2021

After an entertaining but exhausting few days presenting Good Morning Britain, I was woken perked up after reading an email to MSE.

Certain financial services providers will have to verify that they are authorised by the FCA before advertising on Google from 6 September, in an effort to tackle online fraud. But the new policy doesn't apply to ads for cryptocurrency or debt services, which are already subject to other policies, and there are some other exclusions. 

O2 mobile customers who send text messages outside of their standard allowance will see prices hiked from 2 August. The cost of calling service numbers is also set to increase. Some affected customers may be able to leave penalty-free as a result though - we've full details below. 

Electrical appliances, including fridges, washing machines and televisions, are expected to be cheaper to run, easier to repair and last longer under new rules which come into force from today.

Motorists have been warned by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to avoid copycat websites that charge a premium for services you can get for free or at a much lower cost via official Government websites. Here's what to look out for and what to do if you've paid over the odds.

M&S Bank has launched a new rewards scheme for its credit card holders called 'Club Rewards'. Once you're a member you can earn extra loyalty points, money-off M&S vouchers, free next day delivery and more. But you have to pay a pricey £10/mth fee, which means it's only worth it if you'll use the shopping vouchers or spend over £2,000/yr at the retailer - plus, you could earn more with other cashback cards. 

Apple TV+ customers who've benefitted from a free subscription for more than a year will have to pay £4.99/mth to use the service from July - and you'll be automatically opted into the paid-for subscription, although you can cancel penalty-free at any point.  

Barclays is compensating thousands of Blue Rewards loyalty customers after discovering some had been underpaid monthly cashback perks, MoneySavingExpert.com can reveal. The issue dates back to the launch of the scheme in 2015 with some receiving payments of £100+, although Barclays says the average payout is under £20.  

Holidaymakers returning to the UK from the Balearic Islands, Malta and Madeira plus a number of other destinations won't be required to quarantine from next Wednesday (30 June), after changes were announced to the travel 'green list'. But huge uncertainty remains over travel, with the Government warning many of the destinations it's adding to the green list could drop off it again, and some European countries talking of tightening their own entry requirements for British tourists.

29 Lloyds Bank branches and 15 Halifax branches are to close by the end of November, with the banks blaming the move on customers using them less. We've full info on which outlets are closing and what to do if your local branch is affected.