MoneySavingExpert News Banking 2009 'the worst ever year' for manyOne in 20 people described 2009 as their worst year ever and almost half said they were most worried about money or debt, a survey showed today.14 December 2009 Base Rate held at 0.5%The Bank of England today announced it is holding the Base Rate at 0.5% for the tenth consecutive month.10 December 2009 What the Pre-Budget Report means for youToday's Pre-Budget Report (PBR) was a story of higher taxes for most of us to help pay for the country's £178 billion of borrowing this year.9 December 2009 Pre-Budget Report: VAT will rise to 17.5% in JanChancellor Alistair Darling has confirmed VAT will rise from 15% to 17.5% in January as planned. 9 December 2009 Pre-Budget Report: Boiler scrappage scheme plannedThe Chancellor plans to introduce a boiler scrappage scheme, similar to the car scrappage scheme, to help 125,000 households replace old appliances. 9 December 2009 Pre-Budget Report: Action promised on unfair bank chargesThe Government has promised action on banks and building societies that continue to levy 'unfair' overdraft charges.9 December 2009 Pre-Budget Report: Tax rises for millionsAnyone earning over £20,000 a year will have to pay more National Insurance (NI) than expected from April 2011.9 December 2009 Post Office could become a bankThe Government today revealed the Post Office could become a fully-fledged bank.2 December 2009 Yorkshire and Chelsea building societies to mergeYorkshire and Chelsea building societies have today unveiled a deal to join forces to create a "second major force" in the mutual sector behind Nationwide. 2 December 2009 Alliance & Leicester £100 switching bonus returnsYou can earn a £100 bonus by applying online for the Alliance & Leicester (A&L) Premier current account from Monday.27 November 2009 First133134135 Suggest a story Got a money-related news story that affects you? Email us