Banking

It will soon be easier for consumers to switch bank accounts, as the Payments Council this week pledges to change the current system.

The Government says it intends to press ahead with its timetable to raise the state pension age for women despite the threat of a revolt by Conservative and Liberal Democrat backbenchers.

Consumers will soon be able to get permanently free access to their credit report, which can tell them if they're likely to be accepted for a credit card, loan or mortgage.

Chancellor George Osborne is today expected to give approval to plans to force banks to erect a protective firewall between their retail and investment arms, in a bid to prevent a repeat of the financial crisis of 2008.

Inflation remained unchanged in May but that still means the cost of living is rising at a rate of knots.

Schools across the UK are being encouraged to offer financial education lessons with the launch of My Money Week and Teen Cash Class Activity Sheets.

The Bank of England today announced it is holding the base rate at its 0.5% historic low for the 27th consecutive month.