Government

British Gas has today formally announced its new 'simpler tariff' regime.

The Government should consider introducing a "graduated" state pension to allow people to draw some cash before they retire, which could help encourage them to continue working for longer, a thinktank recommended today.

Shops will no longer be able to offer instant inducements to customers to take out expensive store cards, under a voluntary code agreed between banks, the British Retail Consortium and the Government.

Energy watchdog Ofgem vowed today to crack down on suppliers who frustrate small businesses from switching to another provider.

The Government has today announced a voluntary package of measures, agreed with the major banks, to help limit overdraft charges when a customer exceeds their limit.

Wannabe home buyers with small deposits who want a newly-built property will get a helping hand under a new Government scheme.

Housing Minister Grant Shapps recently called for lenders to offer 30-year fixed rate mortgages and received a barrage of abuse. Simon Webster, from mortgage broker Facts & Figures, below, says it wasn't all nonsense.

The Government could be about to renege on plans to increase some state benefit payments in line with September's inflation rate.

The Government will sell Northern Rock to Virgin Money, to create a combined bank with four million customers.

MPs kept up the pressure for the return of cheque guarantee cards today by suggesting that the Government could consider stepping in with legislation.