Budget 2014: Pensioner Bonds coming for over-65s

They'll basically be the same as fixed-rate savings deals, but only for those over 65, and available via state-owned savings bank National Savings & Investment (NS&I).

The Chancellor says rates will be finalised in the autumn to ensure they are the best on the market at the time.

Osborne says rates could hit 2.8% for one-year bonds and 4% for three-year bonds, before tax, with a maximum of £10,000 in each account. (See our Top Savings Accounts and Best Cash Isas to get the best deal right now.)

If the estimates are accurate, these are already well above current best buys – which are 1.9% and 2.7% respectively – over the equivalent periods.