Savings

Savers will be given easy-to-understand information to help them compare cash savings accounts and easy access cash ISAs under new rules launched today, which will also ensure customers are informed of changes to interest rates.

Mortgage lenders that have not yet passed on Bank of England (BoE) base rate savings to their customers could attract the attention of the regulator as it carries out a study into mortgage competition.

If you need to slash existing debt costs, borrow for something new (don't mention Xmas yet) or make a quick buck, there's a host of new scorching deals that make credit cards a hot option. Used well, they're a great tool. Used badly, you'll get burnt - so never borrow unnecessarily. Our pick of the bunch is below, but first...

The Bank of England cut the base rate - which underpins savings and many borrowing rates - from 0.5% to 0.25% last week, after seven years of no change. It also hinted the rate may fall again this year and cut its growth forecast for the UK economy.

The Bank of England has cut the base rate for the first time in more than seven years, reducing it from 0.5% to a new historic low of 0.25%.

If the interest rate on your easy access savings account or ISA falls you could soon be sent an email or text alert, under plans set out by the financial regulator.

The Bank of England today kept the base rate at 0.5% – despite widespread predictions that it would cut the rate for the first time in more than seven years.

The Money Advice Service – the official organisation created to offer consumers free advice on their finances – is to be replaced by a new "slimmed down" body under plans set out in the 2016 Budget.