Banking

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.

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.

Savers will soon be able to stash away more cash in premium bonds after the Chancellor announced the current limit will rise - but it is likely the chances of winning will fall, to pay for more £1 million victors.

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.

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.