Banks

UK building societies have insisted they are still a safe haven for savers, despite a raft of major mutuals having their financial strength called into question this week.

Consumers have been urged to use the free Financial Ombudsman Service if they have been fobbed off when complaining to their bank or other financial institution.

Savers with money in the Post Office and Bank of Ireland have been warned by the Liberal Democrats that their money may not be completely safe.

Banks have been given permission by the House of Lords to appeal a ruling that "unlawful" overdraft charges can be subject to fairness rules.

Three major banking groups have introduced electronic Isa transfers this week in a bid to speed up the archaic process.