Banking

Lloyds TSB has become the first of the major banks to unveil a junior cash Isa, over three months after the tax-free children's saving scheme was launched.

Taxpayers have been given longer to avoid a £100 fine for filing their self assessment return late, because of a strike by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) staff.

The UK's economy suffered a worse-than-expected 0.2% contraction in the final quarter of 2011, it was revealed today, fuelling fears of another recession.

The Government insists it will go ahead with its plans to cap benefits, despite losing a vote on the issue in the House of Lords on Monday.

Santander will double overdraft charges in a bitter blow to its five million current account users.

Ed Miliband has called for an end to Britain's "rip-off consumer culture", insisting the Government should intervene on exorbitant charges for savings, holidays, banking and parking.

Consumers using unauthorised overdrafts find it virtually impossible to calculate how much their bank or building society would charge them or compare fees between providers, research from consumer group Which? has found.

The new system of financial regulation must help consumers by promoting competition and better communication so it does not repeat the "shortcomings" of the Financial Services Authority (FSA), a committee of MPs said today.

New switching bribes mean for the first time five major providers have hardcore promotions vying for the coveted best-buy crown.