stretched even further when planned increases to water bills come into effect on 1st April, taking the average household bill for 2007 to £312. Water customers in England and Wales will see their bills rise by an average of 7% in April.
Energy prices are a postcode lottery
From 30th April 2007, npower will reduce its prices by 16% for gas and an average of 3% for electricity. However, it has been revealed that while some customers will see their electricity bills cut by up to 14%, other areas will see no change.
Roaming charges spiral out of control
The 4.8 million UK holidaymakers jetting off to Europe and the USA this Easter could still mean big business for mobile phone providers, as roaming charges remain some of the highest in Europe.
Moneysupermarket.com: Ofcom’s announcement on mobile phone charges
Commenting on the announcement that Ofcom has ordered mobile phone firms to cut cross network connection charges, Rob Barnes, head of mobile phones at moneysupermarket.com said:
New ceiling on mobile phone connection charges
Chris Frost, Telecoms Expert at independent price comparison and switching service uSwitch.com, comments: “Ofcom today announced new charge controls limiting the amount that mobile network operators (MNOs) are able to charge other telephone companies for connecting calls on their mobile networks.
Lowest income households face highest rise in living costs
As inflationary concerns remain in the spotlight with a slight lift in headline inflation last month, the latest study by the Alliance Trust Research Centre shows that the lowest income households face an inflation rate substantially higher than the rest of the UK population.
BT drops extra charges
Following pressure by Ofcom, BT has dropped plans to charge a £5 penalty to any customer switching to an alternative provider.
Don't let your kettle get you in financial hot water
The UK spent £5.7 billion on household appliances in 2005, according to research from Halifax Credit Cards.