December 2011

Nine out of 13 regions in the UK recorded a house price rise over 2011, in a year of contrasting fortunes ranging from a 5.4% increase in London to an 8.9% drop in Northern Ireland, mortgage lender Nationwide revealed today.

The number of people in rented accommodation who are in severe arrears has reached its highest level in three years.

The "bleak" financial situation faced by the younger generation was laid bare today, as official figures showed that more people aged 25 to 34 are turning to a type of insolvency known as a debt relief order (DRO) than any other age group.

The Government is to block firms from using "hidden" credit and debit card surcharges to ramp up the price of flights, concert tickets and other goods.

Many Sainsbury's customers are sweating over the contents of their Christmas dinner today after the supermarket admitted a website glitch led to a number of deliveries being cancelled.

Government plans to cut subsidies for solar panels have been ruled legally flawed by the High Court.

Cheque guarantee cards will not be re-introduced, the body which oversees payments said yesterday, after finding the scheme's closure has had a "minimal impact" on consumers and businesses.

Redress paid to victims of payment protection insurance mis-selling has hit £1 billion in 2011, new figures show.

Government plans to cut financial incentives for solar electricity have created "huge economic uncertainty" and are "manifestly unlawful", the High Court was told today.