2012 Archive

Consumer confidence falls back in April

Consumer confidence dented in April, says Nationwide

Consumer sentiment took a tumble in April as Brits struggled with a shrinking economy and continuing fears over job security, a new report reveals.

Loyalty costing consumers £780 a year, site warns

Consumers 'could gain from shopping around'

Consumers would be better off mixing and matching financial products rather than sticking with the same provider for everything, according to MoneySupermarket.

Wettest April on record dampens retail sales

Britain’s retail sales were hampered by dismal April weather, according to latest figures from the British Retail Consortium.

SSE fined £1.25m for doorstep mis-selling

SSE have been fined £1.25m for doorstep mis-selling

One of the "big six" energy firms has been fined £1.25 after a Trading Standards investigation found them guilty of mis-selling energy products to customers.

Supermarkets ramp up bank holiday petrol price war

Supermarkets have announced further cuts in the price of fuel

Four of the UK's biggest supermarkets, Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons have announced cuts of up to 2p a litre in the cost of petrol.

Collective switching ‘could get better deals for consumers’

Collective switching aims to empower consumers

Collective switching using social media could shift the balance of power from suppliers to consumers, a new report suggests.

Royal Mail defends stamp price rise

The biggest rise in the price of stamps for 37 years took effect yesterday with critics arguing that pensioners are being disproportionately hit by the price rise.

IPPR says "big six" energy prices don't reflect "true cost"

A new report says that the "big six" energy firms are overcharging loyal customers

A report into the cost of gas and electricity by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) concludes that utility bills do not reflect the "true cost of energy."

Spare time spending costs soar

Football ticket prices have leapt since 2002

Brits are being increasingly whacked in the wallet for indulging in hobbies and treats, with the price of leisure activities having rocketed in the past decade.

Primus offers UK’s cheapest line rental at £6.29 per month

Budget home phone provider, Primus, has slashed the cost of its Line Rental Saver package to just £6.29 per month, making it the cheapest on the market.

"Sticky" inflation: How will this affect your finances in 2012?

Higher inflation could add to the record squeeze on household finances

Two members of the Bank of England have warned that inflation may stay above 3% in 2012 and not fall towards the bank's target of 2%. What does this mean for your money?

Alexander orders Whitehall to improve financial controls

Danny Alexander will make a speech on government spending to the IFS later today

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander will say in a speech today that Whitehall needs to share spending details monthly and find a further £16bn in cuts.

UK household finances continue downward course

Household incomes continue to be squeezed

Brits' outlook for household finances has fallen to its lowest level so far this year, according to the latest Markit index.

Petrol prices reach a new record high

Unleaded petrol has reached a new record price

The average price of a litre of unleaded petrol has reached a new record high of 142.48 pence per litre, reports the AA, who say the government needs to address speculators.

Tesco and Asda slash petrol prices by up to 2p a litre

Tesco and Asda have announced a 2p a litre cut in petrol costs

Tesco and Asda have announced a cut in the cost of petrol of up to 2p a litre. However, the AA says prices should be 4p a litre less than their current average due to a fall in wholesale prices.

Petrol panic buying and warm weather boosts March retail sales

Warm weather led to increased clothes shopping that aided March's retail sales, says the ONS

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that an unexpected consequence of the possible fuel tanker driver strike was a rise in fuel sales aiding retail sales in March.

British Gas adds key tariff and price data on annual statements

British Gas is launching annual statements with key comparison data for customers

British Gas has introduced cost information, a comparison of what a customer would pay using other tariffs and an estimate of future costs on its annual statements.

Maternity leave ‘pushing new mums into debt’

Some mums have to cut maternity leave short

Almost a third of first time mums have been forced into the red through a drop in income during maternity leave, typically racking up around £2,500 of debt.

Inflation up to 3.5% as food and clothing prices increase

Inflation has increased to 3.5% in March

There has been a small rise in the consumer prices index (CPI) measure of inflation from 3.4 per cent to 3.5 per cent in March caused by an increase in the cost of food and clothing.

Treasury reports one in ten £10m earners pay less than 20% tax

The Treasury says some of the very rich are paying less than the basic rate of tax

In a bid to support a proposed policy to limit tax relief available on charitable donations the Treasury has released figures that show one in ten £10m+ earners pay less than the basic rate of tax.

Tesco results to show fall in sales is continuing in 2012

Tesco announces its annual results on Wednesday 18th April

Tesco unveils its annual results on Wednesday and they will show that the fall in sales seen late last year has continued into 2012 and increase the pressure on new boss Philip Clarke to instigate a turnaround.

Royal Mail limits stamp sales ahead of price hike

Royal Mail is limiting the number of stamps retailers can purchase this month ahead of a big price rise, in a bid to protect revenue.

'Big six' energy firms to reveal best deals

Energy firms have agreed to give consumers information about the best deal for their household under plans set to be unveiled by Nick Clegg today.

UK retail sales boosted by March sunshine

Sunshine boost for Britain's high streets

Retailers were given a helping hand in March as unusually warm weather brought UK shoppers out in search of new clothes and shoes, a new report shows.