Government

Swimming will be free for young people and senior citizens in England from today, as part of a new Government initiative.

Mortgage lenders are continuing to cut the cost of fixed rate deals for borrowers. Barclays this week became the latest lender to slash its rates, some of which are down by 0.5% points, following months of Bank of England base rate cuts.

Many council tax bills are set to rise in April despite some employees facing pay freezes or cuts.

The cost of living froze in February compared to the same period last year, as one of the key measures of inflation fell to zero for the first time in 49 years.

The Treasury says it will take “whatever steps necessary” to protect savers' money in the troubled Dunfermline Building Society.

Channel Islands visitors have been urged by the Government to take out travel insurance for all trips from April.