Press Association

A government scheme to help people avoid losing their homes has assisted fewer than half as many households as expected at three times the cost.

The rates charged on small loans have reached their highest level for more than a decade despite interest rates being at a record low, figures show.

The first ash from the latest Icelandic volcano eruption is expected to reach the north-west tip of the British Isles early tomorrow.

Budget airline Ryanair warned today that surging oil prices will force average air fares up by 12% in the current financial year.

The Government has announced a full review of rail fares which could lead to some tickets falling in price but others rising.

House asking prices have risen to their highest level for nearly three years, with some home owners demanding unrealistic amounts, according to a report released today.

Households may have suffered their biggest drop in purchasing power for 30 years, a leading economic think-tank warned today.

Home repossessions have jumped by 15% during the early part of this year.

The number of people running up debts with their energy supplier has nearly tripled during the past four years, a charity warns.

Parents across the UK are being asked to reveal how the soaring cost of childcare affects them, as two leading charities call on the Government to improve help for struggling families.

House prices fell at their fastest annual rate for 18 months during April as weak consumer confidence caused buyers to stay away from the market.

Homeowners considering remortgaging were today told to sit tight as commentators predict fixed-rate deals have further to fall.

House prices resumed their downward trend during April as the property market remained volatile.

The UK economy returned to modest growth in the first three months of 2011, official figures reveal today, following a shock decline at the end of last year.

Consumers were warned today that cheques could currently take up to two weeks to clear because of the high number of bank holidays this week.

Overly optimistic sellers increased their asking prices by 1.7% in April but potential buyers continued to stay away from the market, leading to a glut of unsold homes.