2021

If you need to call your bank, just dial 159. That's the message MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis gave in the second episode of his new series of The Martin Lewis Money Show on ITV.

Around 11 million households on standard tariffs will see energy bills jump by a typical £139/year as the new price cap kicks in today. But due to the extreme situation in the energy market, with wholesale prices at record highs, there are now no deals cheaper than the new price cap.

Virgin Money is to close 30 customer branches in the UK early next year, and one staff-only outlet, blaming the move on a number of factors including less customer demand. We have full details below on which outlets are closing and what to do if your local branch is affected.

If you get tax credits you now need to tell HMRC if your working hours haven't returned to pre-Covid levels, while those who get Tax-Free Childcare must now prove their income. That's because a temporary relaxation of the eligibility criteria during the height of Covid for both benefits is coming to an end, and you are expected to notify the tax office of any permanent changes. 

Tesco Bank has quietly launched a prepaid debit card called 'Clubcard Pay', which it's currently trialling. It promises to help you manage your money and lets you collect Clubcard points on your shopping – but the prepaid card can't be used in the same way as a full current account. Here's what you need to know.

Halifax and Bank of Scotland have been recognised for their treatment of customers suffering from mental health problems by the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute MMHPI. 

Nectar card-holders may be able to save "£200/year" at Sainsbury's when they use its SmartShop app to scan items as they shop in store, as it'll trigger cost-cutting deals of up to 30% off. If you don't have a smartphone, you can get the offers when you use in-store scanners, and this all on top of normal Nectar perks. However, you can't get these deals when shopping online. 

Jobseekers may be able to get six months' worth of free broadband from TalkTalk under a new partnership with the Government and Jobcentre Plus. Following a successful trial, it's now been rolled out nationwide and with no contract, there's no obligation to continue after the six months is up. We explain what you'll get under the initiative and how to apply. 

Consumers wanting to avoid financial fraud now have a secure and easy-to-remember phone number to contact their banks on in order to avoid painful scams. It could prove to be the safest way for many to contact their provider if they have suspicions and concerns about their accounts, or even if they're struggling to find a customer services number. 

Virgin Media broadband customers, as well as those on other non-copper networks, will be able to switch more easily from April 2023 using new 'one touch switching' rules that will be brought in by telecoms regulator Ofcom.