The UK's economy suffered a worse-than-expected 0.2% contraction in the final quarter of 2011, it was revealed today, fuelling fears of another recession.
Households who took out a cheap fixed price energy deal last summer are likely to be quids in despite recent announcements of price cuts by the major firms, according to comparison site uSwitch.com.
More than a third of people have cut back on their food spending in the last year to help cover their rent or mortgage costs, showing the "tough" choices faced by families, housing charity Shelter has said.
Households are still paying substantially more for their gas and electricity than they were last summer, despite four of the big six energy firms announcing price cuts this week.
Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) will cut gas prices by a typical 3.8% from 26 March, becoming the third major power firm to announce modest cuts this week.