Savers were once again left reeling as higher air fares and food bills helped keep rises in the cost of living over the past year well above the Bank of England's inflation target.
Beleaguered government department HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is facing fresh anger as its helpline for tax credits renewals is jammed, with some benefit recipients unable to get through for two weeks.
Consumers were warned today that borrowing rates could rise further after tough new regulations were drawn up to boost the amount of spare cash held by banks.