Once more hard-pressed council taxpayers face rises in the new financial year. Mike Collins looks at the prospects
Most local authorities are planning council tax rises of up to 5%, a survey by the Local Government Association (LGA) has found.
The increases – up to two-and-a-half times the current rate of inflation – would add about £60 […]

Squatters are the most-hated type of neighbour, followed by students. Christina Jordan finds out more
While it may be important to consider ‘location, location, location’ when you are buying a property, it’s also a good idea to have a peek over the garden fence.
In fact, who lives next door can be just as important as deciding […]

Nearly a million people could be left without the ability to pay for their purchases due to the looming chip and pin deadline.
Many consumers, including the elderly, visually impaired and infirm will not be able to use a chip and pin card come 14 February. In a survey carried out by price comparison site, […]

The New Year kicked off with a resolution for more than seven million Brits, with nearly half pledging to improve their financial situation.
Research carried out by IFA Promotions, an organisation which promotes the benefits of independent financial advice, showed 53% were concentrating on savings, while 55% were looking at budgeting. In addition, 1.5 million […]

Street crime is outgrowing burglary as smaller gadgets, such as ipods and videophones are proving more attractive to thieves.
Recent home office figures show muggings are up by 40% on last year in some areas of the UK, however the number of burglaries looks set to drop. Research from insurer, More Than, has found the […]

Insurers have voiced fears that the European Health Insurance Card, the replacement for the E111 form, may confuse consumers.
The card replaces the E111 form this month, however, despite the inclusion of the word ‘insurance’ in its name, the EHIC does not offer the same protection as travel insurance. The EHIC entitles holders to free or […]

High street banks have continued the trend of rate cuts for savers started in January, with some of the main high street players announcing reductions this week.
The cuts are being applied to certain types of accounts only, with many banks remaining very competitive in the personal savings account market when it comes attracting new savers.
Moneyfacts.co.uk, […]

Many consumers get caught out when it comes to informing their car insurer of a simple change in personal details, resulting in a loss of cover, according to the Post Office.
Typical instances in which consumers must inform their insurers of a change in details range from moving house to changing jobs or going into […]