Banking

Chancellor George Osborne announced big changes for the UK's savers in today's Budget, including a revamp of the Isa system and new bonds for over-65s.

The Chancellor pulled a rabbit out of his Budget back pocket today, which is probably why he's been sitting uncomfortably for so long. The shock news is that from 1 July, cash and shares Isas are to be merged into one new, much bigger £15,000 tax-free savings and investing pot.

Special Pensioner Bonds paying "market-leading" fixed savings rates will be available from January 2015 to all over-65s, Chancellor George Osborne announced in today's Budget.

Major banks have pledged to provide current account data in a standardised format. The Government hopes it will encourage comparison sites that could help consumers check if they're getting the best deal.

Savings rates are at an all-time low. But with less than a month left to take advantage of this year's Isa allowance, should you be using it?

All the major banks have either replaced or shaken up the bonus schemes that played a big role in past mis-selling scandals – but some are still using high-risk schemes, the banking watchdog says.

NatWest, RBS and Ulster Bank are banning introductory bonus rates to get back to basics with simpler products. But MoneySavingExpert.com creator Martin Lewis says the move could result in even lower returns and less certainty for savers.